Journeys of Paul, Rev. David Langerfeld 13-Day Journey to Ancient Greece, the Greek Isles & Turkey September 8 - 20, 2024

Questions? Email us at info@signaturetours.com

A Special Invitation from David and Martha Langerfeld

Martha and I would like to invite you to join us 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. We will end our tour with a special visit to ancient Constantinople (Istanbul). The Holy Scriptures will come to life in unimaginable ways!  This will be a trip of a lifetime as you walk in the footsteps of Paul and the earliest Christians.  The New Testament will come alive and your Bible Study will be changed forever. 

ITINERARY

September 8 - 20, 2024

SEP 8 - DAY 1: THE JOURNEY BEGINS: Our journey begins with a mid-morning departure by bus from Tupelo to Atlanta for a late evening departure from Atlanta International Airport.

SEP 9 - DAY 2: THESSALONIKI: - Arrive in Thessaloniki, where we will be met at the airport by our tour hosts for transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

SEP 10 - DAY 3: THESSALONIKI/KAVALA/PHILIPPI: Our journey begins with a drive through Kavala, the port city where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. We follow the ancient Via Egnatia, a remnant of Rome's highway system, viewing Roman and Greek tombs and the ruts of ancient chariot wheels. Our first stop is Philippi, where Paul delivered his first evangelical sermon and where he baptized Lydia, the first Christian convert on European soil. We visit the prison cell where Paul and Silas were imprisoned and were later delivered when an earthquake struck. We return to Thessaloniki to explore the ancient city where Paul planted a church and pass the waterfront with the massive White Tower synonymous with the city. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki. Lunch Included.

SEP 11 - DAY 4: THESSALONIKI/METEORA: This morning, spend time in the ancient city of Thessaloniki. Explore the ruins of the Roman Forum and see the Rotunda. View the triumphal Arch of Galerius and continue along the waterfront to the massive White Tower. Next, travel south to view the awe-inspiring rock formations of Meteora. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka. Lunch Included.

SEP 12 - DAY 5: KALAMBAKA/DELPHI/ATHENS: Today’s travel takes us to 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. Situated on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, Delphi is home to the famed Oracle of Apollo, who would slip into a trance to utter prophecies about the fate of men and nations. While there, we walk the sacred way to the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Delphi Theatre, and the ancient stadium. Drive to Athens for dinner and overnight. Lunch included.

SEP 13 - DAY 6 MYKONOS: In the morning, we transfer to the port of Piraeus to begin our three-day Mediterranean Cruise on a superior 4-star Cruise Ship. We sail first to Mykonos, a romantic, whitewashed isle renowned for its dazzling whiteness and romantic windmills. The streets and buildings sparkle like jewels. Alongside its picturesque fishing boats and many churches are fashionable boutiques that rival the Via Veneto in Rome. We return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (Note: All three meals are served on board. All cabins are ocean view cabins.) Lunch is included onboard.

SEP 14 - DAY 7: EPHESUS / PATMOS: Our sightseeing cruise takes us through the colorful port city of Kusadasi along the coast to Ephesus, the greatest city in Asia Minor. Ephesus was famous for the Temple of Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and The Library of Celsus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. As we enter the ancient city through the Magnesia Gate, we discover innumerable monuments, including the Forum, the Thermal Baths of Scholastica, and the great theater where Paul addressed the people of Ephesus (Acts 19). We then walk the Arcadian Way, where Marc Antony & Cleopatra rode in procession. In the afternoon, our ship sails to Patmos, where we visit the monastery of St. John. Located in the monastery are ancient manuscripts, frescoes, ecclesiastical treasures, and medieval mosaic icons. Afterward, we visit the Cave of the Apocalypse. There we see the niches in the wall that mark the pillow and the ledge used by the Apostle John, the author of the Book of Revelation, and also, the three-fold crack that some believe was made by the Voice of God when He spoke to John as he wrote Revelation. Dinner and overnight on the ship. Lunch is included onboard.

SEP 15 - 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 Discovery for an afternoon cruise to the famous island of Santorini, formed by the half-submerged crescent of a volcanic caldera. Perched atop high cliffs, savor the island’s breathtaking views from Oia. Dinner and overnight on the ship. Lunch is included onboard.

SEP 16 - DAY 9: ATHENS/CORINTH: After our early morning arrival at the port of Piraeus, we proceed to Corinth to tour the incredible ruins and excavations of Ancient Corinth, where Paul spent many days teaching the Corinthians at the Bema Judgment Seat. Leaving Corinth, we stop at the Corinthian Canal before returning to Athens. In the afternoon, we begin a tour of modern Athens, including Constitution Square and the Presidential Palace, with the changing of the guards. Dinner and Overnight in Athens. Lunch included.

SEP 17 - DAY 10: ANCIENT ATHENS: Our pilgrimage continues with a visit to the world-renowned Acropolis, with its famous monument, the Parthenon, and other massive ruins such as the Erechtheion and the Propylaea. We climb Mars Hill just as Paul did in his debates with the Greek philosophers (known as the Areopagus). We visit the Agora, the marketplace where Paul spoke on a daily basis, and tour many other ancient sites such as the Hephaistos (the “Small Parthenon”) and the Temple of Zeus. Dinner and Overnight in Athens.

SEP 18 - DAY 11: ATHENS/ISTANBUL:  We depart Athens for Istanbul. Upon arrival, we visit the Church of Saint Saviour in Chora, which boasts some of the finest 14th-century frescoes in the world, and marvel at the exquisite Byzantine architecture and gilded mosaics. A delight for your senses awaits at Eminönü's Spice Bazaar. Known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this exotic covered market was the international trade center of the Ottoman Empire. We take a special cruise on 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 we float along the strait, we savor the picturesque views of old wooden mansions, Ottoman palaces, and ancient fortresses that dot the coast. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

SEP 19 - DAY 12: CONSTANTINOPLE: Today, we enjoy a day tour of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. We stroll through Hippodrome Square, the social and sporting center of Constantinople, which hosted chariot races during the Roman period. We view 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. We experience the Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece designed to be the major basilica of the Byzantine Empire. Later, we will visit Topkapi Palace, the main residence and headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Located on the cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace still houses a legion of treasures. We end the day with an evening of shopping at the Grand Bazaar. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. Lunch included.

SEP 20 - DAY 13: ISTANBUL/ATLANTA: We transfer to Istanbul airport for our return flight to the USA with our hearts full of memories from unforgettable experiences. Arrive late evening in Atlanta and transfer to our bus for our return to Tupelo.

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

PRICING:

• $5,895 per person based on double occupancy.
  
• Single room supplement - $1,595
• $500 per person with registration to secure space.
• 50% of the total amount is due on or before March 8, 2024
• Balance due on or before June 8, 2024

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

• TK  32    08SEP   ATL-IST    2140 1535
• TK1893  09SEP   IST-SKG   1855 2015
• TK1844  18SEP   ATH-IST   1030 1210
• TK  31    20SEP   IST-ATL    1450 1950

* 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 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 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. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. V94 

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