Footsteps of St. Paul

November 2024

This historical journey of his life and teachings that left an indelible mark on the spread of the Gospel 15 Day Tour incl 4 nights Cruise Oct 27 – Nov 10, 2025

Vacation Overview

The Apostle Paul, a central figure in early Christianity, embarked on several missionary journeys that profoundly impacted the spread of the Christian faith. Let’s explore some of the significant locations associated with his footsteps:

Thessaloniki, Greece: Thessaloniki, thanks to Apostle Paul, became the gateway for Christianity’s spread to the rest of Europe. During his missionary journey, he promoted Christianity as no one else did, earning him the title “Apostle of the Nations” 4.

Philippi, Greece: Paul visited Philippi several times, along with Silas and Timothy. His baptism of Lydia and her conversion is believed to be the first Christian convert in Europe. The city holds deep affection for Paul, and he was grateful for their support in his mission work 2.

Athens, Greece: Paul made a brief but memorable visit to Athens. You can explore the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the Areopagus, where Paul delivered his defense of the gospel to the city council (Acts 17 of the Holy Bible) 1.

Corinth, Greece: For Christians, Corinth is renowned due to the two letters of Saint Paul in the New Testament: First Corinthians and Second Corinthians. Paul the Apostle also visited Corinth during his missionary travels.

These locations offer a glimpse into the historical, cultural, and spiritual context of Paul’s ministry. Walking in his footsteps allows us to connect with the rich heritage of early Christianity.

Itinerary

Day 1 DEPART TRINIDAD TO LONDON, ENGLAND ON BRITISH AIRWAYS

Check in for your flight to London.

Day 2 ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND

Upon arrival check in to Airport hotel for 1 night. Rest of the day at leisure. Note: Flight arrives at 845am however standard check in for hotel is 3:00pm

Day 3 LONDON TO THESSANOLIKI

Check out hotel and check in for your flight to Thessanoliki on Turkish Airlines via Istanbul.

Upon arrival and after clearing customs you will be greeted by your Tour representative and transfer by private air-conditioned motor coach to your hotel. Get some rest as you adjust to your new time zone. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Continue to Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot in Europe. Overnight in Thessaloniki. Meals:

Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 THESSALONIKI – METEORA

We tour the town, as Paul preached in Thessaloniki during the winters of 49 -50 AD and wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. See the ramparts of the city, the triumphal Arch of Galerius starting at the

Via Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire. Depart for Kalambaka, location of the Meteora Monasteries. Visit Meteora Monasteries. Among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks that seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless monasteries where you can see exquisite specimens of

Byzantine art. Overnight in Kalambaka. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 METEORA – DELPHI

Visit Delphi, the center of the ancient world. After breakfast, we depart for a fascinating tour of the

ancient sanctuary of the god Apollo in its dramatic setting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Hear about the Oracle and tour the excavations before visiting the museum, where one can admire the Charioteer, an extraordinary 5th-century B.C. bronzed statue.

Overnight in Delphi. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 DELPHI – CORINTH – ATHENS

After breakfast, we will travel to Ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18), where St. Paul arrived in A.D. 50-51 to preach the teachings of Christ. Stop at the archeological site housing many statues and artifacts, such as the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Agora, the Bema Courthouse, where St. Paul’s enemies brought him before Gallio, the pavement inscription of Erastus, the Roman Lechaion Road and the Lower Fountain of Peirene. It was here in Corinth that St. Paul wrote First Thessalonians and also, most likely, his Epistle to the Romans. Continue to Athens and cross the Corinth Canal, stopping briefly to learn the history of this famous man-made construction - one of the Seven

Wonders of the Modern World. Then continue to Athens and for free time to rest and freshen-up before dinner at our hotel. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 ATHENS

After breakfast meet our motor coach and local guide, as we begin our half-day city tour. This tour starts at the Dipylon Gate near the ancient Roman Market and then visits the Temple of Hephastos, spending time exploring the Ancient Agora and the rebuilt Stoa of Attalus and its museum, visiting the water -clock of Andronicos and Hadrian’s Library. We will then climb Mars Hill, associated with Paul’s address to the councilors and philosophers of the Areopagus, view St. Paul’s Well and the foundations of the church dedicated to Dionysius the Areopagite, one of St. Paul’s converts (Acts 17:16 -34).

