Walking in the Footsteps of the Apostle Paul: A Christian Heritage Tour

Join Pastor Rob and Lisa on an unforgettable journey through Greece and Italy. We will trace the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, exploring iconic biblical sites and uncovering the rich history of early Christianity. This immersive experience is designed to inspire your faith and bring biblical history to life.

Tour Highlights

Athens: Explore the cradle of Western civilization, visiting the Acropolis and Mars Hill, where Paul preached his famous sermon about the “Unknown God.” Marvel at the Parthenon and stroll through the ancient ruins that shaped history.

Corinth: Walk through the ruins of ancient Corinth, where Paul worked alongside Aquila and Priscilla. See the Temple of Apollo, the Agora, and the Bema Seat, where Paul defended his teachings.

Meteora: Be inspired by the stunning monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, a testament to centuries of faith and devotion.

Thessaloniki: Discover the city where Paul founded one of the earliest Christian churches. See remnants of the ancient city and reflect on Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians.

Philippi and Kavala: Visit the site where Paul baptized Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe, and walk along the Via Egnatia, an ancient Roman road that Paul traveled.

Rome: Experience the grandeur of Ancient Rome, including the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, and visit the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, centers of Christian heritage.

Itinerary

Day 1: NOV 3 – Depart Seattle
Begin your journey with Pastor Rob and Lisa on an overnight flight to Athens.

Day 2: NOV 4 – Arrival in Athens
Arrive in Athens and settle into your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening and prepare for the journey ahead. Stay two nights at the Athens Key Hotel by Wyndham.

Day 3: NOV 5 – Athens: Mars Hill, Acropolis, and Corinth
Tour Athens, including Mars Hill, where Paul preached, and the Acropolis. Travel to Corinth to explore the ruins of the city where Paul ministered.

Read more

Today’s tour will highlight this center of one of the world’s greatest civilizations and the cradle of Western civilization. First, visit the Acropolis and wander through the ruins of some of the most architecturally perfect buildings ever constructed. We’ll see the Propylaea, the Temple of the Wingless Victory, the Erechtheum with its peerless Porch of Maidens, and Mars Hil, where Paul was brought before the council. Finally, we reach the ‘harmony between matter and spirit’, the monument that ‘puts order in the mind’, the Parthenon. On a drive through the city, we’ll see the National Library, the University, the Academy, the Presidential Palace, the Stadium, the Temple of Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch. We will visit the National Museum. Later, we tour Corinth, driving through Daphni and Eleusis. We will arrive in ancient Corinth after crossing the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas. We visit the ruins of Corinth, where Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. The First Century shops, the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, and the Bema Seat are included. Still gurgling under the ruins is the water of the springs of the mighty Acropolis above, which once fed the Fountain of Pirene. Continue your drive to Acrocorinth, in Paul’s time site of the great Temple of Aphrodite. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Day 4: NOV 6 – Athens to Meteora
Travel to Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the breathtaking monasteries atop towering cliffs. We will visit Meteora’s Grand Monastery and Aghios Stefanos’s Convent. We will stay one night at the Amalia Hotel in Kalambaka.

Day 5: NOV 7 – Meteora to Thessaloniki
Journey through Pella, Berea, and Vergina on your way to Thessaloniki. Reflect on Paul’s time in these historic locations. Stay two nights at the Porto Palace Hotel.

Read more

Today, we are traveling to Thessaloniki. En route, we will visit Pella, Berea and Vergina. This morning, we drive to Berea for a visit. We visit a beautiful monument dedicated to Paul at Berea. Paul and Silas were sent to Berea after fleeing from Thessalonica (Acts 17:10). They immediately went to the synagogue to preach, and the Bereans were very accepting. Almost all of them believed. But when the Thessalonian non-believers heard about this, they came to Berea, stirring up crowds, starting riots, and generally hampering Paul, Silas, and Timothy. Then, the believers sent Paul to the coast while Timothy and Silas stayed behind. Paul was sent to Athens, and word was given to Timothy and Silas to join him as soon as possible. We visit Vergina to see the Tumulus (tomb) of Philip II and some of the treasures buried with him. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 6: NOV 8 – Kavala and Philippi
Visit Kavala (ancient Neapolis), where Paul landed, and Philippi, where he baptized Lydia. See the ancient Roman Forum and walk along the Via Egnatia.

Read more

After a delicious breakfast, we begin with a tour of the biblical Thessaloniki, where Paul founded the Church in AD 49; we will see the ancient ruins as well as some local churches. “And from there we went to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia” (Acts 16: 12-18). Drive along the ancient route of Paul, through mountain passes and plains, to Amphipolis for a short stop to view the ancient Lion Statue. Continue to Ancient Philippi, where we find two early Christian basilicas and traces of the Via Egnatia, which Paul followed from the harbor of Neapolis (the ancient port of Philippi) on his first visit to European soil. View the Roman Forum, the Citadel, the ancient theater, and Lydia’s brook. Continue a short drive to Kavala on the site of ancient Neapolis, where Paul landed on the way to Philippi. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: NOV 9 – Thessaloniki to Rome
Fly to Rome and explore the Roman Forum and Colosseum, reliving the history of the early Christian church. Stay three nights at the Belstay Hotel.

