Steps of Paul
September 30 - October 7, 2023
What Are We Doing?
Friday, October 6 - ATHENS, GREECE - Your three-night adventure starts as we head out to the idyllic island of Mykonos. Home to the famous white windmills, the Island of the Winds is a picturesque paradise with traditional villages, charming churches, whitewashed houses, and a lively waterfront lined with bohemian cafes and welcoming bars.
MYKONOS, GREECE - The magical sun-kissed island of Mykonos invites you to admire its stunning coastline, soft sandy beaches, and rugged rocky landscape. Affectionately known as the 'Island of the Winds,' Mykonos is home to 16th-century windmills that have become iconic landmarks on postcards. The energetic Greek island is well known for its beauty, a diverse range of bars, cafes, and restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere.
Saturday, October 7 - KUSADASI & EPHESUS, TURKEY - After breakfast, we begin a day full of exciting events. First, we head to Ephesus and the unmatched archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus was considered the third most significant city in the Roman Empire of Paul's day and the capital city of the entire eastern Roman Empire. Recognizing this, Paul dedicated over two years of his life to ministry in this city (Actos 19:10). The archaeological excavations here at Ephesus are perhaps the most incredible in the Middle East. One of the many discoveries archaeologists have made here in Ephesus is the unearthing of the 25,000-seat theater where the riot happened that the Bible tells us about in Acts 19:29. After our awe-inspiring visit to ancient Ephesus, we return to the port area where you will have time for shopping. We then board our cruise ship for lunch.
PATMOS, GREECE - Upon our disembarking in the early afternoon, we find ourselves on the beautiful island of Patmos. It was here that the Apostle John was exiled (Rev 1:9) and that he received the Book of Revelation from the Lord Jesus Himself (Rev 1:10). We will go directly to the cave where Apostle John received the Revelation and wrote it down. We will visit the church that stands on this site overlooking the beautiful Aegean Sea. We will then see the monastery on the uppermost part of the island, which contains priceless icons and ancient artifacts, including an original painting of Jesus by the famous artist El Greco (Dominikos Theotokopoulos). Dinner and overnight on our deluxe cruise ship.
Sunday, October 8 - HERAKLION, CRETE - After breakfast, we disembark to spend the morning in Heraklio, the largest city on the island of Crete. Its archaeological museum holds the remains of the 3,000-year-old Minoan civilization. The city has a charming mixture of architecture as-well-as excellent outdoor markets, restaurants, and shopping. You will have all morning to explore and enjoy this quaint city, and then we will return to our ship for lunch and set sail for the beautiful island of...
SANTORINI, GREECE - First settled by the Phoenicians in 1200 BC, the island became part of Greece in 1821. The island is one of the most breathtaking in all of the Aegean and is full of cafes, shops, and restaurants. We will spend the afternoon & sunset hours here and then re-board our cruise ship for our final night cruising the Aegean.
Monday, October 9 - ATHENS, GREECE - Enjoy the rich architectural splendor of the ancient city of Athens as your guide introduces you to the world-renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon, and the Erectheum. Stand on Mars Hill as the minister Paul did when he proclaimed, "I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom; therefore, ye ignorantly worship, he declares I unto you" (Acts 17:23). As you stroll Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life), recall that this was where the apostle, Paul preached "Jesus and the resurrection" (Acts 17:18) to the skeptical Athenians. Also, see the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This afternoon is free to explore Athens on your own or enjoy an optional journey to Sounion to visit the famous Temple of Poseidon (an additional $75). Dinner and overnight spent in Athens.
Tuesday, October 10 - RETURN TO USA - Return home with a new understanding of the apostle Paul's life and ministry.
Ocean View Stateroom
Starting from: $1495 pp*
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. A single supplement is an additional $350 per person.
