The day has arrived! We will depart Minneapolis (MSP) on an overnight journey to Greece.
Today we arrive in Greece at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG). Upon arrival, we will be greeted by our guide and/or driver, and we will make our way to our hotel. Overnight Thessaloniki. Holiday Inn or similar. B, D.
The Apostle Paul first made landfall on the European continent at Neapolis, which is today called Kavala. We will drive to Kavala, where we will see the port and a mural dedicated to Paul’s arrival. After leaving Neapolis, Paul went to Philippi where he baptized Lydia and was imprisoned until an earthquake broke his prison open. We too will traverse the Macedonian countryside to Philippi, where we will visit Lydia’s Spring, the agora, the site of the bema, and the prison where Paul was held. Overnight Thessaloniki. Holiday Inn or similar. B,D.
When Paul left Thessalonica he went to Berea, where he preached to a receptive audience who searched the Scriptures to see if what he was saying was true. We will visit Berea (now called Veria), including a monument to Paul’s ministry to the Bereans. We will then drive to Meteora where we will visit the Meteora Monasteries, which are perched high on rocky cliffs. Overnight Meteora. Amalia Kalambaka or similar. B, D.
Today we drive to Athens. Time permitting, we will enjoy free time in Athens. Overnight Athens. Athens Avenue or similar. B, D.
We visit Corinth, where Paul lived for an extended period of time. It was to the church at Corinth that Paul wrote 1 and 2 Corinthians. We will see the Fountain of Peirene, the bema of Gallio (where Paul was tried), and the pavement inscription mentioning Erastus. Back in Athens we visit Mars Hill, where Paul famously preached in Acts 17. We will also visit the Parthenon. Overnight Athens. Athens Avenue or similar. B, D.
Today we will head to the port of Athens and board our ship. We depart Athens. In the evening our ship will call at Mykonos, an island famous for its whitewashed walls, narrow cobblestone streets, sandy beaches, and windmills. Overnight aboard ship. B, L, D.
Today our ship will call at the Turkish port of Kusadasi. We will transfer to the nearby site of ancient Ephesus. The ancient city of Ephesus was a bustling port town of approximately 250,000 inhabitants. The church at Ephesus was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, and Paul spent a significant amount of time here. Back on board the ship, we will make our way to Patmos, where the Apostle John was exiled, and where he received the visions that now constitute the book of Revelation. Overnight aboard ship. B, L, D.
Today our ship calls all day at the port of Santorini. We will enjoy this island, known for its magnificent views and whitewashed buildings clinging to the sides of cliffs, at leisure. Overnight aboard ship. B, L, D.
Today we will arrive back in Athens, disembark our ship, head to the airport, and begin our journey home. Later today we will arrive back in Minneapolis (MSP). B.
