Explore ancient archeological treasures, captivating cultures, and sacred places of worship on our guided journey of discovery as we walk in the footsteps of St. Paul through Greece plus a 4-night cruise to some of the most beautiful Greek Islands, including Patmos where we visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse and Monastery of St. John, and the ancient city of Ephesus, where Paul lived and preached to the small Christian community for three years.
And home to one of the largest open-air archeological museums in the world!
You are invited to join Rev. Alan Fox along with Kara Farrow, Fellowship Lutheran Church as we re-trace the path followed by the Apostle Paul on his journey through Greece and Turkey.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Contact 1.844.777.1517 or info@luthertours.com
Itinerary
B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Day 1: Depart U.S.A. to Greece
Day 2: Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece (D)
Upon arrival you will be greeted by your private tour manager and transferred to the hotel. Group will check in to the hotel have time to refresh and this evening we will meet for our welcome dinner. Overnight Thessaloniki
Day 3: Philippi, Kavala (B, D)
After breakfast we depart for Philippi, it was here that Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity." Acts 16:12-18 and where he baptized Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe. We will visit the Roman forum, completely excavated and the location on the rocky ledge above the town's main road is the prison where Paul and Silas were held in captivity. Next, we visit the port city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot in Europe. Overnight Thessaloniki
Day 4: Thessaloniki, Veria, Kalambaka (B, D)
After breakfast we begin our city tour of Thessaloniki our guide will share with us more about Paul’s preaching in Thessaloniki 49-50AD and where he wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. We view the ramparts of this ancient city, the triumphal Arch of Galerius, the White Tower; Basilica of St. Demitros, the Rotunda (also known as the Church of St. George). Next, we board the coach for a drive to Veria (ancient Berea) where Paul preached in the synagogue, before being forced to leave for Athens. The Bereans received “the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11. Afterwards, we make our way to Kalambaka and have time to refresh before dinner. Overnight in Kalambaka
Day 5: Meteora (B, D)
After breakfast we visit the Meteora Monasteries located among striking scenery, perched on top of the huge rocks where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Overnight Athens
Day 6: Delphi, Athens (B, D)
Today we continue our journey to Delphi, the center of the ancient world and location of the Temple of Apollo. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of this ancient temple. We will visit the archeological site and have time to visit the museum. Afterwards, we drive on to Athens, one of the most glorious cities in the world and the cradle of western civilization as we know it today. Overnight Athens
Day 7: Greece and Turkey Cruise, Mykonos (B, L, D)
After breakfast we transfer to the port of Piraeus to board the ship Celestial Olympia for our 4-night Greek Island and Turkey Cruise. To learn more about the cruise ship and life onboard visit Celestyal Cruises http://americas.celestyalcruises.com/en
This afternoon we cruise to our first port of call. We will arrive at the mountainous island of Mykonos. You may disembark the ship to explore the island on your own or purchase an optional guided shore excursion. After your visit to the island, you will return to the ship for dinner and the evening entertainment. This evening the ship cruises to the next port of call. Overnight ship
Day 08: Ephesus, Patmos, Including 2- Shore Excursions (B, L, D)
Today we visit the Turkish port of Kusadasi, and enjoy the included excursion to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, whose inhabitants were the recipients of Apostle Paul’s famous epistle (Acts 18:19-26). We will also visit to the House of Mary, where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her last days. We will return to the ship early afternoon as we continue our cruise to Patmos. In Patmos, we will disembark the ship for an included excursion to the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where John the Evangelist wrote the Book of the Revelation during his exile (Rev. 1:9-11). Overnight ship
Day 09: Rhodes, Included Shore Excursion (B, L, D)
Today we visit the unique island of Rhodes. Your included shore excursion today is a visit to the place where Paul stopped on his way back to Palestine (Acts 21: 1) for his trial and imprisonment. Or, you may enjoy the island at your leisure to shop in the marketplace or sunbathing or stroll along the endless stretches of beach. Return to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment. Overnight ship
Day 10: Crete, Santorini (B, L, D)
