Dr. Ed Newton 11-Day Journeys of Paul July 31 - August 10, 2023

USD $5,795.00
  • Duration: 11 Days
  • Location: Athens
  • Product code: Newton23G

Questions? Email us at info@signaturetours.com

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, and Ephesus. 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!

- Pastor Ed

DAILY ITINERARY

July 31 - August 10, 2023 

DAY 1 (JUL 31): BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR: Depart from Houston for an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece.

DAY 2 (AUG 1): 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 (AUG 2): 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 sowed the seeds of Christianity. It was in Philippi that Octavian and Anthony defeated Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC. Among the ruins located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road is the prison into which Paul and Silas were thrown. Meander down to the riverbank to the site of Lydia's baptism, the first baptism on European soil. 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 (AUG 3): BEREA/THERMOPYLAE/ATHENS: In the morning, travel to Berea (Veria) to see the ancient wall where Paul spent many hours sharing the Gospel. Head south to Athens through the amazing countryside taking in the beauty of Greece. Stop at the mountain pass of Thermopylae, the location where the Greeks victoriously fought for their freedom during the Greco-Persian wars in 480 BC. See the statue of Leonidas, king of the Greek city-state Sparta. Dinner, and overnight in Athens.

DAY 5 (AUG 4): ATHENS/LAVRIO/MYKONOS: Begin the day with a drive to the Port of Lavrio 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 6 (AUG 5): 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 7 (AUG 6):  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 8 (AUG 7): ATHENS: Early morning disembark the cruise and drive to Athens to begin the day’s excursion to the city 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 9 (AUG 8): AIGINA/POROS/HYDRA: Today we will sail on a special cruise for the three islands of Aegina- Poros- Hydra. Where we will enjoy delicious food, live Greek music and entertainment onboard. And we will enjoy the special design of each island and have enough time for shopping or maybe little swimming. Lunch will be served onboard. Return to our hotel in Athens for dinner and overnight

DAY 10 (AUG 9): ATHENS/CORINTH: Begin the day with a drive 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. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 11 (AUG 10) ATHENS/USA: Transfer to Athens 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 - $1295
  • $500 per person with registration to secure space.
  • 50% of the total amount is due on or before March 1, 2023
  • Balance due on or before June 1, 2023

 

FLIGHT SCHEDULE: (50 Spaces only with flight)

  • LH 441   31JUL IAH FRA     0345P 0815A 01AUG 
  • LH1556  01AUG FRA SKG    0210P 0530P 01AUG   
  • LH1285  10AUG ATH FRA    0700A 0910A 10AUG
  • LH 440   10AUG FRA IAH    1000A 0135P 10AUG

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


WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE REGISTERING

PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. Participants with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements. If you do not have a valid passport or need to renew your passport, enter "RENEWING" or "APPLIED FOR" when completing registration.

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. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.

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.

GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only participants are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.

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

CRUISE: Celestyal Olympia Cruise Ship: All outside cabins. Guided Shore Excursions included: Ephesus, Patmos, Santorini, and Crete. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included on cruise.

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 daily. Lunch is provided on days as noted in the itinerary. 

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

LUGGAGE: Space is limited on the tour buses. Participants are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Participants are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions. 

TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES: Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes, as imposed by national and/or local governments, that are not included at the time of booking are the responsibility of the participant.

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.

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.

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