Overview

Join Pastor Peter and Michele Johnson as we journey through Greece and the Greek Islands, tracing the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and experiencing the places where the story of the early church first unfolded.

Together we'll visit Philippi, Corinth, Athens, and Ephesus — walking the streets where Paul preached, stood before leaders, encouraged new believers, and shared the good news of Jesus. We'll stand on Mars Hill, explore the Acropolis, and discover how these ancient places continue to deepen our understanding of Scripture today. We'll also sail the beautiful Aegean Sea, visit the Island of Patmos where John received the Revelation, and marvel at the remarkable monasteries of Meteora. Along the way, we'll enjoy Greek hospitality, wonderful food, breathtaking scenery, and the joy of traveling together as a community of faith.

Those who choose may continue on to Istanbul, where we'll encounter the rich history of the Byzantine and Ottoman worlds through places like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.

This is much more than a sightseeing trip. It's an opportunity to see the Bible with fresh eyes, deepen your faith, build lasting friendships, and experience the joy of discovering these historic places together. This will be Pastor Peter and Michele's fourth international journey with members and friends of St. Andrew, and each trip has been filled with learning, laughter, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable moments. We would love to have you join us.

 

DETAILS:

  • Trip departs on October 2, 2027, and returns on October 12, 2027

  • If you’re booking your own flights, please arrange to arrive in Thessaloniki (SKG) and depart from Athens (ATH).

PRICING:

  • $4,190.00 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) $4,190

  • Optional 3-Night Istanbul Extension $1,390

    Extension Includes:

  • Round-trip airfare from Athens to Istanbul

  • 3 nights in a centrally located 4-star hotel

  • Daily breakfast and selected dinners

  • Full guided tour of Historic Istanbul

  • Entrance fees as listed in the itinerary

PAYMENT PLAN: 

  • $300.00 deposit per person 

  • Balance due on or before June 4, 2027

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 Lane NE, Marietta, GA 30066

 FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

*Flight itinerary and Pricing will be available in December 2026 

* Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

October 2 - 12, 2027 02 Oct
Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

 

  • 10 nights in 4-star hotels (double occupancy)
  • 3-Nights cruise
  • Patmos and Ephesus Excursion 
  • Breakfast and dinner daily 
  • Lunch on the Cruise 
  • Entrance fee to all sites
  • All ground transportation is in a private tour bus
  • Elias Tours Expert Tour Guide 

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Gratuities for the guide and driver
  • Airfare
  • Lunch (Except on the Boat)
  • Visa if Applicable 
  • TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. 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.
Highlights
What makes this tour special

Explore the lands of Greece and Turkey as the history of the New Testament comes alive. Retrace the voyages of the Apostle Paul as you learn about the early church and the spread of the Gospel. Start your cruise ship journey in Athens and Corinth, sail to Ephesus, and make your way to Patmos and 3 other islands.

Itinerary

 

Day 1 – October 2: Departure from the USA

Depart from the United States on your overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece, beginning an unforgettable journey in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul.

Day 2 – October 3: Beginning the Footsteps of Paul – Thessaloniki

With our arrival in Thessaloniki, we enter the world of the New Testament, where St. Paul and his companions established some of the first Christian communities during his missionary journeys. Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 3 – October 4: Thessaloniki – Kavala – Philippi

Begin the day in the port city of Kavala, where Paul, Timothy, and Silas first landed in Europe. Explore the Byzantine Castle, Roman Aqueduct, and ancient acropolis before following the historic Via Egnatia. Continue to Philippi, where Paul preached his first sermon on European soil, baptized Lydia, and was imprisoned with Silas. Return to Thessaloniki to visit St. Demetrius Basilica, the White Tower, and the Arch of Galerius while learning about the church Paul founded here, later addressed in two New Testament letters. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 4 – October 5: Thessaloniki – Veria – Meteora

This morning, visit the Royal Tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. Continue to Veria (Berea), where Paul preached and was warmly received by the Bereans, who "examined the Scriptures daily" (Acts 17). Explore this historic city before traveling to the breathtaking region of Meteora. Visit two of the famous monasteries perched atop towering rock formations and admire their remarkable Byzantine art and architecture. Overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 5 – October 6: Delphi – Athens