Day 8: NOV 10 – Vatican and Sistine Chapel
Tour the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. In the afternoon, visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus or St. Sebastian.

Read more

After breakfast, you will begin a full day of sightseeing. First, visit Vatican City, where you will see the Basilica at St. Peter, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums with stunning works of art at every turn. After some free time for lunch, you will stop at The Abbey of the Three Fountains, the traditional site of Paul’s martyrdom and the ancient street that he walked on. Next, visit the 4th-century Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the site of Paul’s tomb, and the Scala Santa, where Martin Luther made his stand against the practice of indulgences. This fascinating museum houses the Steps from Pilot’s Judgment Hall in Jerusalem brought to Rome by Helena, the mother of Constantine. Additional two sights include the Arches of Constantine and Titus, Circus Maximus, and the beautiful marble monument called the Wedding Cake. This afternoon, we will take an afternoon tour of the Catacombs, where thousands of Christians were buried in a remarkable tiered series of galleries. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 9: NOV 11 – Rome
Visit St. Mary Major Basilica and other notable churches. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure to explore the Eternal City at your own pace.

Read more

We begin our walking tour at the ancient Roman Forum, where our guide will divulge its secrets. We will visit the Arch of Titus that commemorated the sack of Jerusalem by Titus in AD 70. We will view the Mamertine Prison exterior, where tradition says the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. The Roman church would also say that Peter was imprisoned here, but there is no imperial evidence that Peter was ever in Rome. Next, we visit the Coliseum, where thousands of people and animals perished during gladiatorial games. The Coliseum first opened in AD 80 and within 100 days of its opening, 5,000 wild beasts perished here. The slaughter of both humans and animals continued for three more centuries.

Historians believe the Coliseum could hold between 40,000 and 80,000 people depending on how close the seating was. The floor has recently had a plank placed over the middle making it accessible for people to walk over the labyrinth of brick cells, ramps, and elevators used to transport animals and gladiators into the arena. Hear the stories of the games that have fascinated People for hundreds of years. We conclude our day at the ruins of Ostia Antica, which provides an excellent example of city life in classical times, and the Ostian Gate, today called the Gate of St. Paul.

Day 10: NOV 12 – Return to Seattle
Bid farewell to Rome as you return home with memories of a lifetime enriched by the spiritual insights and leadership of Pastor Rob and Lisa.

Optional Italy Extension

Extend your journey with visits to Assisi, Florence, Pisa, Verona, and Venice for an additional six days of exploration.

Day 11: NOV 12 – Assisi & Florence
Travel through scenic Umbria to Assisi, where you can visit the Basilica of St. Francis. Then, stay two nights at the Hotel Villa Neroli in Florence.

Read more

After breakfast, you will say “Arrivederci Roma,” and board your coach and travel through scenic Umbria to the ancient walled hillside village of Assisi. After lunch on your own, you will enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful medieval town, which will include the Basilica San Francesco, decorated with some of the most renowned frescoes in the world. The stories of the sacrificial life of St. Francis will be an encouragement to us all. Our home for the next two evenings is in the beautiful city of Florence, the heart of charming Tuscany.

Day 12: NOV 13 – Florence
Enjoy a guided tour of Florence’s iconic sights, including the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Afternoon at leisure.

Read more

You will spend the morning enjoying a guided tour of Florence, one of the world’s greatest artistic capitals, which will include the Piazza della Signoria, Duomo, Baptistery, and a visit to the Accademia Galleria, home of Michelangelo’s David. A stop will also be made on the hillside overlooking the river from Florence, where we will enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful, red-tiled roof cityscape. This afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy shopping, visiting more galleries, or strolling on the famous Pont Vecchio, the old bridge that spans the Arno River. Remember that Florence leather shops are the best in the world, and bargains on excellent quality goods are abundant. It may be the time to purchase those special Christmas gifts.

Day 13: NOV 14 – Florence – Pisa – Verona
Visit Pisa’s Baptistery, Duomo, and Leaning Tower. Dinner and overnight in Verona at the Best Western Verona.

Day 14: NOV 15 – Verona to Venice (Mestre)
Explore Verona, including Juliet’s balcony. Travel to Venice for an overnight stay in Mestre. 2 nights at Hotel Antony Palace.

Read more

This morning, we tour romantic Verona, the medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, with a walk through the
historic center and shopping district to see the famed balcony of Juliet. Free time to explore on your own. Later, we travel to
Venice (Mestre). Dinner and overnight in Mestre.

Day 15: NOV 16 – Venice
Tour Venice, including St. Mark’s Basilica and a gondola ride. Dinner and overnight in Mestre.

Read more

Start the morning sightseeing in style as your guide takes you by private boat along the Giudecca canal to meet your resident expert. Highlights of your walking tour are St. Mark’s Square and the Byzantine splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica, the lavish Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. Visit the glass factory. Gondola ride along the canals. Transfer from Cornoldi port to Tronchetto port by private boats. Dinner and overnight in Mestre.

Day 16: NOV 17 – Venice – Seattle
Fly home from Venice with wonderful memories.

Pricing

Main tour from Seattle: $4,497 (Credit Card* $4,722)
Land Only (no airfare): $3,470 (Credit Card* $3,642)
Optional Italy Extension: $2,115 (Credit Card* $2,222)

The trip deposit of $300 per traveler is due March 1, 2025. Final payment is due on August 1, 2025.

Main tour single room supplement (for travelers who are single and wish to have their own hotel room: $983, Credit Card: $1,027.24 )
Optional Italy Extension single room supplement (for travelers who are single and wish to have their own hotel room: $465, Credit Card: $485.93)

*Debit Cards and American Express Cards are not accepted.

What’s Included

  • Roundtrip airfare from Seattle.*
  • First-class hotels.
  • Breakfast and dinner daily.
  • Deluxe air-conditioned motor coaches.
  • Guided tours at all major sites.
  • Spiritual guidance and leadership by Pastor Rob throughout the trip.

Flight Information*
Flights INCLUDING Italy Extension
LH 491 03NOV  Seattle Frankfurt        1400 0910+1 1A/E
LH1282 04NOV  Frankfurt/Athens      1 1240 1625 1A/E
LH 333 17NOV   Venice/Frankfurt       0650 0820 1A/E
LH 490 17NOV  Frankfurt Seattle        1020 1210 1A/E

Flights NOT INCLUDING Italy Extension
LH 491 03NOV  Seattle Frankfurt        1400 0910+1 1A/E
LH1282 04NOV  Frankfurt/Athens      1 1240 1625 1A/E
LH 243 12NOV Rome/Frankfurt 705A 905A /DCLH /E
LH 490 12NOV Frankfurt/Seattle 1020A 1210P /DCLH /E

*The Athens to Rome flight is included in the pricing for all travelers, including Land-Only travelers. This flight information is not yet available.

Book Your Trip

Two Options:

Option 1: Book your trip by March 1, 2025, through the mail by downloading a travel brochure and required travel documents here. You can send the travel documents and your $300 deposit per traveler check made payable to Friendship Tours—Trust Account to Friendship Tours, PO Box 1140, Moorpark, CA 93020.

Option 2: Book your trip by March 1, 2025, online and pay your $300 deposit per traveler (Include “Pastor Rob and Lisa” as your tour group) and indicate whether or not you are planning to take the Italy Extension.

What You Need to Travel on the Tour

1. Passport Requirements:

  • Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area. While the minimum requirement is three months, having six months’ validity helps avoid potential travel disruptions. Travel.gov
  • Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has at least one blank page per stamp. Travel.gov

2. European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS):

  • What is ETIAS? Starting sometime in 2025, visa-exempt travelers, including U.S. citizens, must obtain an ETIAS authorization before entering 30 European countries, including Greece and Italy. This system aims to enhance security by pre-screening travelers. New requirements to travel to Europe
  • Application Process: The future application is completed online or via a mobile app, costing €7. It’s valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. While most applications are processed quickly, applying at least one month before your trip is advisable to account for potential delays.

3. Entry/Exit System (EES):

  • Implementation: The EES is an automated IT system set to launch in late 2025. It will replace traditional passport stamping with electronic registration, utilizing facial recognition and fingerprint scans to record entries and exits. Wikipedia

4. Proof of Sufficient Funds and Return Ticket:

  • Financial Means: Be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
  • Return Ticket: Carry a return or onward travel ticket as evidence of your intention to leave the Schengen Area within the permitted timeframe. Travel.gov

5. Health and Safety Considerations:

  • Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Greece or Italy. However, checking for any updates closer to your travel date is prudent. Travel.gov
  • Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, obtaining travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unforeseen medical expenses or travel disruptions. Please be aware that you may purchase various levels of insurance coverage directly from Allianz Travel Insurance. Study their website carefully and copy and paste this important tour-identifying information into the online form: OUR ACCAM #F030632. IMPORTANT: If you purchase insurance within 14 days of paying the $300 per traveler deposit, you may be eligible for coverage of pre-existing conditions waiver. Contact Allianz directly for details. Note: If you decline the insurance, you are fully responsible for all losses incurred before and during your trip.

6. Stay Informed:

  • Regulation Updates: Travel regulations can change. For the most current information, regularly consult official sources, such as the U.S. Department of State and the official ETIAS website.

Your Trip Is Booked! Now, Get Ready With Our Tour Resources

On our Tour Resources page, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for your trip—packing lists, study materials, and other helpful resources to make your journey smooth and enriching. Be sure to check back for updates! Questions? Contact Lisa for answers by completing this contact form.