Much of the story of the New Testament recounts the spread of Jesus’ movement into the Greco-Roman world and the Roman Empire. As the Jewish followers of Jesus spread his movement, they confronted a world culturally, politically, and religiously opposed to them - a world very similar to what we live in today, where similar challenges face followers of Jesus.
Join Bayside Church for a transformative biblical expedition through Greece and Turkey, where ancient history and sacred scriptures come to life. Explore key sites of early Christianity, walk in the footsteps of the apostles, and immerse yourself in rich biblical history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures on this unforgettable spiritual journey. Traveling through the Greco-Roman world will provide you a unique opportunity to discover how first-century followers of Jesus navigated their world and to better understand the historical accounts and teachings of the New Testament.
The heart of this journey is to empower you to become the disciple God created you to be. By better understanding the world of the Bible, you will better understand the words of the Bible, transforming your ability to study it, do what it teaches, and share it with others. Join us for an experience unlike any other as we take you behind the scenes to explore the lands of the Bible in a way that will change your life forever.
Our expeditions, led by an experienced team of expertly trained guides, offer the finest travel experiences, providing you the peace of mind that everything down to the smallest detail has been taken care of so you can immerse yourself in the journey, encounter God, and be empowered to better understand the words of the Bible by exploring its world.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Walk the ancient Roman road, the Via Egnatia, and explore Philippi—where Paul met Lydia and founded one of the earliest Christian communities.
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Explore Thessaloniki’s Roman Agora and world-class Archaeological Museum, bringing the backdrop of 1 & 2 Thessalonians vividly to life.
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Experience Athens through the New Acropolis Museum, the Parthenon, the Agora, and Mars Hill—where Paul delivered his famous Acts 17 message.
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Discover Corinth, including the Bema of Gallio, the inscription of Erastus, the ancient harbor of Cenchrea, and Acrocorinth—culminating with a special communion service on site.
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Sail the Aegean on a 4-day cruise with guided shore excursions to Ephesus (where Paul lived and preached), Patmos (Monastery of John & Grotto of Revelation), and Rhodes (Acropolis of Lindos & Street of the Knights).
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Experience the beauty of the Greek islands—Mykonos, Crete, and Santorini—including iconic landscapes, archaeological sites, and breathtaking caldera views.
Day 1: Tues, April 28, 2026
Depart the USA and get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime!
TRIP INSTRUCTOR
Marc Turnage is the founder of Biblical Expeditions. He holds an MA in Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins from Jerusalem University College, and a PhD from the Land of Israel Studies department at Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel. He has 25+ years of teaching at universities globally, lay audiences of all ages, and leading thousands through the lands of the Bible. He has published widely for academic and popular audiences. His book, Windows Into the Bible, was named by Outreach Magazine one of its top 100 Christian living resources in 2017. Marc is a widely sought-after speaker, and a gifted teacher.
TRIP PRICING
Occupancy | Price Per Person |
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Double Shared Room | $7,938 |
Single Private Room | $11,663 |
*All trip prices are per person based on double shared room occupancy or single private room occupancy, unless otherwise noted, and do not include airfare. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars. Also, please note that, should the group drop below the minimum required number of participants, prices may be subject to change.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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(5) Overnights at the following hotels (or similar):
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(3) Nights at Mediterranean Palace Thessaloniki (5-Star)
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(2) Nights at NJV Athens Plaza Athens (5-Star)
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(4) Day Celestyal Cruise to Greek Islands & Turkey
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Outside Stateroom with Window
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BE Instructor: Marc Turnage
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Local English-speaking guide
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Daily hotel buffet breakfast while in land
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Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during cruise
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(2) group dinners at Mediterranean Palace Hotel in Thessaloniki
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(1) group dinner at Olympus Naoussa in Thessaloniki (set menu)
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(1) group dinner at NJV Plaza in Athens (set menu)
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(1) group dinner Stamatopoulos Tavern in Athens
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(1) group dinner in Mykonos (set menu)
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(1) group dinner Grill Seakers Restaurant (set menu) on cruise ship
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Cruise shore excursions:
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Ancient Ephesus
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Monastery of John & Grotto of Revelation
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Acropolis of Lindos & the Citadel of the Knights
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Air-conditioned bus with Wi-Fi and driver
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All entrances and activities as per itinerary
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All tips (hotels, guide, driver etc.)
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B.E. trip box with resources per participant
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(1) group transfer upon arrival and departure with English speaking assistant.
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Roundtrip airfare from Athens to Thessaloniki (economy class) per participant
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Individual headsets
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
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Travel or overseas medical insurance
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Airfare to/from Greece
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Any meals not previously mentioned
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Expenses of a personal nature
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Anything not previously mentioned
RECOMMENDED FLIGHT
Please check back soon for details on the recommended group flight itinerary.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Mediterranean Palace Hotel is a five-star landmark in the heart of Thessaloniki, offering stylish rooms and suites—many with views of the Thermaic Gulf and the vibrant Ladádika district. Guests enjoy modern comforts like free WiFi, air-conditioning, and minibars, alongside exceptional amenities including a full-service spa (BONSAI Lagoon & Spa), indoor pool, and on-site dining at Cookoo Restaurant and Fellows Bar. With its central waterfront location, excellent service and beautifully equipped rooms, it’s the perfect base for relaxation and exploration during our journey.
The NJV Athens Plaza Hotel is a beautifully appointed 5-star property on historic Syntagma Square, offering effortless access to Athens’ most iconic sites. Guests enjoy elegant, comfortable rooms—many with Acropolis or city views—plus high-speed WiFi, a generous breakfast, and warm, attentive service. With on-site restaurants, a cozy café and bar, 24-hour reception, and easy walking access to shops and landmarks, it’s an ideal home base for rest, connection, and exploration during your time in Greece.
We’ll embark on a four-day voyage with Celestyal Cruises, sailing the Aegean from Greece into Turkey in an Outside Stateroom with window. Onboard you’ll find comfortable, well-appointed accommodations, panoramic views of the sea, complimentary WiFi in many areas, a buffet and restaurant dining, multiple bars and lounges, and regular port stops each day offering unique cultural and historical highlights. It’s the perfect way to relax, connect with our group and the journey’s purpose, and be immersed in the rhythm of the region as we travel together.
Travel & Medical Insurance
We want you to feel fully prepared and confident for your journey. To simplify your planning, we now offer Travel and Overseas Medical Insurance through our trusted partner, Faye. This service is offered in-house by our licensed agent to support your peace of mind and protection as you travel.
Get a personalized quote in minutes — no research or emails required.
THE FINE PRINT
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A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required at registration.
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Final payment is due 100 days before departure.
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If you cancel more than 100 days before the trip, you will receive a refund of all payments except the $500 deposit.
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If you cancel 50–99 days before departure, 50% of the trip cost is non-refundable.
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If you cancel 49 days or fewer before departure, 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable.
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Travel & Medical Insurance is required. To protect your trip investment and ensure you are covered for unexpected medical needs or travel interruptions, travel insurance and overseas medical coverage are required for all travelers. We will send you a complimentary quote for convenience, but you are not required to purchase from our recommended provider.
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Please see our full Terms & Conditions for more details.