Embark on your journey with an overnight flight to Athens. Prepare for a life-changing experience and take the opportunity to rest during the flight. Tomorrow, you will follow in the footsteps of the apostle Paul, immersing yourself in the ancient world where his ministry profoundly influenced early Christianity.

We arrive in Athens mid-afternoon and meet our representative who will provide us with tickets for our flight to Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is where Paul was received by Jason and preached until he was rushed out the city (Acts 17:1-9). We transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

In the morning, we explore the city’s landmarks: the White Tower, the Walls of the Byzantine Acropolis, the Roman Arch of Galerius, and the Rotonda. We visit two of the city’s oldest Christian churches, the Basilicas of St. Demetrius and St. Sophia. Following the Via Egnatia, we visit the area of Amphipolis, where we see the famous funerary Lion of Amphipolis, just as Paul and his companions did. We continue to Philippi, visiting the Baptistery of Lydia near the river where Paul baptized her (Acts 16:11-15). Lydia was Paul’s first European convert, followed by the jailer. We also explore the ruins of the Forum of Philippi, the Christian Basilicas, the “Prison of Paul,” and the Theater. Later, we drive to Kavala (Neapolis), Paul’s first stop in Europe, where we see the Byzantine Castle and the Roman Aqueduct. We return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

Today, we embark on a journey to the mystical region of Meteora, renowned for its Byzantine monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. Dating back to the 14th century, these monasteries offer a glimpse into a history of spiritual refuge and survival against the backdrop of stunning natural landscapes. Following our exploration, we continue our return journey to Athens, where we enjoy dinner and prepare for the next phase of our adventure.

Today, we sail from Athens to the charming island of Mykonos, known for its windmills. Upon arrival, we disembark to explore the waterfront lined with shops and cafes. We wander through the charming white-washed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening activities. Today is free for personal exploration on the island.
(Mykonos excursion not included)

This morning, we arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey. An included excursion takes us to Ephesus, where Paul spent three years during his ministry. Ephesus boasts impressive remains such as the Agora, the Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsus, and the ruins of the Temple of Diana, one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Later, we sail to Patmos where we visit the Monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where St. John wrote the Revelations.

In the morning, we arrive in Heraklion, Crete, home to Knossos Palace on the outskirts of the city. This site, dating back to the ancient Minoan civilization of 4000 B.C., is steeped in Greek mythology as the location of the Minotaur’s Labyrinth. Crete is later mentioned in Titus 1:5, where Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders in every town to strengthen the Christian faith. We’ll enjoy leisure time exploring the town before reembarking in the afternoon. Later, we cruise to Santorini, renowned for its stunning villages perched on volcanic cliffs. Personal exploration is recommended.
(Crete & Santorini excursions not included)

Concluding our cruise, we disembark in Piraeus and journey to Ancient Corinth, where Paul engaged in his missionary work for eighteen months, making significant contributions to early Christian communities (Acts 18:118). Our exploration includes visits to the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples, and the renowned Bema, where Paul stood trial before Gallio. Continuing to Cenchreae, where Paul departed for Asia, we return to Athens for a comprehensive sightseeing tour encompassing the Acropolis, Mars Hill, the Agora, and other historical landmarks. Enjoy an afternoon of personal exploration before our farewell dinner and overnight stay in Athens.

Today, we embark on a journey to Delphi, revered in ancient times as the “omphalos” or navel of the earth, renowned for the Temple of Apollo and the influential Delphic oracle. Delphi also hosted the Pythian Games, drawing athletes from across Greece in a tradition that preceded the modern Olympics. En route, enjoy scenic vistas of mountain villages, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Greece. Conclude the day with dinner and overnight in Athens.

In the morning, we transfer to Athens Airport for our return flight to the U.S.A.

We transfer in the morning to Athens Airport for our flight to Rome. Upon arrival, we meet our tour escort and head to the coast to visit the spectacular ruins of Ostia Antica, the port of ancient Rome in New Testament times. The excavations continue today and provide insight into what Roman cities were like in the 1st century. On the way to Rome, we stop to walk on the ancient stones of the Appian Ways, as Paul did on his way to Rome. We then return to Rome to begin our touring, which includes stops at the Trastevere area of the city where Paul lived for two years. We then check in to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Our first stop this morning is the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, the celebrated Chapel of the Popes, and the venue of the conclaves for Papal elections. It is one of the most splendid masterpieces in the history of world art and is known around the world for its magnificent ceiling, beautifully decorated by Michelangelo. From here, our next visit is to the Basilica of St. Peter, the largest church in the world, which overlooks the enormous Piazza San Pietro. After a break for lunch (not included), we tour the eternal city. Driving through the main streets of Rome, we will marvel at the monuments of this great capital. Then we stop near the Fontana di Trevi, following tradition by tossing a coin into the fountain, promising to return to Rome. Dinner and overnight are in Rome.

Today, we enjoy a sightseeing tour, including a special visit to the Catacombs where we explore tunnels and see the carvings on the walls from early Christians. From here we continue to St. Peter in Chains. Then we visit the Colosseum, which symbolizes the eternity of the Roman civilization, the Forum, and the Piazza Venezia, dominated by the imposing monument to Vittorio Emanuel II. After lunch (not included), we visit St. John Lateran and the “Sacred Steps.” As a monk, Martin Luther climbed these steps on his knees, trying to merit forgiveness. Afterwards, we visit St. Paul’s Church where tradition believes the Apostle Paul is buried, followed by dinner and overnight in Rome.

We transfer in the morning to Rome Airport for our return flight back to the U.S.A. and arrive the same day.