GREECE / TURKEY / CRUISE:
Paul’s Mission Journey: Serving Christ in Difficult Times
March 20-31, 2025:
(Program #250305, Taught by Dr. Smith)
$3999.00 Land Only
$900.00 Single Supplement (for those who don’t want to room with another participant; Limited availability)
Day One. Thursday, March 20, 2025: Departure Day.
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 digital “Following Paul in Greece” that will be provided for you. Overnight: In flight.
Day Two. Friday, March 21, 2025: Arrival Day.
Our hotel is about half an hour from the airport, and we’ll be met by our teacher and our local guide, along with our tour bus. Dinner and overnight at hotel: Thessaloniki. (1 of 3) D.
Day Three. Saturday, March 22, 2025: The Gospel’s Arrival.
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: View of Apollonia, View of Amphipolis, visit to Kavalla and Philippi. When we return to Thessaloniki, our group will have dinner at our hotel. Overnight: Thessaloniki. (2 of 3). B, D.
Day Four. Sunday, March 23, 2025: 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, a walking tour in the city beginning at the Agora excavation, and a visit to the upper city. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thessaloniki (3 of 3). B, D.
Day Five. Monday, March 24, 2025: 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 may 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, or even trek a bit on Mt. Olympus. Sites include: Berea (Veria), Vergina (Tombs of Macedonian Kings), Dion or Olympus (as time permits). Dinner and overnight: Pieria or Thessaly area Hotel, Central Greece. (1 of 1). B, D. Overnight: Volos.
Day Six. Tuesday, March 25, 2025: The Trek to Athens. Paul in Athens.
Departing Volos, we have a drive to get 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 late morning in the city, we will visit some time to walk around the perimeter of ancient Athens, including time near the “Prison of Socrates” and the Pynx, while also gaining excellent views of Herod Atticus Odeon and Theatre of Dionysius, Plaka and the Agora. Overnight: Athens (1 of 3) B.
Day Seven. Wednesday, March 26, 2025: Full Day 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). Today we will take time to look at important sites from the “Golden Age” of Athens: Acropolis (with Parthenon and Erechtheion),as well as Paul’s ministry here, focusing on those he reached with the Gospel. Sites include: Parthenon and Erechtheion, Kereimakos 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 shopping, lunch in Plaka, and some free time in the afternoon to explore the Acropolis Museum, or the Archaeological Museum of Athens, as you choose. Overnight: Athens (2 of 3) B.
Day Eight: Thursday, March 27, 2025. 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, March 28, 2025: AEGEAN CRUISE! Fun at Mykonos!
Depart from Athens (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. (1 of 3) B,L,D.
Day Ten. Saturday, March 29, 2025: The Apostle John at Ephesus and 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. (2 of 3) B,L,D
Day Eleven. Sunday, March 30, 2025: Heraklion and Santorini.
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. (3 of 3) B,L,D
Day Twelve. Monday, March 31, 2025: Arrive (7:00 AM) in port back in Lavrion. Return Day to USA.
Transfer from Lavrion to Athens. Departure for the Athens airport for flight home arriving the same day back in the USA.
Tour Conditions:
Your Study Program includes hotels, Greek buffet breakfast and dinner as stated in the program; 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 July 1, 2024 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.
FULL TOUR PRICE will be announced and will include air from the US, and group transfers.
NOT INCLUDED are any expenses required for COVID compliance, personal items such as laundry; drinks or coffee with dinners; lunches, tips for personal favors; excess baggage and forwarding of baggage; transfers other than with the group; optional (but highly recommended) travel insurance.
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 $900 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 is due six (6) months prior to departure. Deposits received within six (6) months of departure require 50% of the total program price. Final payment (your balance) is due to CTSP three (3) months prior to departure. 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. Insurance purchased within two weeks of deposit provides the best value, and may cover pre-existing conditions. CFAR (cancel for any reason) insurance is available from several companies, but can be quite expensive. Read all insurance policies carefully and choose the most prudent one for your situation. CTSP does not sell or recommend insurance policies or companies.
ITINERARY LENGTH: Flight itineraries 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$180 double occupancy, or US$320 for single rooms (includes single supplement).
AIRLINE ARRANGEMENTS from the USA will be 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.
YOUR LUGGAGE is restricted in size and shape by the airline, and is limited to one checked piece (max 50 pounds), one carryon, plus a smaller personal piece. You should check with the airline for the specific restrictions.