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Day 1 and 2
Departure and Arrival
Our pilgrimage begins as we depart the United States on our international flight. We are met in Thessaloniki and transferred to our hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 3
Veria and Vergina
Today begins with an orientation to Greek culture and our first day of touring. When Paul arrived in Veria (Berea), he went immediately to the Jewish synagogue and shared the message of the Messiah with them, proving that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. We visit the traditional rostrum where Paul delivered his sermons, and the remnants of the Jewish quarter housing the synagogue.
Then we are off to Vergina, one of the most fascinating sites of recent discovery. In the mid-seventies, the tomb of Philippi II, father of Alexander the Great, was discovered containing silver vessels and golden crowns. The Royal tombs also house one of the few remaining paintings from the Macedonian period. In the afternoon we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4
Philippi and Neapolis (modern day Kavala)
Today we continue our journey in the footsteps of Paul and his companions, Silas, Timothy, and Luke. On our way to Philippi we will pass through Apollonia and Amphipolis. In Philippi, we make our way to the riverside and spend a few moments recalling Paul’s words to Lydia whose heart was opened to the Gospel. It was in this stream that Paul baptized her and welcomed her into the Christian community. In the baptistery dedicated to Lydia we join in singing praises as we are thrilled by the marvelous acoustics of the shrine.
Following lunch, we make our way to the ancient city of Philippi, walking through the forum, seeing two major basilicas and a Roman theater. We pause at the prison cell of Paul and Silas and recall their words of salvation. Then we travel to the port city of Neapolis (Kavala), Greece's most picturesque mainland port. Paul arrived at this port when landing in Greece. Here we see a modern mosaic depicting Paul's vision and arrival at Neapolis before returning to our hotel and dinner.
Day 5
Thessaloniki
The New Testament books to the Thessalonians are Paul's letters to this community of first century Christians. In Thessaloniki we see the old city ramparts, the landmark White Tower proudly adorning the harbor, and the Arch of Galerius that rises over the Via Egnatia. We visit the most beautiful basilica in the city, the church of St. Demetrius, dedicated to a Roman military officer who was martyred for his faith in Christ by Emperor Galerius. As part of our appreciation of modern Greece, we visit the bustling open air market with its wide variety of Greek olives and feta chesses. Remember, breakfast, lunch and dinner is included! We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 6
Meteora
Niestled in western Thessaly lies the rock forest of Meteora where famous Byzantine monasteries perch precariously on summits of soaring, sheer-sided gray rock pinnacles of varied and spectacular shapes. Hermits began meeting in this area in the 9th century and in the evolving centuries formed community life, first in wooden shelters and later transformed into monasteries. We visit the Grand Meteoron and with its Hall of the Martyrs, the Independence Museum, Kitchen, and Ossuary. We enjoy lunch and then off to Delphi for dinner and overnight.
Day 7
Delphi
Delphi was considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world and the most sacred of precincts. Today the village is lined with quaint shops and cafes. We take the Sacred Way to the ancient site to witness the Athenian Treasury, the Theater and the Temple of Apollo after our visit to the Museum where, among other treasures, we behold the unique 5th century B.C. bronze charioteer. We relax from our walk with lunch overlooking a spectacular view of the valley below filled with over a million olive trees. Then off to Athens for dinner and overnight.
Day 8
Athens
The architectural splendors of this ancient city are magnificent. We make our way to the world-renown Acropolis with its Propylaea entrance. As we stand before the Parthenon we can still hear the hammers striking stones of marble as reconstruction continues to maintain the wonder of this monument to man’s achievement. We also visit the Acropolis Museum and the Erectheum before descending to the Areopagus (Mar's Hill) and read the sermon that Paul addressed to the Athenians of his day. From there we stroll through the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life).
During the day we also see the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace along with the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and the Panathenic Stadium. Overnight in Athens.
Day 9
Athens - Free Day
Enjoy this free day by ambling through the historical district of the Plaka, noted for its shops, cafes, taverns, and colorful people. Explore one of the many museums of Athens. Relax and soak up the sites and sounds. Remember that today is the only day you need to buy your own lunch. We gather together for a taverna dinner!
Day 10
Corinth and Canal
On our way to Corinth, we visit the isthmus that boasted two major ports and controlled the flow of goods in ancient times, one reason that Corinth became the leading commercial city of the Greek mainland. Paul spent a year and half in this community and later wrote letters to them, the first of which contains his chapter on love. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema and Temples. We celebrate communion among the ruins of this great city.