After breakfast, travel to the ancient sanctuary of Delphi, once considered the religious center of the ancient Greek world and home of the famous Oracle of Apollo. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site before continuing to Athens. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax or begin exploring the vibrant Greek capital. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Day 6 – October 7: Athens – Acropolis – Mars Hill

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens, passing the Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian's Arch. Visit Mars Hill (Areopagus), where Paul delivered his famous sermon proclaiming the "Unknown God" (Acts 17). Continue to the Roman Agora before exploring the Acropolis, including the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and the magnificent Parthenon. Enjoy a free afternoon in Athens. Overnight in Athens.

Day 7 – October 8: Athens – Greek Islands Cruise – Mykonos

Transfer to the Port of Lavrio and board the Celestyal Discovery for your three-night Greek Islands cruise. This afternoon, discover the beautiful island of Mykonos, famous for its whitewashed houses, charming narrow streets, colorful waterfront, and iconic windmills. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

Day 8 – October 9: Ephesus (Turkey) – Patmos (Greece)

This morning, arrive in Kusadasi and travel to ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of the Roman world. Walk the marble streets where Paul preached, visit the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and view the site of the Temple of Artemis. In the afternoon, sail to the Island of Patmos, where St. John received the Revelation. Visit the Monastery of St. John and the traditional Cave of the Apocalypse before returning to the ship. Dinner and overnight onboard.

Day 9 – October 10: Crete – Santorini

Arrive in Heraklion, Crete, where Paul left Titus to oversee the churches of Crete. Visit the Church of St. Titus and enjoy time exploring the historic city. Continue cruising to the spectacular island of Santorini, formed by a volcanic caldera. Visit the picturesque village of Oia and take in some of the most breathtaking views in Greece. Dinner and overnight onboard.

Day 10 – October 11: Athens – Corinth

After breakfast, disembark and travel to Ancient Corinth. Stop first at the Corinth Canal before exploring one of Paul's most significant missionary cities. Visit the Agora, Temple of Apollo, and archaeological site where Paul lived and ministered for eighteen months. On the return journey to Athens, stop at the ancient port of Cenchreae, where Paul departed on one of his missionary journeys. Overnight in Athens.

Day 11 – October 12: Athens – USA

After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your flight home, bringing home unforgettable memories and a renewed understanding of the New Testament as you have walked in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul.

Optional 3-Night Istanbul Extension

Day 11 – October 12: Athens – Istanbul
After breakfast, transfer to Athens Airport for your flight to Istanbul, one of the world's most fascinating cities, where Europe and Asia meet. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin exploring this vibrant city or relax before dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 12 – October 13: Historic Istanbul
Following breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided tour of Istanbul's historic treasures. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces, followed by the stunning Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Continue to the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine public life, before exploring the colorful Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 13 – October 14: Istanbul Food & Culture Experience
After breakfast, discover Istanbul through its incredible culinary traditions on a guided walking food tour. Stroll through historic neighborhoods and lively markets while sampling a variety of authentic Turkish specialties, including freshly baked simit, traditional meze, kebabs, baklava, Turkish delight, and locally roasted Turkish coffee or tea. Along the way, your guide will share the history, culture, and traditions behind the city's world-famous cuisine, while you experience the vibrant atmosphere that makes Istanbul one of the world's great food capitals. The afternoon is free for shopping, visiting local cafés, or further exploring the city's charming streets. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 14 – October 15: Istanbul – USA
After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your return flight to the United States, bringing home unforgettable memories of your journey through Greece, the Greek Islands, and the timeless city of Istanbul.

Extension Includes:

 

 

  • Round-trip airfare from Athens to Istanbul

  • 3 nights in a centrally located 4-star hotel

  • Daily breakfast and selected dinners

  • Full-day guided tour of Historic Istanbul

  • Guided Istanbul Walking Food Tour

  • Entrance fees as listed in the itinerary

Note: The itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions, cruise schedules, weather, or the discretion of the tour director.