A Trip to Greece & Greek Isles
April 7 - 16, 2024
I would like to invite you to join me on an amazing journey retracing the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. We will step into history and walk alongside Paul as we journey through Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Crete, Patmos, and Ephesus. The Holy Scriptures will come to life in unimaginable ways! This will be a trip of a lifetime that promises to forever change all of us!
- Pastor Doug Munton
Follow the footsteps of the Apostle Paul in the Greek Isles, one of the most storied regions of the world. Sail across the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Visit the small hidden ports of Piraeus, Lindos, and Patmos and the new testament settings of Corinth, Thessaloniki, and Philippi. You will also visit Mykonos, a classic Greek Island with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and beautiful beaches. This tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Informational Meeting
Join Pastor Doug and Vickie on an amazing journey retracing the footsteps of the Apostle Paul in Greece. If interested, we’ll have an informational meeting on Sunday, May 7 at 5PM in Gym Room 1 to learn more.
PRICING
$5595 per person based on double occupancy.
Single room supplement - $1295
$500 per person with registration to secure space.
50% of the total amount is due on or before November 7, 2023
Balance due on or before February 7, 2024
Daily Itinerary
April 7 - 16, 2024
DAY 1 (APRIL 7): BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR: Depart from USA for an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece.
DAY 2 (APRIL 8): INTO THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL: Arrive in Thessaloniki, where we will be met at the airport for transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
DAY 3 (APRIL 9): THESSALONIKI/KAVALA/PHILIPPI: Begin the day in the port of Kavala, where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. This port was also a destination for Luke the evangelist when he sailed from Troas. See a Byzantine castle, the Roman Aqueduct, and the ruins of an acropolis. Follow the Via Egnatia, a remnant of Rome’s highway system, viewing Roman and Greek tombs and ruts of ancient chariot wheels. Next, stop in Philippi, where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and sowed the seeds of Christianity. It was in Philippi that Octavian and Anthony defeated Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC. Among the ruins located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road is the prison into which Paul and Silas were thrown. Meander down to the riverbank to the site of Lydia's baptism, the first baptism on European soil. Return to Thessaloniki to explore the ancient city where Paul planted a church that would later receive two New Testament epistles. View one of the most beautiful basilicas in the city, St. Demetrius. Continue along the waterfront to the massive White Tower and nearby triumphal Arch of Galerius. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
DAY 4 (APRIL 10): BEREA/METEORA/KALAMBAKA: In the morning, travel to Berea (Veria) to see the ancient wall where Paul spent many hours sharing the Gospel. Head south to view the awe-inspiring rock formations of Meteora. Take in the striking monasteries that seem to hang in the air, crowning the summits of these pinnacles with their wooden galleries and corniced rooftops. Dangerously hanging over the stunning abysses, these primitive dwellings compose one of the most fascinating sites on earth. A special treat awaits with a visit to one of these timeless monasteries to see the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art on display. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 5 (APRIL 11): THERMOPYLAE/DELPHI/ATHENS: Journey through the amazing countryside taking in the beauty of Greece. Stop at the mountain pass of Thermopylae, the location where the Greeks victoriously fought for their freedom during the Greco-Persian wars in 480 BC. See the statue of Leonidas, king of the Greek city-state Sparta. Visit the ancient sanctuary of Apollos in Delphi where pilgrims traveled to hear oracles from the famed Greek god Apollo. Peruse the museum and marvel at the Charioteer, a delicate bronze statue with intricate detail. See the mythological Castalia Springs before traveling to Athens for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6 (APRIL 12): ATHENS/PIRAEUS/MYKONOS: Begin the day with a drive to the Port of Piraeus and step aboard The Olympia, to start a 4-day Greek Islands cruise. Spend the afternoon exploring the Island of Mykonos, world-renowned for its lovely windmills, small cobblestone streets, and countryside. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.
DAY 7 (APRIL 13): EPHESUS, TURKEY/PATMOS, GREECE: Step off the ship at Kusadasi and into nearby Ephesus, Turkey, Asia Minor’s greatest archeological site. This Greek and Roman city has been remarkably preserved. Step along the broad marble where Paul walked. Gaze at the Temple of Artemis (Diana), the Temple of Hadrian, and The Celsus Library. Marvel at the massive theater where Paul was opposed as he spoke boldly about Christ. In the afternoon, enjoy cruising aboard The Olympia to the island of Patmos, built on a mass of volcanic rock. The island marks the site where the apostle John wrote the book of Revelation. Visit the Monastery of St. John and the cave where he was imprisoned. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.
DAY 8 (APRIL 14): CRETE – SANTORINI: Arrive in Heraklion, Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands and the cradle of the Ancient Minoan Civilization. This island is where the Apostle Paul spent time as he was being transported to Rome as a prisoner. Visit the remarkable ruins of the Palace of Knossos, said to be the lost city of Atlantis. Board The Olympia for an afternoon cruise to the famous island of Santorini, formed by the half-submerged crescent of a volcanic caldera. Perched atop high cliffs, reach the island’s breathtaking views via donkey or cable car (your choice). Dinner and overnight on the ship.
DAY 9 (APRIL 15): ATHENS/CORINTH: Early morning arrival in Athens to begin the day’s excursion. Proceed to Corinth through the Bay of Salamis and the Saronic Gulf. This city was home to the apostle Paul for over a year and inspired two of his most familiar letters. Spend time at the Corinthian Canal then tour the ruins of this ancient city. Return to Athens to view the world-renowned Acropolis and marvel at the ancient glory of the Parthenon, built 2400 years ago. Gather at Mars Hill, where Paul addressed the intellectual men of the most informed city of the time, pleading the cause of Christianity. Spend time in historical Plaka and enjoy its streets. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
DAY 10 (APRIL 16): ATHENS/USA: Transfer to Athens airport for your return flight to the USA with your heart full of memories from spectacular views and unforgettable experiences.
NOTE: Schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour guide’s discretion.