Days
10
$5,132
Starting at
per person
Journey Through Greece
with Celebration Church | September 29-October 8, 2027
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Walk in the footsteps of Paul across Greece’s most significant biblical cities.
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Visit Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, Athens, and Corinth through the lens of Scripture.
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Stand on Mars Hill, explore ancient ruins, and engage with early church history.
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Experience Greece’s rich culture, archaeology, and breathtaking landscapes.
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Optional 4-Day Cruise Extension: Sail to the Aegean Islands and Turkey.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
GROUP SIZE
Min 25 - 29 Max
REGISTER BY:
June 12, 2027
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.
Traveling to Greece with Celebration Church will provide you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Greco-Roman world, discover how first century followers of Jesus navigated their world, and better understand the historical accounts and teachings of the 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.
Trip Host Pastor Mike Day is a Georgia native who completed his bachelor's degree in Accounting at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama and earned his Master of Divinity and Ph.D. from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is married to his college sweetheart, Leigh Anne, who is an Oncology Nurse Practitioner. Together, Mike and Leigh Anne started Celebration Church in 1997. Ever since his first trip to Jordan, Israel, and Greece in 1987, Mike has enjoyed teaching people about the people and the places highlighted in the Bible. Whether he is leading his church, preaching a sermon, or engaging with people in the community, Mike loves the opportunity to inspire people to live out all God desires them to be.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: September 29th, 2027
Depart USA. Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
Day 2: September 30th, 2027
Arrive in Athens no later than 11:00 AM. Fly to Thessaloniki. Stay overnight Thessaloniki.
Day 3: October 1st, 2027
We begin our morning driving out of Thessaloniki journeying east towards Philippi (Acts 16:11-40; Philippians). Our first stop is the site of Amphipolis (Acts 17:1) where one of the things we will see is the Lion of Amphipolis. We will also visit the small, but important museum at Amphipolis, which contains artifacts from the Roman period. We continue to the modern city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis (Acts 16:11), where Paul first came onto the European continent. After visiting Kavala and eating our lunch there, we visit Philippi where Paul encountered Lydia (Acts 16:11-15) and established a community, to which he wrote one of his letters. At Philippi, we see the theater, the Agora, as well as the Byzantine Basilica. After visiting the small museum of Philippi, we will see a stretch of the ancient Roman road, the Via Egnatia, which stretched across northern Greece, and was utilized by Paul as he journeyed through the region. We return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: October 2nd, 2027
Our first stop this morning is the ancient site of Vergina where we visit the royal tombs of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. After lunch in Vergina, we drive to Berea, where the Apostle Paul arrived and according to custom went to the synagogue. We will see the Byzantine mosaic in the monument commemorating Paul’s visit to Berea (Acts 17:10-11), and we will visit the Jewish Quarter of Berea with its old synagogue. We return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: October 3rd, 2027
The focus of our tour today is the city of Thessaloniki. Amid the bustling modern city, we will explore the remains of the ancient city of Thessaloniki (Acts 17:1-9; 1 and 2 Thessalonians). We begin our morning visiting the Roman Agora in the center of the city. We then visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, where we will learn about the history of the city, especially in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. After visiting the museum, we drive to Delphi. Along the way we will have several stops. Dinner and overnight in Delphi.
Day 6: October 4th, 2027
Our tour today visits the ancient site of Delphi. The Oracle of Delphi was the most important and well-known oracle in the ancient world. In addition to the site, we visit the museum at Delphi, which contains artifacts from the site and illustrates the importance of this mountainous settlement. After our visit, we drive to Athens for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: October 5th, 2027
This morning, we start a bit later and visit the National Archaeological Museum where we will see artifacts from Greece’s magnificent ancient history. From the museum, we continue with a city tour that introduces us to the highlights of the city of Athens. Much of the afternoon will be free for you to explore the marvelous city of Athens and shop in its markets. Overnight in Athens.
Day 8: October 6th, 2027
Today our touring explores the ancient city of Athens, the birthplace of democracy. Our morning begins at the New Acropolis Museum. This beautiful, state-of-the-art museum is dedicated to the artifacts and excavations of the Acropolis. After gaining an appreciation for the ancient site, we walk up the Acropolis, and visit the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena. We then walk down to visit the Areopagus, Mars Hill where Paul encountered the council of Athens (Acts 17:16-34). Continuing down the hill, we come to the Agora of Athens and the Stoa of Attalos. Overnight in Athens.
