Pastor Zach Terry 10-Day Journey to Greece October 2 - 11, 2022

Questions? Email us at info@signaturetours.com

I would like to invite you to join me on an amazing journey exploring the enchanting Greek islands and retracing the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. We will step into history and walk alongside Paul as we journey through Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. The Holy Scriptures will come to life in unimaginable ways. We will also enjoy sailing around some of the most iconic Greek islands, visiting ancient churches and monuments. This will be a trip of a lifetime that promises to forever change all of us!

Pastor Zach

DAILY ITINERARY

October 2 – 11, 2023

DAY 1 02OCT: BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR: Depart from Jacksonville International Airport for an overnight flight to Athens, Greece.

DAY 2 03OCT: INTO THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL: Arrive in Athens and continue to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 3 04OCT: AEGINA/HYDRA/POROS: Step aboard for a special cruise among the Saronic Islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros. Each island has its own distinct persona and riches to explore. Aegina is famous for its archaeological temples and delicious pistachios brought from Syria centuries ago. While on the island peruse the shops and admire the neoclassical buildings. Next, visit Hydra, a unique island known for its picturesque architecture and lack of motorized vehicles. Hike around the island on the many footpaths leading to magnificent views and historical monasteries. Sail on to Poros, comprised of two islands, Sphairia and Kalaureia, and known for its enchanting pine forests. Onboard the ship, enjoy delicious food, live music, and a Greek dance show. Dinner and overnight in Athens. 

DAY 4 05OCT: CORINTH/ATHENS: The day begins with a journey to Corinth through the Bay of Salamis and the Saronic Gulf. Corinth was home to the apostle Paul for over a year and inspired two of his most familiar letters. Spend time at the Corinthian Canal then tour the ruins of the ancient city. Visit the Archeological Museum of Ancient Corinth, the Sanctuary of Asklepieion, the Peirene Fountain, the Temple of Apollo, and the Bema of Saint Paul, where Paul stood trial before the proconsul. Return to Athens to explore the world-renowned Acropolis and marvel at the ancient glory of the Parthenon, built 2400 years ago. Gather at Mars Hill where Paul addressed the intellectual men of the most informed city of the time, pleading the cause of Christianity. A drive through the city affords views of places such as the University of Athens, the Academy, the National Library, the Temple of Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, Omonia Square, Constitution Square, and the Royal Palace. Spend time in the captivating village of Plaka wandering down the cobblestone streets lined with a myriad of shops and cafes set against the backdrop of the Acropolis. After a day of exploration, transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Santorini.

Day 5 06OCT: SANTORINI: Spend the day exploring Santorini, one of the most iconic Greek islands, formed by the half-submerged crescent of a volcanic caldera. Visit Prophet Elias Monastery, the highest peak of the island, for a 360-degree panorama of the island, the volcano, and the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Stroll through medieval villages such as Megalochori and Pyrgos, characterized by labyrinths of cobblestone streets, white-washed homes, and blue-domed churches. Journey to the world-renown village of Oia for an awe-inspiring view. Return to Thira for a free afternoon savoring the charming city perched high atop the cliffs and enjoying the breathtaking views. Dinner and overnight in Santorini.

DAY 6 07OCT: PALEA KAMENI/NEA KAMENI/THERASIA: Enjoy a private sailing expedition to three islands in the Santorini Caldera. Reach the top of the volcano at Palea Kameni (old burnt) and admire the striking cliffs. Visit Palea Kameni’s sister island, Nea Kameni (new burnt), and take a swim in the hot springs. Sail to nearby Therasia for lunch in the small village at the peak of the island. After a tasty traditional meal, return to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure. Dinner and overnight in Santorini.

DAY 7 08OCT: METEORA: Transfer to the airport for a flight to Athens. Enjoy a drive through the Greek countryside to observe the awe-inspiring rock formations of Meteora. Take in the striking monasteries that crown the summits of these pinnacles with their wooden galleries and corniced rooftops. Dangerously hanging over the stunning abysses, these primitive dwellings compose one of the most fascinating sites on earth. A special treat awaits with a visit to one of these timeless monasteries to see the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art on display. Dinner and overnight in Meteora.

