Pastor Jon Benzinger 12-Day Journey to Greece & Rome March 23 - April 3, 2025

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, Patmos, Ephesus, and Rome. 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 Jon Benzinger

DAILY ITINERARY

DAY 1 (MAR 23): BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR: Depart from PHX for an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece.

DAY 2 (MAR 24): INTO THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL: Arrive in Thessaloniki. Meet with the guide and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

DAY 3 (MAR 25): THESSALONIKI/VERIA: Today we will have a short drive to visit Veria (Berea) ”As soon as night came ,the believers sent Paul to Berea “(Act 17:10). We will see the Bema where Paul found people who eagerly received his message, “examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). Return back to visit the amazing Thessaloniki which was founded in 315 BC and is the second largest city in the country named after Alexander the Great’s sister and the center of Paul’s activities in northern Greece. It is where St Paul preached during 49-50 AC and wrote two epistles (Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians). We will visit the Byzantine churches of St Sophia and St Dimitrius. Then we will drive through the seaside city to see the Rotonda, the Arch of Galerius and the White Tower. We will pass by the ancient walls of the city. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki. Lunch included. 

DAY 4 (MAR 26) ATHENS: After breakfast transfer to the airport for a flight to Athens. 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. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 5 (MAR 27) 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. 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. Dinner and overnight in Athens. Lunch included.

DAY 6 (MAR 28) CRUISE/MYKONOS: Begin the day with a drive 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, world-renowned for its lovely windmills, small cobblestone streets, and countryside. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. Lunch included onboard.

DAY 7 (MAR 29) EPHESUS/PATMOS: 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 recorded in the book of Revelation. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. Lunch included onboard.

DAY 8 (MAR 30) SANTORINI: Wake up with a view of stunning Santorini, the amazing island formed by the half-submerged crescent of a volcanic caldera. Spend the day exploring the pearl of the Aegean Sea. Begin with a trip to Megalochori, one of the most traditional and unspoiled villages on the island. Meander through Firostefani and Imerovigli on the way to Oia village perched high above the cliffs on the rim of the caldera. Enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of the little islands of Thirasia, Palea, and Nea Kameni nestled in the sapphire waters below. Ramble along the maze of marble-paved alleys and peruse the quaint shops while taking time to appreciate the unmatched beauty. Spend time in Fira before returning to the ship for dinner and overnight.

DAY 9 (MAR 31) ROME: Disembark and head to the airport for a flight to Rome. Dinner and overnight in Rome. Free afternoon.

DAY 10 (APR 1) VATICAN CITY: Begin the day with a visit to Vatican City and a tour of the Vatican museums. Meander through the galleries, observing the exquisite tapestries that line the hallways. Enter the Apostolic Palace and stand in awe of the infamous Sistine Chapel. Continue to the Basilica of St. Peter which boasts famous works from artists such as Bernini and Michelangelo. Admire the basilica’s ornate architecture and majestic dome from St. Peter’s Square. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour through the heart of Rome. Visit the captivating Trevi Fountain, the picturesque Spanish Steps, and the historic Pantheon. Take in the spellbinding beauty of Baroque Roman architecture and the fountains that adorn the Piazza Navona. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

DAY 11 (APR 2) ROME: Today’s adventure will take you through the core of Ancient Rome. Begin at Capitoline Hill with Piazza del Campidoglio, Michelangelo’s masterpiece of design. Proceed to Trajan's Column and the Forum of Trajan. Walk on the Via dei Fori Imperiali and see the various Imperial Fora that played an important role in the religious and political life of Rome. Be captivated by the remnants of temples, basilicas and triumphal arches constructed over a millennium as you stroll through the Roman Forum. See Palatine Hill, the origin of Rome. Gaze at the towering Coliseum, the enduring symbol Rome’s greatness. Visit the Abbey of the Three Fountains, the traditional place of Paul's martyrdom.  Continue to St. Paul Outside the Walls, a basilica and abbey built to commemorate and mark the burial place of the Apostle Paul. End the day with a tour through the Catacombs of San Sebastian located on the ancient Appian Way. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

DAY 12 (APR 3) DEPART: Transfer to the 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:

• $6,595 per person based on double occupancy.
  
• Single room supplement - $1,495
• $500 per person with registration to secure space.
• 50% of the total amount is due on or before September 23, 2024
  
• Balance due on or before December 23, 2024

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

• UA2303  23MAR  PHX IAD   0837A 0352P       
• LH 419   23MAR  IAD FRA    0650P 0725A
• A3 531   24MAR  FRA SKG   1030A 0200P    
• LH 243   03APR  FCO FRA    0700A 0900A    
• UA 181   03APR  FRA DEN   1120A 0140P                         
• UA2249  03APR  DEN PHX   0349P 0446P

* 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. Guided Shore Excursions include Ephesus, Patmos, and Santorini. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on the cruise. Drinks are included with all meals. Additional drink packages and Wifi are available for purchase onboard.

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 Trawick International. Please Click Here for more information or to enroll in the plan. A preexisting medical condition waiver is available if purchased within 21 days of registration.

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