When God Released the Gospel to the World
The Paul
Experience
Thessalonica / Meteora / Athens / Corinth / Ephesus / Crete / SantoriniThe Paul Experience follows the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, discovering the beauty of ancient Greece and Turkey. We begin in Thessalonica and Philippi where Paul first brought the Gospel to Europe. Visit the site where he baptized Lydian as the first Christian convert., see the ancient theater and a possible place of his imprisonment. We spend a day at the magnificent monasteries of Meteora, located in the clouds, where monks and nuns still live today. We then spend two nights in Athens to see the Acropolis, Parthenon and Mars Hill where Paul preached to the “unknown god.” We make our way to Corinth, a city of unimaginable immorality and corruptions, where we read 1 Corinthians 13, near where Paul was flogged and punished. We spend our last three days sailing the Aegean Sea as we visit the magnificent city of Ephesus, Turkey, Patmos where John had his revelations to the seven churches, Crete and the ancient Minoan civilization and Santorini for some time of relaxation as we watch the beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Travel Day
Day one is a full travel day, including an overnight flight. Get some rest, you’re going to need it!
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Day 7: Mykonos
Embark on a 3-night cruise to the Greek Isles and Turkey aboard the Celestyal Olympia. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served onboard. The narrow streets and shopping places of the island of Mykonos are our first stop
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Day 2: Thessaloniki
Our tour begins in Thessaloniki for dinner at our hotel. Meet with Stu and your fellow travelers. Stay in Thessaloniki.
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Day 8: Ephesus, Patmos
Visit the Turkish port of Kusadasi for an excursion to the ruins of Ephesus where Paul lived for three years. Visit the amphitheater, library and Agora where Paul spent his time. Continue to Patmos where John wrote the book of Revelations during his exile.
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Day 3: Kavala, Philippi, Thessaloniki
Travel to the coastal town of Kavala where Paul, accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot on European soil. Visit Philippi, where Paul first preached the Gospel and was imprisoned. See where Lydia, the first Christian convert, was baptized. Stay in Thessaloniki.
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Day 9: Crete, Santorini
Visit the open-air museum of the ancient Minoan civilization. Arrive in Santorini, known as the “Black Pearl” of the Aegean Sea. Watch the beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean before boarding for our overnight sail to Athens.
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Day 4: Meteora, Kavala
Visit the hanging monasteries of Meteora on the dark sandstone pinnacles of the plain of Thessaly. Visit two monasteries from the 10th century, where monks and nuns still live. Stay in Kavala.
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Day 10: Athens
Visit the ruins of the Greek and Roman civilizations. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers at our hotel. Stay in Athens.
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Day 5: Athens
Visit the Areopagus (Mars Hill), the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Stay in Athens
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Day 11: Athens
Breakfast at our hotel. Departure to various destinations.
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Day 6: Corinth, Athens
Visit the amazing city of Corinth where Paul was held on trial by Gallio and see the Agora where Paul walked and taught. Stay in Athens.
The Parthenon
The Library at Ephesus
The Amphitheater at Ephesus
The Island of Santorini
The Marketplace at Corinth
The Magnificent Monasteries of Meteora
Crete
The cost is $4,499* per person (double occupancy), and $799.00, for a single supplement. Trip includes four to five-star hotels, transportation, all breakfasts & dinners, most lunches, lectures, and event admissions. You are on your own for airfare and trip insurance. Cruise upgrades are available upon request.
A non-refundable registration fee of $750 per person is due, on February 15, 2024. A 50% balance is due March 15, and final payment is due June 1, 2024. *The price may change if the Euro increases significantly.
Tour Leader, The Rev. Stu Boehmig
Stu has been an Area Director in Young Life, a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he was awarded a Byington Fellowship in Systematic Theology, the Executive Director of Ligonier Ministries under Dr. RC Sproul, the founding pastor of Orchard Hill Church, Pittsburgh, and Rector of The Abbey, Pawleys Island, SC. He is an ordained minister in the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, and Executive Director of Our Faith Travels.