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FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL
Greece, Turkey and 7-Day Aegean Cruise
July 27 - August 8, 2027
Hosts: Pastor Jason Smith & Pastor Daniel Justice
TRIP SUMMARY
13 TOTAL DAYS
A Journey Through Greece Like No Other
​Step into the world of the Apostle Paul on an extraordinary journey through Greece and the Aegean. From Philippi, where the Gospel first reached Europe, to Thessaloniki, Corinth, Athens, and Ancient Ephesus, experience the places where biblical history came alive. Then sail the legendary Aegean aboard Celebrity Infinity, discovering Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, and Hydra along the way. But this is more than a biblical tour—it is a luxury experience. With five-star accommodations throughout, exceptional dining, premium surroundings, and carefully curated experiences, this journey combines profound biblical discovery with the very best of Greek hospitality. History, Scripture, culture, and luxury come together in one unparalleled adventure.
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★★★★★ Grand Hotel Palace
Experience Thessaloniki in refined comfort at the Grand Hotel Palace, a distinguished five-star property offering elegant accommodations, exceptional service, and sophisticated surroundings. After days exploring Macedonia and the footsteps of Paul, return to an atmosphere designed for relaxation, gracious hospitality, and effortless comfort.
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★★★★★ Divani Palace Acropolis
Stay in the heart of Athens at the luxurious Divani Palace Acropolis, where timeless Greek heritage meets five-star hospitality. With its exceptional location and elegant accommodations, the hotel places you within the atmosphere of ancient Athens while providing a polished retreat at the end of each memorable day.
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★★★★★ Celebrity Infinity
Sail aboard Celebrity Infinity, renowned for its elevated culinary experience, stylish accommodations, and exceptional service. Celebrity Cruises is consistently recognized among the world’s leading premium cruise lines for its food, hospitality, and sophisticated onboard experience. From beautifully appointed staterooms to thoughtfully crafted cuisine and elegant public spaces, every detail is designed to feel refined rather than ordinary. As you sail through the Aegean, enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation, indulgence, and discovery—making the journey between Greece’s legendary destinations every bit as memorable as the destinations themselves.​​​​
DETAILED ITINERARY*
1
DAY
July 27, 2027 - Your Journey Begins
Depart the United States and begin the journey to Greece. Today marks the start of an immersive adventure through the lands connected to the early Christian world, ancient civilizations, and the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. As the group travels overseas, anticipation builds for the historic sites, cultural experiences, biblical connections, and Mediterranean destinations awaiting throughout the thirteen-day journey.
2
DAY
July 28, 2027 - Welcome to Thessaloniki
Arrive in Thessaloniki, Greece, and begin the Greek experience. After international travel, settle into the Grand Hotel Palace and enjoy the opportunity to become acquainted with this historic Macedonian city. Thessaloniki provides an important setting for understanding Paul’s ministry and the development of the early Christian church. The evening offers time to rest, recover from travel, and prepare for tomorrow’s journey to Philippi and Lydia.
3
DAY
July 29, 2027 - Philippi: The Gospel Arrives in Europe
Travel to ancient Philippi, an important city in Paul’s missionary ministry and the setting of the first recorded Christian conversion in Europe. Explore the archaeological remains before continuing to the Lydia River, traditionally associated with Lydia’s baptism. A teaching session provides an opportunity to reflect on Paul’s ministry and the growth of Christianity in Macedonia. Continue to Kavala for lunch and shopping before returning to Thessaloniki.
4
DAY
July 30, 2027 - Thessoliniki: Faith Takes Root
Begin the day overlooking Thessaloniki from Heptapyrgion before visiting the Holy Church of Saint Demetrius and the Roman Forum. Enjoy lunch in Aristotelous Square, then transfer to Thessaloniki Airport for the flight to Athens. Upon arrival, travel to the Divani Palace Acropolis, your home for the next several nights. The day combines ancient history, Christian heritage, local culture, and a transition to Greece’s historic capital.
5
DAY
July 31, 2027 - Athens: Paul Among the Philisophers
Explore Athens on foot, beginning with the Acropolis and continuing to Areopagus Hill, where Paul addressed the Athenians in Acts 17. Walk through the historic Plaka district for lunch before visiting the Acropolis Museum. After returning to the hotel for free time, return to Plaka for an evening of dinner, shopping, and exploration. Today brings together classical Greek civilization, biblical history, archaeology, and the vibrant atmosphere of modern Athens.
6
DAY
August 1, 2027 - Corinth: The Church Strengthed
Leave Athens for the Corinth Canal before continuing to ancient Corinth, a significant city in Paul’s ministry and the recipient of two New Testament letters. Explore the archaeological site and consider the importance of Corinth in the early Christian movement. Continue to the cruise port for boarding the Celebrity Infinity. After settling aboard, enjoy several hours of free time before the ship departs, beginning the Mediterranean portion of the journey.
CELEBRITY INFINITY 7-DAY CRUISE
7
DAY
August 2, 2027 - Mykonos: Beauty, Charm & Aegean Charm
Spend the day in Mykonos with no scheduled group activities, providing flexibility to experience the island at your own pace. Explore the charming streets, waterfront, shops, cafés, and distinctive architecture, or simply relax and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere. The unstructured day offers a welcome change of pace after several days of touring archaeological and biblical sites, allowing travelers to enjoy Greece’s famous island culture while making the most of their time aboard the cruise.
8
DAY
August 3, 2027 - Ephesus: The Heart of Paul's Asian Ministry
Visit Turkey and ancient Ephesus, one of the most important archaeological and biblical sites of the journey. After arriving in Kusadasi, Turkey, tour the extensive ruins of Ephesus, including the magnificent Terrace Houses, while reflecting on the city’s significance in Paul’s ministry and the early church. Continue to a traditional Turkish rug factory for a fascinating cultural experience before returning to Kusadasi. Enjoy free time to explore the waterfront, shops, and cafés before reboarding the ship and continuing our unforgettable Mediterranean voyage.