After visiting the famous Acropolis and the Parthenon, we will

continue the tour by visiting the Acropolis Museum and its many artifacts, then continuing on to view the Filopapou Monument, Hadrian’s Arch and the Olympic Stadium. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9 ATHENS – CRUISING MYKONOS

After breakfast at the hotel, we will be transferred to the port city of Piraeus. Here we will board our ship and prepare to sail the Greek Islands and Turkey. All meals and

entertainment will be included while onboard. Our first port of call will be the island of Mykonos. Here, on this jet-set island, beautiful beaches, chic boutiques and elegant nightclubs all vie for the tourist’s attention. Beneath its sophisticated surface, however, lies a quintessential Greek island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot the island and sheep graze in the shadow of whitewashed windmills. Find a table on the waterfront and bask in the serenity of sunset over the picturesque harbor. Be sure to send your regards to Pete the Pelican and then board the ship to sail through the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 CRUISING KUSADASI & PATMOS

After breakfast onboard the ship, we will arrive into Kusadasi. A shore excursion of nearby Ephesus is recommended and here, history truly comes to life. Walking towards the ancient harbor, down a marble road rutted by the wheels of countless chariots, you pass architectural masterpieces like the Magnesia Gate and the Library of Celsus before arriving at the Great Amphitheater where St. Paul was arrested and cast out of the city. We return to the ship for our lunch and continue to cruise to the Island of Patmos. After lunch onboard the ship, we will arrive on the island of Patmos. This serene island is known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire and an included shore excursion will allow one to see everything that the island has to offer. The cave where he is said to have lived is now the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. In the 11th century, the Abbot Christodoulos founded the Monastery of St. John on one of the island’s highest points. Here, priceless icons and manuscripts are on display for all to see. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 CRUISING RHODES

After breakfast your optional shore excursion to the beautiful “Island of Roses” with a rich and varied history. On a hill above the charming town of Lindos rises an ancient acropolis dedicated to the goddess of Athena. Below lies the bay of St. Paul, where the apostle landed during his voyages. The crusading Knights of St. John left the magnificent medieval city of Rhodes behind when they were defeated by Su ltan Suleyman the Magnificent. The Turks then occupied Rhodes for almost 400 years leaving mosques, minarets and a Turkish bath to mark their presence. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 SANTORINI

Today we will arrive on the island of Santorini, perhaps the most breathtaking of all Greek islands. Around 1500 B.C., a volcanic eruption destroyed the center of the island, leaving a crescent shaped rim of cliffs around a harbor formed in the volcano’s caldera. The town of Fira, and its whitewashed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques, clings to these cliffs, accessible mostly by cable car or donkey. To the south is Akrotiri, where recent Minoan excavations support the theories that Santorini might be the fabled lost continent of Atlantis. We

will then return to the ship for our final night, sailing to Lavrion port. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 ATHENS

After breakfast on board we dis-embark and transfer to your airport Hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy your day at leisure Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 14 ATHENS - LONDON

After breakfast, check out your hotel and take a 5 mins walk to the Athens International Airport to check in for your flight to London on British Airways. Upon arrival in London you will be transferred to your London hotel for 1 night stay. Evening at your leisure or enjoy an optional $$ tour (B)

Optional $$ Tour: London Night City Tour.

As the dark settles over the city, much of the traffic clears and all of London’s bright lights come on. With this 90-minute Open Top Bus Tour, you’ll discover London from a mesmerizingly unique perspective.

Drive past the illuminated clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, better known as Big Ben. Watch life along the River Thames as night starts to fall and see the vibrant Central London hub Piccadilly Circus with its famous wall of adverts illuminating the area. The Tower of London is a sight to behold at night, as its lights show-off the brilliance of its hundreds of years old architecture.

