Journeys of Paul & The Greek Islands

Join The Rev. Hans Dahl and Calvary Lutheran Church walking lands and cruising waters where St. Paul travelled, sharing the gospel of Christ. We will visit towns and ruins in Philippi, Corinth, and Ephesus, places where Paul preached and later sent letters. We’ll hear those letters in scripture speak faithfully as we come to understand better the culture and context of Paul and his beloved people. We’ll visit the Island of Patmos, where St. John wrote Revelation, and other islands where early church converts built places of worship. We’ll visit Meteora and the monasteries in the clouds. And, we’ll spend time in Athens on the Acropolis with the Parthenon and Mars Hill, where Paul famously preached in Acts 17. We’ll have time in the city to explore, sample cuisine, and enjoy the culture. We’ll return home renewed with the stories of learning and faith. DETAILS: Trip departs on April 11, 2027, and returns on April 21, 2027 If you’re booking your own flights, please arrange to arrive in Thessaloniki (SKG) and depart from Athens (ATH). PRICING: $3,790.00 per person based on double occupancy - book now as space is limited! Single room supplement - $1,400 Land Only (If you Book your own flight) $3,790 PAYMENT PLAN:  $300.00 deposit per person with registration to secure space Balance due on or before December 12, 2026 REGISTRATION: Registering online? Click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a 4% platform fee applies) Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mail to: 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066  FLIGHT SCHEDULE: Flight info and cost will be post it here in June.  * Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

Join me, Bishop Bill Tesch of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA, and my wife, Chris Tesch, on a once- in-a-lifetime journey in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. We warmly invite you to share with us this journey of discovery and faith-filled adventure. As experienced travelers who have explored Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Central America, we look forward to hosting you on this journey of learning and community. Highlights include a three-day cruise to Patmos and other breathtaking Greek Islands, where Scripture comes alive in the places Paul once walked. Learn more and reserve your spot here: Journeys of Paul – The Greek Islands.  DETAILS: Trip departs on June 13, 2026 and returns on June 23, 2026 Departure Airport: Fargo, ND (FAR) Other cities are available PRICING: Land Only: $3,790.00 per person based on double occupancy - book now as space is limited! Single room supplement - $990 Flight itinerary below. Elias Tours arranged flights $1650 per person PAYMENT PLAN:  $300.00 deposit per person with registration to secure space Balance due on or before February 14, 2026 REGISTRATION: Registering online? Click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a 4% platform fee applies) Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mail to: 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066  FLIGHT SCHEDULE: June 13 AA2152 – MSP → DFW Depart 10:33 AM – Arrive 1:08 PM AA216 – DFW → ATH Depart 4:00 PM – Arrive 11:45 AM (June 14) June 23 AA325 – ATH → CLT Depart 12:00 PM – Arrive 5:00 PM AA2176 – CLT → MSP Depart 8:29 PM – Arrive 10:13 PM   * Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information, check the airline website.

Exploring the Roots of Christianity and Democracy: A Learning Trip to Greece and Turkey with Dr. Michael J. Chan and Dr. Heather Waddell This immersive experience delves into the historical and cultural foundations of Christianity and democracy, tracing the footsteps of transformative figures such as Plato and Paul. Participants will explore the lives, writings, and enduring influence of these and other figures who shaped Western thought and society. At a time when both democracy and Christianity face pressing challenges, this journey offers a timely opportunity to reflect on their relevance in today’s world. Through interdisciplinary conversations spanning religion, culture, history, and governance, participants will examine the lasting legacies of these traditions and their impact on contemporary life. This experience promises to be both inspiring and transformative, fostering deeper understanding, meaningful dialogue, and connections across diverse perspectives. DETAILS: Trip departs on May 17, 2026, and returns on May 27, 2026 Departure Airport: Minneapolis, MN  (Other cities are available) PRICING: $4,890.00 per person based on double occupancy - book now as space is limited! Single room supplement - $990 Land-Only (if booking your own flights) - $1250 airfare credit PAYMENT PLAN:  $300.00 deposit per person with registration to secure space The balance due on or before February 6, 2026 REGISTRATION: Registering online? Click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a 4% platform fee applies) Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mail to: 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066 Download the Registration Form  FLIGHT SCHEDULE:   Outbound – May 17–18 AC 8718 – MSP → YYZ 17MAY, 10:30 AM – 1:33 PM AC 896 – YYZ → ATH 17MAY, 6:35 PM – 18MAY, 11:10 AM Return – May 27 AC 899 – ATH → YUL 27MAY, 12:10 PM – 3:20 PM AC 1553 – YUL → MSP 27MAY, 6:50 PM – 8:40 PM   * Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

