in the footsteps of john and paul
in the footsteps of john and paul
$5,769
CAD
$5,769 CAD | 11 days
Tab 1
Day
Location
Details
October29
Depart Canada
Day 1 ~ Wednesday
Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Athens on Air Canada departing from Vancouver via Montreal. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight. Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!
Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Athens on Air Canada departing from Vancouver via Montreal. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight. Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!
October30
Athens
Day 2 ~ Thursday
We arrive in Athens and check into our hotel. You will have the remainder of the day free to relax or take a stroll along the streets of Athens to enjoy the flavor of the city. This evening our group will enjoy the first of many delectable European style dinners at the hotel.
We arrive in Athens and check into our hotel. You will have the remainder of the day free to relax or take a stroll along the streets of Athens to enjoy the flavor of the city. This evening our group will enjoy the first of many delectable European style dinners at the hotel.
October31
Berea - Thessaloniki
Day 3 ~ Friday
From Athens, we begin the long journey north past Thermopylae where we learn of the famous Spartan battle of 300. Continuing into Macedonia we visit Berea to view the ancient synagogue where Paul spoke as well as the Bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the "more noble" church. This evening we arrive in the delightful harbor city of Thessalonica. En route to the hotel we will view the old city ramparts. Dinner and overnight in Thessalonica.
From Athens, we begin the long journey north past Thermopylae where we learn of the famous Spartan battle of 300. Continuing into Macedonia we visit Berea to view the ancient synagogue where Paul spoke as well as the Bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the "more noble" church. This evening we arrive in the delightful harbor city of Thessalonica. En route to the hotel we will view the old city ramparts. Dinner and overnight in Thessalonica.
November1
Philippi - Kavala - Thessaloni
Day 4 ~ Saturday
We begin the day by following the massive battlement Byzantine wall to the citadel for a panoramic view of the city. The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today as we tour in the delightful harbor city of Thessalonica. We will view the old city ramparts; the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. Also we see the White Tower and the Basilica of St. Demetrius. Next, we will visit Philippi and Kavala. Kavala is Greece's prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala. Continue on to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will view the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ and visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. Dinner and overnight in Thessalonica.
We begin the day by following the massive battlement Byzantine wall to the citadel for a panoramic view of the city. The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today as we tour in the delightful harbor city of Thessalonica. We will view the old city ramparts; the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. Also we see the White Tower and the Basilica of St. Demetrius. Next, we will visit Philippi and Kavala. Kavala is Greece's prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala. Continue on to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will view the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ and visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. Dinner and overnight in Thessalonica.
November2
Thessaloniki
Day 5 ~ Sunday
We begin the day by following the massive battlement Byzantine wall to the citadel for a panoramic view of the city. The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today as we tour in the delightful harbor city of Thessalonica. We will view the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. Also we see the White Tower and the Basilica of St. Demetrius. Then we will drive back to Athens for dinner and overnight.
We begin the day by following the massive battlement Byzantine wall to the citadel for a panoramic view of the city. The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today as we tour in the delightful harbor city of Thessalonica. We will view the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. Also we see the White Tower and the Basilica of St. Demetrius. Then we will drive back to Athens for dinner and overnight.
November3
Mykonos
Day 6 ~ Monday
We sail this morning from Athens to the quaint island of Mykonos, called the isle of windmills. We’ll get a chance to explore the shops and cafes by the waterfront and the maze of walkways by the whitewashed houses. Then we’ll return to the ship for dinner and the evening entertainment.
We sail this morning from Athens to the quaint island of Mykonos, called the isle of windmills. We’ll get a chance to explore the shops and cafes by the waterfront and the maze of walkways by the whitewashed houses. Then we’ll return to the ship for dinner and the evening entertainment.
November4
Ephesus - Patmos
Day 7 ~ Tuesday
Docking in Turkey (SHORE EXCURSION IS INCLUDED) we’ll have a tour of ancient Ephesus, one of the largest restorations still in progress. The ruins reveal miles of ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of about 250,000 people. Today you can see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this city including the agora, the odeon, the library, the marble-paved main street, the baths, Trajan’s Fountain, the residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, and the Temple of Hadrian. The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C., could accommodate 24,000 spectators and is famous even today for its acoustics. This afternoon we will visit the Isle of Patmos, under statutory protection as a historic monument (SHORE EXCURSION IS INCLUDED). Here we’ll take a tour of the fortified monastery of St. John as well as the cave that is claimed to be the place where John received the Revelation. We’ll return to the ship for dinner.
