Join Rev. Rebecca Gamble and Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing and the people of Normandale Lutheran Church on an inspiring journey through Greece, Turkey, and the Greek Islands as we follow in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and the early Church. Visit Thessaloniki, Philippi, Meteora, Athens, Mars Hill, Ancient Corinth, and other important biblical sites where Paul preached, taught, and established some of the first Christian communities.
Enjoy a three-night cruise to Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos, Crete, and Santorini, combining biblical history with the beauty and culture of the Mediterranean. Walk the streets of ancient cities, stand where Scripture came to life, and experience the places that shaped the spread of Christianity.
This journey offers a meaningful blend of faith, history, culture, and fellowship, bringing the New Testament to life in a powerful and unforgettable way.
DETAILS:
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Trip departs on April 18, 2027, and returns on April 28, 2027
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If you’re booking your own flights, arrange to arrive in Thessaloniki (SKG)) and depart from Athens (ATH).
PRICING:
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$5,690.00 per person based on double occupancy - space is limited!
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Single room supplement - $1,400
PAYMENT PLAN:
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$300.00 deposit per person with registration
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Balance due on or before December 30, 2026
REGISTRATION:
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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)
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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 times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.
What is included in the tour
- 5 nights in 4-star hotels (double occupancy)
- 3-day cruise
- Airfare from Minneapolis (MSP)
- Patmos and Ephesus Excursion
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Lunch on the Cruise
- Entrance fee to all sites
- All ground transportation in a private tour bus
- Elias Tours Expert Tour Guide
What is NOT included in the tour
- Gratuities for the guide and driver
- Lunch (Except on the Boat)
- Visa if Applicable
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through *Travelex Insurance Services. For questions, quotes, or to purchase travel insurance, visit Travelex Insurance or call (800) 228-9792 and use the code 26-0057 for Elias Tours.
This is more than a tour—it's a journey through the world of the New Testament. Together with Rev. Rebecca Gamble and the people of Normandale Lutheran Church, we will walk where Paul preached, visit Patmos where John received Revelation, and explore some of Greece’s most inspiring biblical and historical sites.
What makes this experience unique is the combination of faith, fellowship, and culture. Along with visiting Athens, Meteora, Ephesus, and Corinth, we will enjoy a four-night cruise through the beautiful Greek Islands, experiencing the history, hospitality, and beauty of the Aegean Sea.
Through worship, reflection, and shared experiences, Scripture comes to life in a powerful and unforgettable way.
Day 1 – April 18: Departure from the USA
Depart from the USA on your overnight flight to Thessaloniki, beginning your journey in the footsteps of Paul.
Day 2 – April 19: Beginning the Footsteps of Paul – Thessaloniki
With our arrival in Thessaloniki, we have entered into the world of the New Testament where St. Paul and his companions established the first Christian communities throughout his missionary journeys. Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 3 – April 20: Thessaloniki – Kavala – Philippi
Begin the day in the port of Kavala where Paul landed with his disciples Timothy and Silas. This port was also a destination for Luke the Evangelist when he sailed from Troas. See the Byzantine Castle, the Roman Aqueduct, and the ruins of the Acropolis. Follow the Via Egnatia, a remnant of Rome’s ancient highway system, viewing Roman and Greek tombs and the ruts of ancient chariot wheels. Continue to Philippi, where Paul preached his first sermon on European soil and baptized Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe. Visit the ruins, including the traditional site of Paul and Silas’ imprisonment. Return to Thessaloniki to explore the city where Paul planted a thriving church that later received two New Testament epistles. Visit the Basilica of St. Demetrius, the White Tower, and the Arch of Galerius. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 4 – April 21: Thessaloniki – Veria – Meteora
This morning, visit the royal tomb of King Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. Continue to Veria, known as “Little Jerusalem” because of its many Byzantine churches and rich Christian heritage. Visit the Bema of Paul and explore this beautiful city where Paul preached during his second missionary journey. Later, travel to Meteora, one of the most spectacular sights in Greece. Marvel at the towering rock formations crowned by centuries-old monasteries built by Byzantine monks seeking solitude and devotion. Visit two of these remarkable monasteries and admire their exquisite Byzantine art and breathtaking views. Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 5 – April 22: Delphi – Athens
After breakfast, depart for Delphi, one of the most important religious centers of the ancient Greek world. Set among dramatic mountain scenery, Delphi was home to the famous Oracle of Apollo and was considered the “navel of the world.” Explore the sacred site and learn about its significance in ancient Greek culture. Continue to Athens and enjoy free time upon arrival. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
Day 6 – April 23: Athens – Acropolis – Mars Hill
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens, a city where ancient history and modern life blend together. See the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Stand atop Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his famous sermon to the Athenians about the “Unknown God” (Acts 17). Continue to the Acropolis and visit its magnificent monuments, including the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and the iconic Parthenon. Return to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon. Overnight in Athens.
Day 7 – April 24: Athens – Start the 3-Night Cruise – Mykonos
Transfer to the Port of Lavrio and board the Celestyal Discovery for your Greek Islands cruise. This afternoon, arrive on the beautiful island of Mykonos, famous for its whitewashed buildings, charming alleys, windmills, and picturesque waterfront. Enjoy time to explore before returning to the ship for dinner and overnight.
Day 8 – April 25: Ephesus – Patmos
This morning, arrive in Kusadasi and visit nearby Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Walk the marble streets where Paul once preached and see the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theater where Paul’s message stirred opposition. Continue cruising to the island of Patmos, where the Apostle John received and recorded the Book of Revelation. Visit the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.
Day 9 – April 26: Crete – Santorini
Arrive in Heraklion, Crete, the largest of the Greek islands and home to the ancient Minoan civilization. Visit the Church of St. Titus and reflect on Paul’s ministry on the island. In the afternoon, cruise to Santorini, one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. Perched atop dramatic cliffs overlooking a volcanic caldera, Santorini offers breathtaking views and unforgettable scenery. Dinner and overnight onboard.
Day 10 – April 27: Athens – Corinth
Following breakfast, disembark from the cruise and depart for Ancient Corinth. Stop first at the famous Corinth Canal, where the Peloponnese meets mainland Greece. Continue to Ancient Corinth, where Paul lived and ministered for nearly two years. Explore the Agora, Temple of Apollo, and archaeological remains that reveal the city’s importance in the ancient world. Visit Cenchreae, the ancient harbor associated with Paul’s journeys. Return to Athens for overnight.
Day 11 – April 28: Athens – USA
Following breakfast, transfer to Athens Airport for your return flight home, bringing to a close this unforgettable journey through the lands of Paul and the early Church.
NOTE: The schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour guide’s discretion.
