Pastor Chris Kouba 11-Day Journeys of Paul in Greece March 8 - 18, 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, and Corinth. 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 Chris Kouba

DAILY ITINERARY

DAY 1 (MAR 08): BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR: Depart from Houston, TX USA for an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece. 

DAY 2 (MAR 09): 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 10): THESSALONIKI/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. Visit one of the most beautiful basilicas in the city, St. Demetrius. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki. Lunch included.

DAY 4 (MAR 11): 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. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

DAY 5 (MAR 12): BEREA/METEORA:  After breakfast, travel to Berea (Veria) to see the ancient bema where Paul spent many hours sharing the Gospel. Head south to view the awe-inspiring rock formations of Meteora. Take in the striking monasteries of Meteora that seem to hang in the air, crowning the summits of these pinnacles with their wooden galleries and corniced rooftops. Dangerously hanging over the stunning abysses, these primitive dwellings compose one of the most fascinating sites on earth. A special treat awaits with a visit to one of these timeless monasteries to see the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art on display. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka. Lunch included.

Day 6 (MAR 13): KALAMBAKA/THERMOPYLAE/SANTORINI: Begin the day with a panoramic tour of the town in the shadows of the captivating monasteries of Meteora. Next, journey 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. Continue to Athens for a short flight to Santorini, the pearl of the Aegean. Dinner and overnight in Santorini.

DAY 7 (MAR 14): SANTORINI: The morning begins with a tour of the extraordinary island formed by the half-submerged crescent of a volcanic caldera. The island is replete with amazing villages and exquisite views. See Kamari and Monolithos on the way to Oia, perched atop the high cliffs. Savor the island’s breathtaking views from Oia, rambling along the narrow paths lined with shops and cafes. Continue to Fira, the capital of Santorini, for free time to explore and enjoy the enchanting beauty. Overnight in Santorini.

DAY 8 (MAR 15): ATHENS:  After breakfast, enjoy a short flight to Athens, the capital of Greece. 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. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city with views of places such as the University of Athens, the Academy, the National Library, the Temple of Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, Constitution Square, and the Royal Palace. Spend time in the charming 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. Lunch included.

DAY 9 (MAR 16) CORINTH: A scenic drive along the Peloponnesian Gulf, through the Bay of Salamis and the Saronic Gulf ends in 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 Corinthian Canal connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Next, tour the ruins of this ancient city. Walk through the Archaeological Museum with vestiges of marble statues and columns. Stand on the Bema where Paul stood to address the Roman proconsul, Gallio. Admire the ruins of the marketplace and the temple. Continue to the seaside town of Loutraki to enjoy the shops, cafes, and views. Dinner and overnight in Athens. Lunch included.

DAY 10 (MAR 17): ATHENS: Enjoy a day of leisure in Athens, the heart of ancient civilizations and the birthplace of democracy. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 11 (MAR 18): 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:

• $5695 per person based on double occupancy.
  
• Single room supplement - $1395
• $500 per person with registration to secure space.
• 50% of the total amount is due on or before October 8, 2024
  
• Balance due on or before January 8, 2025

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

• TK  34    08MAR  IAH-IST    2120 1815
• TK1893  09MAR  IST-SKG   2020 2045 
• TK1844 18MAR   ATH-IST   1000 1240 
• TK  33    18MAR  IST-IAH   1450 2025 

* 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.

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