Celebrate the Uplifting Words, Acts and Life of the man who delivered the Gospel to the World!

Tour Program

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7 April 2024 - Sunday  – Depart USA to Thessaloniki Greece

8 April  Monday  – our dive into the Bible begins! Arrive Thessaloniki.  Rest and enjoy this beautiful and lively city. Dinner and overnight at our five star hotel the Mediterranean Palace on the sea front.

9 April  – Today after a great breakfast, we head for the ancient city of Philippi (Acts 16:12). This city was built by Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, in 358 BC. Here Paul preached his first sermon in Europe and here the first believers in Europe were baptized. We will visit Lydia's Spring, the place where Paul led Lydia to Christ, making her the first person in Europe to ever give her life to Christ. Enjoy as we open with worship, and then Pastor Christine will share a devotional at this beautiful and significant spot. Then we will visit the archaeological excavations of the Roman city of Philippi from Paul's time. We will see the remains of the Agnation Way, the famous Roman road that connected Rome itself with Greece and the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. The Apostle Paul walked on these very stones almost 2000 years ago. We will also visit the actual jail where Paul and Silas were imprisoned (Acts 16:22ff). Time will be taken here at the ancient city of Philippi for a devotional message. Then we move on to the port of Neapolis (Acts 16:11), the spot where Paul first set foot on European soil. Following lunch here at one of the charming outdoor cafes along the shores of the sparkling Aegean Sea, we’ll focus on Paul's obedience to God in coming to Europe in Acts 16. After a full day of spiritual challenge, we return to our deluxe hotel in Thessaloniki.

10 April – After a hearty breakfast, we will spend our day visiting the capital city of northern Greece, the city of Thessaloniki (modern day Thessaloniki). The ancient city on this same spot was home to some of Paul's most exciting ministry, resulting in a church that has two letters in the New Testament. We will see the triumphal arch of Galerius, built in 303 A.D. We will also view the archaeological site of the ancient city of Thessaloniki where we'll share a devotional based on the events of Acts 17. After an exciting morning in Thessaloniki, we will visit the ancient city of Berea (Acts 17:10ff). Here Paul found a community of Jewish people who were serious about Paul's message and who "examined the Scriptures to see if it was true". While we are here, we will be able to stand on the very marble synagogue steps where Paul stood and preached. Standing on these steps, a message from the Bible will be shared here about the attitude towards the Bible that these folks in Berea had and how that should change our lives. We will then return to Thessaloniki and board our flight to Athens. Welcome to the birthplace of western civilization! Anywhere you look its beautiful and meaningful. Dinner and overnight in our five star  NJV Athens Plaza hotel in the BEST location – Syntagma square.

11 April  – After a great breakfast, we head to ancient Corinth. This city was a major commercial crossroads in the time of the Apostle Paul and a city in which Paul spent a year and a half in ministry activity (Acts 18:11). We will see the Corinthian canal, which connects the Aegean and Adriatic Seas. In the 19th century, this canal was dug through the four-mile isthmus where Corinth sits and the canal is still used by ships today. We will then visit the ancient city of Corinth and see the very road that Paul walked on almost 2000 years ago when he entered the city. We will see the Bemah platform where Paul's case was dismissed by Roman proconsul Gallio (Acts 18:12). Time will be taken here for a devotional message and musical worship. We will also visit the archaeological museum here at Corinth. We will then return to Athens to discover the beauty and history this amazing city, often referred to as “the birthplace of western civilization”.  First we explore the Parthenon, considered by many to be the most perfect architectural building in existence today. It was constructed in 446BC on the highest point in ancient Athens, called the Acropolis, and was home to a giant statue of the goddess Athena, the patron goddess of the city of Athens. The apostle Paul no doubt walked on the Acropolis and saw the Parthenon during his visit to Athens in Acts 17 in the summer of 50AD. The idol worship carried out on the Acropolis certainly contributed to Paul’s consternation that “the city was full of idols.” (Acts 17:16). Mars Hill, where Paul debated the message of Christ with the philosophers of Athens (Acts 17:18ff), is immediately adjacent to the north slope of the Acropolis, just below the Parthenon itself. We will visit Mars Hill (the "Areopagus" of Acts 17:19) where Paul addressed the philosophers of ancient Athens. Time will be taken here for a devotional message. After this incredible sight, return to our deluxe hotel in Athens' center for dinner & overnight. 

12 April – After another beautiful breakfast, we will head to the nearby port of Piraeus in Athens, where we will board our cruise ship. We sail at noon and head for our first stop at the beautiful Aegean Greek Island of Mykonos, at the stunning sunset hour. We will have the chance to get off the ship, explore this quaint and most famous and picturesque island, and choose to have dinner or gelato (or both!)  Later return to our cruise ship for overnight.

13 April   – After breakfast, we begin a day full of exciting events. First, we head to Ephesus and the unmatched archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus was considered the third most significant city in the Roman Empire of Paul’s day and the capital city of the entire eastern Roman Empire. Recognizing this, Paul dedicated over two years of his life to ministry in this city (Acts 19:10). The archaeological excavations here at Ephesus are perhaps the most incredible excavations in all of the Middle East. One of the many discoveries that archaeologists have made here in Ephesus is the unearthing of the 25,000 seat theater where the riot happened that the Bible tells us about in Acts 19:29. Time will be taken here in this biblical theatre for worship and a devotional word. We also enjoy a walking tour of this impressive ancient city. After our awe-inspiring visit to ancient Ephesus, we return to the port area where you will have time for shopping. We then board our cruise ship for lunch. Upon our disembarking in the early afternoon, we find ourselves on the beautiful island of Patmos. It was here that the Apostle John was exiled (Rev 1:9) and that he received the Book of Revelation from the Lord Jesus Himself (Rev 1:19). We will go directly to the cave where Apostle John received the Revelation and wrote it down. We will visit the church that stands on this site overlooking the beautiful Aegean Sea, and share a message here from the Book of Revelation. We will then visit the monastery on the uppermost part of the island, which contains priceless icons and ancient artifacts, including an original painting of Jesus by the famous artist El Greco (Dominikos Theotokopoulos). Dinner and overnight on our cruise ship.

14 April-  After breakfast, we disembark to spend the morning in Heraklion, the largest city on the island of Crete. Its archaeological museum holds the remains of the 3000 year old Minoan civilization. The city was a stronghold for the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire from 961 AD until 1204 AD. This city was bought by the Republic of Venice in 1204 AD and became an outpost for the Italian Renaissance. In 1669 AD, Heraklion was captured by the Ottoman Turks and made part of their empire. Finally, in 1913, Heraklion (and all of Crete) was incorporated into the Kingdom of Greece. The city has a charming mixture of architectures as well as wonderful outdoor markets, restaurants, and shopping. You will have all morning to explore and enjoy this quaint city. After returning to our ship for lunch, we set sail for the beautiful island of Santorini. First settled by the Phoenicians in 1200 BC, the island became part of Greece in 1821. The expansion of tourism here in the 20th century has resulted in the growth of the island’s economy and popularity. The island is one of the most breathtaking in all the Aegean and is full of cafes, shop, and restaurants. We will spend the afternoon & sunset hours here and then re- board our cruise ship for our final night of cruising the Greek islands Aegean sea.

15 April – After breakfast, we disembark back in Athens, see the Olympic stadium, and fly to Rome. Arrive noontime and enjoy this free half day in the magnificent city of ROME!  Our hotel is situated in a great location, in the heart of the city, short walking distance from the Vatican and St Peter's Basilica, Castel Sant'Angelo, Tiber river, Piazza Navonna and more. This free time is for you to choose how you wish to enjoy your free time at the many beautiful landmarks of Rome: marvel at St. Peter's Square and the Vatican, relax on the Spanish Steps, or just walk around the most romantic city in the world. Maybe you'd like to head to the famous Trevi Fountain and sing "three coins in the fountain" or to one of the many wonderful piazzas, where you can sit at an outdoor cafe, eat wonderful Italian food, and just watch the city go by. We will enjoy a group dinner together in Rome center. Evening is yours to spend as you like. Overnight at our NH Roma Hotel  in the center of Rome.   

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16 April – After breakfast we set out together with our expert private guide to explore the magnificent city of Rome. The Vatican and the Sistine Chapel are two of the most visited attractions in the world. However, we enjoy a special skip-the-line access with our guide and start our group tour of the Vatican. We will marvel at the grand galleries, gardens, halls and artwork, and reach a crown jewel presented here: the Sistine Chapel. This masterpiece by Michelangelo, depicting various scenes from the Bible, is truly a masterpiece and a world wonder. We continue to the St. Peter Basilica and visit more breathtaking masterpieces and the place where Peter was buried. Then we continue to the famous Roman Forum. Visit the Arch of Titus, erected by the Roman general Titus to commemorate his victory over the Jewish people in the uprising of 66-70 AD. This victory by Titus culminated in the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD. The Arch of Titus actually depicts some of the spoils of war that Titus returned to Rome with, including a giant Menorah (seven- branched candlestick) as well as pieces of furniture and other implements that Titus took from the Jewish Temple. On this arch, we have the only depiction in history of some of the actual contents of the Jewish Temple. The archaeological evidence discovered here matches what we read in our bible, and is like a 2,000 year old message in a bottle that reaffirms the trustworthiness of our holy book. We will share a devotional at this impressive location. After this we will visit the Roman Forum. From here we go to the Colosseum, where thousands of Christians were martyred for their faith in the three centuries after Jesus' resurrection. We’ll explain the grand structure and then we will be able to actually go down onto the ground of the Colosseum and walk where so many faithful believers in Jesus gave their lives rather than deny him. It will be an inspiring experience that you will never forget. As a culmination of our Bible tour, as we have been walking in the footsteps of the greatest disciple of Christ, we will bring our spiritual journey to an end at the place where the Apostle Paul's life had ended: The church of St. Paul Outside the Walls. We will enjoy a special devotional & worship session here. After a full and uplifting day, we return to our hotel in the centre of Rome for overnight. Your evening is free and there's no group dinner tonight. You can choose your preferance if to enjoy some of Rome famous street food with a local Italian Pizza and Gelato for dinner, or to book in advance any restaurant of your choice. 

17 April -   A free day to celebrate in the magical city of Rome!  After these days of rich learning and exploring, it's time to rest and reflect on the tremendous bible study and readings we have been immersed in this week. No wake up call today. You are the boss today and you be in charge of your pace and program. Breakfast is included. Then you can spend your day exploring more of this magnificent city and its amazing landmarks like Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, or Piazza Vanezia. Perhaps you prefer to go shopping (or at least window shopping...) in the world-famous via Condotti. You may choose to take a quiet walk along the Tiber river and visit the castle St. Angelo (famous from the Da Vinci Code film), enjoy the beauty of the roman streets and the roman people, be like a local and have a long and lazy lunch at a local favourite. Whatever you do today - have Gelato ice cream!  

At evening head to our hotel to dress up a bit for our special fare-well dinner party tonight in Rome. Please remember to bring a fun and dressy outfit for this special night. Then we return to our hotel in the centre of Rome for our last overnight. 

18 April 2024 – This morning our experience of a lifetime comes to its completion.  Head to the airport to return home to the USA, carrying with us incredible memories of our journey in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, an understanding of Paul's life & ministry that is phenomenal, and a deeper confidence in the trustworthiness of the Bible, after we've see for ourself all these places the New Testament mentions and we discover that they are just as the Bible declares them to be.  Arrive home same date to USA. 

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Tour Costs:  5,495 USD  per person  sharing a dbl room

including 2 flights during the program in Europe, but excluding transatlantic flights

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Including:

All Touring as per detailed program.

Pastor Christine DiGiacomo as your Spiritual Director - including unforgettable daily worship and devotionals at the holy sites.

Signature Tour personally created by Ezer Kalmovitcz, Director of Holyland Pilgrimage Tours.

Expert official licensed Guides.

Biblical Immersion Crafted Program.

Flight from Thessaloniki to Athens.

Flight from Greece to Italy.

Deluxe Motor coaches.

2 nights at the five star Mediterranean Palace Hotel in Thessaloniki waterfront.

2 nights at the five star NJV Athens Plaza – in the best location in Athens.

3 nights at NH Roma Centro Hotel in Rome city center or equivalent.  

3 nights Greek Island Cruise on board Celestial Cruises, Olympia ship, deluxe outside cabins with window.

Entertainment and daily activities on board.

Shore excursions off the cruise included in Patmos and Ephesus.  

Free time visit, shop, explore and sunsets in Santorini & Mykonos.

All breakfasts throughout the whole tour in Greece and in Rome.

All dinners 4 nights in Greece.

Two dinners in Rome.

All meals while on board Greek Island Cruise 3 days Full Board.

Port charges and other gratuities on cruise.

VAT and city taxes.

Accommodation tax.

Porterage service at all hotels and cruise.

Airport group transfer upon arrival and departure.

travel insurance (strongly recommended)

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The above rates do not include: 

transatlantic flights;  any personal expenses; drinks, one dinner in Rome; private transfers; things not mentioned above; Tips 200 USD per person (for all service providers' gratuities throughout the entire trip  in 3 countries including 3 hotels, 4 guides, tour director, all drivers, porters, waiters, cruise personnel - will be Collected once in Greece). 

Transatlantic Flights:  Purchase on own flights of your choice.

Roundtrip flights from IAD or NY airport: currently available online for our itinerary from as low as $750 roundtrip with good flight times.

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Single room supplement: 2,050 USD

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Additional services available:

• Private transfer to the hotel upon arrival at Thessaloniki SKG if not arriving together with the main group: 80 USD per car for two

• Private transfer from Rome hotel to FCO airport if not returning with the group flight: 90 USD per car for two

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First hotel overnight included in the package: 8-9 April 2024 at the Mediterranean Palace hotel in Thessalonica ( 3 Salaminos Street, Thessaloniki, Greece.                       Tel +30 231124 0400 ). Official check in time from 3pm. People can choose to arrive earlier and add overnights and rest there before the tour starts. Program starts with 6pm dinner at the hotel. 

Last hotel overnight included in the package: 17-18 April 2024. Finishing in Rome on the morning or noon of 18 April 2024.   People can choose to stay longer in Rome and add overnights and rest there before flying back home, or choose to continue on own to enjoy time in Florence, Naples, Capri, Amalfi Coast, Sienna, Venice, etc. and then fly home from the nearest airport. Hotel in Rome is NH Roma Centro: Via dei Gracchi, 324, 00192 Roma RM, Italy. Tel: +39 06 328481

Recommended Transatlantic Flights:

Arrive SKG Greece approx 2pm on 8 April 2024, and before 5pm ;

Depart FCO Rome noon or afternoon on 18 April 2024.   

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Clarification: Two flights are yes included in the package price: the flight from Thessalonica to Athens on 10 April. and the flight from Athens to Rome on 15 April.  People do NOT need to obtain these flights on their own. 

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Payment: 

Deposit of 500 USD is required when you sign up in order to secure your spot. Deposit is fully refundable until 15 July 2023. 

Full Payment balance Due: 1 Dec 2023. 

Cancellation policy:

If you cancel before 15 July 2023 you get 100% money back including all the deposit. 

If you cancel between 15 July - 20 Dec 2023 you get all money back minus deposit .

If you cancel between 20 Dec 2023 - 20 Jan 2024 you get 80% money back.

If you cancel between 20 Jan - 20 Feb 2024 you get 50% money back.

If you cancel between 20 Feb - 1 April 2024 you get 30% money back.

If you cancel after de1 April 2024 - no refund.

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We strongly recommend all participants obtain travel & medical insurance. 

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Additional terms and conditions info please see detailed online registration form.

To secure your spot contact:

 Pastor Christine DiGiacomo  

tel:  949-547-2531

email mchristinedig@gmail.com  

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and be sure to submit your online registration at: 

https://wkf.ms/3EJvZhz

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