Retracing Paul's Second Missionary Journey

DAYS 1 & 2: U.S. / THESSALONIKI - We depart the U.S. today for our flight to Thessaloniki, Greece. Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, we will be met by DMI's local representative in the baggage-claim area, assisted with customs and escorted to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: THESSALONIKI / AMPHIPOLIS / PHILIPPI / KAVALA - Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and capital of the province of Macedonia. It was here in the synagogue that Paul "...reasoned with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks..." (Acts 17:17). After breakfast, we depart for Amphipolis and the Region of the Lakes Corinia and Volvi. Paul journeyed through Amphipolis on his way to Thessaloniki. Along the way, we will see the colossal Lion monument at Sunphipolis (5th century BC), then proceed to visit Philippi, site of the famous battle between two Roman Armies, "...from there we went to Philippi..." (Acts. 16: 12-18). Here we have the opportunity to follow the steps of Paul, Luke, Timothy, and Silas. We then proceed to the city and the harbor of Kavala where we have a chance to taste fresh fish and a variety of superb delicacies. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: VERGINA / KALAMBAKA Today we leave Thessaloniki for Vergina to visit the excavations of the Royal Palace and Royal Tombs. We then journey to the area of Kalambaka, where the famous monasteries of Meteora are located. These marvelously preserved monasteries, hidden in and among cliffs, are an amazing sight. We visit the greatest and most important monastery of all, the "Great Meteoron." Perfectly preserved Frescoes of the 14th century, Icons offered by Byzantine Royal Dynasties, Ancient Manuscripts belonging to Royal Collections and Libraries are found here. This is a truly beautiful area to be thoroughly enjoyed. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

DAY 5: KALAMBAKA / DELPHI / ATHENS Put on your hiking boots! After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Delphi via the Central Greece Plateau. At Delphi we take a short climb to the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythion, home of the "Oracle." This is truly a beautiful, mountainous site, as awe inspiring today as it was to the ancient pilgrims. A little further up is the theatre where town council meetings were conducted, and a little further, the amazingly preserved coliseum where games were held. We visit the museum here then continue to Athens for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: ATHENS / AFTERNOON FREE - Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we tour the city of Athens. We drive past the Academy, the University and the Parliament with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Continue to the Acropolis, where we will visit the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena and the Acropolis Museum. On the slopes of the Acropolis we will visit the Areopagus on Mars Hill, site of Paul's address to "the men of Athens" about their "unknown God" (Acts 17). The afternoon is free for us to enjoy sightseeing or shopping on our own in the fascinating city of Athens. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

DAY 7: BOARD ROYAL OLYMPIC'S CRUISE VESSEL / SAIL TO MYKONOS - This morning we transfer to the port of Piraeus for embarkation on our cruise ship. We sail to the island of Mykonos with its breathtakingly beautiful whitewashed buildings and churches. Wander through the many side streets with homes above the shops and numerous outside waterfront cafes ... a lovely respite. Evening departure for Patmos.

DAY 8: PATMOS / KUSADASI Early morning arrival at the Island of Patmos. We visit the traditional Grotto where John received the revelations while in exile and St. John's Monastery atop the island. This afternoon we sail to the Turkish port of Kusadasi. This popular Turkish port is the doorway to Ephesus and rich ancient history. In Paul's time, Ephesus was a port city. Now, due to natural changes and silt build up, it is an approximate ten-mile bus trip from the port city of Kusadasi. We visit ancient Ephesus, a marvelous archeological site and base for much of Paul's missionary work (Acts 19 and Letter to The Ephesians). Paul labored and ministered here for three years. He laid the foundation for the strongest Christian church of the First Century. John is said to have brought Mary here. Time permitting, wander through the famous Turkish bazaars of Kusadasi. Evening sail for Rhodes.

DAY 9: RHODES Morning arrival into Rhodes, the Island of Roses, famed for its historical Old Town, home of Sun God Apollo and the Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was on the Isle of Rhodes where the Crusaders gathered before sailing to the Holy Land. Walk through the Medieval Castle of the Knights of St. John. We then visit Lindos, where Paul landed in 51 AD on his way to Rome and the Acropolis of Lindos, site of the Temple of Athena. Sail back to Piraeus (Athens) in the evening.

DAY 10: ARRIVAL INTO ATHENS / CORINTH -- We have breakfast aboard the ship and then disembark. We depart by motor coach to Corinth, taking the road along the Saronic Gulf, fairly the same route that the Apostle Paul took. Corinth was an important place and congregation in Paul's odyssey (Acts 18 and Letters to the Corinthians) with its temple of Apollo ruins set against the Acrocorinth on which the Temple of Aphrodite was located. Corinth was the largest, richest, and most pleasure-loving city of Greece in the 3rd century BC, so it gave Paul plenty to renounce when he came here in the 1st century AD. Paul worked here three years with Aquilla and Priscilla. We then return to Athens and check in to our hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Athens.

DAY 11: ATHENS / USA - After an early breakfast, we transfer to the Athens airport for our return flight to the U.S. We will return with memories to last a lifetime.