Pastor Brian Boyles 13-Day Footsteps of the Apostle Paul, May 29 – June 10, 2022

Under the Leadership of Pastor Brian Boyles
First Baptist Snellville

I would like to invite you to join me on an amazing journey retracing the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. We will step into history and walk alongside Paul as we journey through Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Crete, Patmos, Ephesus, and Constantinople. The Holy Scriptures will come to life in unimaginable ways! This will be a trip of a lifetime that promises to forever change all of us! 

Blessings,
Pastor Brian Boyles

ITINERARY

May 29 - June 10, 2022

DAY 1: BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR: Depart from Atlanta International Airport for an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece.

DAY 2: INTO THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL: Arrive in Thessaloniki where we will be met at the airport for transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

DAY 3: THESSALONIKI/KAVALA/PHILIPPI: Begin the day in the port 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.  Next, stop in Philippi, where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon 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. It was in Philippi that Octavian and Anthony defeated Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC. Return to Thessaloniki to explore the ancient city where Paul planted a church that would later receive two New Testament epistles. View one of the most beautiful basilicas in the city, St. Demetrius. Continue along the waterfront to the massive White Tower and nearby triumphal Arch of Galerius. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

DAY 4:  THESSALONIKI/BEREA/METEORA: This morning drive to Berea (Veria) to see the ancient wall where Paul spent many hours sharing the Gospel. Head south to view 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 Kalambaka.

DAY 5: KALAMBAKA/DELPHI/ATHENS: Travel to the town of Delphi, considered by early Greeks to be “the center of the world,” and explore the most famous site in classical Greece. As mentioned by Homer, the exact age of Delphi is not known. This is where the famed oracle of Apollo resided, who would slip into a trance to utter prophecies about the fate of men and nations.  Travel the sacred way to the Temple of Apollo and the Castilian Spring. Proceed to the Athenian Treasury, Delphi Theatre, and the ancient stadium. Drive to Athens for dinner and overnight. 

DAY 6: ATHENS/PIRAEUS/MYKONOS: Begin the day with a drive to the Port of Piraeus and step aboard The Olympia, to start a 4-day Greek Islands cruise. Spend the afternoon exploring the Island of Mykonos, world-renowned for its lovely windmills, small cobblestone streets, and countryside. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: EPHESUS, TURKEY/PATMOS, GREECE: Step off the ship at Kusadasi and into nearby Ephesus, Turkey, Asia Minor’s greatest archeological site. This Greek and Roman city has been remarkably preserved. Step along the broad marble where Paul walked. Gaze at the Temple of Artemis (Diana), the Temple of Hadrian, and The Celsus Library. Marvel at the massive theater where Paul was opposed as he spoke boldly about Christ. In the afternoon, enjoy cruising aboard The Olympia to the island of Patmos, built on a mass of volcanic rock. The island marks the site where the apostle John wrote the book of Revelation. Visit the Monastery of St. John and the cave where he was imprisoned. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

Day 8:  CRETE/SANTORINI: Arrive in Heraklion, Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands and the cradle of the ancient Minoan Civilization. This island is where the apostle Paul spent time as he was being transported to Rome as a prisoner. Visit the remarkable ruins of the Palace of Knossos, said to be the lost city of Atlantis. Board The Olympia for an afternoon cruise to the famous island of Santorini, formed by the half-submerged crescent of a volcanic caldera. Perched atop high cliffs, reach the island's breathtaking views via donkey or cable car (your choice). Dinner and overnight on the ship.

