CRUISE OCT 19-NOV 1, 2023
steps of Paul CRUISE PASTOR Norm and debbie thomas
THIS 7 DAY CRUISE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE APOSTLE PAUL HAS SHORE EXCURSIONS IN BIBLICAL CITIES LIKE CORINTH, PHILIPPI, AND THESSLONIKA. ALONG THE COAST OF TURKEY WE ALSO VISIT PERGAMUM, EPHESUS AND MILETUS AND THE ISLAND OF PATMOS AND CAVE WHERE JOHN RECEIVED THE REVELATION OF CHRIST. AN OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO ROME
Join us on a mesmerizing voyage to discover the romance and the mystery of the Eastern Mediterranean as we follow in the footsteps of St. Paul the Apostle. This wonderful adventure invites you to explore iconic landmarks, savor authentic cuisine and discover the trials and tribulations of St. Paul’s epic journey in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The captivating coastal towns and charming Byzantine monuments show us how St. Paul’s controversial ideas sparked riots and cast him into prison. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit famous landmarks including the Hagia Sophia, the Holy Grotto of the Apocalypse, the Faustina Baths of Miletus and ancient Ephesus, the best-preserved historical site in the Eastern Med. We also have the opportunity of extending to Rome, the final earthly destination of the Apostle.
itinerary - note date chANGE TO DEPART OCTOBER 12
October 12, 2023 Thursday Transatlantic
Depart Seattle to Athens. We must be at the airport at least three hours before flight time. Enjoy our on-board transatlantic experience.
ENROUTE TRANSATLANTIC
October 13, 2023 Friday Athens
Today, we arrive in Athens. Upon arrival, we are met and assisted by our guide. Our coach is waiting and we are transferred to our hotel for a good night’s rest.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT ATHENS KEY HOTEL, ATHENS or SIMILAR
October 14, 2023 Saturday Athens / Corinth / Embark on Cruise
We begin the tour of Athens and visit among other masterpieces of the “Golden Age” the Acropolis, the Agora and Mars Hill where Paul taught. We embark our ship in the late afternoon at 4:00 pm
BREAKFAST HOTEL
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT CRUISE
October 15, 2023 Sunday At Sea / Thessaloniki / Brea (Veria)
In the morning, drive in Thessaloniki to see the landmarks of the city; the Walls of the Byzantine Acropolis, the House of Jason where Paul lived and the Agora where he preached. Continue to Veria-ancient Berea- to the memorial commemorating Paul’s preaching to the local Jews in 54 AD.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT CRUISE
October 16, 2023 Monday At Sea / Kavala (Neapolis) / Philippi / Lydia Baptismal Site
Kavala (ancient Neapolis), the site where Paul, Timothy and Silas landed on the coast of Thrace. From there, visit Philippi where Paul lived, preached and was imprisoned and the Baptistery of Lydia, where the first baptism on European soil took place.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT CRUISE
October 17, 2023 Tuesday At Sea / Istanbul
In the morning we arrive in Istanbul, one of the world’s greatest historic cities. Formerly Byzantium, the center of the Eastern Roman Empire, this city is built on seven green hills and situated astride two continents. East meets West in every way. We visit the Topkapi Palace with its harem and fabulous treasure chambers, the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque with its six minarets, and St. Sofia, converted to a mosque from a Christian basilica after the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT CRUISE
October 18, 2023 Wednesday At Sea / Dikili / Pergamum
A tour from Dikili (our port) is to Pergamum, the great city of Bergama and a city of the Book of Revelation. It is one of the best-preserved ancient sites in Turkey
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT CRUISE
October 19, 2023 Thursday At Sea / Kusadasi / Ephesus / Militas
Arrive at Kusadasi. Visit Ephesus, the most impressive archeological site in Turkey, including the Great Amphitheater where Paul spoke to the Ephesians. There will be a short stop in Smyrna and an afternoon tour to Miletus, where Paul delivered his touching farewell address the elders of Ephesus and predicted his death, for those wishing to visit the place.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT CRUISE
October 20, 2023 Friday At Sea / Patmos
Patmos, the “Holy Island” for the Christian faith. This is the place where the apocalyptic Revelation of John was written during his exile from the Roman Empire. We visit the cave and the monastery of St. John.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT CRUISE
October 21, 2023 Saturday Disembark / Corinth / Free Afternoon in Athens
After disembarking, we are transferred to the ruins of the ancient city where Paul worked. See the remains of first-century shops. View the agora where Paul was on trial at the Bema, the Fountain of Peirene, Temple of Apollo and visit the museum. Then its to our hotel in Athens where we enjoy a free afternoon to discover Athens and enjoy dinner on our own.