Your knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide will tell you about the history of London and explain many of those must know facts about the famous landmarks of England’s capital city. As this is a London by night tour, you’ll hear some of the darker secrets of London too, including the tale of the infamous Sweeny Todd. This tour will give you all the information you need to get to know this fantastic city as it comes alive after dark. The tour is suitable for all ages, and we recommend that if you’re taking the tour in the cooler months, you wear a coat onboard to keep warm. The tour will start and finish at the London Eye, making transport to and from the departure point easy. Meals: Breakfast

Hotel List subject to change

• Gatwick, London – Hilton Gatwick Hotel or similar
• Thessaloniki -Tobacco Hotel or similar
• Kalambaka – Amalia or similar
• Delphi – Amalia or similar
• Athens – Athenian Callirhoe or similar / Sofitel or similar (airport)
• London – Park Plaza Waterloo or similar

Flight Information

FLIGHT BA 2238 - BRITISH AIRWAYS ON SUN 27 OCTOBER 2024
DEPARTURE: PORT OF SPAIN, TT (PIARCO INTL) ON 27 OCT AT 08:10PM
ARRIVAL: LONDON, GB (GATWICK), TERMINAL S - SOUTH TERMINAL ON 28 OCT 08:45AM

FLIGHT A3 607 - AEGEAN AIRLINES ON TUE 29 OCTOBER 2024
DEPARTURE: LONDON, GB (GATWICK), TERMINAL S - SOUTH TERMINAL ON 29 OCT 12:15PM
ARRIVAL: ATHENS, GR (ATHENS INT E VENIZELOS) ON 29 OCT 05:50PM

FLIGHT A3 126 - AEGEAN AIRLINES ON TUE 29 OCTOBER 2024
DEPARTURE: ATHENS, GR (ATHENS INT E VENIZELOS) ON 29 OCT 07:50PM
ARRIVAL: THESSALONIKI, GR (MAKEDONIA APT) ON 29 OCT 08:45PM

FLIGHT BA 641 - BRITISH AIRWAYS ON SAT 09 NOVEMBER 2024
DEPARTURE: ATHENS, GR (ATHENS INT E VENIZELOS) ON 09 NOV 02:30PM
ARRIVAL: LONDON, GB (HEATHROW), TERMINAL 5 ON 09 NOV 04:30PM

FLIGHT BA 2239 - BRITISH AIRWAYS ON SUN 10 NOVEMBER 2024
DEPARTURE: LONDON, GB (GATWICK), TERMINAL S - SOUTH TERMINAL ON 10 NOV 01:00PM
ARRIVAL: PORT OF SPAIN, TT (PIARCO INTL) ON 10 NOV 06:10PM
 

Tour & Air Itinerary is subject to change

Getting Ready to Go

Passports and Visas

It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required.

US, Canada & Trinidad & Tobago Passport Holders do not require visa for Europe at this time but can changed by country at anytime

Guyana Passport Holders must get a Schengen Visa for Europe entry. The closest point is in Suriname. https://visa.vfsglobal.com/sur/en/nld/

Trip Preparation

A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks.

Greek Islands - Do not overpack. The Greek Islands are very casual, and the tour requires only that you be comfortable. There will be no occasions for business, cocktail or formal attire. Most hotels do not have elevators, so travel light. You will enjoy your trip more with less luggage to carry. Bring rubber soled walking shoes for visits to archaeological sites and clothes that can be layered. Avoid packing valuable items such as jewelry.

TIPPING GUIDELINES

Gratuities to your Tour Director and Driver are not included in the vacation price. While the amount of these gratuities will depend upon your degree of satisfaction for services received, many of our clients have asked us for general tipping guidelines. If not already pre-paid, for a good job, we suggest:

Tour Director €5 per tour day, per tour member, (Which for your vacation amounts to €40.00 per person).

Driver €3 per tour day, per tour member, (Which for your vacation amounts to €24.00 per person). It is also customary to tip Local Guides for exceptional service; ask your Tour Director for advice. See the chart below for standard tipping amounts for restaurants, taxis and room service

Restaurants: Where the service charge is already included, round up the check/bill by the equivalent of a few Dollars to show appreciation. Tips are usually left in cash, not added to the credit card payment.

Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are included in the vacation price. It is customary to tip hotel staff for room service. If ice machines are not available and you get ice from the bar, a small tip to the bartender is appreciated.

Please call us on 645-1604 or 665-3383 for more information