Footsteps of Paul: Pastors’ Familiarization Tour

The day has arrived and we depart the US on an overnight journey to Greece. Flights and airport transfers are not included in the trip price, but Christian Expedition can arrange them for you subject to an additional cost.

Today we arrive in Greece at Thessaloniki Airport. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel, and we will spend whatever remains of the day at leisure in Thessaloniki. Overnight Thessaloniki. Holiday Inn or similar. D.

After breakfast we drive to Kavala (biblical Neapolis) where the Apostle Paul first set foot on European soil. We will see the port and a mural dedicated to his arrival. When Paul left Neapolis he went to Philippi, and we, too, will traverse the Macedonian countryside to the site of ancient Philippi. Here we will visit Lydia’s Spring, where Lydia’s heart was opened to the Gospel and where she was baptized as the first convert in Europe. We will also see the agora, the bema where Paul was tried, and the prison where Paul and Silas were held and where they worshipped until an earthquake broke the jail open. We will drive back to Thessaloniki (biblical Thessalonica) where Paul preached until he caused a riot and enjoy a tour of the city. Overnight Thessaloniki. Holiday Inn or similar. B, D.

This morning we will visit Berea, where Paul went after causing a riot in Thessalonica. The Bereans were an example to all future Christians in that they searched the Scriptures to see if what Paul was saying was true. We will see the traditional site where Paul preached to the Bereans. Then we will return to Thessaloniki and board our flight to Athens. Overnight Athens. Athens Avenue or similar. B, D.

After breakfast we visit Corinth, where Paul labored for the Gospel and met Aquila and Priscila. It was to the church in Corinth that Paul wrote 1st and 2nd Corinthians. We will see the Temple of Apollo, the Roman agora, and the bema where Paul stood trial before Gallio. We will also see an inscription bearing the name of Erastus, who Paul mentions at Romans 16:23. We return to Athens where we take in some of the city’s most iconic sites, including the Parthenon and Mars Hill, where Paul preached in Acts 17. Overnight Athens. Athens Avenue or similar. B, D.

Today we leave Greece, flying from Athens (ATH) to Izmir, Turkey (ADB). Upon arrival in Turkey we will be greeted by our guide. We will transfer to our hotel and the remainder of the day will be spent at leisure. Overnight Izmir/Kusadasi area. Charisma DeLuxe or similar. B, D.

We drive to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world. We will explore the ruins of this city, where Paul lived for an extended period of time, including the theater where a riot occurred as a result of Paul’s preaching. We move on to Miletus, where Paul met with the Ephesian elders. Overnight Izmir/Kusadasi area. Charisma DeLuxe of similar. B, D.

On the final day of our tour we visit Pergamum, the site of one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. We will see the Red Basilica and the Asclepeion Temple which was dedicated to the Greek god of healing. We will see why Jesus referred to Pergamum as the home of “Satan’s seat.” We will then visit the site of ancient Smyrna, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Your flight home may depart late tonight or the following day. If the following day and an overnight is required, overnight Izmir/Kusadasi area. Charisma DeLuxe or similar. B, D.

Your flight home may depart either the previous night or today. If today and time allows, breakfast is included today. Either way, later today we will arrive back at home. Flights and airport transfers are not included in the trip price, but Christian Expedition can arrange them for you subject to an additional cost.