Pastor Paul & Brea Gotthardt with Pastor Jim & Sheila McBride 11-Day Journey to Greece & Rome, July 8 - 18, 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, Athens, Corinth, Crete, 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 Paul Gotthardt & Pastor Jim McBride

DAILY ITINERARY

DAY 1 (JULY 8) BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR: Depart from the ATL for an overnight flight to Athens, Greece.

DAY 2 (JULY 9) INTO THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL: Arrive in Athens. Meet with the guide and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 3 (JULY 10) ATHENS: Begin the day at 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 4 (JULY 11) 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.

DAY 5 (JULY 12) 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 6 (JULY 13) 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 7 (JULY 14) 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 and where Titus remained to help the churches. Take a walking tour through town and stop at the Church of St. Titus, Paul’s true son in the faith and the first Bishop of Crete. Board The Discovery for an afternoon cruise to the captivating 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 8 (JULY 15) ATHENS/ROME: Disembark and transfer to the airport for a flight to Rome. Upon arrival, you will be met by the guide and assisted with luggage. 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. Experience a poignant visit to Capuccian Crypt. Take in the spellbinding beauty of Baroque Roman architecture and the fountains that adorn the Piazza Navona. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

DAY 9 (JULY 16) 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 famed 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. 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 10 (JULY 17) ROME: Today, venture 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. Visit Mamertine Prison where Paul was held before his martyrdom. Gaze at the towering Coliseum and take time to explore the enduring symbol Rome’s greatness. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

DAY 11 (JULY 18) DEPART: Transfer to the Rome airport for your return flight to the ATL 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:

• $5,995 per person based on double occupancy.
  
• $4,995 Land Only (purchase your own air)
• Single room supplement - $1,495
• $500 per person with registration to secure space.
• Balance due on or before May 8, 2024

FLIGHT SCHEDULE: (LUFTHANSA)

• LH 445  08JUL ATL FRA 0405P 0700A 09JUL 
• LH1278  09JUL FRA ATH 0925A 0115P 09JUL 
• LH 243  18JUL FCO FRA 0700A 0900A 18JUL 
• LH 444  18JUL FRA ATL 1015A 0215P 18JUL

* 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