The day has arrived, and we depart Atlanta (ATL) on an overnight journey to Greece.

 Today we arrive in Greece, at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG). Upon arrival we will be met by our driver and/or guide and transfer to our hotel. If time permits, we will enjoy a full tour of Thessaloniki (biblical Thessalonica). In the Upper Town, we will see the traditional site of the House of Jason, and take in a view of the lower city and the port. We will see the Arch of Galerius, which was built at the command of the Roman Emperor Galerius in the early 4th Century A.D. to celebrate his victory over the Sassanid Persians, and the Church of St. Demetrius. St. Demetrius is the patron saint of Thessaloniki and there was a church at this site since the early 4th Century A.D.; the current church was largely built after a fire that took place in 1917. Underneath the church is the site of the martyrdoms of St. Demtrius and other early Christians. We will visit Thessaloniki’s harbor, and see an impressive statue of Alexander the Great. We will then take time at leisure in and around Aristotle Square, which is Thessaloniki’s cultural hub and is replete with shops and cafés. Overnight Thessaloniki. MonAsty or similar. D.

This morning we will drive to Kavala (biblical Neapolis), where the Apostle Paul first made landfall on European soil. We will see the port, the Byzantine Castle, the Roman aqueduct, and a mural dedicated to Paul’s arrival here. We will walk on the original Via Egnatia, upon which the Apostle Paul walked during his Second Missionary Journey. We will make our way to Amphipolis, where we will see it’s famous funerary lion. We travel on to Philippi, where we will visit the Baptistery of Lydia, which stands near the river where Lydia was baptized by Paul. Here we will have the opportunity to renew our baptismal vows. We will visit the ruins of ancient Philippi, including the agora, the bema seat where Paul was judged, and the prison where Paul was held until an earthquake broke it open, leading the jailer to ask, “What must I do to be saved?” Overnight Thessaloniki. MonAsty or similar. B, D.

Today we will finish our tour of Thessaloniki. We will visit Veria (biblical Berea), where Paul preached to the Bereans. The Bereans are noteworthy for having searched the Scriptures to see if what Paul was saying was true. We visit Vergina, where we will see the tomb of Philip, father of Alexander the Great. Time permitting, we will also visit the ruins of the Palace of Vergina, which was constructed during the reign of Philip. In the evening we will fly from Thessaloniki (SKG) to Athens (ATH). Overnight Athens. Wyndham Grand or similar. B, D.

Today we board our Celestyal cruise ship and set sail. We will visit Mykonos, called the island of windmills. We will have time to experience the island’s waterfront, which is lined with shops and cafes. We will stroll the charming walkways through a maze of white-washed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening activities. Overnight aboard ship. B, L, D.

 In the morning we will arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey. We drive towards Ephesus, stopping to visit the House of Mary where, according to tradition, Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived during the later part of her life. We will visit the ruins of Ephesus, which was one of the major cities of the ancient world, and a place where Paul spent a significant amount of time. The impressive remains of Ephesus include the Agora, the Temple of Hadrian, the Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsus, the ruins of the Temple of Diana, and much more. Later, we sail for Patmos, where the Apostle John, while in exile, received the visions which now constitute the book of Revelation. Overnight aboard ship. B, L, D.

This morning we arrive at Heraklion, Crete. Paul left Titus in Crete and gave instructions on appointing church leaders in the towns (Titus 1:5ff). We can explore the island at leisure or enjoy an optional excursion (not included) to Knossos’ Minoan Palace. If you do not visit the Minoan Palace, you may choose to enjoy the harbor where you can see the the Koules Fortress or to visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Alternatively, you can walk through Heraklion’s Old Town where visitors can still discern Venetian and Ottoman influences from years past. Or, if the weather is good, you can enjoy time at nearby Ammoudara or Amnissos Beach (accessible by bus or taxi). In the afternoon we will cruise to Santorini, which is widely regarded as the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. We will spend time on Santorini at leisure. Overnight aboard ship. B, L, D.

Today we arrive back in Athens, where we will visit the Acropolis, seeing among other things the Propylea, the Erechtheum, and the Parthenon. We will visit nearby Mars Hill, where Paul famously preached in Acts 17. In Athens we will also see Constitution Square, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium, and the Neoclassical buildings of the city. In the afternoon we will have some free time in the city’s Plaka District. The Plaka is the oldest district in the city of Athens; lying in the shadow of the Acropolis, it is full of shops, restaurants, and landmarks. Overnight Athens. Wyndham Grand or similar. B, D

 Today we leave Athens for the Peloponnese Region. Our first stop will be to Ancient Corinth. We will visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples, and the famous Bema where Paul appeared before Gallio. Here we will also partake in the Lord’s Supper together. We will visit Cenchreae, the harbor from where Paul sailed back to Asia. We move on the Mycenae, once a powerful and important Greek city. In Greek mythology, it was the Mycenaean King Agamemnon who led the Greeks to victory during the Trojan War – a victory which was secured by use of the famous “Trojan Horse.” We will see Epidaurus, which in ancient times was reputed to be the birthplace of Asclepius, the Greek god of healing and medicine. It contained a sanctuary and healing center which was visited by people from throughout Greece and Asia Minor. The healing cult of Asclepius, once centered upon Epidaurus, formed some of the cultural backdrop against which the healing miracles of the New Testament occurred. Overnight Athens. Wyndham Grand or similar. B, D.

This morning we will transfer to the airport (ATH), where we will begin our journey home. If time allows, breakfast is included today. Later today, we will arrive back in Atlanta (ATL).

Today we will depart Athens for Istanbul, Turkey. Upon arrival, time permitting, we enjoy an orientation tour of the city where East meets West! Overnight Istanbul. Mukarnas Pera Hotel or similar. B, D.

Today you will embark on a full-day guided tour of Istanbul, focusing on its key landmarks. You will start by visiting the Hagia Sophia, the former basilica and mosque that stands as one of the most iconic buildings in the world. From there, head to the stunning Basilica Cistern, the largest of the ancient underground cisterns that once brought water to the city. Next, visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), famous for its beautiful blue tiles and towering minarets. You’ll also explore Hippodrome Square, which was once the social and sporting center of Constantinople, featuring remnants like the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column. Your day will also include time to marvel at the impressive Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul’s traditional commerce. Overnight Istanbul. Mukarnas Pera Hotel or similar. B, D. 

Today, visit the Egyptian Spice market (stock up on bargain saffron, spices and Turkish Delight here). Experience the beauty of Istanbul from the water with a Bosphorus cruise. The cruise will take you along the strait that divides Europe and Asia, providing stunning views of the city’s skyline, palaces, and fortresses. Reflect on Istanbul’s historical and spiritual significance as a bridge between continents. After the cruise, enjoy some free time before returning to the hotel. Overnight Istanbul. Mukarnas Pera Hotel or similar. B, D.

Today we make our way to Istanbul’s airport (IST) and begin our journey home. Later today we will arrive back in Atlanta (ATL).