Walking in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul transformed the way I read the New Testament and experience the love of God. I can't wait to share this incredible journey with you as we tour, worship, learn, and grow in our faith together. This pilgrimage changed my life and I'm excited to be able to share it with you all! DETAILS: Trip departs on June 6, 2026, and returns on June 16, 2026 Departure Airport: Minneapolis, MN  (Other cities are available) PRICING: $4,990.00 per person based on double occupancy - book now as space is limited! Single room supplement - $990 Land-Only (if booking your own flights) - $1250 airfare credit PAYMENT PLAN:  $300.00 deposit per person with registration to secure space Balance due on or before February 6, 2026 REGISTRATION: Registering online? Click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a 4% platform fee applies) Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mail to: 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066 Download the Registration Form  FLIGHT SCHEDULE:   GROUP BOOKING AC8718 06JUN MSP-YYZ 10:30A 1:33P AC 896 06JUN YYZ-ATH 6:35P 11:10A 07JUN AC 899 16JUN ATH-YUL 12:10P 3:20P AC1553 16JUN YUL-MSP 6:50P 8:40P   * Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

Join Rev. Andrew Thompson and the people of the Lutheran Saints in Ministry Collaborative as we walk where Paul walked.  See the ruins of the Philippi, Ephesus, and Corinth.  Renew your baptism at the river where Lydia, the first Gentile Woman was baptized by Paul.  We will climb Mars Hill where Paul defended the faith as he overlooked the Roman city of Athens.  Then we will board a boat to see the island of Patmos where the book of Revelation was written.  While we are there, of course, we will see a few of the other Greek Islands to reflect and absorb all we have seen and done.  This pilgrimage will shape how the church was formed and help us cast a vision of what Jesus is doing in our church now. DETAILS: Trip departs on April 7, 2026 and returns on April 18, 2026 Departure Airport: Columbus, OH  (Other cities are available) PRICING: $4,890.00 per person based on double occupancy - book now as space is limited! Single room supplement - $1300 Land-Only (if booking your own flights) - $1250 airfare credit PAYMENT PLAN:  $300.00 deposit per person with registration to secure space Balance due on or before December 8, 2025 REGISTRATION: Registering online? Click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a 4% platform fee applies) Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $500.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mail to: 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066 Download the Registration Form  FLIGHT SCHEDULE:   TK 206 07APR DTW-IST  8:55P 2:05P 08  TK1893 08APR IST-SKG  7:00P 8:25P    TK1844 19APR ATH-IST 10:30A 12:05P  TK 205 19APR IST-DTW  2:55P 6:50P    * Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

Join Pastor Megan Clapp on an incredible New Testament adventure! Together we will explore the places featured in the letters of the Apostle Paul and learn how the history and culture of Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, and Thessaloniki influenced his teachings and writings. Then head on an island journey to experience the Island of Patmos where John wrote the book of Revelation. Along the way we'll have time to be refreshed and renewed through reflection, good food, fellowship, and fun.  DETAILS: Trip departs on June 6, 2026, and returns on June 16, 2026 Departure Airport: Minneapolis, MN  (Other cities are available) PRICING: $4,990.00 per person based on double occupancy - book now as space is limited! Single room supplement - $990 Land-Only (if booking your own flights) - $1250 airfare credit PAYMENT PLAN:  $300.00 deposit per person with registration to secure space Balance due on or before February 6, 2026 REGISTRATION: Registering online? Click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a 4% platform fee applies) Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mail to: 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066 Download the Registration Form  FLIGHT SCHEDULE:   * Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