Day 8 09OCT: VERIA/THESSALONIKI: Spend the day in Veria (Berea) where Paul escaped the hostility he encountered at Thessaloniki, preached the gospel, and commended the believers for examining the Scriptures to see if the things he said were true. Visit St. Paul’s Tribune, a monument decorated with extraordinary mosaic murals to commemorate the location where Paul preached to the people. See the nearby statue of Paul the Apostle of the Nations. Continue to Thessaloniki, the birthplace of Aristotle, for dinner and overnight.

DAY 9 10OCT: PHILIPPI/KAVALA/THESSALONIKI: Travel to Philippi, where early believers received one of Paul’s most beloved prison epistles and where Paul preached the gospel and baptized the very first Christian convert on European soil. Among the ruins located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road is the prison into which Paul and Silas were thrown. Tour the port city of Kavala where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. This port was also a destination for Luke the evangelist when he sailed from Troas. See a Byzantine castle, the Roman Aqueduct, and the ruins of an acropolis. Follow the Via Egnatia, a remnant of Rome’s highway system, viewing Roman and Greek tombs and ruts of ancient chariot wheels. Return to Thessaloniki to explore the historic city where Paul planted a church that would later receive two New Testament epistles. Visit St. Demetrius, one of the most beautiful basilicas in the city, and the Rotonda, built as a Roman temple, used as a church, and now a museum. Continue along the waterfront to the massive White Tower and nearby Triumphal Arch of Galerius. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

DAY 10 OCT11: THESSALONIKI/USA: Transfer to Thessaloniki airport for your return flight to the USA with your heart full of memories from spectacular views and unforgettable experiences.

NOTE: Schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour guide’s discretion.

PRICING:

• $5795 per person based on double occupancy. 
  
• Single room supplement - $1395
• $500 per person with registration to secure space.
• 50% of the total amount is due on or before May 2, 2022
• Balance due on or before August 2, 2022

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

• DL 2649 02OCT JAX ATL  1345 1502
• TK 032  02OCT  ATL IST   2210 1540
• TK1843 03OCT  IST ATH  1905 2030
• TK1882 11OCT  SKG IST  0930 1050
• TK  031 11OCT  IST ATL  1510 2010         
• DL 269311OCT ATL JAX 2245 2355 

* Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

HOTELS:

• Electra Palace Athens
• Radisson Blu Santorini
• Divani Meteora Kalambaka
• Electra Hotel Thessaloniki           

INCLUDED:

AIR: The Standard Tour includes round-trip, economy-class airfare from the international departure city listed in the itinerary. Group airfares are based on contracted rates and are highly restrictive. Seats will be assigned by the airline at check-in, and specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the standard tour. Participants who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Participants are responsible for providing frequent flyer numbers, TSA PreCheck, and Global Entry information upon check-in. Group fares do not permit schedule deviations. Participants who wish to deviate from the group schedule should choose the Land Only option. 

LAND ONLY: Participants who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. $1000 will be deducted from the standard tour price when selecting this option. Participants arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours prior to the second payment date listed on the payment schedule. Transportation to and from the airport/hotel can be arranged by Signature Tours for Land Only passengers.

GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport.

HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the group leader will make every attempt to pair single participants requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.

MEALS: Breakfast and dinner are provided at the hotel daily. Lunch is provided on days as noted in the itinerary. 

SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places of interest listed in the itinerary as well as an expert English-speaking guide.

PORTERAGE: See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Any fees for additional baggage beyond the standard airline allowance will be the responsibility of the individual. 

SERVICE CHARGES AND TAXES: Service charges added to the bill as required by hotel management. Taxes as imposed by national and/or local governments and/or administrations from the date listed on this brochure. Tips, taxes, and airport taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. 

NOT INCLUDED: Excess baggage fees, passport fees, visa fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the above list of included features.

PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. If you do not have a valid passport or need to renew your passport before the trip, enter "RENEWING" or "APPLIED FOR" when completing registration.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to sixty days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Travelex Insurance Services. For more information and rates, please review the product flyer or Click Here to enroll in the plan.

* Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. V94 

Signature Tours
PO Box 956817 Duluth, GA 30095
info@signaturetours.com