Our ship arrives at the island of Crete. It was here Paul arrived as a prisoner on his way to Rome and the final chapter of his life. Paul revisited the island of Crete before his death, placing Titus in charge of the church he founded. Everyone will return to the ship for the afternoon cruise to the picturesque island of Santorini known for it's breathtaking sunsets, whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, and the mystique of a sleeping volcano! You may choose to purchase a shore excursion such as the cable car ride to the city perched high on top of a cliff to watch a Santorini sunset which some consider the most beautiful anywhere on the planet! We return to the ship after sunset for another dinner on board before the ship sets sail to Athens. Overnight ship
Day 11: Disembark Ship, Corinth (B, D)
Upon arrival at the pier, we meet our local tour guide who will escort our group for the day. We drive westward over the famous Corinthian Canal to the ancient city of Corinth first inhabited in the Neolithic period (50003000 BC). We learn more about the time Paul spent in Corinth (about a year and half) establishing the church and teaching the word of God among the Corinthians, before he left the city and continued on his missionary journey. Next, we continue on to Athens, we will visit the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympics of the modern era were held, the temple of the Olympian Zeus and Adrian’s Arch, the Acropolis to see the ruins of the Parthenon, ascend Mars Hill where Paul spoke to the ancient Athenians about “the one and only God.” From here we have an excellent view of the ancient agora- former center of the Athenian public life. Our drive through the city includes to view the House of Parliament, Presidential Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This evening our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Athens
Day 11: Group Transfer to Athens Airport (B)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TRAVEL DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS
All travelers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date. Non-US passport holders contact LT regarding credentials required for this itinerary.
TOUR LEVEL: MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER, WALKING SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Most sightseeing tours are walking tours 2-3 miles per day. The historic sites you will visit date back hundreds of years and may not provide elevators and ramps, and may require walking on uneven ground of stones and dirt. If you, or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs (use a wheelchair, walker), hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
PRIVATE GROUP TOUR
A custom-designed itinerary offering a relaxed and comprehensive travel experience. Your journey will be escorted by The Reverend Alan Lee sharing stories and leading daily devotions.
LAND TOUR INCLUDES
Professional Tour Manager will escort the group throughout the entire land tour
Life Enriching Sightseeing daily including entrance fees and admissions
Private Guided Sightseeing Tours by professional local guides
Professional Driver and Deluxe Air-Conditioned Motor Coach throughout the tour
6-Nights First-Class Hotel Accomodations in Greece
Hotel Tax
Breakfast Daily, 6- Group Dinners
Gratuities for included meals
Baggage Handling for 1 bag throughout the tour portion of journey
CRUISE INCLUDES
Celestyal Cruises http://americas.celestyalcruises.com/en
4-Nights Sea View Stateroom with 2-twin beds or 1-double bed
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Drinks Daily
Ship Gratuities
Port Charges
Cruise Taxes
3- Shore excursions-1 each Ephesus, Rhodes, and Patmos
TOUR and CRUISE PRICE is per person based on double occupancy
$3290 with 30 travelers / $3490 with 25 travelers
Single Occupancy is available on a limited basis, contact LT for availability.
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS - Airfare is additional to tour price.
Group airfare from Tulsa, OK with a minimum of 10 traveling together.
Additional departure cities are available nationwide contact LutherTours for details.
PAYMENT
Deposit of $350 per person
Final Payment due 60 days prior to departure
Global COVID-19 conditions are dynamic.
Those (including but not limited to U.S. citizens) who choose to travel internationally may encounter mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and testing requirements, quarantines, travel restrictions, and closed borders. Foreign governments in any country may implement restrictions with little notice. Any cost related to required travel regulations is the responsibility of the traveler.
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories and Alert Update
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
For the most recent travel alerts and to enroll in S.T.E.P Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel alerts and register to ensure you can be located in an emergency.
Please review the Terms and Conditons of Travel which includes the trip cancellation and change policy, to view click here or call 1.844.777.1517 to request a copy. Up to 100% cancellation fee will apply.
LT and its partners reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary.
Prices subject to currency fluctuation.
Cancellation, Interrruption and Medical Insurance- to learn more about the benefits, coverage and limitations of purchasing a Travel Guard travel insurance plan.
NOT INCLUDED
Tour Gratuities for Greece tour manager, local tour guides, coach driver. Passport fee, Visa fee for non-US passport holders; meals and beverages not listed in itinerary; personal items such as internet, Wi-Fi charges, phone calls.
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