DAY 9: ATHENS/CORINTH: Early morning arrival in Athens to begin the day’s excursion. Proceed to Corinth through the Bay of Salamis and the Saronic Gulf. This city 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 this ancient city. Return to Athens to view 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. Spend time in historical Plaka and enjoy its streets. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 10: ATHENS: Enjoy the city of Athens at your leisure. Stroll through the streets of Athens exploring Greek culture, shopping, and cafes. Visit the pebbly cove beaches that flank Attica’s southern tip, then watch the sunset behind the temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 11: ATHENS/ISTANBUL: Depart Athens for Istanbul. Upon arrival, visit the Church of Saint Saviour in Chora, which boasts some of the finest 14th-century frescoes in the world. Marvel at the exquisite Byzantine architecture and gilded mosaics. A delight for your senses awaits at Eminönü’s Spice Bazaar. Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this exotic covered market was the international trade center of the Ottoman Empire. Cruise the Bosphorus, a natural waterway that separates the continents of Europe and Asia and serves as the only connection between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. As you float along the strait, savor the picturesque views of old wooden mansions, Ottoman palaces, and ancient fortresses that dot the coast. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 12: CONSTANTINOPLE: Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast followed by a tour of the historical highlights of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Stroll through Hippodrome Square, the social and sporting center of Constantinople which hosted chariot races during the Roman period. Witness the incredible majesty and splendor of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Popularly known as the Blue Mosque, this 17th-century Ottoman sanctuary is adorned with six minarets and more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. Experience the Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece, designed to be the major basilica of the Byzantine Empire. Next, visit Topkapi Palace, the main residence and headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Located on the very cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace still houses a legion of treasures to be admired, including an extensive collection of royal jewels. End the day with an evening of shopping at the Grand Bazaar. Meander through the massive labyrinth of streets lined with shops offering jewelry, leather products, and handcrafted souvenirs. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 13: ISTANBUL/USA: Transfer to Istanbul airport for your return flight to the USA with your heart full of memories from unforgettable experiences.

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

PRICING:

• $5295 per person based on double occupancy.  Book now as space is limited.
  
• Single room supplement - $1095
• PAYMENT PLAN: $500 per person with registration to secure space.
• 50% of the total amount is due on or before January 29, 2022
• Balance due on or before March 29, 2022

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

• TK  32   29MAY  ATL-IST  2225 1605*
• TK1893 30MAY  IST-SKG 1915 2035 
• TK1846 08JUN  ATH-IST 1015 1145 
• TK  31  10JUN   IST-ATL  1505 2005 

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

INCLUDED:

AIR: Includes roundtrip from departure city in the USA and return. Flights are subject to airline schedules and may change without notice. Upgrades can be requested after booking and are subject to availability from the airline. Seat selections are available only at check-in for most group bookings.

GROUND/TRANSFERS: Group will be met by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel. Land only passengers responsible for transportation to and from the airport/hotel.

HOTELS: Superior First Class hotels throughout. Priced on the basis of two persons sharing a 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 circumstances.

CRUISE: Celestial Olympia Cruise Ship: All outside cabins. Guided Shore Excursions included: Ephesus, Patmos, and Crete.  Unguided Shore Excursion Included:  Mykonos and Santorini

MEALS: Land: Breakfast and dinner daily. Cruise: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and midnight buffet.

SIGHTSEEING: As and wherever indicated on the itinerary, including the services of English-speaking guides as well as entrance fees to all places of interest listed in your itinerary.

PORTERAGE: Fees and charges for the porterage of one piece of baggage per person not to exceed 50lbs, in connection with all transfers and at airports throughout the entire itinerary are included. In addition to one checked bag, each traveler is also allowed one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, book bag, or small backpack. See carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements.

SERVICE CHARGES AND TAXES: Service charges as required by hotel management and taxes as imposed by national and/or local governments and/or governments and/or administrations (wherever these are normally added to the bill.) on the date of this brochure are included.

OTHER: Tips, taxes, and airport taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. 

NOT INCLUDED: Excess baggage fees, passport fees, visa fees, items of a personal nature such as in-room service, laundry, etc., soft drinks, beverages that are not on the regular table menu. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the above list of included features.

PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid and not expire at least six months or more from the return home date. If applicable, enter "RENEWING" or "APPLIED FOR" when completing registration.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Vaccine and testing requirements are established by the destination country and/or transfer country. These policies are not set by Signature Tours or our subsidiaries. Signature Tours will make every effort to inform tour participants of health requirements, including vaccinations and testing for their respective destinations. However, participants are responsible for complying with current health requirements for their respective tour destinations. Health requirement changes from destination countries before, during, or after the registration process do not affect Signature Tours cancellation policy.

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. For questions regarding benefits or coverages, please contact Travelex Insurance Services at 844-240-8392 and reference plan number GCPB-0521. 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
phone: (800) 915-3527 email: info@signaturetours.com