Dr. Mel and Gina Blackaby 12-Day Journeys of Paul in Greece September 25 - October 6, 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! 

- Dr. Mel Blackaby

DAILY ITINERARY

DAY 1: (Sept 25) BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR: Depart from ATL for an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece.

DAY 2: (Sept 26) INTO THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL: Arrive in Thessaloniki, founded in 315 BC and named after Alexander the Great’s sister. Meet with the guide and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

DAY 3 (Sept 27) THESSALONIKI: In the 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. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

DAY 3: (Sept 28) KAVALA/PHILIPPI: Begin the day traveling near 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. Next, stop in Philippi, where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and sowed the seeds of Christianity. 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, where Paul planted a church that would later receive two New Testament epistles. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

DAY 4: (Sept 29) BEREA/THESSALONIKI In the morning, enjoy a drive to Veria (Berea) to see the exquisite marble bema where Paul spent many hours sharing the Gospel. The Bereans were praised for examining the Scriptures as they received Paul’s message. Return to Thessaloniki, the hub of Paul’s activities in northern Greece. Visit one of the most beautiful basilicas in the city, St. Demetrius. Marvel at the opulence of Hagia Sophia boasting some of the finest Byzantine mosaics still in existence. Pass by the ancient city walls 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. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

DAY 5: (Sept 30) LAVRIO/MYKONOS: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Athens. Continue to the Port of Lavrio and step aboard The Discovery to start a 4-day Greek Islands cruise. Spend the afternoon exploring the Island of Mykonos, known for its lovely windmills, small cobblestone streets, and countryside. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. Lunch included onboard.

DAY 6: (Oct 01) 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 for speaking boldly about Christ. In the afternoon, enjoy cruising aboard The Discovery to the island of Patmos, built on a mass of volcanic rock. The island marks the site where the apostle John was exiled. Visit the Monastery of St. John and the cave where he received the vision he recorded in the book of Revelation. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. Lunch included onboard.

DAY 7: (Oct 02) RHODES: Spend a full day on the island of Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, rich in history. Journey to Lindos, where it is believed the Apostle Paul had a short stay on his way to Jerusalem. Visit the Acropolis of Lindos prominently displaying the Doric Temple of Athena built in 300 BC with a stunning view of the sea below. See the Church of the Virgin Mary containing frescoes from the 15th century. Return to the capital to be immersed in the history of the occupation of the Knights of Saint John during the Crusades. Pass under the imposing Gate d’Amboise and walk along the Street of the Knights. The crests which identified their Order and living quarters are still visible today. View the awe-inspiring Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes built in the Gothic style. Enjoy free time before returning to the ship for dinner and overnight.

DAY 8: (Oct 03) CRETE/SANTORINI: Arrive in Heraklion, Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands and 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 and where Titus remained to help establish the churches. Take a walking tour through town and stop at the Church of Saint Titus, Paul’s true son in the faith. Continue to the elegant Venetian Loggia where all matters of life and business were discussed during the Venetian period. Next, visit the Basilica of Saint Mark with its fascinating history dating back to its construction in 1239. View the collection of Byzantine religious artifacts at the Monastery of Saint Catherine, founded in the 10th century. Stand in awe of the intricate architectural details and design of the Cathedral of Agios Minas, the seat of the Archbishop of Crete. 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 included onboard.

DAY 9: (Oct 04) ATHENS: Disembark and journey to Athens, the birthplace of democracy. View the world-renowned Acropolis and wonder at the 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. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the historical neighborhood of Plaka at the foot of the Acropolis. Stroll along the narrow roads, peruse the quaint shops, and find refreshment at one of the many taverns. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 10: (Oct 05) CORINTH: Travel through the Bay of Salamis and the Saronic Gulf to the city of Corinth. This city was home to the apostle Paul for over a year and inspired two of his most familiar letters. Spend time at the impressive Corinthian Canal before touring the extensive ruins of the ancient city. Gaze at the temple of Apollo towering above the remains of the influential metropolis. See the ruins of the agora and the shop believed to be where Paul stayed with Aquila and Priscilla. Marvel at the bema where Paul stood before the proconsul, Gallio. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

DAY 11: (Oct 06) 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:

• $5395 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 26, 2024
  
• Balance due on or before June 26, 2024

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

• LH 445  25SEP  ATL FRA    0405P 0700A 
• A3 531  26SEP  FRA SKG   1055A 0230P   
• LH1285 06OCT ATH FRA    0705A 0910A   
• LH 444  06OCT FRA ATL     1015A 0215P 

* 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 on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only participants not traveling with the group 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