STEPS OF PAUL TOUR WITH THE MERRILLS

DAY 1 – DEPART NEW YORK – We depart from a New York International Airport for our journey to Greece. Dinner and breakfast will be served on flight.

DAY 2 – THESSALONIKI – We arrive in Thessalonika—a city that is over 2,300 years old! Paul wrote two New Testament books to the people of this city. It was originally built in 316 BC by the Macedonian King Kassandros. He named the city after his wife, Thessalonika (the sister of Alexander the Great). Later the city flourished under the Byzantine Empire. Our tour includes the Roman Market, theatre and baths, Arch of Galerius, the city walls, Chain Tower and Citadel, the White Tower, Byzantine churches, the cave and well of the Apostle Paul, House of Jason, Monastery of Vlattadon, Aristotle’s Square, and statue of Alexander the Great. Dinner and overnight in Thessalonika. (D)

DAY 3 – THESSALONIKI – Today we visit the beautiful town of Kavala, called “Neapolis” in the days of Paul (Acts 16:11). First and Second Thessalonians are Paul’s letters written to the church of this city. From here we continue to Philippi, where Paul and Silas sang from their jail cell and God sent an earthquake to release them. The Philippian Jailer and his family were saved in this city! We see the Baptistry of Lydia, the ancient theater, and visit the place where Paul was flogged and imprisoned. Dinner and overnight in Thessalonika. (B, D)

DAY 4 – KALAMBAKA – We drive to Veria (ancient Berea), where the congregations received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul preached was true (Acts 17:11). We stop for a visit at the monument dedicated to the Apostle. We continue to Kalambaka to visit the famous ancient monasteries perched atop soaring cliffs. Their wooden galleries and corniced rooftops hang precariously over the breathtaking chasms with the Pindus mountain range at their back. We return to Kalambaka for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

DAY 5 – ATHENS – After breakfast we depart through the mountainous Greek countryside to arrive in Delphi—the center of the ancient world (called the “Naval of the Earth” in Greek mythology). We’ll learn about the connection to the young girl with the spirit of divination (Acts 16:16). On the incredibly beautiful slopes of Mount Parnassus lay the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Visit the treasury of the Athenians, the temple of Apollo, and a museum containing masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture. Continue to Athens for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

DAY 6 – ATHENS – Today we visit the world-renowned Acropolis with the ruins of the Parthenon, Erechtheum, and Propylaea. We ascend Mars Hill where Paul proclaimed the gospel to the Athenians after viewing the altar to the “unknown god” (Acts 17:16-34). You will love this special place and its breathtaking view of the city! We will view the Agora (ancient marketplace, and former center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace. We then depart for Corinth with a brief stop at the Corinth Canal. This man-made marvel separates Peloponnese from the Greek mainland and connects the two seas (Ionian and Aegean). We arrive in Corinth and visit the site that was Paul’s home for eighteen months. We explore the Archaeological Museum, the Bema (where Paul stood before Gallio in Acts 18:12), the Market Place and the Temples. We return to Athens for dinner and overnight at our hotel. (B, D)

DAY 7 – ATHENS – Today we have a full day at leisure to pursue personal interests. Explore your choice of fascinating historical sites, museums, shops, and restaurants in this marvelous city! (B, D)

DAY 8 – ATHENS/NEW YORK – We say goodbye to the beautiful city of Athens and are transferred to the airport for our flight home to New York. We return home with a deeper understanding of Scripture, many new friends, and a host of wonderful memories from our Journey of the Steps of Paul!

OPTIONAL CRUISE EXTENSION

$1,298.00 based on double occupancy

DAY 8 – MYKONOS – Transfer to the port of Piraeus to embark on our cruise ship. Enjoy the many shipboard activities or just relax while sailing to the Island of Mykonos with its renowned whitewashed buildings, sidewalk cafes, 360 churches, and chic shops. Here we will see the Archeological Museum and Temples. (B, L, D)

DAY 9 – EPHESUS/PATMOS – This morning we arrive in Ephesus to visit one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Paul spent many years here and eventually wrote his letter Ephesians to the church in this city. We then sail to the island of Patmos to explore this island where John was exiled and wrote the Book of Revelation. We will visit the Monastery and the Grotto in this amazing place. (B, L, D)

DAY 10 – CRETE/SANTORINI – We arrive in Crete where Paul and Titus visited in support of the Early Church. We’ll visit the fantastic ruins before sailing to Santorini—one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. You’ll enjoy taking a walk down these charming cobble streets. (B, L, D)

DAY 11 – ATHENS – Today we disembark and are transferred to our hotel in Athens to enjoy a free day. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. (B, D)

DAY 12 – ATHENS – We bid farewell to our new Greek friends and are transferred to the Athens airport for our flight home. We are so blessed to see and experience these wonderful sites that we’ve read about in the Bible! (B)*

(B,L,D) = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner