Journeys of Paul
THIS TOUR IS COMPLETELY FULL
Contact James Pitts to be added to a waiting list
October 17-27, 2023 | $3999 per person (double occupancy)
Includes
Roundtrip, international airfare (select airports)
Deluxe motor coaches | Entrance fees to all sites visited Breakfast and dinner daily | Three-day cruise
Five-star hotel accommodations | Professionally guided sightseeing Tips and Port Fees Included! ($270 value)
The trip of a lifetime! After visiting the inspiring sites in Athens and Corinth, embark on your cruise sailing to the “Jerusalem of Aegean”–Patmos Island–and visit the first Christian Church of Ephesus in Turkey. Continue your journey to northern Greece as you follow the steps of the Apostle Paul.
Day 1
Depart USA for Athens
Day 2
Arrive in Athens and transfer to the hotel. Travel in time, exploring a city with a history of more than 5,000 years! Dinner at hotel.
Overnight stay in Athens
Day 3
This morning, we depart for our morning tour out of Athens. On the way, we stop at the historic Corinth Canal. It was Corinth (Acts 18:1-18) where Apostle Paul lived and worked, established a thriving church, subsequently sending two of his epistles now part of the New Testament. After visiting the sites associated with Apostle Paul’s ministry, we return to Athens for an afternoon city tour. Climb up to Acropolis Hill to see the famous Parthenon Temple, Erectheion and Temple of Athena Nike. Then walk to nearby Mars’ Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where Apostle Paul spoke to the Athenians about the one and only God. Our tour will finish with a panoramic bus tour to see the city highlights. Dinner will be served at hotel.
Overnight stay in Athens
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Piraeus port for embarkation on the Greek Islands cruise. Sail at 11am and enjoy lunch on board. Our first port of call is Mykonos, where we have free time for walking and exploring the town. Stroll on your own through the whitewashed, flower-decked alleyways, climbing to the sculpture church of Paraportiani or along the waterfront of “Little Venice” to the famous windmills. Enjoy dinner on board and at 11pm we sail for Kusadasi, Turkey.
Overnight stay on board
Day 5
Arrive at Kusadasi port in Turkey, the starting point for our tour to Ancient Ephesus (Acts 18:19-21). Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians, lived and worked here for a number of years. We tour the spectacular ruins in the city which was founded in the 10th century B.C. After the visit we return to the port at lunch time and sail to Patmos. Arrive Patmos (Rev 1:9) in the afternoon and enjoy a tour to the Monastery of St. John where he was exiled and wrote the Book of Revelation. We also visit the Grotto of the Revelation (Cave of Apocalypse) before embarking on the cruise ship. Sail to Heraklion, Crete and enjoy dinner on board.
Overnight stay on board
Day 6
At 7am we arrive at Heraklion, Crete (Acts 27:7-13). You can join the optional excursion to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home of King Minos and the legendary Minotaur (half-bull and half-man). After a few hours, we sail for Santorini, the island with the most magnificent landscape! Ride the cable car up to the white-washed town of Thera, perched high on the rim of the ancient volcano. Set sail back to the port of Piraeus around 9pm.
Overnight stay on board
Day 7
Disembark after breakfast on board. Meet the local guide and board the bus for a journey to Central & Northern Greece! Upon arrival in the town of Kalambaka we enjoy a spectacular drive up to visit two Meteora Monasteries which are built on the top of colossal symmetrical gray and reddish boulders. They are perched precariously high above the ground and they were first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation.
Overnight in Kalambaka
Day 8
We depart from Kalambaka and continue our journey to Thessalonica. On our way we will stop in Berea (Acts 17:10-15) to see the mosaic monument commemorating Apostle Paul’s preaching. Later in the afternoon, check-in at the hotel in Thessalonica. Enjoy the evening at your own leisure. Take a walk by the seaside promenade and explore the beautiful city center.
Overnight stay in Thessalonica
Day 9
In the morning, we start for a city tour of Thessalonica. We see the Old City Walls, the White Tower, Galerius Arch and the Rotunda. Continue with a drive to Philippi, the site where Apostle Paul established a strong church. To this congregation he sent his letter (Acts 16:9-33). We see the river where Lydia is said to have been baptized, the ruins of a prison where Apostle Paul and Sylas had been kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica and the Theater. After the visit, we continue to Kavala, the ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16:11) where we enjoy a panoramic tour before returning to Thessalonica for overnight.
Overnight stay in Thessalonica
Day 10
As you reflect on these past few days, full of history and spiritual inspiration, you will be transferred to the Thessaloniki International Airport for your flight home.
Day 11
Optional, Free Day, Overnight stay and flight home.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Contact James Pitts for more information
Additional Trip Options
‣ Land only (no international airfare): $2,999
‣ Outside cabin for cruise portion: $199 per person
‣ Single Supplement: $599
Inclusions/Exclusions
The aforementioned package rates include:
‣ Six-night accommodations (double occupancy) with private bath, in five-star hotels in Greece
‣ All tips for the local tour guides, escorts, motor coach drivers, hotel and restaurant staff
‣ Daily buffet breakfast and dinner at hotels (half-board basis)
‣ Comprehensive sightseeing tours/visits with the services of professional, local, English-speaking, government-licensed, Bible-oriented guide
‣ Port charges
‣ Entrance fees/tickets to the archaeological, historical sites, and museums
‣ Three-day Cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey, on Celestyal Cruises, based on an INSIDE or OUTSIDE fully-air conditioned stateroom/cabin, with private facilities (shower/bathtub, washbasin, toilet), on full-board basis aboard ship, beginning with lunch on embarkation day and including breakfast on the day of disembarkation; with entertainment, free use of shipboard facilities and services of cruise staff, cruise service/gratuities charges, Mykonos shuttle bus ticket
‣ Three shore excursions during the cruise visiting Ancient Ephesus, St. John Monastery and Cave of Apocalypse in Patmos, and the Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes island
‣ Complimentary shuttle bus service in Mykonos
‣ All-inclusive drink package during the cruise
‣ Tips for the cruise staff
‣ English-speaking, escorted group transfers on arrival and departures, ports, and hotels
‣ English-speaking escort/assistant during the three-day cruise
‣ All land transportation by private insured, luxury motor coaches, latest model Mercedes and Setra, ranging from 12 to 57 seats with experienced drivers
‣ Assistance, porterage of suitcases at hotels
‣ Third-party personal civil liability coverage
‣ Private hearing devices (whisper sets) for the tour
‣ Hotel service charges, local, and municipal taxes, VAT
‣ Accommodation tax for hotels in Greece
Not included in the above rates:
‣ Valid Passport for at least six (6) months and visa fees (it is the responsibility of the passengers to have all necessary documentation in their possession before traveling)
‣ Travel and medical health insurance
‣ All personal expenses, lunches and drinks during the land tour (unless otherwise noted)
‣ Optional shore-excursions Heraklion, Crete and Santorini (Oia village tour)
‣ Any other services not mentioned as being included
IMPORTANT NOTE
**Although we do not anticipate a change to the tour price, these prices are based on currency rates in effect July 23, 2022, and are subject to adjustment should rates change due to major currency fluctuation (exchange rate) and/or unforeseen economic circumstances, such as increase of VAT, municipal city tax, fuel prices, fuel surcharges, increase of entrance admission tickets and other influencing factors.
Terms and Conditions
Reservations and deposits: A $300 deposit per person is required 240 days before departure. An additional $1000 is due 180 days before departure, with the balance due 60 days from departure.
Cancellations: From day of registration to 180 days prior to departure, we will retain the $300 non- refundable deposit, and you will be charged any airline fees. Additionally, thereafter, you will be charged any airline penalties and a single room supplement if your cancellation forces your roommate into a single, plus the following charges: 179-60 days = $400; 59-45 days = $600; 44-31 days = 40% of total cost; 30 days to day of departure = 100% of total cost. We reserve the right to retain payments until airline penalties have been finalized. Submit cancellation in writing. In case of last-minute, urgent cancellation or information, contact Land of the Bible Tours at (724) 882-8644. We will give every consideration possible in the event of an unavoidable cancellation. Although Land of the Bible Tours does not sell insurance policies, cancellation insurance is readily available through numerous travel insurance companies, and it is highly recommended.
Land transportation: As specified in the itinerary, ground transportation will be provided by deluxe motor coaches.
Air transportation: Tickets are round-trip economy class. An airline supplement may be charged if not departing out of a “portal” airport.
Hotels: Accommodations will be provided at deluxe hotels indicated. All rooms include private bath or shower. If necessary, hotels listed may be substituted by similar hotel at no extra cost to the passenger. All rates are per person based on double room occupancy.
Sightseeing and transfers: Includes all portage, transfers, entrance fees to sightseeing locations as shown in the itinerary. The services of competent local English-speaking guides are provided.
Baggage: Portage is limited to the allowed 50 pounds per person for all flights. Baggage is at owner’s risk. Carry-on bags and small hand articles, e.g., purses, cameras, etc. are entirely under the care of the passenger. Insurance is recommended.
Alterations: Land of the Bible Tours reserves the right to alter or cancel any content of the tour should conditions make it necessary for the safety and well-being of all passengers. In this event, the best possible alternative will be offered. The sole and exclusive obligation of Land of the Bible Tours is to refund monies recovered.
Refunds: Since all tours are on the basis of inclusive arrangements, no refunds can be considered or given for any absence from the tour for any unused services or meals.
Responsibility and liability: Land of the Bible Tours acts as an agent for you in making and securing of arrangements for transportation, sightseeing, hotel accommodations, etc. for the tour. For your protection, Land of the Bible Tours recommends insurance coverages for accident, baggage, trip cancellation, etc. Additional information for these coverages are available and will be supplied to you prior to departure. Land of the Bible Tours does not own, manage, operate, or control any transportation vehicle, restaurant, hotel, or any other supplier of services. All tickets, receipts, etc. are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by the suppliers. By accepting tickets, receipts, etc. you agree that neither Land of the Bible Tours nor any of its representatives shall be liable for any loss, injury, or damage to you or your belongings or otherwise in connection with any accommodations, transportation, or services. Any airline’s concern shall not be responsible for any act or omission during the time you are not on board the aircraft. The passage contract in use by the airline, when issued, constitutes the sole agreement between them and you.
Not included in the tour cost: Beverages with table meals, other than coffee or tea which may be included. Passport costs and/or health documentation cost when required, optional sightseeing and personal purchases, and insurance coverages. Unless noted, daily lunches are not included.