Day 9: October 7th, 2027
We leave Athens today and drive south into the Peloponnese, the peninsula of southern Greece, to Corinth (Acts 18:1-17; 1 and 2 Corinthians). Our visit includes the small, but important museum of Corinth, visiting the theater and the inscription of Erastus, the city treasurer (Romans 16:23), as well as the Bema of Gallio and the agora of Corinth. After lunch, we visit the upper city of Corinth, the Acro Corinth, and the ancient harbor of Cenchrea (Acts 18:18). On our way back to Athens, we stop to see the Corinthian Canal. Overnight in Athens.
Day 10: October 8th, 2027
Those returning home today will have a group transfer to the airport to catch their flights returning home challenged and encouraged in their faith. For those continuing on for the optional Turkey Extension we will transfer to Lavrio port where we will board our ship for a 4-day cruise to the Aegean Islands and Turkey. We will set sail for Mykonos at 1:00 PM. Upon our 6:00 PM arrival we will disembark and enjoy the evening walking and exploring the pebbled streets of cosmopolitan Chora and have a coffee in “Little Venice”. We will return to the ship by 10:30 PM and sail for Kusadasi, Turkey at 11:00 PM. Overnight on board.
Day 11: October 9th, 2027
At 7:30 AM we dock at the port of Kusadasi in Turkey, starting point for our included shore excursion to visit the ancient city of Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul preached and lived for three years (Acts 18:19-21). Free time for souvenir shopping in Kusadasi. Sail at 1:00 PM to Patmos, Greece, where the Apostle John was exiled and wrote the Book of Revelation (Rev 1:9). We enjoy our included excursion, which takes us up to visit to St. John’s Monastery and the Grotto of the Revelation. Sail for Heraklion, Crete at 9:00 PM. Overnight on board.
Day 12: October 10th, 2027
Arrive at Heraklion Crete, (Acts 27:7-13) at 7:00 a.m. and enjoy an optional excursion to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, first European civilization and the legendary home of the Minotaur (half bull and half man). Then sail to Santorini. (Disembarkation by tender-boats, sea & weather permitting). Take the cable car up to the town of Fira, perched high on the rim of the ancient volcano. Free time for taking photos, browsing, shopping and enjoying the breathtaking view. Sail for Lavrio at 9:30 PM. Overnight on board.
Day 13: October 11th, 2027
At 7:00 a.m. arrive at the port of Lavrio. Disembark after breakfast at about 7:45 and drive to the airport in Athens to catch our flight to return home challenged and encouraged in your faith.
Accommodations
Electra Palace Thessaloniki is a 5-star flagship hotel in the heart of Thessaloniki, in the impressive Aristotelous Square. On the top floor is the Orizontes Roof Garden Restaurant Bar with panoramic views of the Thermaic Gulf. You can also relax in the rooftop pool or revitalize in the spa with the heated pool. On the ground floor you will find a British style lounge bar with fireplace and chesterfield sofas. Rooms and suites at the Electra Palace are decorated with wooden floors, wood furniture and luxurious curtains. They include a laptop-sized safe, a mini-bar and a flat-screen satellite TV. The marble bathrooms are equipped with a bathtub, bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries. A rich Greek breakfast is served each morning in the rooftop restaurant with fresh produce. Enjoy panoramic views of the Thermaic Gulf, Mount Olympus and the city. For lunch or dinner, you can enjoy several Mediterranean dishes accompanied by a cocktail or a fine wine bottle. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, and room service. This 5-star hotel features 5 conferences rooms with modern equipment and a banquet space that can accommodate up to 350 people. Electra Palace is ideally located within the business, cultural and commercial center of the city. Among the area's attractions are the White Tower and the Museum of Byzantine History, while the famous Ladadika are within walking distance. Electra Palace is 9.3 mi from Macedonia International Airport, 0.6 mi from the main train station and 1640 feet from the port.
A beautiful, newly renovated hotel located in the heart of Delphi, the V Hotel features beautifully appointed, air-conditioned guest rooms with a closet, electric tea pot, refrigerator, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, balcony, private bathroom and shower. Additional hotel amenities include a fitness center, shared lounge, terrace and restaurant, and free WiFi throughout the property.