Docking in Turkey (SHORE EXCURSION IS INCLUDED) we’ll have a tour of ancient Ephesus, one of the largest restorations still in progress. The ruins reveal miles of ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of about 250,000 people. Today you can see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this city including the agora, the odeon, the library, the marble-paved main street, the baths, Trajan’s Fountain, the residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, and the Temple of Hadrian. The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C., could accommodate 24,000 spectators and is famous even today for its acoustics. This afternoon we will visit the Isle of Patmos, under statutory protection as a historic monument (SHORE EXCURSION IS INCLUDED). Here we’ll take a tour of the fortified monastery of St. John as well as the cave that is claimed to be the place where John received the Revelation. We’ll return to the ship for dinner.
November5
Rhodes
Day 8 ~ Wednesday
Today, we visit the island of Rhodes, where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. An optional excursion is available to Lindos, home to an impressive acropolis with breathtaking views. Alternatively, those that do not participate can explore Rhodes at their leisure.
Today, we visit the island of Rhodes, where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. An optional excursion is available to Lindos, home to an impressive acropolis with breathtaking views. Alternatively, those that do not participate can explore Rhodes at their leisure.
November6
Santorini
Day 9 ~ Thursday
This morning we will visit the island of Santorini, perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. (SHORE EXCURSION NOT INCLUDED). We’ll enjoy a panoramic bus tour viewing some of the most spectacular scenery of the Aegean. We’ll travel through villages and settlements with delicate architecture before arriving in the town of Oia. Here we’ll have some free time before returning to the ship.
This morning we will visit the island of Santorini, perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. (SHORE EXCURSION NOT INCLUDED). We’ll enjoy a panoramic bus tour viewing some of the most spectacular scenery of the Aegean. We’ll travel through villages and settlements with delicate architecture before arriving in the town of Oia. Here we’ll have some free time before returning to the ship.
November7
Athens
Day 10 ~ Friday
After your dimesbakation, you enjoy the rich architectural splendor of the ancient city of Athens as your guide introduces you to the world renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon and the Erectheum. Stand on Mars Hill as the apostle Paul did when he proclaimed, "I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you" (Acts 17:23). As you view the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life), recall that this was where the Apostle Paul preached "Jesus and the resurrection" (Acts 17:18) to the skeptical Athenians. Also see the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then we tour the city of Corinth, where the apostle Paul met fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla and received a vision from the Lord saying, "I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city" (Acts 18: 10). As Paul spoke, Crispus (chief ruler of the synagogue) and many others believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8), establishing the church at Corinth to whom Paul later wrote his two epistles. Discover the Archaeological Museum, Market Place and Temples. As you walk among the ruins, stand on the Bema, where the apostle Paul stood before Gallio to face charges brought against him by the Jews. Return to Athens. Dinner and overnight are in Athens.
After your dimesbakation, you enjoy the rich architectural splendor of the ancient city of Athens as your guide introduces you to the world renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon and the Erectheum. Stand on Mars Hill as the apostle Paul did when he proclaimed, "I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you" (Acts 17:23). As you view the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life), recall that this was where the Apostle Paul preached "Jesus and the resurrection" (Acts 17:18) to the skeptical Athenians. Also see the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then we tour the city of Corinth, where the apostle Paul met fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla and received a vision from the Lord saying, "I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city" (Acts 18: 10). As Paul spoke, Crispus (chief ruler of the synagogue) and many others believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8), establishing the church at Corinth to whom Paul later wrote his two epistles. Discover the Archaeological Museum, Market Place and Temples. As you walk among the ruins, stand on the Bema, where the apostle Paul stood before Gallio to face charges brought against him by the Jews. Return to Athens. Dinner and overnight are in Athens.
November8
Return to Canada
Day 11 ~ Saturday
We transfer to the Athens airport for our flight home on Air Canada to Vancouver via Toronto.
We transfer to the Athens airport for our flight home on Air Canada to Vancouver via Toronto.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
All participants must review the Full Terms of Service here https://www.ihtours.com/terms-of-service/. These full terms of service will govern on all matters not specifically mentioned below.
TOUR PRICE: $5,769 Canadian per person based on double occupancy.
****$170 CAD discount applies for anyone paying the full tour price by cheque or e-transfer****
RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR ANY MAJOR CURRENCY FLUCTUATION BETWEEN THE CANADIAN AND U.S. DOLLAR
PAYMENTS:
International Heritage Tours requires a deposit of $400 per person immediately, which is refundable 90 days before departure (July 31, 2025) less $200 administration fee and full non-refundable payment 60 days before departure (Aug 30, 2025). Please send e-transfers to: accounting@ihtours.com Please put the code 'DK5019' in the notes for us to match the payment.
You may also pay by personal cheque or credit card made payable to:
International Heritage Tours
7117 Bathurst Street, Suite 200
Thornhill, ON
L4J 2J6
INCLUDED:
The rates include the following hotels or similar
* 9 night’s hotel accommodations in the following cities
- 1 night Athens Key Hotel, Athens
- 2 nights Grand Hotel Palace, Thessaloniki
- 2 nights (1+1) Wyndham Grand Athens Hotel, Athens
- 4 nights Celestyal Cruise in Inside Cabins
* Roundtrip air fare on Air Canada flying from Vancouver to Athens.
