October 30 – November 8, 2012
Seven Churches, Athens, Corinth, Phillipi, Thessaloniki, Patmos, and Rome
Sign up for this exclusive Christian cruise that his privately charted to tour incredible biblical spots of the Mediterranean. Read the description and the itinerary to see the sites that this tour takes you. We also offer an optional Rome pre-tour which starts on October 27th.
Call 888-771-8717 for more information.
Want to take a Christian cruise and tour walking in the footsteps of St. Paul on a privately chartered elegant ship that visits the best that Greece and Turkey has to offer? Join fellow believers aboard the lovely Harmony G the fall of 2012 as we visit the sites of the Seven Churches of Revelation, Athens, Corinth, Phillipi, Thessaloniki, the islands of Patmos plus an option to visit Rome.
Thanks for a Great Trip! Very meaningful – we gained new spiritual insights.
— Rosanne V.
This all inclusive Footsteps of Paul tour and cruise accommodates a maximum of 42 people. Our lovely ship has its own swim platform that we can use for sports activities, fantastic guest rooms and plenty of space for us to enjoy praise and worship from the deck each morning. You will join our leaders and teachers in New York on October 30 and fly together to Greece, or you can fly early with a smaller group to Rome. Our pre-tour of Rome includes early church sites that are sometimes overlooked by larger groups. We will see the oldest Christian graffiti (thought to be a depiction of Christ himself) underground near the Coliseum and then walk the Appian Way, just as Paul, Priscilla and Aquila did. You will walk under the still present aqua ducts that fed the ancient city amongst broken busts strewn along the ancient cobblestone street. It will be an incredible time of study together!
Wow …. what a trip. Our landscape architect was telling us about a couple places we must visit in Spain, Ronda was one of them and another one. I immediately went to the itinerary and both are on there. You are amazing.
— Sherry B.
Beginning the trip in Athens, we then join our privately chartered ship to sail into the Aegean Sea. We will visit the Greek Islands, (including John’s Island of Patmos), Ephesus, the Venetian island of Syros and then end on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey to view the significant Seven Churches Sites. This Biblical tour highlights not only the historic Christian sites, but takes in some incredibly lovely tourist stops including Syros, Samos and the cascading thermal waters of Pumakkale. You will have a choice of 4 cabin types aboard the cruise ranging from outside with port holes to a suite with a picture window. The pre-tour of Rome departs the US on October 27. It is one of only a few tours that is focused on the early church and Paul’s ministry to the Romans. The main tour price starts at $3,999 includes all meals, airfare from New York (with low air add-ons from other cities), all tours, the cruise, all intra-Europe airfare and all gratuities. Upgraded cabins and business class airfare is available. For an in-depth itinerary of the Footsteps of Paul cruise and tour visit here and for a brief outline of the ship and pricing visit here. The Rome pre-tour is $1,599 per person including the additional airfare, tours and most meals as well.
