Lydia Berea Meteora Acropolis, Athens Mars Hill, Athens Celestyal Discovery Mykonos Ephesus Patmos Santorini
You are invited to join your church family on a 2-week luxury trip to Greece and Turkey in the steps of St. Paul and the first apostles. This journey combines a cruise on the luxury ship, Celestyal Discovery, excursions on stunning, sun-drenched islands, and tours of several biblical sites. Our adventure will deepen your understanding of the early church and make the book of Acts come alive, all while enjoying Christian fellowship and the beauty of the Mediterranean world.
It’s a powerful feeling to walk where Paul walked, to open our Bibles to the pages that reference those sites, to make new discoveries, and relive history. Your Bible reading will never be the same, which promises new dimension and insight to your spiritual journey. Furthermore, the trip will enable you to reflect on the culture of Paul’s day and the implications of his radical mission for our own call to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Dr. Eric Sorenson has been an avid reader and lover of the Bible since he first learned to read. This led to an undergraduate degree in biblical studies, which he complemented with a master’s degree from Fuller Seminary and a post-graduate degree in church history and New Testament from Princeton Seminary. During his nearly four decades in ministry, he has served as a pastor, professor, and seminary dean. He is currently the Lead Pastor of Community Covenant Church in Santa Barbara, CA, where he continues to apply his love for studying and teaching Scripture. He and his wife, Karyn, have four married children and four grandchildren.
Key: IF = In Flight Meals, B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: Sunday, September 28, 2025: Depart
We will depart from the USA on our flights to Greece. Group and individual air is available from Reformation Tours. (IF)
Day 2: Monday, September 29, 2025: Thessaloniki
On arrival in Thessaloniki, we will transfer to our beachside hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax before dinner. (D)
Day 3: Tuesday, September 30, 2025: Philippi, Kavala, Thessaloniki
We will begin our tour in Philippi where the Apostle Paul established a strong church. The letter he wrote to the church is recorded in Acts 16:9-33. We will see the ruins of a prison where Paul and Silas were kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica, and the Theater. Nearby is the memorial chapel and baptism site, where Lydia was baptized. We will have free time in the harbor of the ancient port of Kavala (Neopolis) where Paul first set foot in Europe to share the gospel. After a photo stop to see the Lion of Amphipolis, we will return to Thessaloniki and dine in our hotel. (B/D)
Day 4: Wednesday, October 1, 2025: Thessaloniki, Berea, Kalambaka
On our morning tour of Thessaloniki, we will drive to the upper part of the Old City Walls where we will have excellent views of the city port. We will also tour St. Demetrius’ Church to see the early Byzantine mosaics and the crypt. We will view the White Tower, the statue of Alexander the Great, the triumphal Arch of Galerius, and the Rotunda. After some free time for lunch, we will travel to Berea (now called Verea) where Paul and his companions went to escape the angry Jews of Thessaloniki, finding that the Bereans, “received the word with great eagerness…” The Bema memorial commemorating Paul’s preaching features gorgeous Byzantine-style mosaic scenes of Paul spreading the gospel. We will pass by Katerini and see Mount Olympus, the home of the twelve Olympian gods and goddesses on the way to our hotel in Kalambaka. (B/D)
Day 5: Thursday, October 2, 2025: Meteora, Delphi
The breathtakingly beautiful monasteries of Meteora are perched precariously high above the ground. They were first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation, although the first hermits settled there in the 11th century. Meteora is the biggest and most important group of monasteries in Greece after those in Mount Athos. We will visit two of these monasteries this morning. In the afternoon we will continue our journey to Delphi and we will dine in our hotel (B/D)
Day 6: Friday, October 3, 2025: Delphi, Athens
