Greece & Turkey · May 13 to 22, 2027
Footsteps of Paul: Greece & Turkey with Dr. Jim Mindling
with Dr. Jim & Andrea Mindling
Ten days in Greece and Turkey with Dr. Jim and Andrea Mindling, from Kavala, Philippi and Athens to a four-night Aegean cruise to Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini, with an optional extension to Rome.
- From
- $6,350 per person, double room
- Duration
- 10 days May 13 to 22, 2027, Rome extension to May 24
- Hotels
- 2 hotels Kavala and Athens, plus four nights aboard a Celestyal cruise
- Hosted by
- Dr. Jim & Andrea Mindling Bible Teacher & Tour Hosts
- Departs in
- days May 13, 2027
Your host
Group leaders
Dr. Jim & Andrea Mindling
Bible Teacher & Tour Hosts
Greece & Turkey, May 13 to 22, 2027
13 days, day by day. Meals and the hotel for each night are listed at the end of each day.
Begins in Thessaloniki, ends in Athens or Rome
Thessaloniki, Kavala and Philippi, Athens, and Corinth after the cruise; Rome on the extension.
Thessaloniki to Athens, and Athens to Rome on the extension.
Piraeus to Mykonos, Kusadasi for Ephesus, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini, and back.
One night in Kavala, two in Athens, four aboard the cruise ship and one more in Athens; two in Rome on the extension.
- Day01
Thursday, May 13
Depart the U.S.
The day has arrived and we depart the United States on an overnight air journey to Greece.
Meals in flight. Overnight in flight.
- Day02
Friday, May 14
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.
Dinner included. Overnight Kavala. Hotel Egnatia or similar.
- Day03
Saturday, May 15
Kavala, Philippi, Thessaloniki, Athens
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 a review of Paul’s ministry there, connecting the letters he wrote with Luke’s account in the Book of Acts. We fly from Thessaloniki to Athens.
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Athens. Zeus Essence Athens Central or similar.
- Day04
Sunday, May 16
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.
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Athens. Zeus Essence Athens Central or similar.
- Day05
Monday, May 17
Cruise Embarkation, 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.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight aboard the Celestyal cruise ship.
- Day06
Tuesday, May 18
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.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight aboard the Celestyal cruise ship.
- Day07
Wednesday, May 19
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.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight aboard the Celestyal cruise ship.
- Day08
Thursday, May 20
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.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight aboard the Celestyal cruise ship.
- Day09
Friday, May 21
Cruise Disembarkation, Corinth
We 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.
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Athens. Zeus Essence Athens Central or similar.
- Day10
Saturday, May 22
Return home
We head to the airport, where we board our flight back home, or on to Rome.
Breakfast included if time permits.
- Day11
Optional Rome extension · Saturday, May 22
Arrive in Rome, Vatican, Christian Rome
This morning we fly from Athens to Rome. We will visit the Vatican, to include the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. 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.
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Rome. Starhotels Michelangelo or similar.
- Day12
Optional Rome extension · Sunday, May 23
Ancient Rome & Baroque Rome
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 it’s 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.
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Rome. Starhotels Michelangelo or similar.
- Day13
Optional Rome extension · Monday, May 24
Depart Rome
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.
Breakfast included if time permits.
What is included
- Economy-class group airfareIncluding the flight from Thessaloniki to Athens. One checked bag and one carry-on bag on all flights
- 4-star plus & 5-star hotel accommodations
- Breakfast and dinner served daily while on land as per itineraryIncluding one farewell dinner
- Four-night Celestyal Cruise in outside cabins with picture window (XC category)While on the cruise: full board (B, L, D); entertainment and activities onboard per the ship’s schedule; two shore excursions on a shared basis: Ancient Ephesus & Patmos
- Christian Expedition tour director/licensed guide
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel and restaurant staff (for included meals)
- Audio headsets when touring
- All airport and hotel taxes
- Porterage at hotels whenever possible
- Daily teachings from Dr. Jim
- Name badge & luggage tag
- 9am to 5pm (EST) reservation support
- 24/7 travel emergency support
- Rome extensionEconomy-class flight from Athens to Rome, and flights home from Rome instead of from Athens; one checked bag and one carry-on bag on all flights; 2 additional hotel nights in Rome as per itinerary; City Council Tax (Rome); transportation in Rome in air-conditioned motorcoach; entrance fees as per the itinerary; gratuities for tour manager, driver(s), and guide(s)
Not included
- LunchesOther than while on the cruise
- Drinks at mealsOther than while on the cruise
- Greek Government Sustainable Development FeeEstimated at a total of 36 euros per person; will be charged to shipboard account on cruise
- Travel insuranceAvailable at registration (cost dependent on age)
- Personal expenses
- Card fees (3%)
- The cost of meeting any national entry requirementsIncluding but not limited to the cost of obtaining or renewing a passport and obtaining a visa or e-visa if required. Please note that by the time of this trip, travelers to Israel will be required to obtain an Israeli ETA and pay the associated cost of approximately $8. For more information visit: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page
- Anything not mentioned as included
Your hotels
Subject to change.
