Walk in the footsteps of St. Paul through Greece to explore ancient archeological treasures, captivating cultures, and sacred places of worship. Explore and learn more about the places where Apostle Paul lived, worked and spread the Gospel to the unchurched. Together we will enjoy a relaxing 4-night cruise to some of the most beautiful Greek Islands, including a visit to the Grotto of the Apocalypse and Monastery of St. John, and the ancient ruins at Ephesus, one of the largest open-air archeological museums in the world!
Tour hosted by Rev. William Marler and Dr. Joe Western
Rev. Marler and Dr. Western look forward to teaming up to bring the historical and theological together on this spiritual journey.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Contact 1.844.777.1517 or info@luthertours.com
Itinerary
B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Day 1: Depart U.S.A. to Greece
Day 2: Arrive Athens (D)
Upon our early afternoon arrival in Athens, our group will be met by our local escort and transferred by private motor coach to the hotel. Along the way our escort will point out some of the major historic sites and landmarks of Athens, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Royal Palace, and a stop to visit the Pan-Athenian Stadium and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Afterwards our group will check-in to the hotel have time to refresh before our group meets for our welcome dinner. Dinner and overnight Athens
Day 3: 4 Night Cruise, Mykonos (B, L, D)
After breakfast at our hotel, our group will be met by a local escort for our transfer by private motor coach to the port of Piraeus to board the ship for our 4-night Greek Island and Ephesus cruise. Our first port of call will be at the mountainous island of Mykonos. You may disembark the ship to explore the island on your own or purchase an optional guided shore excursion. After our visit we return to the ship for dinner and the evening entertainment. Overnight Ship
Day 4: Ephesus, Patmos and 2- Shore Excursions (B, L, D)
Today we visit the Turkish port of Kusadasi, and enjoy the included shore excursion to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, whose inhabitants were the recipients of Apostle Paul’s famous epistle (Acts 18:19-26). We will also visit to the House of Mary, where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her last days. We will return to the ship early afternoon to continue our cruise to Patmos. In Patmos, we will disembark the ship for an included shore excursion to the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where John the Evangelist wrote the Book of the Revelation during his exile (Rev. 1:9-11). Overnight ship
Day 5: Rhodes (B, L, D)
Our travels today take us to the unique island of Rhodes. The included shore excursion visits the place where Paul stopped on his way back to Palestine (Acts 21: 1) for his trial and imprisonment. Or, you may enjoy the island at your leisure to shop in the marketplace or sunbathing at the beach. Return to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment. Overnight Ship
Day 6: Heraklion (Crete), Santorini (B, L, D)
Our ship arrives at the island of Crete. It was here Paul arrived as a the ship to explore the island on your own or purchase an optional guided shore excursion. After our visit we return to the ship for dinner and the evening entertainment. Overnight Ship
Day 7: Delphi, Kalambaka (B, D)
After early morning disembarkation, our group will be met by a professional tour manager who will accompany our group throughout the journey. Today we visit Delphi, the center of the ancient world and location of the Temple of Apollo. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of this ancient temple. We visit the archeological site and museum. We continue on to Kalambaka for dinner. Overnight Kalambaka
Day 8: Meteora, Vergina, Thessaloniki (B, D)
After breakfast we will visit the spectacular Meteora, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a mountainous region of stunning scenery. You will see hundred-year-old cliff-top Byzantine monasteries from the Middle Ages, first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation. After our visit to the great monastery, we drive to Vergina, a World Heritage Site and location of the legendary burial site of the Macedonian Kings, and location of the tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great and conqueror of Greek territories. Our journey continues to Thessaloniki, an early center for Christianity and location where Paul visited and preached the Gospel during his missionary journey of 49-50A.D. and wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. Overnight Thessaloniki
Day 9: Philippi, Kavala (B, D)
After breakfast we depart for Philippi the town where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity. “And from there (He went) to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman Colony...” (Acts 16:12-18). Here the first Christian baptism was performed, of a woman named Lydia. We will visit the Roman Theatre, probable site of the prison where Paul and Silas were held. We will continue towards the city of Kavala and the ancient city of Neapolis (Acts 16:11) where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. It was later renamed Christoupolis, meaning city of God, because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. We will visit the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis. Afterwards, we return to Thessaloniki to visit the Byzantine Cathedral of Saint Demetrios- the protector of the city and the White Tower. Overnight Thessaloniki
Day 10: Thessalonica, Veria, Athens (B, D)
Today our guide will lead us on a visit to the Church of Saint Sofia, the Church of Prophet Elias, the Byzantine fortress of the city, and finally to the triumphal Arch of Galerius starting at the Via Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire. Next, we drive to Veria, another town evangelized by Paul, where he preached to the Jewish community and created an important Church. We visit the ancient synagogue to view the mosaic commemorating his preaching. Overnight Athens
Day 11: Corinth, Athens (B, D)
We complete our journey in ancient Corinth where Paul came and worked, established a thriving church and wrote 2 of the epistles. We visit the sites where he walk and preached: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the roman Odeon and the Bema. We return to Athens to visit the Acropolis, the ruins of the Parthenon, ascend Mars Hill where Paul spoke to the ancient Athenians about “the one and only God” and behold an excellent view of the ancient Agora of Athens. If time permits, we’ll visit the ancient Greek Temple of Hephaestus dating from 450B.C. This evening we enjoy our group farewell dinner. Overnight Athens
Day 12: Tour Ends, Group Transfer to Athens Airport (B) Itinerary subject to change.
