Footsteps of Paul Tour With Pr. Michael Stadtmueller, Our Saviours Lutheran Church

                     Footsteps of Paul - Our Saviours Lutheran Church

                                      October 4 - October 14, 2023

DAY 1: WED, October 4 BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR: 
Depart from Denver International Airport for an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece.

DAY 2: THU, October 5 INTO THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL - THESSALONIKI:
With our arrival in Thessaloniki, we have entered into the world of the New Testament where St Paul and his companions established the first Christian communities throughout his four missionary journeys. On arrival, we will be met at the airport for a transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

DAY 3: FRI, October 6 THESSALONIKI/KAVALA/PHILIPPI:
Begin the day in 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, viewing Roman and Greek tombs and ruts of ancient chariot wheels. Next, stop in Philippi, where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the very first Christian convert on European soil. Among the ruins located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road is the prison into which Paul and Silas were thrown. It was in Philippi that Octavian and Anthony defeated Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC. Return to Thessaloniki to explore the ancient city where Paul planted a church that would later receive two New Testament epistles. View one of the most beautiful basilicas in the city, St. Demetrius. Continue along the waterfront to the massive White Tower and nearby triumphal Arch of Galerius.  Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

DAY 4:  SAT, October 7 THESSALONIKI/BEREA/METEORA:
This morning drive to Berea (Veria) to see the ancient wall where Paul spent many hours sharing the Gospel. You can visit some of the small churches built during the 17th and 18th centuries, and celebrate the Eucharist in one of them. After the tour, head south to view the awe-inspiring rock formations of Meteora. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

DAY 5: SUN, October 8 KALAMBAKA/ATHENS:
We spend some time today marveling at this unique phenomenon of nature – 24 perpendicular rocks where 600 years ago Byzantine monks chose to worship God and build their cave-like Monastic community of Meteora. Take in the striking monasteries that crown 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 two of these timeless monasteries to see the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art on display.  Drive to Athens for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: MON, October 9  ATHENS/LAVRIO/MYKONOS:
Begin the day with a drive to the Port of Lavrio and step aboard The Olympia, 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.

DAY 7: TUE, October 10 EPHESUS, TURKEY/PATMOS, GREECE
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 with 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 as he spoke boldly about Christ. In the afternoon, enjoy cruising aboard The Olympia to the island of Patmos, built on a mass of volcanic rock. The island marks the site where the apostle John wrote the book of Revelation. Visit the Monastery of St. John and the cave where he was imprisoned. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight

Day 8: WED, October 11 – Rhodes 

Arrival at the Island of Rhodes around 07:00 hrs. Disembarkation. You´ll have the opportunity to visit the medieval Rhodes and the acropolis of Lindos, with the ancient temple of Athena built in 300 BC. You will have the opportunity to see the houses of the captains and the Church of Our Mrs. Lindos, the acropolis with the Doric temple of Athena, which was built on a previous monument. Then, in the city of Rhodes, go through the Porta d'Amboise to walk along the street of the knights, where you will see the residences of the knights separated according to the order and whose shields they still display today. In the afternoon, boarding at 6:00 p.m. and departure to Crete. Full board on board..

DAY 9:  THU, October 12 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. Visit the remarkable ruins of the Palace of Knossos, said to be the lost city of Atlantis. Board The Olympia for an afternoon cruise to the famous island of Santorini, formed by the half-submerged crescent of a volcanic caldera. Perched atop high cliffs, reach the island's breathtaking views. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

DAY 10: FRI, October 13  ATHENS/CORINTH:
Early morning arrival in the port of Lavrio to begin the day’s excursion. We begin our day with a panoramic tour of Christian Athens including a visit to the Acropolis, the Areopagus where St Paul delivered his famous sermon about the identity of "the Unknown God" (Acts 17:15-34). Also see the Kallimármaro Stadium, dating back to 330BC and restored for the first modern Olympic Games held here in 1896. Proceed to Corinth through the Bay of Salamis and the Saronic Gulf. This city was home to the apostle Paul for over a year and inspired two of his most familiar letters, teaching the people the Word of God and converting many. Spend time at the Corinthian Canal then tour the ruins of this ancient city. On arrival we will view the Erastus inscription dating back to the first century AD and concerning a Christian convert, Erastus (Rom 16:23) who was the ‘director of public works’ in Corinth, We visit the ancient ruins and see the site where he preached the Gospel from the Rostrum.  See the Peirene fountain, and the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo before an outdoor Mass in this stunning pilgrimage setting. Finally, we come to Cenchreae, the ancient port from where St Paul said farewell to the believers and departed for Ephesus (Acts 18:18). Returning to Athens at the end of the day. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 11: SAT, October 14  ATHENS/USA:
Transfer to Athens airport for your return flight to the USA with your heart full of memories from spectacular views and unforgettable

NOTE: The schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour guide’s discretion.