Greece: “Journeys of the Apostle Paul”

Martinsburg GBC, PA

May 2-14, 2024

(Program #240501X, Taught by Dr. Randall Smith)

$5099.00 for the full program*

Land Only is $4199.00

*Flights are scheduled from the east coast of the USA. For other locations, prices vary.

A Single Supplement is $1200.00 (for those who wish to travel without a roommate)

Day One. Thursday, May 2, 2024: Departure Day.

PLEASE NOTE: For all travelers arranging their own flights: you must fly INTO Thessaloniki but OUT of Athens! Group flights are from the east coast. If you need us to book flights for your individually (not on the group air) call the office. There may be additional charges if you are not coming from the eastern US.

Today we depart the USA for Thessaloniki, Greece. If you are able during the journey, look over your notebook materials and take the time to read Dr. Smith’s “A Short History of Paul” that will be provided for you. Overnight: In flight.

Day Two. Friday, May 3, 2024: Arrival Day. 

Our group flight will arrive in SKG, and other participants will be arriving throughout the day to the airport in Thessaloniki (SKG). If you book your own air, please forward us your flight itinerary when you’ve secured your flight. This will help us watch out for your arrival! For your information, the hotel is about half an hour from the airport, and SKG is a small airport with luggage usually retrieved on one of only a few luggage belts. We recommend (for those self-booking flights) an air arrival schedule that allows you to have a good night’s rest (try to arrive before 5:30 PM). For those who arrive in the hotel before 7:00 PM, dinner at hotel is included in your program this evening. Overnight: Thessaloniki. (1 of 3) D.

Day Three. Saturday, May 4, 2024: The Gospel’s Arrival.

Our official program begins at breakfast in our Thessaloniki hotel. After a good breakfast, we will drive eastward to the entry point of the Gospel into Europe at ancient Philippi and its nearby port at modern Kavalla (Neapolis of Acts 16:11). Our drive will give us time to introduce Paul, his life and his journeys, as well as probe important topics like “being a Greek in the first century.” Sites include: Views of Apollonia, Amphipolis, visit to Kavalla and Philippi. When we return to Thessaloniki, our group will have dinner at hotel. Overnight: Thessaloniki. (2 of 3). B, D.

Day Four. Sunday, May 5, 2024: Paul and the Thessalonians.

After the beating and jailing in Philippi, the perils of the Second Mission Journey continued in what is now modern Greece, as detailed in Acts 16-18. Paul’s visit in Thessalonica was interrupted by a crowd opposed to his teachings about salvation through Jesus alone. Jason (who scholars suggest may have been the cousin of Paul) was arrested in order to press Paul to leave the city after only a few weeks stay. Today we will visit the archaeological remains of an ancient shopping district uncovered in the heart of the modern city, as well as some of the chief attractions of modern Thessaloniki, with a view toward the seven basic practices Paul pressed the early believers to emulate (1,2 Thessalonians). Sites include: Christian-Byzantine Museum, the ancient basilica Church of St. Demetrius, the Agora excavation, a visit to the upper city. Overnight: Thessaloniki. (2 of 3). Dinner at hotel is included (suggestions will be provided). Overnight: Thessaloniki. (3 of 3). B, D.

Day Five. Monday, May 6, 2024: Paul’s Outreach to Macedonia.

We will. Depart early this morning, for there is much to see! No visit to Greece would be complete without some look at the contributions of King Philip and Alexander the Great in spreading Hellenism to the whole Mediterranean region. Today we will both be stunned by the beauty of the finds in some ancient tombs, and also visit a quiet cemetery with faces on the graves of people who may have met Paul, Silas, Timothy and Dr. Luke at Berea. We will journey on to a brief visit to the cultic centers of Dion, the nearby port city from which Paul may have ventured to Athens via ship. Sites include: Berea (Veria), Vergina (Tombs of Macedonian Kings), Dion. Overnight: Volos. (1 of 1). B, D.

Day Six. Tuesday, May 7, 2024: The Trek to Athens. 