The archeological site of Delphi is located on the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, and is considered by early Greeks to be the center of the world. Walking the Sacra Via to the Athenian Treasury, we will see the amphitheater, stadium and the Temple of Apollo where the oracle performed his or her prophetic rituals. With pagan ruins surrounding our walk, capture a glimpse of the challenge the apostle Paul incurred in preaching the Gospel of Christ in Macedonia. In the Delphi Museum, we will view many ancient treasures, the chief of which is the 5th century bronzed Charioteer, complete with eyelashes. We will arrive in Athens in the evening and will dine in our hotel. (B/D)
Day 7: Saturday, October 4, 2025: Athens
This morning we will enjoy a city tour of Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis and Mars’ Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where Apostle Paul delivered his soul-stirring sermon. The World Heritage sites on the Acropolis have survived more than 25 centuries. We will then explore the Roman Forum. The afternoon is at leisure, with an option to visit the renowned Archeological Museum (B)
Day 8: Sunday, October 5, 2025: Corinth, Cenchrea, Athens
This morning we will take a day trip to Corinth and Cenchrea. We will view the historic Corinth Canal, then visit the Corinth Archeological site where the Apostle Paul lived and worked, establishing a thriving church. Our tour will include the Temple of Apollo, the Agora, the Roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio’s Seat. After we visit the local archeological museum, we still stop by the ancient harbor of Cenchrea, the port Paul left to sail to Ephesus. Tonight we’ll dine in a restaurant with folklore music and dancing. (B/D)
Day 9: Monday, October 6, 2025: Cruise, Mykonos
We will say goodbye to mainland Greece this morning as we board our Celestyal Cruise Ship and sail to Mykonos, the classic Greek isle dotted with hundreds of whitewashed churches and thatch-roofed windmills, in a harbor bobbing with fishing boats and luxurious private yachts. We can explore the island independently, or chose from one of the excursions. Prices vary (B/L/D)
Day 10: Tuesday, October 7, 2025: Cruise, Ephesus, Patmos
Our boat will dock in Kuşadası in Turkey, where we will disembark for a included shore excursion to Ephesus, which is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. The Apostle Paul was based in Ephesus for several years. We will tour the spectacular ruins in the city which was founded in the 10th century B.C. and hear about the church in Ephesus and Paul’s ministry. We will disembark in Patmos where the Apostle John was exiled, and where he wrote the book of Revelation. Our included excursion includes the village of Chora, where we will visit the Monastery of St. John. This dates back to 1088 and see the artefacts in the museum. Our next stop is the Grotto of St. John, a 17th century monastery built around the cave where John is said to have written the book of Revelation. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Wednesday, October 8, 2025: Rhodes
Rhodes was the gateway to the Aegean, due to all the harbors on the island. It still has many remnants of its occupation by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. The Colossus of Rhodes, destroyed in an earthquake, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Paul visited the island whilst returning to Jerusalem on his third missionary journey. Optional excursions include visits to the Acropolis of Lindos, the Palace of the Knights, pottery making, kayaking, a marine biology experience and a beach day. Prices vary. (B/L/D)
Day 12: Thursday, October 9, 2025: Crete, Santorini
We will arrive in the port of Heraklion, Crete, early in the morning. There area range of excursions, including a visit to Knossos, the legendary home of the Minotaur. Prices vary. Santorini, an island in the Cyclades, has one of the most spectacular landscapes in all Greece. The traditional villages are built on tall cliffs and offer breath-taking views over a former volcanic crater. We can ride up the cable car to Fira town, spend a day on the beach, or take an island tour. Prices vary. (B/L/D)
Day 13: Sunday, October 10, 2024: Athens
On arrival in Athens, we will disembark and transfer to the airport for our return home. (B/IF)
Please note this itinerary is copyrighted.
Our hotels are chosen for their quality, amenities and proximity to areas of interest. Whenever possible, we choose hotels in town centers, so that you are able to go off and explore in your free time. It may be necessary for us to substitute hotels for others of equal quality. You will be fully informed of any changes that affect you. Enjoy your stay!
All upgrades are subject to availability at the time of booking. Early registration is recommended.