* Arrival and departure transfers from/to the airport
* Breakfasts and dinners in the hotels daily
* Breakfast, lunch and dinners on the cruise + Unlimited drinks (coffee, tea, sodas, beer, wine) on board the cruise ship during the meals only.
* Full days of sightseeing as per your itinerary in Greece
* Shore excursions to Ancient Ephesus and Patmos
* Entrance fees to all places of interest
* Licensed English speaking tour guide in Greece and tour escort on the cruise
* Modern Air Conditioned motor coach
* Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person for the airport and hotel
* Port taxes and Cruise Tips and Cruise fuel supplement
* Overnight Hotel Stay taxes in Greece
NOT INCLUDED:
* Single Supplement $1100.00 CAD
* Upgrade to outside cabin $270 CAD per person (based on double occupancy). Upgrade to outside cabin for single is $390 CAD.
* Additional Shore Excursions: The ports of call are Mykonos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Rhodes, and Santorini. If you would like to purchase additional shore excursions not included on the tour (Ephesus & Patmos), you may do that onboard for approximately $80-90 USD per person.
* Travel Insurance
* Lunches during the land touring in Greece
* Tips to the guide, driver and dining room staff.
Recommended tips are:
3-4 Euros for the guide and 2 Euros for the driver for half day shore excursions and 6-8 Euros for the guide and 4-6 Euros for the driver on the regular touring days. Approximate Total of 90-100 Euros for tips; please give to the tour leader in an envelope.
DOCUMENTATION:
Please ensure that you are in possession of a Canadian/USA Passport valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in Greece. If you have a passport from another country, it is your responsibility to inquire at the appropriate Consulate if a Visa is required.
All participants must review the Full Terms of Service here https://www.ihtours.com/terms-of-service/. These full terms of service will govern on all matters not specifically mentioned below.
TOUR PRICE: $5,769 Canadian per person based on double occupancy.
****$170 CAD discount applies for anyone paying the full tour price by cheque or e-transfer****
RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR ANY MAJOR CURRENCY FLUCTUATION BETWEEN THE CANADIAN AND U.S. DOLLAR
PAYMENTS:
International Heritage Tours requires a deposit of $400 per person immediately, which is refundable 90 days before departure (July 31, 2025) less $200 administration fee and full non-refundable payment 60 days before departure (Aug 30, 2025). Please send e-transfers to: accounting@ihtours.com Please put the code 'DK5019' in the notes for us to match the payment.
You may also pay by personal cheque or credit card made payable to:
International Heritage Tours
7117 Bathurst Street, Suite 200
Thornhill, ON
L4J 2J6
INCLUDED:
The rates include the following hotels or similar
* 9 night’s hotel accommodations in the following cities
- 1 night Athens Key Hotel, Athens
- 2 nights Grand Hotel Palace, Thessaloniki
- 2 nights (1+1) Wyndham Grand Athens Hotel, Athens
- 4 nights Celestyal Cruise in Inside Cabins
* Roundtrip air fare on Air Canada flying from Vancouver to Athens.
* Arrival and departure transfers from/to the airport
* Breakfasts and dinners in the hotels daily
* Breakfast, lunch and dinners on the cruise + Unlimited drinks (coffee, tea, sodas, beer, wine) on board the cruise ship during the meals only.
* Full days of sightseeing as per your itinerary in Greece
* Shore excursions to Ancient Ephesus and Patmos
* Entrance fees to all places of interest
* Licensed English speaking tour guide in Greece and tour escort on the cruise
* Modern Air Conditioned motor coach
* Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person for the airport and hotel
* Port taxes and Cruise Tips and Cruise fuel supplement
* Overnight Hotel Stay taxes in Greece
NOT INCLUDED:
* Single Supplement $1100.00 CAD
* Upgrade to outside cabin $270 CAD per person (based on double occupancy). Upgrade to outside cabin for single is $390 CAD.
* Additional Shore Excursions: The ports of call are Mykonos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Rhodes, and Santorini. If you would like to purchase additional shore excursions not included on the tour (Ephesus & Patmos), you may do that onboard for approximately $80-90 USD per person.
* Travel Insurance
* Lunches during the land touring in Greece
* Tips to the guide, driver and dining room staff.
Recommended tips are:
3-4 Euros for the guide and 2 Euros for the driver for half day shore excursions and 6-8 Euros for the guide and 4-6 Euros for the driver on the regular touring days. Approximate Total of 90-100 Euros for tips; please give to the tour leader in an envelope.
DOCUMENTATION:
Please ensure that you are in possession of a Canadian/USA Passport valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in Greece. If you have a passport from another country, it is your responsibility to inquire at the appropriate Consulate if a Visa is required.
**THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY IN THE ORDER YOU VISIT**