I’m excited to invite members and friends of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bellevue, NE to travel with me to Greece and Turkey to walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and other leaders of the early church. The stories of the New Testament will come alive for us in new ways as we visit Corinth, Ephesus, Thessaloniki, and Philippi.  We will hear the stories from Scripture in the very places Paul’s letters were first heard. We will stand in the places Paul stood and understand better the context of his ministry.  We will experience new insight through the history of these communities. And since they’re close by, we’ll visit the monasteries balanced impossibly atop the towering cliffs of Meteora, we’ll travel by sea to the islands of Crete and Mykonos and Rhodes and Santorini. Some will want to taste the wine, the olive oil, and eat fresh caught fish. Some may even want to join me in eating as much feta cheese as possible. Mmmmm! Mostly, I hope to learn more about our own perspectives on the world and Scripture, learn more about each other, and enjoy the beauty of the region. It's going to be a good time. I hope you can join us!  With eagerness, Pastor Paula Lawhead DETAILS: Trip departs on October 4, 2026, and returns on October 14, 2026 Departure Airport: Omaha, NE  (Other cities are available) PRICING: $4,890.00 per person based on double occupancy - book now as space is limited! Single room supplement - $990 Land-Only (if booking your own flights) - $1250 airfare credit PAYMENT PLAN:  $300.00 deposit per person with registration to secure space Balance due on or before June 6, 2026 REGISTRATION: Registering online? Click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a 4% platform fee applies) Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mail to: 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066 Download the Registration Form  FLIGHT SCHEDULE:   * Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

Join Pastor Kent Shane and Poulsbo First Lutheran Church walking lands and cruising waters where St. Paul travelled sharing the gospel of Christ. We will visit towns and ruins in Philippi, Corinth, and Ephesus; places where Paul preached and later sent letters. We’ll hear those letters in scripture speak faithfully as we come to understand better the culture and context of Paul and his beloved people. We’ll visit the Island of Patmos where St. John wrote Revelation, and other islands where early church converts built places of worship. We’ll visit Meteora and the monasteries in the clouds. And, we’ll spend time in Athens on the Acropolis with the Parthenon and Mars Hill where Paul famously preached in Acts 17. We’ll have time in the city to explore, sample cuisine, and enjoy the culture. We’ll return home renewed with the stories of learning and faith. DETAILS: Trip departs on April 12, 2026, and returns on April 22, 2026 Departure Airport: Seattle, WA  (Other cities are available) PRICING: $4,890.00 per person based on double occupancy - book now as space is limited! Single room supplement - $990 Land-Only (if booking your own flights) - $1250 airfare credit PAYMENT PLAN:  $300.00 deposit per person with registration to secure space Balance due on or before December 13, 2025 REGISTRATION: Registering online? Click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a 4% platform fee applies) Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mail to: 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066 Download the Registration Form  FLIGHT SCHEDULE:  Coming soon!     * Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

Join Pastor Matt Olson on an unforgettable journey through the lands and along the waters where St. Paul once walked and sailed, boldly sharing the gospel of Christ. Together, we’ll explore ancient towns and ruins in Philippi, Corinth, and Ephesus—places where Paul preached, taught, and later wrote heartfelt letters that still resonate through scripture today. As we listen to these epistles come alive in their original settings, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of the world Paul knew and the early church he nurtured. Our journey also takes us to the sacred Island of Patmos, where St. John received the visions recorded in Revelation. We’ll visit other historic islands once home to early Christian communities, where the first believers built places of worship and community. We'll marvel at the monasteries of Meteora—those awe-inspiring sanctuaries perched high among the clouds—and spend meaningful time in Athens. There, on the Acropolis and Mars Hill, we’ll reflect on Paul’s famous address in Acts 17, set against the backdrop of the Parthenon and the city’s vibrant spirit. Along the way, we’ll savor the local cuisine, enjoy cultural experiences, and make space for reflection, fellowship, and renewal. As we return home, we’ll carry with us not only memories of remarkable sites, but the deeper stories of faith, learning, and connection that shaped our time together. Would you like this formatted for a brochure, flyer, or email invite? DETAILS: Trip departs on April 19, 2026, and returns on April 29, 2026 Departure Airport: Chicago  (Other cities are available) PRICING: $4,890.00 per person based on double occupancy - book now as space is limited! Single room supplement - $990 Land-Only (if booking your own flights) - $1250 airfare credit PAYMENT PLAN:  $300.00 deposit per person with registration to secure space Balance due on or before December 13, 2025 REGISTRATION: Registering online? Click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a 4% platform fee applies) Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mail to: 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066 Download the Registration Form  FLIGHT SCHEDULE:   Outbound – April 18–19 TK 186 – ORD → IST 18APR, 11:25 AM – 19APR, 5:45 AM TK 1843 – IST → ATH 19APR, 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Return – April 29 TK 1882 – SKG → IST 29APR, 9:35 AM – 11:05 AM TK 5 – IST → ORD 29APR, 2:45 PM – 6:15 PM   * Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.