9
DAY
August 4, 2027 - At Sea: A Day of Rest & Reflection​
Enjoy a full day at sea aboard the Celebrity Infinity. With no scheduled group activities, the day provides an opportunity to relax, enjoy the ship’s amenities, reflect on the experiences of the first week, and prepare for the remaining destinations. Travelers can use this time for personal reflection, fellowship, dining, recreation, or simply taking in the Mediterranean scenery. It is a slower-paced day between the historic ports of Ephesus and Rhodes.
10
DAY
August 5, 2027 - Rhodes: A Crossroads of Civilizations
Spend the day in Rhodes with no scheduled group activities. Travelers are free to discover the island independently, explore its historic streets and landmarks, visit the medieval city, shop, dine, or simply enjoy the scenery. After the intensive biblical and archaeological touring earlier in the journey, this flexible day allows each traveler to choose their own experience while continuing to enjoy the history, culture, and Mediterranean character of one of Greece’s best-known islands.
11
DAY
August 6, 2027 - Santorini: The Crown Jewel of the Aegean
Arrive in Santorini for a full day to experience one of Greece’s most iconic destinations. A private group bus will be available throughout the day, providing convenient transportation as we explore the island together. Discover dramatic volcanic landscapes, picturesque villages, spectacular views, local shops, and cafés while enjoying the freedom to experience Santorini at a relaxed pace. The extended day provides ample opportunity to experience the island’s distinctive beauty, culture, and charm before returning to the Celebrity Infinity.
12
DAY
August 7, 2027 - Hydra: Where Time Stands Still
Spend the final full day of the cruise on the island of Hydra. With no scheduled group activities, travelers can enjoy the island independently and at a relaxed pace. Explore the picturesque harbor, winding pedestrian streets, shops, cafés, and waterfront scenery, or simply savor the peaceful atmosphere. Hydra provides a fitting conclusion to the Mediterranean portion of the journey, offering one last opportunity to enjoy Greece before returning to Athens and beginning the trip home.
13
DAY
August 8, 2027 - The Journey Home
Arrive in port and disembark the Celebrity Infinity in the early morning. After completing the disembarkation process, transfer to the airport for departures to the United States. Although the journey comes to an end today, the experiences of Philippi, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, and the Greek islands provide lasting memories. Travelers depart with a deeper appreciation for Greece’s ancient world, its biblical connections, and the Mediterranean journey they have shared.
* The itinerary provided is intended as a suggested outline of the tour experience and reflects our planned schedule at the time of publication. While we will make every effort to follow this itinerary as closely as possible, the order of activities, sites visited, accommodations, transportation arrangements, but daily schedules may be modified due to weather conditions, site mainetance, local regulations, operational considerations, or other unforeseen circumstances.
PACKAGE PRICING**
PACKAGE 1
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
INSIDE CABIN
$5,885
per person
PACKAGE 2
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
OUTSIDE CABIN
$6,230
per person
​INCLUDED WITH YOUR PACKAGE
LAND TOUR GREECE
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2 nights hotel accommodation in Thessaloniki. 2 nights hotel accommodation in Athens.
4 daily buffet breakfast at the hotels. 3 dinners at the hotels. Thessaloniki city tour.
Philippi and Kavala excursion. Ancient Agora of Athens. Mars Hill (Areopagus).
Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Ancient Corinth and Corinth Canal.
All entrance fees to archaeological sites. Deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach.
English-speaking, Bible-oriented licensed guide. Local escort/representative.
Airport, hotel and cruise-port transfers. Highway tolls. Driver's porterage.
Applicable local taxes and VAT. Climate resilience tax.
Whisper/headset system during guided tours.
LAND TOUR GRATUITIES
$200 per person (included)
AIR TRAVEL WITHIN GREECE
Flight from Thessaloniki to Athens — $120 per person (included)
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7-NIGHT CELEBRITY INFINITY CRUISE
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Cruise accommodations based on your selected cabin category.
All meals onboard the ship. Pools and recreational facilities.
Live performances, musical entertainment and comedy.
Daily onboard activities and entertainment.
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Private guided excursion to Ephesus and the Terrace Houses in Turkey,
including transportation, guide and entrance fees.
$487 per person (included)
$127 per person (included)
SANTORINI - FULL DAY PRIVATE BUS SERVICE
$30 per person (included)
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​​​CRUISE PORT TAXES
$260 per person (included)
GREEK CRUISE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEES
$50 per person (included)
CRUISE GRATUITIES
$140 per person (included)
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​** NOT INCLUDED WITH YOUR PACKAGE
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INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
Round-trip airfare to and from Greece is not included in the tour package.
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Travelers will be responsible for arranging their international flights to
Thessaloniki and home from Athens, unless otherwise stated in their selected package.
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PERSONAL EXPENSES
Lunches and meals not specifically listed as included. Shopping and souvenirs.
Additional beverages during the land tour. Shopping and souvenirs.
Personal transportation. Telephone and internet charges beyond included Wi-Fi.
Laundry and other personal services. Airport, hotel or cruise-port porterage.
Excess baggage fees
TRAVEL INSURANCE (RECOMMENDED)
Medical/accident insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance
and baggage insurance are not included.
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** DYNAMIC CRUISE PRICING
Cruise pricing can change based on cabin availability, group size, cruise-line inventory,
airfare, taxes, fuel surcharges, and currency exchange rates.
Prices are confirmed only when a reservation and required deposit are received.
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