Tentative Itinerary
SEPT 15
DAY 1
BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR
Depart from USA for an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece.
SEPT 16
DAY 2
INTO THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL
Arrive in Thessaloniki. Meet with the guide and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
SEPT 17
DAY 3
THESSALONIKI / KAVALA / PHILIPPI
Begin the day traveling near 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. Next, stop in Philippi, where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and sowed the seeds of Christianity. Among the ruins located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road is the prison into which Paul and Silas were thrown. Meander down to the riverbank to the site of Lydia’s baptism, the first baptism on European soil. Return to Thessaloniki, where Paul planted a church that would later receive two New Testament epistles. Visit one of the most beautiful basilicas in the city, St. Demetrius. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
SEPT 18
DAY 4
THESSALONIKI / BEREA / KALAMBAKA
In the morning, spend time in the ancient city of Thessaloniki. Explore the ruins of the Roman forum and see the Rotunda. View the triumphal Arch of Galerius and continue along the waterfront to the massive White Tower. Next, travel to Berea (Veria) to see the ancient bema where Paul spent many hours sharing the Gospel. Head south to view the awe-inspiring rock formations of Meteora. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.
SEPT 19
DAY 5
METEORA / THERMOPYLAE / ATHENS
Take in the striking monasteries of Meteora that seem to hang in the air, crowning the summits of these pinnacles with their wooden galleries and corniced rooftops. Dangerously hanging over the stunning abysses, these primitive dwellings compose one of the most fascinating sites on earth. A special treat awaits with a visit to one of these timeless monasteries to see the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art on display. Journey through the amazing countryside taking in the beauty of Greece. Stop at the mountain pass of Thermopylae, the location where the Greeks victoriously fought for their freedom during the Greco-Persian wars in 480 BC. See the statue of Leonidas, king of the Greek city-state Sparta. Continue to Athens for dinner and overnight.
SEPT 20
DAY 6
ATHENS / LAVRIO / MYKONOS
Begin the day with a drive to the Port of Lavrio and step aboard The Olympia, to start a 4-day Greek Islands cruise. Spend the afternoon exploring the Island of Mykonos, world-renowned for its lovely windmills, small cobblestone streets, and countryside. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. Lunch included onboard.
SEPT 21
DAY 7
EPHESUS, TURKEY / PATMOS, GREECE
Step off the ship at Kusadasi and into nearby Ephesus, Turkey, Asia Minor’s greatest archeological site. This Greek and Roman city has been remarkably preserved. Step along the broad marble where Paul walked. Gaze at the Temple of Artemis (Diana), the Temple of Hadrian, and The Celsus Library. Marvel at the massive theater where Paul was opposed for speaking boldly about Christ. In the afternoon, enjoy cruising aboard The Olympia to the island of Patmos, built on a mass of volcanic rock. The island marks the site where the apostle John was exiled. Visit the Monastery of St. John and the cave where he received the vision he recorded in the book of Revelation. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. Lunch included onboard.
SEPT 22
DAY 8
CRETE / SANTORINI
Arrive in Heraklion, Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands and the cradle of the Ancient Minoan Civilization. This island is where the Apostle Paul spent time as he was being
transported to Rome as a prisoner and where Titus remained to help the churches. Take a walking tour through town and stop at the Church of St. Titus, Paul’s true son in the faith and the first Bishop of Crete. Board The Olympia for an afternoon cruise to the famous island of Santorini, formed by the half-submerged crescent of a volcanic caldera. Perched atop high cliffs, savor the island’s breathtaking views from Oia. Dinner and overnight on the ship. Lunch included onboard.
SEPT 23
DAY 9
ATHENS / CORINTH
Early morning arrival in Athens to begin the day’s excursion. Proceed to Corinth through the Bay of Salamis and the Saronic Gulf. This city was home to the apostle Paul for over a year and inspired two of his most familiar letters. Spend time at the Corinthian Canal then tour the ruins of this ancient city. Return to Athens to view the world-renowned Acropolis and marvel at the ancient glory of the Parthenon, built 2400 years ago. Gather at Mars Hill, where Paul addressed the intellectual men of the most informed city of the time, pleading the cause of Christianity. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
SEPT 24
DAY 10
ATHENS / USA
Transfer to Athens airport for your return flight to the USA with your heart full of memories from spectacular views and unforgettable experiences.
I would like to invite you to join me on an amazing journey retracing the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. We will step into history and walk alongside Paul as we journey through Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Crete, Patmos, and Ephesus. The Holy Scriptures will come to life in unimaginable ways! This will be a trip of a lifetime that promises to forever change all of us!
– Pastor Roy Mack
What to know before registering?
PASSPORTS
Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. Participants with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements. If you do not have a valid passport or need to renew your passport, enter “RENEWING” or “APPLIED FOR” when completing registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY
The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to ninety days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.
AIR
The Standard Tour includes round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the standard tour. Participants who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.
LAND ONLY
Participants who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. $1000pp will be deducted from the standard tour price when selecting this option. Participants arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the group bus at no additional charge. For those not traveling with the group, Signature Tours can provide contact information to arrange a private transfer.
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GROUND / TRANSFERS
The group will be met by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only participants are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.
HOTELS
Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.
CRUISE
Celestyal Olympia Cruise Ship: All outside cabins. Guided Shore Excursions included: Ephesus, Patmos, Santorini, and Crete. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included on cruise.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the group leader will make every attempt to pair single participants requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are provided daily. Lunch is provided on days as noted in the itinerary.
SIGHTSEEING
Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary are included, as well as an expert English-speaking guide.
LUGGAGE
Space is limited on the tour buses. Participants are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Participants are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions.
TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES
Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes, as imposed by national and/or local governments, that are not included at the time of booking are the responsibility of the participant.
NOT INCLUDED
Excess baggage fees, passport fees, visa fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the above list of included features.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Travelex Insurance Services. For more information and rates, please review the product flyer or Click Here to enroll in the plan.
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