BREAKFAST, CRUISE
DINNER ON YOUR OWN AND OVERNIGHT ATHENS
https://www.athenskeyhotel.com/
October 22, 2023 Sunday Athens / USA
After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for our flight home
OR
Extend via the following itinerary to Rome.
October 22, 2023 Sunday Athens / Classical Rome
Today, we arrive in Rome via an early morning flight. Upon arrival, we are met and assisted by our guide. Our coach is waiting and we begin our time in Rome. This morning you will discover Imperial Rome. You will experience the glory of Imperial Rome when you visit the Coliseum, famous as a place of spectacle and death. Gladiators died here as thousands looked on. See the Circus Maximus, built during the reign of Nero. This huge stadium was able to seat 250,000 spectators for chariot races and other spectacles. Visit the Roman Forum, an ancient meeting place, market place, religious and political center. View the Arch of Titus that commemorates Titus' conquest of Judea and the Mamertine Prison.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: MASSIMO D'AZEGLIO HOTEL, ROME or SIMILAR
October 23, 2023 Monday Christian Rome Paul wrote to the Christians of Rome and he eventually went there where his ministry continued, although he was technically a prisoner. Discover the Vatican Museum, home to many of the world's masterpieces. In the Sistine Chapel, view Michelangelo's frescoes, which have been restored to their full, colorful glory. Tour St. Peter's Basilica where Michelangelo's "Pieta" -- the only work signed by the master -- will be just one of many highlights. Travel the famous Apian Way. Walk through the Catacombs of San Sebastiano. Visit Tre Fontane, where Apostle Paul was beheaded. Walk through Via Del Corso, Piazza de Spagnia, and enjoy the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
BREAKFAST AND OVERNIGHT: MASSIMO D'AZEGLIO HOTEL, ROME or SIMILAR
October 24, 2023 Tuesday Day at Leisure
Rome is an extremely charming and historical city. There is much to discover and much to see. Today is a day of leisure which allows you to explore on your own. Visit another museum or return to the Vatican. Visit the Bobili Gardens are just enjoy lunch along a busy roman street.
BREAKFAST AND OVERNIGHT: MASSIMO D'AZEGLIO HOTEL, ROME or SIMILAR
October 25, 2023 Wednesday Rome / USA
After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for our flight home.
BREAKFAST: MASSIMO D'AZEGLIO HOTEL, ROME or SIMILAR
terms and conditions
cancellation and refund policy for Greece and SOP cruise
The following fees will be assessed for all cancellations; from deposit to 180 days prior to departure $100 per person; 180 to 121 days prior $300 per person; 120 -91 days prior $500 per person; 90-46 days prior 40% of tour cost; 45 days or less prior 100% of tour cost.
cancellation and refund policy for Rome, if continuing
The following fees will be assessed for all cancellations; from deposit to 120 days prior to departure $100** per person (see note below); 120 days or less prior $300** per person (see note below) plus all non-refundable expenses incurred by International Christian Journeys/Hadar Travel and Tours and it's marketing representatives on the group's behalf.**
NOTE: If you are not vaccinated for COVID-19 and are cancelling because the country or countries you are scheduled to visit will not allow unvaccinated persons to enter, the $100 or $300 fees mentioned above will be issued in the form of a credit voucher for any of our future domestic or international group tours. All fees we have paid which cannot be recovered from our suppliers will not be refunded unless they are refunded us.
responsibilities and limitation of liability
International Christian Journeys/Hadar Travel and Tours is acting as intermediary in selling services and making bookings and reservations for airlines, hotels, land and water transportation, meals, tours, etc. This agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless action or omission on the part of such suppliers that results in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or group members. International Christian Journeys/Hadar Travel and Tours is further not responsible for acts of God, fire, breakdown in machinery, acts of governments or other authorities, acts of war whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, customs regulations, delays or cancellation or change of itinerary or schedule or for any loss beyond their control. This agency is not responsible for loss or damage resulting from improper or insufficient passports, visas or other documents. International Christian Journeys/Hadar Travel and Tours is not liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the client as a result of any of the foregoing clauses.The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of any tour as circumstances may demand it. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk and baggage insurance is recommended. No refunds for tour portions or unused services can be made unless agreed to prior to departure of the tour from North America.Your retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent to the above and agreement on your part to convey the current price and exchange rates and may be subject to change without notice prior to departure. The price is a special group rate based upon all passengers following the same itinerary. There will be a $200.00 per person charge to any individual who wishes to deviate from the tour plus any difference in the airfare. Note: Special non-refundable airfares will be used and have special restrictions. DUE TO THE WORLD WIDE UNCERTAINTIES REGARDING COVID-19 WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE.
PASSPORTS MUST BE VALID FOR SIX MONTHS AFTER RETURN
All notices of cancellation must be in writing