Teacher & Tour Hosts
Day 1: Thursday, October 22, 2026: Depart the USA
The day has arrived and we depart the United States on an overnight air journey to Greece. Overnight: In Flight.
Day 2: Friday, October 23, 2026: Arrive in Greece
Today we arrive in Greece at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG). We will be met by our guide and driver, who will bring us to our hotel in Kavala.
Overnight: Kavala. Hotel Egnatia or similar. Meals: Dinner.
Day 3: Saturday, October 24, 2026: Kavala, Philippi, Thessaloniki
We awake this morning in the place where Paul first made landfall on European soil. Like Paul, we travel from Kavala to Philippi, where Paul baptized Lydia, Europe’s first Christian convert. Walk among the ruins of the agora, the basilica, and the prison where Paul and Silas sang hymns at midnight. We return to Thessaloniki for an orientation tour. Paul preached the Gospel here until he caused a riot. We fly from Thessaloniki to Athens.
Overnight: Athens. Athens Key Hotel or similar. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 4: Sunday, October 25, 2026: Athens
Today we will experience Athens. We will climb Mars Hill, where Paul famously preached to the Areopagus (Acts 17). Mars Hill sits in the shadow of the Acropolis, which we will also ascend. We will see the Parthenon, along with the Acropolis’ other ancient structures. We enjoy some time in Athens’ historic and renowned Plaka District.
Overnight: Athens: Athens Key Hotel or similar. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 5: Monday, October 26, 2026: Mykonos
Transfer to the port of Piraeus and embark on your Aegean Cruise. This evening we arrive in Mykonos, where narrow whitewashed streets and seaside chapels reflect timeless Greek charm. Overnight: Aboard Celestyal Cruise. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Tuesday, October 27, 2026: Kusadasi, Ephesus, Patmos
Arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey, and enjoy your included excursion to Ancient Ephesus, where Paul stayed for nearly three years (Acts 19). Walk the marble streets to the theater where a crowd once gathered in opposition to Paul. We sail onward to Patmos, where John received the visions that now constitute the book of Revelation. We visit the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse.
Overnight: Aboard Celestyal Cruise. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7: Wednesday, October 28, 2026: Rhodes
Today’s stop is Rhodes, an island famed for its medieval walls, cobblestone lanes, and the legacy of the Knights of St. John. Explore the Palace of the Grand Masters or stroll the Old Town, where East meets West in stone and faith. The island’s fortitude mirrors the courage of the early church amid opposition.
Overnight: Aboard Celestyal Cruise. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 8: Thursday, October 29, 2026: Crete, Santorini
Sail first to Crete, where Paul left Titus to “set in order what was left unfinished” (Titus 1:5). Continue to breathtaking Santorini, whose volcanic cliffs and blue-domed churches rise dramatically from the sea.
Overnight: Aboard Celestyal Cruise. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 9: Friday, October 30, 2026: Corinth
Today we disembark our cruise and make our way to Corinth, where Paul spent an extended amount of time. We will see the ruins of the ancient city including the bema where Paul appeared before Gallio. We will also see the pavement inscription mentioning Erastus, who was mentioned by Paul at Romans 16:23 and 2 Timothy 4:20.
Overnight: Athens. Athens Key Hotel or similar. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 10: Saturday, October 31, 2026: Return Home
If time permits, breakfast is included today. We make our way to the airport and begin our journey back home, where we will arrive later in the day.
Optional Extension to Rome: 10/31-11/2/26
Day 1: Saturday, October 31, 2026: Athens to Rome, Vatican,
Abbey of the Three Fountains, St. Paul Outside the Walls
This morning we fly from Athens to Rome. We will visit the Vatican, to include the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Continue to the Abbey of the Three Fountains, recognized as the traditional site of Paul’s beheading and an important reminder of the cost of early Christian witness. Walk the grounds and visit the chapel marking the apostle’s final moments. Next, tour the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over Paul’s tomb and one of Rome’s four major basilicas.
Overnight Rome. Starhotel Michelangelo or similar. B, D.
Day 2: Sunday, November 1, 2026: Colosseum, Roman Forum,
Mamertine Prison, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps
We visit the Colosseum; completed in 80 AD, it was the site of early Christian martyrdoms including those of Ignatius of Antioch and Telemachus. We will explore the Roman Forum, which contains the ruins of ancient Roman government buildings. Then its on to the Mamertine Prison, where Paul was once held. In the afternoon, we visit iconic Roman sites including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.
Overnight Rome. Starhotel Michelangelo or similar. B, D.
Day 3: Monday, November 2, 2026: Return Home
If time permits, breakfast is included today. We make our way to the airport and begin our journey back home, where we will arrive later in the day.