Emmaus Center 13-Day Journeys of Paul in Greece, October 8 - 20, 2024

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! 

Elwin Ahu, Founding Pastor
Metro Christian Church

DAILY ITINERARY

DAY 1 (OCT 8): DEPART Leave Honolulu for your journey in the footsteps of Paul.

DAY 2 (OCT 9): ARRIVAL Arrive in Athens. Meet with the guide and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 3 (OCT 10): ATHENS Day of leisure and orientation. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 4 (OCT 11): ATHENS Spend the day exploring the birthplace of democracy. 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. 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. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 5 (OCT 12): CRUISE Savor some free time in the morning before driving to the Port of Piraeus to board the cruise ship and sail to Thessaloniki. Take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean and enjoy the variety of activities onboard. Dinner and overnight on the ship.

DAY 6 (OCT 13): THESSALONIKI Awake in the port of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city and destination for the apostle Paul on his Second Missionary Journey in 49 AD. Explore the ancient city where Paul planted a church that would later receive two New Testament epistles. Visit the Citadel, a Byzantine-era fortress, and the nearby Vlatadon Monastery with magnificent views of the city. Journey to Veria, the ancient town of Berea where Paul shared the gospel with the ‘noble’ Jews. Admire the striking mosaic murals commemorating Paul’s ministry at the Tribune. Return to Thessaloniki for an afternoon promenade along the waterfront. Visit the grand basilica of St. Demetrius. Continue along the coast to view the massive White Tower and the triumphal Arch of Galerius. Dinner and overnight on the ship.

DAY 7 (OCT 14): PHILIPPI Begin the day in the port of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. This port was also a destination for Luke the evangelist when he sailed from Troas. Continue to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon on European soil and sowed the seeds of Christianity. See the complete excavation of the vast Roman Forum. 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 in Europe. Return to Kavala for a free afternoon to explore the seaside city. Dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 8 (OCT 15): ISTANBUL Spend the day immersed in the historical city of Istanbul. Formerly known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire, this fascinating city stretches across two continents—Europe and Asia. Vestiges of the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and Ottomans can be explored. See the Sultanahmet district and wander 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. For lunch, dine at the Konuali Restaurant while savoring the views over the Bosphorus. End the day with a shopping excursion at the Grand Bazaar. Meander through the massive labyrinth of streets lined with shops offering jewelry, leather products, and handcrafted souvenirs. Dinner and overnight on the ship.

DAY 9 (OCT 16): PERGAMON Sail to Dikili for a tour of Pergamon, the northernmost of the seven churches of Asia Minor listed in the New Testament book of Revelation. At the heart of a powerful kingdom, Pergamon was a political and cultural hub of the Byzantine era. Spend time at the remains of the Asklepion, one of the world’s first hospitals. The open-air buildings and porticoes, built in the 4th century BC, were dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing. The remains include patient facilities, a theatre, lecture halls and a library. Return to the ship to sail to Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 10 (OCT 17): EPHESUS Step off the ship at Kusadasi and pass through the Magnesian Gate into nearby Ephesus, Turkey, Asia Minor’s greatest archeological site. This Greek and Roman city has been remarkably preserved. Journey through the extensive Agora. View the Prytaneum and Odeon, a semi-circular theatre where the Ephesian senate gathered for meetings and public social events were held. Step along the broad marble of Curetes Street where Paul walked among the Ephesians. Gaze at the Temple of Artemis (Diana), the Temple of Hadrian, and the exquisite Library of Celsus. Marvel at the massive Great Theatre where Paul was opposed as he spoke boldly about Christ. Stroll through the Baths of Scholastica then observe the intricate design of Trajan’s Fountain. View the Houses of the Patricians, the luxury villas of the wealthy. Take time in the afternoon to shop for souvenirs. Dinner and overnight on the ship.

DAY 11 (OCT 18): PATMOS Spend the morning on the small, but magnificent island of Patmos. This island, built on a mass of volcanic rock, marks the site where the apostle John received the vision he later wrote, known as the book of Revelation. Marvel at the enthralling monastery of St. John built 900 years ago. Discover the ancient manuscripts, frescoes, medieval mosaic icons and ecclesiastical treasures. Visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse where John was imprisoned. Note the niches in the wall marking the pillow and ledge used by the famed apostle. Gaze at the three-fold crack which some believe was made by the voice of God when he spoke to John as he penned the revelation. Return to the port of Scala to enjoy free time in the harbor. Dinner and overnight on the ship.

DAY 12 (OCT 19): CORINTH Disembark and journey to Ancient Corinth where the apostle Paul lived and preached for two years. The church he founded around 50 AD was the subject of at least four letters, two which are recorded in the New Testament. Enjoy a captivating walk through the ruins of the city at the base of the majestic acropolis. See vestiges of the porticoes, temples, fountains, and marketplaces of the once bustling city. Stop at the Corinth Canal connecting the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 13 (OCT 20): RETURN Transfer to the airport to travel home after an amazing journey in the footsteps of the apostle Paul.

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 April 8, 2024
  
• Balance due on or before July 8, 2024

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

•   UA 724   08OCT   HNL SFO    0900A  0515P       
•   LH 459   08OCT   SFO MUC   0905P  0520P  
•   LH1756  09OCT   MUC ATH   0720P  1045P    
•   LH1285  20OCT   ATH FRA    0705A  0910A    
•   LH 456   20OCT   FRA LAX    1030A  0100P   
•   UA1170  20OCT   LAX HNL   0445P  0735P  

* 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 ninety 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 departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. 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. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.

LAND ONLY: Participants who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. $1000pp will be deducted from the standard tour price when selecting this option. Participants arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the group bus at no additional charge. For those not traveling with the group, Signature Tours can provide contact information to arrange a private transfer.

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 Discovery 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. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC # 16535).

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