SPACE IS LIMITED ~ REGISTER TODAY TO GUARANTEE YOUR PREFERRED CABIN CATEGORY ABOARD THE CRUISE
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TRAVEL DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS
All travelers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date. Non-US passport holders contact LT regarding credentials required for this itinerary.
TOUR LEVEL: MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER, WALKING SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Most sightseeing tours are walking tours 2-3 miles per day. The historic sites you will visit date back hundreds of years and may not provide elevators and ramps, and may require walking on uneven ground of stones and dirt. If you, or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs (use a wheelchair, walker), hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
PRIVATE GROUP TOUR
A custom-designed itinerary offering a relaxed and comprehensive travel experience. Your journey will be escorted by The Reverend William Marler and Dr. Joe Western sharing stories and leading daily devotions.
LAND TOUR INCLUDES
Professional Tour Manager will escort the group throughout the Land Tour
Life Enriching Sightseeing daily including entrance fees and admissions
Private Guided Sightseeing Tours by Professional Local Guides
Professional Driver and Deluxe Air-Conditioned Motor Coach throughout the tour
6-Nights First-Class Hotel Accommodations in Greece
Hotel Tax
Breakfast and Dinner Daily
Gratuities for included meals
Baggage Handling for 1 bag throughout the tour portion of journey
CRUISE INCLUDES
Celestyal Cruises http://americas.celestyalcruises.com/en
4-Nights Sea View Stateroom, Category XA with 2-twin beds or 1-double bed
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Drinks Daily
Ship Gratuities
Port Charges
Cruise Taxes
3- Shore excursions-1 each Ephesus, Rhodes, and Patmos
TOUR and CRUISE PRICE is per person based on double occupancy
$3390 with 30 travelers / $3490 with 25 travelers
Single Occupancy is available on a limited basis, contact LT for availability.
CABIN UPGRADES AVAILABLE
Category XC add $125 pp/ Category SJ Junior Suite Add $200 per person
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS - Airfare is additional to tour price
Group airfare from Springfield, MO will be available with a minimum of 10 traveling together. Group airport transfers are included. For those not purchasing group flight arrangements, add group airport transfers for $45 round trip per person.
Additional departure cities are available nationwide contact LutherTours for details.
*Airfare and flight schedules will be confirmed 11-months prior to travel dates.
PAYMENT
Deposit of $350 per person
Final Payment due 60 days prior to departure
Global COVID-19 conditions are dynamic.
Those (including but not limited to U.S. citizens) who choose to travel internationally may encounter mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and testing requirements, quarantines, travel restrictions, and closed borders. Foreign governments in any country may implement restrictions with little notice. Any cost related to required travel regulations is the responsibility of the traveler.
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories and Alert Update
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
For the most recent travel alerts and to enroll in S.T.E.P Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel alerts and register to ensure you can be located in an emergency.
Please review the Terms and Conditions of Travel which includes the trip cancellation and change policy, to view click here or call 1.844.777.1517 to request a copy. Up to 100% cancellation fee will apply.
LT and its partners reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary. Prices subject to change due to currency fluctuation.
Cancellation, Interruption and Medical Insurance- learn more about the benefits, coverage and limitations of purchasing a Travel Guard travel insurance plan.
NOT INCLUDED
Tour Gratuities for Greece Tour Manager, Local Tour Guides, coach driver. Passport fee, Visa fee for non-US passport holders; meals and beverages not listed in itinerary; personal items such as internet, Wi-Fi charges, phone calls.