Trip Interest Form for:
In the Footsteps of St. Paul
To be completed by February 28, 2025
a Spiritual Journey to Greece & Turkey
5-day 4-night Aegean Cruise includes 4 Shore Excursions
Travel Dates: October 15 - 25, 2025
Led by
Dr. Bill Creasy
Greece St Sophia
Join an extraordinary adventure with renowned Scripture scholar Dr. Bill Creasy and trace the footsteps of St. Paul. This journey promises to transform your understanding of the Bible, bringing it to life in vibrant color and immersive sound. Imagine walking the ancient paths where St. Paul preached, visiting historic sites like Thessaloniki, Philippi, and Athens, and experiencing the rich tapestry of biblical history firsthand.
This is a unique opportunity to deepen your faith and engage with the scriptures in a way you've never imagined. Complete the Trip Interest form today and embark on a spiritual journey that will leave a last a life time!
Trip Highlights
- Discover Thessaloniki's landmarks, visit Basilicas of St. Demetrius and St. Sophia, and follow Paul's path to Philippi and Kavala.
- Explore the world-famous Byzantine monasteries perched high atop gray rock in Meteora
- Visit the archaeological wonders of Delphi, the ancient "navel" of the earth
- Embark on a 5-Day Mediterranean Cruise with 4 private shore excursions
- Set sail from Athens to the charming island of Mykonos, known for its iconic windmills and vibrant waterfront
- Explore the ruins of Ephesus in Turkey and visit the sacred sites of Patmos, including the Monastery of St. John marvel at the library of Celsus & the house reputed to be the home of Mary mother of Jesus
- Discover the medieval city of Rhodes and the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, with its rich history and stunning views
- Visit the ancient Palace of Knossos in Crete and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Santorini, the "Black Pearl of the Aegean
- Conclude the journey with a visit to Ancient Corinth and the iconic sites of Athens, including the Acropolis and Mars Hill
Day 1 Wednesday, October 15: LOS ANGELES/ THESSALONIKI
Today we board our international flights to Greece.
DAY 2 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16: THESSALONIKI
We arrive in Thessaloniki. This is the city where Paul was received by Jason. Paul was preaching the Word of God here until he was rushed out of the city. We transfer to our hotel for check-in and dinner. (D)
DAY 3 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17: THESSALONIKI – PHILIPPI AND KAVALA
In the morning we start with the landmarks of the city: the White Tower, the Walls of the Byzantine Acropolis, the Roman Arch of Galerius and the Rotonda. We visit two of the city's oldest and most admired Christian churches, the Basilicas of St. Demetrius and St. Sophia (Divine Wisdom).
We then follow the route of the Via Egnatia and visit, like Paul and his companions, the area of Amphipolis, to see the famous funerary Lion of Amphipolis. Then we travel onto Philippi. Here, we visit the Baptistery of Lydia near the river, where Paul baptized her. Lydia was the first convert of Paul on European soil, followed by the jailer. We also visit the ruins of the Forum of Philippi, the Christian Basilicas, the "Prison of Paul" and the Theater.
Then we drive to Kavala (Neapolis), Paul's first step in bringing the Gospel to present day Europe. A picturesque port, we view the Byzantine Castle and the Roman Aqueduct. We return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
DAY 4 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18: THESSALONIKI/ VERIA / METEORA/ KALAMBAKA or LARISSA
Departure to Veria (Berea), another town evangelized by Paul (Acts 17.10-14). When Saint Paul visited this town in AD50, he came across a more “noble” Jewish community where he preached and created an important Church. This is where Paul met Sopatros, who would later become a valuable comrade who followed him on his return journey to Asia.
We will visit the Bema where according to tradition it was at this place where he preached.
Then we will head to Meteora and see the world-famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched on summits of gray rock peaks of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliff-side caves, then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, which were later transformed into monasteries. Dinner and overnight are in Kalambaka or in Larissa (B, D)
DAY 5 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19: KALAMBAKA/ DELPHI/ ATHENS
After breakfast, we depart to Delphi for visit this mountainous city which today is both an archaeological site and a modern town. For the ancient Greeks, Delphi was labeled the "omphalos" (navel) of the earth and it is here that the eternal flame burned in the Temple of Apollo.
Delphi was the site of the Delphic oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world. It was also here beginning in 586 B.C. that athletes from all over the Greek world competed in the Pythian Games, one of the precursors to the modern Olympics.
On our way to Athens, we'll have time to stop and enjoy the small scenic villages that cling to the mountainsides. Dinner and overnight are in Athens. (B, D)
DAY 6 - MONDAY, OCTOBER 20: ATHENS/ LAVRIO (embarkation)/ MYKONOS
After breakfast, we transfer from our hotel to the Port of Lavrio. Bon Voyage! We set sail this morning aboard Celestial Olympia to begin our three-night/ four-day Greece and Turkey cruise.