Day 11
Begin 4 Day Cruise of the Greek Islands and Turkey...
4 DAY CRUISE
This cruise provides a perfect introduction to the Aegean. In the four days following the land tour, we cruise through the most beautiful waters in the world to enchanting destinations. Stroll along the marble streets of Ephesus; walk through the medieval city of Rhodes where the Crusaders gathered before sailing to the Holy Land; visit the grotto of St. John on the isle of Patmos where he wrote his apocalyptic "Revelations." The history of each of our ports-of-call is rivaled only by their natural beauty.
Day 1
Mykonos
On Mykonos we find beautiful beaches, chic boutiques, and elegant nightclubs. Beneath its sophisticated surface lies a quite essential Greek island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and white-washed island with its beautiful windmills. Find a table on the waterfront and bask in the serenity of sunset over its picturesque harbor.
Day Two
Ephesus, Turkey and Patmos, Greece
Ephesus, Turkey
A tour to nearby Ephesus should not be missed for here history truly comes to life. Walking towards the ancient harbor, down a marble road rutted by the wheels of countless chariots, we pass architectural masterpieces such as the Library of Celsus before arriving at the Great Amphitheater where the Ephesians shouted their praises to Artemis in reaction to the Gospel proclamation of Paul.
Patmos, Greece
This island is known as the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of John written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is now an Orthodox chapel that captures a glimpse of the vision of the heavens. We sing songs of worship as we remember the great words of the heavenly chorus, "Hallelujah!"
Day Three
Rhodes
The beautiful "Island of Roses" has a rich and varied history. On a hill above the charming town of Lindos rises an ancient acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. Below lies the bay of St. Paul, where the apostle landed during his voyages. The crusading Knights of St. John left the medieval city of Rhodes behind when they were defeated by Sultan. Stroll through the Palace of the Grand Masters and recall the days of the Crusades.
Day Four
Heraklion (Crete) and Santorini
Heraklion
Heraklion, the capital of Crete and its principal commercial port, is just three miles away from the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 by Sir Arthur Evans and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to contain the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion displays many of the treasures found during the excavations. Paul ministered on this island with his traveling companion, Titus. Titus became the first overseer of the Christian community founded here.
Santorini
The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. The town of Fira boasts beautiful white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques clinging to steep cliffs. Lying on the upper rim of a dormant volcano, Fira is only accessible by either cable-car or mule ride.
Day Five
Piraeus (Athens)
Board our bus for transfer to airport and return trip to USA. Return with wonderful memories!
Grove City College Alumni & Friends
GREECE 15 DAYS
Including a 4 Day Cruise of the Greek Isles
September 3 - 17, 2010
$4,299 from New York
Itinerary
-2010 Tour-
Sept 3 - 17
Grove City College Alumni & Friends
Dear Alumni and Friends,
On behalf of Grove City College, I invite you to walk with us as we follow the Apostle Paul’s journey through incomparable and ancient Greece! This alumni travel journey enriches both spirit and mind as we rediscover the greatest missionary and evangelist in Christian history. We embark on this September 2010 tour in partnership with Footstep Ministries, founded and headed by Dr. David Sparks and his wife, Elizabeth Illiadou Sparks. Both are experts on the region, and David’s insight into how the first century context shaped Paul’s outlook will enlighten and inform, as will a closer look at how Paul’s Gospel message applies in terms of today’s world. Elizabeth, a Greek native, will provide guests with that all-important insider’s view of her homeland and offer an “off the beaten path” perspective as we experience firsthand Greek culture and – of course – the incredible food! This journey is so chock-full of sights, sounds, education and information that it is actually difficult for me to describe it all in this letter. The pivotal events of the early Church will come alive to you as you explore the Scriptures in their original settings. You’ll be awash in history and emotion as you stand on the stones of first-century churches built on Paul’s words and passionate faith. Gather with fellow travelers in the Grotto of John on the Isle of Patmos and envision what his sun-drenched glimpse of Heaven must have been like. Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, Athens, Corinth and Ephesus – all these amazing sites and much more of ancient Greece are yours to explore! As I write this, I’m sitting in my Carnegie Alumni Center office looking out at blustery winter, and I can assure you that a swim in the azure waters of the Aegean and basking in warm Mediterranean sunshine sounds wonderful to me! Add that to all you’ll see and experience, and you have some idea of the beauty and incredible history awaiting you next fall. I hope you will join us for this amazing travel adventure.Blessings,
Melissa A MacLeod ’96
Senior Director of Alumni
and College Relations