Zeus Essence Athens Central or similar
Athens, Greece. Three nights, two before and one after the cruise.
“It was an unforgettable experience!”
“They really take care of you and do their best to create the experience you’re dreaming about.”
Price per person
Payment schedule
Today
$450 due per person
$200 per person is non-refundable.
February 12, 2027
Remaining payment due
If you cancel less than 90 days before departure, the $450 deposit plus any charges imposed by our vendors is non-refundable. In the event of postponement, this still applies.
Protect your expedition
Your expedition is paid for long before you leave. After you reserve, your booking confirmation email has our Allianz Travel Insurance plans and a link to buy one directly. Classic is the plan we recommend for most travelers.
- Covers your trip cost. Classic reimburses 100% of the trip cost you insured if you cancel for a covered reason, and adds emergency medical care and baggage cover.
- Buy within 14 days of your initial deposit to keep Cancel Anytime and pre-existing condition cover. The plans stay available until departure.
- Buy it from your confirmation email. Prefer to add it by phone? Call us at (877) 234-3002.
Group flights
- Cleveland (CLE)Included
- I plan to book my own flights−$1,100
Can I book my own flights?
You are always welcome to arrange your own flights. Arranging airfare on your own gives you the ability to spend personally-earned airline miles for your ticket, handpick your seats, upgrade directly with the airline, or deviate from the group in other ways.
What is group airfare?
We work with airlines on booking group airfare from anticipated departure airports. This allows us to get the best rates to fly you and the rest of the group to and from your destination. Group air contracts do not allow deviations, date changes, or upgrades, and in some cases issuing tickets at individual rates may be necessary.
Select your preferred departure airport during registration. If you don’t see your preferred airport listed, please select “send me a flight quote”.
Can I apply TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
If you have booked airfare through us and would like to apply your Known Traveler Number (for TSA PreCheck) and/or your CBP PASSID (for Global Entry), you may provide it to us during registration. Forgot your KTN? Retrieve it here: https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/ktn-lookup
Can I use frequent flyer miles or airline vouchers?
We cannot book your airfare using earned frequent flyer miles or airline vouchers. However, if the airfare we book for you coincides with an airline you are a member of, we are happy to apply your frequent flyer # to your booking for any mile accrual (if applicable).
Can I upgrade my flights and/or depart earlier/return later than the group?
Absolutely. If you would like to arrive earlier/depart later than the group and/or upgrade your airfare, please contact us at hello@christianexpedition.com
When will I receive my flight schedule?
The group’s flight schedule will be provided to you digitally and in the mail about 30 days before the trip.
Questions travelers ask
- How much walking is there?Expect about 2 to 3 miles of walking on a typical touring day, much of it on uneven ancient paving at Philippi, Ephesus and Corinth, with climbs at the Acropolis and Mars Hill. Arrival, flight and departure days have very little walking. We travel by motor coach on land, fly from Thessaloniki to Athens, and the ship carries us between the islands.
- Traveling alone?You can have a room to yourself, with a single supplement of $1,850, or share a room. If you would like to share, we will do our best to match you with a traveler of the same gender and a similar age. If no match is found, the single supplement applies.
- What will I spend beyond the price?Lunches and drinks at meals when not on the cruise, the Greek sustainable development fee (estimated at 36 euros per person in total, charged to your shipboard account), passport or visa costs if any, travel insurance if you choose it, a 3% fee if you pay by card, and your own shopping. A typical lunch costs about $15 to $20. Tips are already included on this trip. We recommend paying for most things by credit card: cards are accepted almost everywhere you will go, and credit card purchases usually come with protection that cash does not. We suggest bringing a couple hundred U.S. dollars in cash for emergencies and small purchases. When a card machine or ATM asks whether to pay in dollars or in the local currency (euros in Greece and Italy, lira in Turkey), choose the local currency; it is almost always cheaper.
- What if I need to cancel?Cancel in writing. Up to February 12, 2027 (90 days before departure), everything you have paid is returned except $200. After that date, the $450 deposit and any costs we cannot recover are kept. Travel insurance may cover a cancellation, depending on the reason.
- Who is going?This expedition is led by Dr. Jim and Andrea Mindling, Bible teacher and tour hosts.
More answers in our Traveler Support Center, or call us at (877) 234-3002.
Reserve your place
Footsteps of Paul with Dr. Jim & Andrea Mindling, May 13 to 22, 2027. Reserve today with a deposit, or call us at (877) 234-3002 with any questions.