The day has arrived; we head to the airport (GRR) and begin our overnight journey to Greece.
Today we arrive in Greece at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG). Upon arrival we will be met by our guide and driver, who will bring us to Kavala. Overnight Kavala. Lucy or similar. L, D.
This morning will enjoy breakfast together, and tour the city of Kavala – which is biblical Neapolis. Neapolis is the port city where Paul first made landfall on the European continent. We will enjoy the port area and mural dedicated to Paul’s arrival. After landing in Neapolis, Paul went to Philippi. We will visit an original section of the Via Egnatia, the Roman road which he walked upon, and will then come to the site of ancient Philippi. We will visit the stream where Lydia put her faith in Christ, and was baptized. We will visit the ruins of ancient Philippi, including the agora where Paul was charged, and the prison where it is believed that he was held until it was broken open by an earthquake. Overnight Thessaloniki. Holiday Inn or similar. B, L, D.
This morning we will enjoy a city tour of Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki was known as Thessalonica during biblical times, and Paul ministered here until he caused a riot. We drive to Veria, which in biblical times was known as Berea. Paul came to Berea after causing a riot in Thessalonica. When he preached to the Bereans, the Bereans searched the Scriptures to see if what Paul was saying was true. We will see the traditional location from which Paul preached in Berea, before making our way to Thessaloniki airport (SKG) and boarding our flight for Athens. Overnight Athens. Athens Key Hotel or similar. B, L, D.
Today we explore Athens. 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. 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 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. Athens Key Hotel or similar. B, L, D.
Today we visit Corinth. Paul lived and ministered in Corinth for an extended period of time. Here we will see the pavement inscription mentioning Erastus, the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples, and the famous bema where Paul appeared before Gallio. We will return to Athens, and board our flight for Izmir, Turkey. Once in Turkey we will be met by our Turkish guide and driver, and we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight Kusadasi. Charisma DeLuxe or similar. B, L, D.
Today we will take a chartered boat from Kusadasi to the island of Patmos, where the Apostle John was exiled and where he received the visions that now constitute the Book of Revelation. On Patmos we will see the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse. Overnight Kusadasi. Charisma DeLuxe or similar. B, L, D.
Today we will visit Pergamum, the site of one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Pergamum was a cultural center of the ancient, eastern Roman Empire. We will see the ruins of Pergamum’s Library, theater, temples, gymnasium, and agora. We will also visit the medical center of the ancient world, which was dedicated to the god of health, Asclepios, and the Red Basilica. We will visit the ruins of ancient Smyrna, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Overnight Kusdasi. Charisma DeLuxe or similar. B, L, D.
This morning we will visit ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved and most impressive ancient cities in the world. Paul lived and ministered here for an extended period of time, as did the Apostle John. We will see the ruins of the city, including the arena where a riot erupted against Paul and his message. In the afternoon we will visit the ruins of ancient Miletus, where Paul met with the Ephesian elders. Overnight Kusdasai. Charisma DeLuxe or similar. B, L, D.
Today we drive to the airport (ADB) where we begin our journey home. If time allows, breakfast is included today. Later today we will arrive back at DTW, where we will board our coach bus which will bring us back to Calvary Church.