Thessaloniki, Greece
September 29-October 1, 2025
Golden Star Hotel (4*)
P. Kountouriotou 73
Perea 570 19
Meteora, Greece
October 1-2, 2025
Grand Meteroa (4*)
Kastraki 422 00
Delphi, Greece
October 2-3, 2025
Kastalia Boutique Hotel (4*)
Vasileos Pavlou &, Friderikis 13
Delphi 330 54
Athens, Greece
October 3-6, 2025
Alexandros Hotel (4*)
Timoleontos Vassou 8
Athina 115 21
Transfers are automatically included if we have booked your flights.
If you have booked your own flights, we can still provide transfers, as long as we have your flight details on file and a phone number to give to the driver. We will include your transfer information in your final packet. Transfers will be arranged for each arrival, so that you won’t have to wait for other tour members if their flight is delayed. Transfers can be arranged for the day of your choosing, but we can’t arrange transfers if you arrive or depart by train.
Please note that individual transfers are booked through a third-party and you will be responsible to communicate with the company in case of delays.
Group flights will be arranged from St. Louis, MO. Alternative flights can be arranged once the tour is a guaranteed departure.
You may book your own flights, making sure you land in Thessaloniki on the morning of September 29, 2025. If you would prefer to arrive earlier, we can arrange a pre-tour hotel night in Thessaloniki. You are welcome to depart from Athens at any time on October 3, 2025. Please send us a copy of your flight itinerary for our records as soon as you have booked it.
Please note that if you would like to use air miles you will need to book directly with the airline.
The following chart shows the pricing for the land and cruise options in 2 separate cruise categories. The cabin choice needs to be specified at the time of booking and is subject to availability. The single supplement is separated into the cruise and hotel costs.
Please note that the cruise cost also includes free Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails, all tips and taxes, and group excursions to Patmos and Ephesus.
*Price based on a minimum of 30 participants.
Land cost | Cruise Cost | TOTAL | Single supplement | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cabin with window | $2,999 | $1,800 | $4,799 | $600 cruise + $450 land |
Balcony cabin | $2,999 | $1,900 | $4,899 | $1,200 cruise + $450 land |
Insurance: There are two levels of insurance offered. Click here to compare. When you fill out the registration form, you will be given quotes for both.
Standard is 4.55% of the trip cost and can be purchased up until 2 days prior to departure, although we recommend purchasing it before.
Enhanced is 7.6% of the trip cost and includes cancel for any reason benefits. It has to be purchased within 14 days of registration.
The following penalties apply plus any non-recoverable expenses such as hotel deposits and attraction costs that had been made by the time of cancellation. Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers.
Land cancellation penalties
From time of deposit to April 3, 2025: $100 per person
From April 4 – May 29, 2025: $350 per person
From May 30 – July 28, 2025: $1,500 per person plus any non-refundable deposits
From July 29, 2025 onwards: No refund
Cruise cancellation penalties
From sign-up to June 1, 2025: $50 per person for cruise cabin
From June 2, 2025 – August 1, 2025: $300 per person
From August 2, 2025 – August 31, 2025: 35% of cruise cost
From September 1, 2025 onwards: No refund
Cancellation charges also apply to additional accommodation reserved prior to and after the tour. Cancellations must be received in writing by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on the last business day of the applicable time period. For flight changes or cancellations, revision fees and/or airline cancellation charges will apply. Roommates canceling can result in a single supplement charge for the roommate. The Participant who cancels will be responsible for that charge if a substitute roommate cannot be found.
Reformation Tours reserves the rights to alter itineraries without notice should it become necessary. While on tour, if conditions necessitate changes, or if certain features are unavailable or limited, we reserve the right to vary or substitute alternatives. All prices are calculated at the exchange rate in effect at the time of this quotation. Should currency fluctuations necessitate an adjustment in tour price; the adjusted price will be reflected in the final invoice.
Reformation Tours reserves the rights to alter itineraries without notice should it become necessary.
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Email: info@reformationtours.com