Day 1: Departure from US (Oct. 26)

Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Greece. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!

Day 2: Arrive Thessalonica (Oct. 27)

We arrive in Thessalonica, Greece, and are welcomed by our Greek guide. We’ll transfer to our hotel and upon check-in, enjoy an afternoon of leisure. This evening, our group will enjoy the first of many delectable European-style dinners, and we will have our first group gathering to get to know one another and prepare for the journey ahead. 

Day 3: Thessalonica, Philippi, Kavala (Oct. 28)

The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today as we visit the delightful harbor city of Thessalonica. We will view the old city ramparts, the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument transformed into a church, and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. Next, we will visit Philippi and Kavala. Kavala is Greece's prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. Continue on to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will view the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ and visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. Dinner and overnight will be in Thessalonica.

Day 4: Thessalonica, Berea, Vergina (Oct. 29)

This morning we leave Thessalonica and travel to Berea where we’ll make a short stop to view the synagogue where Paul preached. We stop at the Bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the "more noble" church. We visit site of King Phillip's (Alexander's father) tomb in Vergina and discuss the significance of Alexander the Great and the Israelite people. We will also discuss the travel of the Apostle Paul in the ancient world. This afternoon we visit the town of Kalambaka. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 5: Meteora Monastery (Oct. 30)

After breakfast, we visit the world-famous Byzantine monasteries in Meteora that are perched precariously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. Together we will learn about the significance of the monastic movement and the preservation of the Scriptures. Our lodging this evening is in the Delphi area. 

Day 6: Delphi (Oct. 31)

Our day begins in the lovely mountain region of Delphi - the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. Here you will gain a greater understanding of the Greek religious heritage and their influence on the early Christian church. We also visit the museum where we will marvel at the site of the Charioteer, a bronze statue so delicate we will see his eyelashes. At Delphi, you will begin to understand the impact of pagan worship and the religious context in which Paul ministered. The stadium at Delphi also provides the opportunity to discuss the place of athletic games and their connection to certain biblical texts. This afternoon we continue south past Thermopylae, an important place that has an impact on some Old Testament stories, to Athens which will be our home for the next three nights.

Day 7: Athens, Acropolis & Mars Hill (Nov. 1)

We visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. Additional sites include the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace. An option later this afternoon is a visit to the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes.  

Day 8: Ancient Corinth, Cenchreae  (Nov. 2)

Departing Athens, we stop for photos at the Corinth Canal and then travel to the ancient city of Corinth, another treat for the New Testament scholar. Corinth is the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love of I & II Corinthians. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. Next, we travel to the top of the nearby Acropolis where our guide will speak on the worship practices and point out the bird’s eye view of what was a bustling city of around 800,000 during Paul’s stay. Before ending our day we pass by Cenchreae, the ancient port region of Corinth. Acts 18:18, states the Apostle Paul stopped at Cenchreae during his second missionary journey, where he had his hair cut to fulfill a vow. We return to Athens for the evening.

Day 9: Depart from Athens and Arrive Turkey (Nov. 3)

After a relaxing breakfast, we tour the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. Then, we head to the airport to depart for Izmir, Turkey. After arriving, we transfer to our lodging for the evening. Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and a long-time center for Jews and Christians.

Day 10: Ephesus (Nov. 4)

We travel to the nearby town of Selcuk for a visit to the Basilica of St. John, housing an immersion baptismal and believed to be resting place of John. From here we have an excellent overview of the Ephesus harbor, the Mosque of Jesus and the Temple of Artemis, completed in its most famous phase around 550 BC and listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We spend the remainder of our day in Ephesus, the city of the Bible and one of the largest restorations still in progress with miles of ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city where we view the Library, Agora, theatre, colorful mosaics in the aristocratic Terrace Houses, a panoramic view of the surrounding ancient port area including a wealth of church history and cultural insight. Our day concludes with a final group gathering reflecting upon all that we have experienced together.

Day 11: Depart for Home (Nov. 5)