Footsteps of Paul with Calvary Port Saint Lucie

The day has arrived and we board our motorcoach which will take us from Calvary Port St. Lucie to the airport in Miami (MIA). Once at the airport, we begin our overnight air journey to Greece.

After breakfast, we depart for Vergina, where we visit the remarkable museum housing four ancient tombs — most notably those of Philip II and Alexander IV — as well as a small shrine known as the Heroes Garden. We then travel to Veria, the biblical Berea, built at the foot of Mount Vermio, where Paul fled after causing a riot in Thessalonica. Here the people searched the Scriptures to see whether what Paul was teaching was true (Acts 17:10–11). We visit the Step of the Apostle Paul, a platform dedicated to his preaching to the Bereans, as well as the city’s synagogue — the most ancient in Northern Greece. We proceed to the region of Kalambaka. Overnight Kalambaka. Divani Meteora Hotel or similar. B, D.

Today we will visit one or more of the world-famous Meteora Monasteries, Byzantine monasteries that are perched on the summits of gray rock peaks. Their history goes back to the 14^th century when monks sought refuge in the cliff-side caves, then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, which were later transformed into monasteries. We then drive to Athens, where whatever remains of the day will be spent at leisure. Overnight Athens. Wyndham Grand or similar. B, D.

After breakfast, we depart for Ancient Corinth — the once-glorious city near the Isthmus, where Paul met Aquila and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the Word of God (Acts 18). We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples, and the famous Bema where Paul stood before Gallio, accused by the Jews of Corinth. We then drive to Cenchreae, the small harbor from which Paul sailed back to Asia, thus ending his second missionary journey. We return to Athens, where we follow our guide to the world-renowned Acropolis, taking in the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Parthenon. We visit Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his speech on the Unknown God (Acts 17). We also see the Agora, the ancient center of economic and public life, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians. During our bus tour we see Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium, and the neoclassical buildings of Athens. Free time in the city center. Overnight Athens. Wyndham Grand Athens or similar. B, D.

After breakfast, we make our way to Lavrion Port and embark on our cruise. We sail to the quaint isle of Mykonos — the island of windmills. Upon arrival, we disembark and have time to experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes, strolling the charming walkways through a maze of whitewashed buildings. No excursions are included today, as we explore the island at our leisure. Overnight on board. B, L, D.

In the morning, we arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey. A short drive takes us to Ephesus, where Paul spent three years during his ministry. The impressive remains include the Agora, the Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsus, and the ruins of the Temple of Diana — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the afternoon, we sail for the island of Patmos, where we visit the Monastery of St. John, perched on one of the island’s highest points. From there, we walk down to the Grotto of the Apocalypse — the site of the apocalyptic visions of St. John the Divine. Overnight on board. B, L, D. (Ephesus and Patmos excursions included.)

In the morning, we arrive at Heraklion, Crete. We take a short ride through the town and arrive at the Knossos excavations, where Sir Arthur Evans’ archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 BC. Paul left Titus in Crete and gave instructions on appointing church leaders in the towns (Titus 1:5ff). In the afternoon, we cruise to the isle of Santorini — often called the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands — and disembark to explore the exquisite whitewashed villages, including the town of Fira, which cling to volcanic cliffs. Overnight on board. B, L, D. (Crete and Santorini excursions not included.)

After breakfast, we disembark at Lavrion Port and transfer to Athens Airport for our flight to Rome (FCO). Upon arrival, we meet our local guide and begin a walking tour of Baroque Rome, taking in the iconic Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Overnight Rome. Hotel Orazio Palace or similar. B, D.

After breakfast, we explore Ancient Rome. We begin with a visit to the Colosseum — the largest of the ancient amphitheaters, completed in 80 AD — which served as the site for the torture and martyrdom of countless early Christians, among them Ignatius of Antioch and Telemachus. We continue with a walk through the Roman Forum, which contains the ruins of ancient Roman government buildings. We then visit the Mamertine Prison, where it is believed the Apostle Paul was once held, and stop at Circus Maximus — another site of ancient Christian martyrdoms. Overnight Rome. Hotel Orazio Palace or similar. B, D.

After breakfast, the day is yours to explore Rome at your own pace — whether shopping, visiting sites on your own, or simply savoring la dolce vita. No transportation or guided tour services are included today. Overnight Rome. Hotel Orazio Palace or similar. B, D.

After a final breakfast, we check out and transfer to Rome airport (FCO) for our departure flight back to Miami. Upon arrival we board our motorcoach back to Calvary Port St. Lucie. B (if time permits).