Our first stop is the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. We arrive at Mykonos, where we disembark and have time on our own to experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes. We stroll the charming walkways through a maze of white-washed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening activities. (B, L, D)
DAY 7 - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21: KUSADASI (EPHESUS), TURKEY/ PATMOS
Early this morning we visit the Turkish port of Kusadasi. Here we enjoy a shore excursion to the ruins of Ephesus, whose inhabitants were the recipients of Apostle Paul’s famous Epistle to the Ephesians (Acts 18:19-26).
The impressive remains of Ephesus include the Agora, the Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsus, and the ruins of the Temple of Diana (one of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World"). We also visit the House of Mary, where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her last days.
We return to our ship and continue our cruise to island of Patmos, the “Jerusalem of the Aegean”. Our Patmos shore excursion this evening includes visits to the Monastery of St. John, on one of the island's highest points, and walk down to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St. John the Divine. Tonight, we return to our ship for dinner. (B, L, D)
DAY 8 - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22: RHODES
Arrival in Rhodes, the largest Greek island in the Dodecanese archipelago, and where one of the seven wonders of the ancient world "the Colossus of Rhodes" was located. Discover the island's captivating history, from the ancient Acropolis of Lindos to the medieval legacy of the Knights of St. John.
Our excursion of Lindos which is situated 55 km (40 miles) from the city of Rhodes and “bears” above it the Acropolis of Lindos, with the ancient Temple of Athena, built in 300 B.C. Here and there we will come across the captains’ mansions, built between the 16th and 18th century. In the centre of the village lives and breathes the Church of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) of Lindos with its stunning 15th-century frescoes.
At the old city of Rhodes, you can go through D’Amboise Gate to walk on the Street of the Knights. Along this street we will find the residences of the Knights, separated according to Order, which bear until today their corresponding crests. Tonight, we return to our ship for dinner. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23: CRETE & SANTORINI
In the morning, we arrive at Heraklion, Crete, the ancient city and cultural heritage site of Knossos. This city has been identified with Plato’s mythical Atlantis from his dialogues of the Timaeus and Critias and is also known in myth most famously through the story of Theseus and the Minotaur.
Our shore excursion includes a visit to the ancient Minion Palace of Knossos. During our excursion, we take a short ride through the town of Heraklion and then arrive at the Knossos excavations.
Here, Sir Arthur Evan's archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Paul left Titus in Crete and gave instructions on appointing church leaders in the towns (Titus 1:5ff).
Here we visit the ancient Minion Palace of Knossos. We walk around the large Central Court to view the awe-inspiring Throne Room, the fresco of the “Prince of the Lilies,” Grand Staircase, the Queen’s Megaron and apartments. We return to our ship for leisure time and lunch. Late this afternoon we dock at Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Tonight, we depart for Athens, our last night of our cruise. (B, L, D)
DAY 10 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24: LAVRIO (disembarkation)/ CORINTH/ ATHENS
Early this morning we return to Port Lavrio. We are met by our guide to continue our sightseeing with a visit to Ancient Corinth. This is the once-glorious city near the Isthmus, where Paul met Aquilla and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the Word of God. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples and the famous Bema, where Paul stood before Gallio, accused by the Jews of Corinth.
Then we drive to Cenchreae, the little harbor from which Paul sailed back to Asia, thus ending his second missionary journey. Here we admire the architectural wonders of ancient Athens, as we follow our guide to the world-renowned Acropolis, to see the Propylea, Erechtheum and Parthenon. We visit Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his speech on the "Unknown God."
Then we see the Agora, the ancient center of the economic and public life of the city, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians. During the bus tour, we also see Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium and the Neoclassical Buildings of Athens.
This evening we gather for our farewell dinner and overnight in Athens. (B, D)
DAY 11- SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25: ATHENS/ LOS ANGELES
Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our flights home (B)
Note:
- This is a moderately strenuous tour, walking on archaeological sites, cobblestone streets and hills. For your safety and enjoyment you should be able to walk a mile briskly and climb 100 stairs. Most sites are not handicapped accessible.
- While we do our very best to make sure all items listed in your itinerary are included, there are times when conditions beyond our control affect your program/itinerary, including but not limited to delays, weather, political climate, time constraints, or changes by your group leader and tour guide. Most sites are not handicap accessible.
Trip price is based on double occupancy and includes roundtrip economy air from Los Angeles; meals as noted in the itinerary; admissions to the listed sights visited; standard gratuities; and local guide(s). Trip price does not include extra airline baggage charges, travel insurance, individual transfers, optional items or personal expenses.
Approx. Trip Price: $8,600.00 - $9,000.00 per person based on Double Occ.
Approximate Single supplement: $1,800.00.
Minimum paid Travelers: 31 (if not met a small group supplement will apply). Maximum 1 motor coach.
Trip Interest form reservations are based on a first come first serve basis.
Please complete ASAP and no later than February 28,2025.