An iconic hotel featuring breathtaking views of the Acropolis from its rooftop terrace, the Divani Palace Acropolis is the perfect place to savor your time in Athens. All with private furnished balconies, Divani Palace rooms are decorated in natural colors and feature classic furnishings. They are equipped with a TV with satellite and cable channels, air conditioning and safety box. Most offer spectacular views of the Acropolis and Philopappou Hill. Additional hotel amenities include a beautiful outdoor pool, state of the art fitness center, free WiFi, and two restaurants. A unique feature of the Divani Palace Acropolis hotel is the ancient ruins of Themistocles wall, discovered in the foundations during construction and tastefully incorporated in the hotel's architectural design.
Guests who choose the optional cruise extension will sail aboard a Celestyal Cruises ship, offering a comfortable and relaxed onboard experience as they journey through the stunning Aegean. Guests will stay in Balcony Staterooms, which feature private, step-out verandas with chairs and a small table—perfect for enjoying fresh sea air and scenic views. Each stateroom is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, safes, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms with showers, ensuring a restful and convenient stay. The ship blends modern comfort with warm hospitality, offering inviting lounges, panoramic decks, and multiple dining venues featuring Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Between ports, guests can enjoy scenic sea views, onboard entertainment, and restful spaces, creating a peaceful, all-inclusive atmosphere that complements the rich, immersive experiences ashore in places like Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos, Crete, and Santorini.
Pricing & Registration
Pricing is based on group size and room selection. All 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. Note: should the group drop below the minimum required number of participants, prices may be subject to change.
Occupancy | Price Per Person |
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Double Shared Room | $5,132 |
Private Single Room | $6,800 |
Optional: Turkey Cruise Extension
Pricing is based on group size and room selection. All 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. Note: should the group drop below the minimum required number of participants, prices may be subject to change.
Occupancy | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
Double Shared Room | $2,426 |
Single Private Room | $3,871 |
Flight Recommendations
Check back soon for recommended flight options to/from Greece.
What's Included:
✓ 8 nights in 5-star accommodations
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3 night at Electra Palace Hotel (5-Star)
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1 nights at V Hotel Delphi (4-Star)
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4 nights at Divani Palace Acropolis (5-Star)
✓ Daily hotel buffet-style breakfast
✓ (3) Group dinners at the following restaurants:
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(1) Dinner at Electra Palace on arrival night
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(1) Dinner at V-Hotel on arrival night
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(1) Dinner at Divani Palace on arrival night
✓ Biblical Expeditions Instructor Tracy Paino
✓ Local English-speaking guide
✓ Deluxe air-conditioned bus with WiFi & driver
✓ All site entrances and activities per itinerary
✓ All tips and gratuities (hotel, guides, driver, etc)
✓ Individual headsets throughout the journey
✓ (1) Group airport transfer upon arrival and departure
✓ One-way airfare from Athens to Thessaloniki (economy)
✓ Biblical Expeditions trip participant box
✓ 12-month BibleX Ask Ezra app subscription
What's Not Included:
✘ International airfare to/from Greece
✘ Travel or overseas medical insurance
✘ All lunches and dinners not previously mentioned
✘ Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, laundry, etc.)
✘ Optional activities outside the scheduled itinerary
✘ Anything not explicitly listed in "What's Included"
Trip Instructor
Tracy Paino has Fifteen years in pastoral ministry, over twenty years in higher education, a two year stint as a national ministry representative for a missions organization that helps meet the physical and spiritual needs of children in poverty-stricken areas of the world. One of his many passions is to challenge people to go deeper in their faith, to make the Bible come alive, and to serve as a teaching guide for trips to the land of the Bible. He enjoys opening up new paths of insight into the Bible and the Christian faith using the context of biblical history, language, culture, and spirituality. High School students, College students, pastors, church leaders, and people from all walks of life benefit from his unique style of combining these elements with a pastoral approach while using the geographical and archeological realities of the biblical setting. His educational background includes a B.A. from Evangel University (Springfield, MO) in Biblical Studies, a Masters of Divinity from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry from Bethel University (St. Paul, MN), and post-doctoral work in Biblical Languages, Biblical Geography, and Ancient Judaism.
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 deposit of $850 per person with $500 being non-refundable 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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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.