A Journey of a Lifetime…
FOLLOWING IN APOSTLE PAUL'S FOOTSTEPS
September 9 – September 23 2008
3 nights Thessalonica, 2 nights Meteora/Kalambaka ,2 nights Athens,1 night Patmos,
2 nights Rhodes, 2 nights Santorini, 1 night Athens.
15- days/14 nights
Total Cost $2,426.00 per person based on double, based on 25 participants plus air
3 star hotels.
 
September 9, 2008 - Depart  USA

• Meals in flight service.

September 10 - Arrival in Thessalonica Greece

• Transferred from the airport to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
• Welcome Dinner this evening.

September 11 - Thessalonica

• A beautiful city, built at the deepest recess of the Thermaikos bay is also a major economic and commercial center not only of Hellas, but also the gate of the Balkan states to the Aegean and the Mediterranean seas. The city was founded by Kassandros in 315 BC and was actually a gift to his wife Thessalonica, sister of Alexander the Great. In 54 AD the city was visited by Apostle Paul and the first Christian community was founded. (Christianity had slow beginning in the city. Saint Paul visited twice, being driven out on the first occasion after provoking the Jewish community.)
  
  Enjoy guided sightseeing of this city, which figures prominently in the New Testament as it is where Paul preached, founded a church, and to whom he wrote two epistles (Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians)
• Breakfast, Lunch

September 12 - Philippi/Kavala

• Full-day excursion to the ancient route of Apostle Paul to Amphippolis (Acts 17:1) Journey to Ancient Philippi, where Paul established the first church in Europe and to whom he wrote his letter to the Philippians while in Rome (Acts 16:11-40; Philippians).
  
  Next, continue to Kavala, ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16: 9-11), which Paul visited. 90 miles from Thessalonica are the extensive ruins of the city of Philippi, which Paul visited in A.D. 50. It was one of the leading cities of Macedonia. Among the ruins is a most impressive Roman theatre.
• Breakfast, lunch

September 13 - Depart Thessalonica to Veria to Vergina to Meteora/Kalambaka

• We will depart Thessalonica with a stop at Veria (Beroea of the New Testament), where Paul and Silas were taken (Acts 17:10 -15) Visit the BEMA OF APOSTLE PAUL where Paul is said to have stood and preached the Gospel to the local population.
  
  Continuing on to Vergina where we visit the tomb of Philip plus an important museum.
  Then on to Meteora is a must see on any trip to Greece. Here are some of the most ancient, active monasteries of all of Greece, and they are perched miraculously atop the mountains along the Pinios River. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the Cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. Check into your hotel
• Breakfast, Dinner.
   

September 14 - Kalambaka/Meteora

• Today you will have time to visit the Monasteries and visit the Icon workshop.
  
• Afternoon is at leisure. Participate in a Greek cooking Class.
  
• Breakfast
  

September 15 - Depart Kalambaka/Meteora to Athens

• Arrival into Athens, check into your hotel. Afternoon visit to Corinth.
  Corinth is the city that inspired many of Paul’s most familiar letters. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To stand in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love of I & II Corinthians. The ruins of this important cultural centre are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked.
  
• Breakfast, Dinner

September 16 - Athens

• Athens city tour including Acropolis – Parthenon and the archaeological museum of Athens. At last we’re ready for the fabulous buildings on the high citadel of Athens, the Acropolis. You will visit Mars Hill and the Agora. In the afternoon transfer to Port of
  Piraeus for overnight ferry to Patmos.
  
• Breakfast

September 17 - Early Arrival Patmos

• Early in the morning arrival at Patmos Island, transfer to the hotel. Check in.
  Tour in Patmos (St. John Monastery and Grotto) Dinner and overnight Patmos.
  
• Breakfast, Dinner
  

September 18 - Depart Patmos to the Island of Rhodes

• We will depart to the island of Rhodes, via ferry boat. Check into our hotel
  This is where Apostle Paul landed in 51 A.D. (Acts 21:1)
  Enjoy sightseeing and the medieval walled city with its palaces and inns built
  By the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Visit charming Lindos with its
  Acropolis and imposing Knight’s castle.
  
• Breakfast, Dinner

September 19 - Rhodes

• A fun day of leisure, shopping, beaches.
• Breakfast, Dinner

September 20 - Depart Rhodes for the island of Santorini

• Arrival into Santorini, Check into our hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure
  
• Breakfast, Dinner
  

September 21 - Santorini

• Morning tour of Akrotiki, rest of the day is at leisure.
  
• Breakfast

September 22 - Depart Santorini to Athens

• Depart Santorini to Athens. Check into your hotel.
  
• Rest of the day is at your leisure
  
• Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
  

September 23 - Depart for the USA

• After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return home.
  
• Breakfast, meals in flight.