| Day | Description |
|---|---|
| Oct. 30 | Each of us will depart from our home city this morning, meeting the group in New York or a place more convenient. The pre-trip to Rome departs the US on October 28 (described later in this itinerary). If you take this pre-tour you will arrive in Thessalonika with the group on October 31. |
| Oct. 31 | Arrive in Thessalonika, Greece, today. On our way to our hotel we will walk the ramparts of the Old City of the Thessalonian church. We will visit the Galerius Arch over the Via Egnatia. We will visit the Roman Agora where Paul preached during the winters of 49-50AD. Tonight we have a welcome dinner with our new study friends. BLD |
| Nov. 1 | Today, we travel to the lovely port town of Kavala on the Mediterranean. This is ancient Neapolis where Paul, Silas and Timothy landed. It is also here that Lydia became the first European convert to Christianity. You will be able to see the cistern of Philippi where Paul was imprisoned, and we will enjoy a lively study together at the site of the prison itself. We return to our hotel in Thessalonika tonight. BLD |
| Nov. 2 | Depart this morning for Corinth and then Athens. After arrival at the Athens airport, we visit the engineering wonder – the Corinth Canal. Then, visit the towering Acropolis of Corinth, the city where Paul preached and founded the Gentile church in 50 AD. To them he wrote at least four of his letters (two of which have been lost.) We will see the remains of the first century church where Paul spent time with Priscilla and Aquila and where he was on trial at the Bema. After lunch, we drive into the city of Athens for a momentous teaching at Mars Hill and the Acropolis where Paul preached the truth to the Gentiles. We also have a tour of the city of Athens and of its lovely Plaka or Old City. You will see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the first Olympic stadium. Enjoy a lovely dinner with a view of the commanding Acropolis. Join our private ship this evening. We set sail out into the Mediterranean. We join together tonight on deck for praise and worship. BLD |
| Nov. 3 | This morning we can relax and enjoy the ship and sleeping in while we are at sea. After lunch we make a picturesque stop at the Venetian island of Syros. You can enjoy the beach, a walk past the numerous lovely mansions or a stop at the museum – home of famous artwork, including that of El Greco. Syros is also home to the church dedicated to the 4th century saint – St. Nicholas or Santa Claus (unique Christmas gift shopping!). Late this afternoon we begin our teachings on the importance of Greece in spreading the Gospel and their own Alexander the Great. Evening at sea. Praise and worship together on our private deck. BLD |
| Nov. 4 | Arrive on the Island of Patmos this morning. It is here where the Apostle John was sent to be imprisoned. You will visit the cave where he lived and where he received the Book of Revelation. We will sit together in the small amphitheatre above the harbor with the same view that John had for many years and study: “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus and unto Smyrna and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira and unto Sardis and unto Philadelphia and unto Laodicea.” Revelation 1:9-11. What a perfect send-off for our visit to Turkey tomorrow! We return back aboard ship this afternoon. We will enjoy a brief stop tonight on the island of Samos in Asia Minor. Samos is a World Heritage site, has great beaches and a quaint harbor and is known as one of the sunniest places in all of Europe. BLD |
| Nov. 5 | Today, we say goodbye to our ship as we arrive at the most impressive of all seven church sites this morning – Ephesus! Today you will see the impressive streets, the Agora, the Temple of Artemis and sit in the actual amphitheatre where Paul addressed the Ephesians. It was here at Ephesus that Paul went through many trials and tribulations. After lunch we travel on to Laodicea where the church, in Revelation 3:14-22, were chastised for not being warm nor hot and for incorporating pagan beliefs. We will spend the night at Pamukkale – known for its cascading limestone pools. It is here where Philip lived and is said to be buried. BLD |
| Nov. 6 | Today we visit the churches at Philadelphia. Revelation reveals that Christ told those who overcame that he would write upon them “the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is the New Jerusalem.” We will continue to Sardis, the church community of which Revelation says Christ told them that “I know thy works, that thou hast a name, that thou livest and art dead.” Here we will see the impressive Temple of Artemis. This afternoon continue on to Thyitira – which tolerated the prophetess compared to Jezebel and then to Pergamon. We will visit the Red Basilica, walk through the medical Asclepion and visit the site of the Great Theatre-the steepest in the world. Here at Pergamon, we will see the Acropolis and the site of Satan’s seat, a reference to the altar of Zeus currently in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. We will enjoy a lively teaching in the impressive theatre that has commanding views of what once was a harbor. We overnight nearby. BLD |
