Journeys of Paul and John - Itinerary
Follow in the footsteps of the apostles Paul and John - visit sites where Paul journeyed and churches grew, and explore the island of Patmos where John received the Revelation. See God’s Word come alive while visiting the cities of Paul’s ministry. The tour will include daily teaching from Paul’s letters as you travel and learn about the influence he had in this part of the world.
Greece and Turkey will leave you breathless with wonder, offering the excitement of their cities and archaeological sites along with the natural beauty of their colorful landscapes. Relax on a four-night cruise in the Aegean Sea, visiting ports of Biblical significance such as Ephesus and Patmos; and exploring the distinctive cultural offerings – both historic and modern - of Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure. View the brochure on the "Download Brochure" page to see the exact itinerary for a particular departure.
Day 1, USA/THESSALONIKI
Depart U.S.A. for Thessaloniki. (meals aloft)
Day 2, THESSALONIKI
Arrive in Thessaloniki and transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (meals aloft,D)
Day 3, THESSALONIKI/PHILIPPI
Today we tour Thessaloniki, the city named for Salonike, the step-sister of Alexander the Great. Here Paul preached with success (Acts 17:1-9) and wrote the early letters to his beloved Macedonians (1 Thess. 1:6-10; 2:7-12). We visit the old city ramparts and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. We drive to Philippi, named for Philip II (the father of Alexander) and later made a Roman Colony in honor of Julius Caesar. Here Paul and Silas preached the gospel for the first time in Europe and were imprisoned. Here the first believers in Europe, including Lydia, were baptized in the Gangites River (Acts 16:13-34). To these people Paul addressed his wonderful letter about Christ our model. Here we visit the historic market place, basilica, prison, and theatre. We return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 4,THESSALONIKI/BEREA/METEORA
This morning we tour Thessaloniki's Hagia Sophia church, constructed in the 9th century as a copy of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. We also walk around the Roman Agora where Paul preached next to the Jewish quarter of those days. We then drive to Berea, visited by Paul, and see the excavations of the ancient Jewish community, the residents of whom Luke described as "noble" (Acts 17:11). We tour Meteora, which lies amid striking mountainous scenery. Perched atop huge rocks stand ageless monasteries where we can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. The greatest of the monasteries is the richly endowed 14th century Grand Meteoron. We also see the simpler Convent of Aghios Stefanos, with its flower-filled courtyards and ancient cloisters. We travel to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 5, DELPHI
We depart Kalambaka this morning and drive south to Delphi. Site of the famed Oracle, Delphi's prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollos Pythios. We visit the treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze charioteer and the famous Athlete Aghias. Following our tour we transfer to our hotel in Delphi for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 6, OLYMPIA
Today we drive to Olympia. In modern times, the Olympic flame is lit here by reflection of sunlight in a parabolic mirror at the restored Olympia stadium and then transported by a torch to the place where the games are held. We tour the extensive park-like ancient ruins, seeing the stadium that once held 20,000 spectators and that hosted the shot put events in the 2004 Olympics. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Olympia. (B,D)
Day 7, EPIDAURUS/CORINTH/ATHENS
This morning we drive to Epidaurus, perhaps the most significant healing center of the ancient world, where we see a well-preserved 14,000 seat amphitheater. We continue to Corinth, the capital of the Roman province of Achaia and the city of Paul's extensive personal ministry and challenging letter writing. Dominated by the Acro-corinth rising 1700 feet above the ruins, the Market Place is still laid out as it was in Paul's day with its stone Bema (judgment dais) where Gallio refused to condemn Paul (Acts 18). Nearby in a prominent place is the Temple of Apollo with its Doric columns. A superb collection of Corinthian artifacts greets the visitor in the museum. Our destination this evening is Athens for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 8, PIRAEUS/MYKONOS
This morning we board our cruise ship in the Port of Piraeus (Athens). We arrive in the afternoon at the world famous Greek island of Mykonos. Mykonos combines the dazzling white beauty of a typical Cycladic island with a sophisticated jet-set atmosphere. Stroll at leisure through the white-washed, flower-decked alleyways to the church of Paraportiani, and along the waterfront to the famous windmills. (B,L,D)
Day 9, EPHESUS/PATMOS
We arrive this morning at Kusadasi, Turkey and journey to Ephesus, which had become the capital city of the Roman Province of Asia by the time John wrote the Book of Revelation to the churches there. Walk through history in a city founded as early as the 10th century B.C. and in the magnificent excavations see streets lined with wonderful public buildings such as the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Basilica of St. John and the great Theatre. We then sail to the former Roman prison island of Patmos where John received his "Revelation." Here we visit the Grotto named for his book and the Monastery of St. John which houses ancient manuscripts including one of the Gospel. (B,L,D)
Day 10, RHODES
The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once dominated the strategic harbor entrance. Later it served as a crucial outpost for the Crusaders in many of their ill fated journeys to Israel during their conflicts with the Muslim conquerors. Take an optional tour ($90) to discover more about its fascinating history. Wandering through the old city you can see its fortifications, the Street of the Knights with medieval stone mansions, the Palace of the Grand Master and the Hospital of the Knights (now a museum). There are also art shops as well as many lovely beaches. (B,L,D)
Day 11, HERAKLION/SANTORINI
The largest of the Greek islands, Heraklion (Crete) is well-known for its archaeological sites. You may wish to take an optional excursion to the Palace of Knossos ($90), the residence of the ruling house and also an administrative and religious center for the whole region. The buildings (a labyrinth complex) covered an area of 22 square miles. The high standard of Minoan civilization 4000 years ago, displayed here through architecture, frescoes and the perfect plumbing system, surprise modern visitors. We travel on to the island of Santorini, widely considered to be the lost continent of Atlantis. Off the entrance of the bay of Santorini there is the only active volcano in the Eastern Mediterranean. After you have strolled through the narrow streets you can enjoy the fascinating and marvelous sunset. (B,L,D)
Day 12, ATHENS
After a morning arrival of our cruise ship at the port of Piraeus, we spend today touring Athens. We visit the Acropolis with the Parthenon shimmering in its ageless grace and unmatched design and the unique Erechtheion (the only double temple). Nearby we climb the Areopagus (Mars Hill), where Paul addressed the philosophic court about Jesus and the resurrection (Acts 17:22-34). Our full day of touring also features a panoramic tour including Embassy Row, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the National Palace, the House of Parliament, and the University. (B,D)
Day 13, ATHENS/USA
We transfer to the airport for our return flight to the USA.
(meals aloft)
