Join The Rev. Todd Buegler Trinity 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:
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Trip departs on October 16, 2027, and returns on October 26, 2027
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If you’re booking your own flights, please arrange to arrive in Thessaloniki (SKG) and depart from Athens (ATH).
PRICING:
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$3,990.00 per person based on double occupancy - book now as space is limited!
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Single room supplement - $1,400
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Land Only (If you book your own flight) $3,990
PAYMENT PLAN:
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$300.00 deposit per person with registration to secure space
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Balance due on or before June 18, 2027
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:
*Group Flight and price will be post it here in November
* 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
- 10 nights in 4-star hotels (double occupancy)
- 3-day cruise
- 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
- 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.
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.
Day 1 – October 16: Departure from the USA
Depart from the US for an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece.
Day 2 – October 17: 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 four missionary journeys. Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport for a transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 3 – October 18: 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 a Byzantine castle, the Roman Aqueduct, and the ruins of an acropolis. Follow the Via Egnatia, a remnant of Rome’s highway system, viewing Roman and Greek tombs and the ruts of ancient chariot wheels. Next, stop in Philippi, where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christian convert on European soil. Among the ruins are the traditional site of Paul and Silas' prison. Return to Thessaloniki to explore the ancient city where Paul planted a church that would later receive two New Testament epistles. Visit St. Demetrius Church, the White Tower, and the Arch of Galerius. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 4 – October 19: Thessaloniki – Veria – Meteora
Visit the royal tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. Continue to Veria, where Paul preached and where the Bereans eagerly received the Gospel. Then journey to the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, perched atop towering rock formations. Visit two of the monasteries and admire their remarkable Byzantine art and spectacular views. Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 5 – October 20: Delphi – Athens
After breakfast, explore the ancient sanctuary of Delphi, once considered the "navel of the world" and home of the famous Oracle of Apollo. Continue to Athens, where you'll enjoy free time before dinner and overnight.
Day 6 – October 21: Athens – Acropolis – Mars Hill
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens, including the Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and the Acropolis. Stand on Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his famous sermon about the "Unknown God" (Acts 17). Visit the Roman Agora and the magnificent Parthenon. Free afternoon in Athens. Overnight in Athens.
Day 7 – October 22: Athens – Begin 3-Night Greek Islands Cruise – Mykonos
Transfer to the Port of Lavrio and board the Celestyal Discovery to begin your three-night cruise through the Greek Islands. Spend the afternoon exploring Mykonos, famous for its whitewashed streets, charming windmills, and beautiful harbor. Dinner and overnight onboard.
Day 8 – October 23: Ephesus (Turkey) – Patmos (Greece)
Arrive in Kusadasi and visit the magnificent ancient city of Ephesus, where Paul ministered and where the Temple of Artemis once stood. See the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theater. Continue to Patmos to visit the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where John received the Revelation. Dinner and overnight onboard.
Day 9 – October 24: Crete – Santorini
Dock in Heraklion, Crete, where Paul left Titus to strengthen the churches. Visit the Church of St. Titus before sailing to breathtaking Santorini. Explore the iconic village of Oia, perched high above the caldera with its unforgettable views. Dinner and overnight onboard.
Day 10 – October 25: Athens – Corinth
Disembark after breakfast and travel to Ancient Corinth. Stop at the famous Corinth Canal before exploring the archaeological site, including the Agora and Temple of Apollo. Visit the ancient port of Cenchreae, where Paul departed on one of his missionary journeys. Return to Athens for your final overnight.
Day 11 – October 26: Athens – USA
Following breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your return flight to the United States, arriving home the same day.
NOTE: The schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour guide’s discretion.