| Nov. 7 | This morning we visit the site of Smyrna, the last stronghold of Christianity in Asia Minor. It was also home to the Bishop Polycarp. We then fly to the city of Istanbul. On arrival, we see the impressive Hagia Sofia, the Christian Chora Museum and the Basilica Cistern. We will overnight in the old city area of Sultan Ahmet. Istanbul is a bustling trendy city that is perhaps one of the prettiest sights in all of Europe. Enjoy a walk around the shops and then we will have a unique dinner together this evening to celebrate our fellowship and learning. BLD |
| Nov. 8 | Morning at leisure and depart for the airport together. Return to New York or your home airports this evening. B |
| Pre-trip tour of Rome is as follows: | |
| Oct. 28* | Arrive in Rome this morning. On your way to the city we’ll take a brief walking tour to see Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon (originally built by Augustus Caesar in 31AD) and the lovely Piazza Navona. You have a little time to rest at the hotel before meeting at a lively pizzeria for dinner. D |
| Oct. 29* | After breakfast we’ll visit an ancient area of Rome known for the earliest church paintings and sketches of Jesus Christ and his disciples, located underground. It is here that we will visit the Mamertime, where Peter and Paul were imprisoned. We will walk around Capitoline Hill and see the Arch of Titus (from 82AD) – significant because it is adorned with depictions of the pillage of Jerusalem. We will enter the famous Coliseum to see the prison cells and lion cages, and then walk the Circus Maximus where many Christians were martyred. You’ll have time to grab a casual lunch (or shop) before we proceed to the oldest Christian catacombs of Rome, “the Domitilla.” We walk a bit of the Appian Way to get a feel for how Paul, Peter, Priscilla and Aquila felt as they entered the pagan city. Even today, you can see the remains of this ancient walkway and the overhead aqueduct lined with its shattered statues and busts. Afterward, we visit the site where the Apostle Paul was beheaded and then buried. Tonight is a free evening to rest. B |
| Oct. 30* | Early today, we’ll visit the Vatican, Vatican City and its museums, ending with the spectacular painting of the “Last Judgment” on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. On our return to the Old City of Rome we view Scala Sancta – the stairs said to be the originals that Jesus walked prior to his condemnation by Pontius Pilate. The stairs are adjacent to one of the most famous Basilicas of Rome,San Giovanni Laterano, formerly a pagan temple. We’ll learn the history that incorporates Mussolini’s Fascist era buildings, and Moussolini’s effect on Christianity in Italy. Finally we’ll visit some of the striking piazzas that dot Rome’s corners. Today enjoy a free afternoon to shop the fashionable streets of Via Del Corso and the Condotti. We’ll dine tonight in the oldest part of Rome: Trastevere. The meandering, narrow cobbled streets are alive with late-night diners. BD |
| Oct. 31* | Have breakfast at your leisure. We depart Rome at 11:00AM to meet our friends in Thessalonika. BLD |
Pastor Tim Remington
Born in Riverside, CA, Pastor Tim moved to Northern Idaho as a youngster, but after graduating from Coeur d’Alene High School in the 70’s, he returned to California where he met and married Cindy. Together, they operated the “Supreme Bean Coffee House” for a number of years, serving the streets of San Bernadino. It was this experience that developed their interest in the streets and the people who are ignored, those who have problems with drugs, alcohol, and perversion.
In 1985, Tim and Cindy began taking people into their home to help them. This practice grew into their Mentor Home Ministry and Good Samaritan Rehabilitation. Even though their street ministry days taught them much about drugs and alcohol that they could never learn in a classroom, Tim has been actively pursuing his degree in counseling. “But the degree has meant less to me than leading an addict to Jesus,” said Tim. “Now my life is filled with Victim-Offender Mediation, Family Mediation, Drug and Alcohol Counseling, and directing Good Samaritan Rehabilitation. And, I’m the senior pastor at The Altar in Coeur d’Alene.”
Tim is a favorite teaching pastor and has won numerous awards including Idaho’s annual Idaho Chooses Life gives it’s “Friend for Life Award” to people who have made extraordinary contributions to the defense of preborn children. We are grateful for their leadership and commitment to the Gospel of Life.
“Cindy and I have been blessed with four children. My love is my family and my Lord. My passion is to worship; my desire is to show the joy of the Lord to others in all that I do.”
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888-771-8717