The Second Mission Journey was an emotional low point for Paul, so we will follow the story of his struggle to Athens. Arriving mid-morning in the city, we will visit some important sites from the “Golden Age” of Athens: Acropolis (with Parthenon and Erechtheion), view of Herod Atticus Odeon and Theatre of Dionysius. Overnight: Athens. (1 of 3) B, D.

Day Seven. Wednesday, May 8, 2024: Paul in Athens.

Greeks of every class engaged the Gospel at the time of Paul and just after him under the ministry of the Pastoral leadership of Dionysius (led to Jesus by Paul). Sites include the Areopagus, the cemetery archaeology of Keramikos (time and conditions permitting) and an exciting walk in the ancient Agora Paul was stirred in so long ago, as well as a close up look at the Hephaestus Temple, the Stoa of Attalos and other excavated monuments in the ancient city. We will have some time for a bit of shopping in Plaka as well. When we return to the hotel, you will want to make an arrangement at one of the great Taverna restaurants in the city for dinner with some of your traveling companions (suggestions will be provided.) Overnight: Athens. (2 of 3). B.

Day Eight: Thursday, May 9, 2024. Paul in Corinth.

Paul both ministered in Corinth for eighteen months, and wrote several letters to them (two of which are included in the New Testament canon).  Today we will journey out of Athens to encounter the place where Paul spent the second longest voluntary stay to build ministry partners (not including his incarcerations). Sites include: Elefsina (ancient Eleusis), Isthmia (time permitting), Corinth and nearby Cenchrea. Don’t miss another exciting night at a local restaurant of your choice! Overnight: Athens. (3 of 3) B.

Day Nine. Friday, May 10, 2024: Mykonos.

Depart this morning from Athens to the port (Lavrion) for our voyage to Mykonos. If you have never been there, this is a treat. It is a walkable island with shops, restaurants (taverna) and lovely views of the crystal blue Aegean Sea. We find it to be one of the truly relaxing islands of the region! Overnight: Cruise Ship.

Day Ten. Saturday, May 11, 2024: Ephesus, Patmos.

Today the ports of call include Kusadasi (near Ephesus) in Turkey, as well as the Island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. Celestyal offers an included shore excursion with their own guide and transportation in Ephesus. If you have never seen it - DON’T MISS IT! Ephesus is filled with monumental buildings excavated and restored from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. As for Patmos, the little island is an “on your own” trip, but it is easy to see what this little gem holds!  Overnight: Cruise Ship.

Day Eleven. Sunday, May 12, 2024: Heraklion, Crete.

The ship’s ports of call are Heraklion, Crete and the Island of Santorini. (Your shore excursion to Heraklion with Celestyal’s guide and transportation is included) and SHOULD NOT BE MISSED! It is an archaeological treasure! As for Santorini, you HAVE to experience this place! Overnight: Cruise Ship.

Day Twelve. Monday, May 13, 2024: Arrive (7:00 AM) in port back in Lavrion. 

Transfer from Lavrion to Athens. Free day in Athens for your last-minute shopping and fun! Overnight: Athens.

Day Thirteen. Tuesday, May 14, 2024: Return Day.

Early morning departure for the Athens airport for flight home arriving the same day back in the USA.

PROGRAM CONDITIONS

TOUR PRICE for MAY 2-14, 2024 study program to GREECE with cruise is priced at $5099.00 Air from east coast gateway (TBA) is included, as well as group transfers, hotels, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, all tips for group services, full sightseeing, the services of an English-speaking local guide, and all entrance fees to sites as listed in the program. All taxes and surcharges in effect as of November 1, 2023 are included. If additional surcharges or taxes are imposed by the airlines or governments, any additional amounts will be the responsibility of the passenger. This price is based on a minimum of 20 passengers.

LAND ONLY PRICING IS $4199.00 and INCLUDES all of the above except air tickets and transfers.

NOT INCLUDED are any expenses required for COVID compliance, personal items such as laundry; drinks or coffee with dinners; tips for personal favors; excess baggage and forwarding of baggage; transfers other than with the group; travel insurance. NOTE: As of the time of posting the trip,Greece is not requiring proof of vaccination for COVID.

YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS are based on First Class (4*) hotels using double occupancy in a twin bedded room with private bath. There is a supplemental charge of $1,200.00 if you prefer a single room. Individuals enrolling without a roommate may request to be matched with a roommate. In the event that a roommate is not available, individuals will be required to pay the single supplement charge. All single rooms are subject to availability and may be smaller than normal twin rooms.

PAYMENT: A nonrefundable deposit of $400 per person, is required to secure your place on the program. A second payment of $2200 per person is due November 10, 2023. Final payment is due by February 2, 2024. Deposits received within six (6) months of departure require a total initial payment of $2600. Thereafter, a late payment fee of $100 per person per month will be assessed.

CANCELLATION FEES*:

90+ days prior…..  non-refundable deposit

66-90 days prior….. 50% plus non-refundable deposit

0-65 days prior…..  No refund

*If your cancellation results in a roommate needing a single supplement, that amount will be charged to you in addition to the above fees.
*All refund claims must be in writing to CTSP. There is no refund for any services not used.

TRIP INSURANCE is strongly recommended on all international journeys. Insurance policies purchased within two weeks of CTSP receiving original deposit provide the best value, and may cover pre-existing conditions (read the inclusion statements from your provider very carefully). See www.SquareMouth.com to help you compare various companies to make an informed purchase of insurance.

ITINERARY LENGTH: Flight times are subject to change without advance notice. CTSP is not responsible for changes and delays in airline schedules and does not reimburse passengers for expenses resulting from delays. Because airlines often change flight times and dates at the last minute, CTSP strongly recommends that if passengers are purchasing any connecting tickets they should be able to be changed without heavy fees or penalties. If airline(s) change flight schedules, CTSP reserves the right to lengthen or shorten the itinerary accordingly, and whenever possible, you will be notified in writing. If changes necessitate extra overnights, you will be charged (per person, per night) US$190 double occupancy, or US$290 for single rooms (includes single supplement).

AIRLINE ARRANGEMENTS from the east coast gateway (TBA) are included in the Full Tour price. Air Transportation will be economy class aboard regularly scheduled carriers utilizing non-refundable, non-transferable, non-amendable tickets. Once your ticket has been written, it cannot be transferred, rewritten, or refunded. CTSP recommends that all passengers who need special services or specific seating requests purchase “land only” and then purchase their own flights.

YOUR LUGGAGE is restricted in size and shape by the airline, and is limited to one checked piece (generally about maximum of 50 pounds), one carry-on, plus a smaller personal piece. You should check with the airline for the specific restrictions.

STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

CTSP agrees to provide the itinerary described for this trip, and it represents the entire agreement between the passenger and CTSP. No changes or deviations are effective unless approved in writing and signed by an authorized officer of CTSP. Except as stated herein, no person is authorized to cancel, modify, or vary the study program arrangements (during the course) or to make any representation of warranty concerning the program.

All prices, itineraries, and schedules are subject to regulations and changes thereof by acts of Government, International Agreement and Airline tariff adjustments, rules and regulations.

CTSP reserves the right to change or withdraw the program, in whole or in part, at any time. In the event of a change, the sole exclusive obligation of CTSP will be to refund pro rata any recoverable payment received, based on recovered funds. In the event of rescheduling of the program due to unforeseen circumstances, the cancellation and refund clause will apply. CTSP reserves the right to refuse or to revoke travel to anyone who is, in the sole judgment of CTSP, incapable of or detrimental to group travel.

Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees, CTSP assumes no liability or responsibility for any injuries, inconveniences, illness, irregularity or incidental damages occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of CTSP, or by any person or reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to events such as strikes, revolts, wars, natural disaster, closures of airports or hotels, default or omission of any common or private carrier or the default, negligence, or omission of any by any third party providing services or facilities related to or included in this program. 

The commercial carriers are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on-board commercial carriers. The passenger contracts, in use by all commercial carriers involved, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the commercial carriers and the passenger or purchaser of this program and/or passage and program operators assume no liability or responsibility in connection therewith.

ENROLLMENT in and payment of the deposit for the tour constitutes your acceptance of the Program Conditions and Statement of Responsibility.