Days
8
$4,624
Starting at
per person
Journey Through Greece
with NoVA Community Church | April 4-16, 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:
October 1, 2026
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 NoVA Community 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 Jenni Wong Clayville is wife to Brian and boy-mom to Chance & Paxton. Jenni serves as the Executive Pastor, the Global Missions Pastor, and as part of the teaching team at NoVA. Jenni has been in full-time ministry since 2001, serving as a Pastor in Portland, OR., El Paso, TX., Oklahoma City, OK., Fort Worth, TX, and Washington, DC. Her ministry experience has varied in positions such as Worship & Creative Arts, First Impressions, Campus Pastor, and Executive Pastor. Jenni’s educational background is nestled in the intersection of Psychology and Theology, and how they connect holistically. In addition to her work at NoVA, Jenni is a contributing partner to YouVersion and a conference speaker. Outside of her work at NoVA, Jenni serves on leadership teams that support and equip women in ministry, Asian Americans in ministry, and Church Leadership Cohorts. She also serves as a board member at International Ministry Network and The Neighborliness Center. Jenni is a lifelong learner, an unpretentious foodie, a more pretentious coffee lover, and a self-proclaimed comedienne.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: April 4th, 2027
Depart USA. Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
Day 2: April 5th, 2027
Arrive in Athens no later than 11:00 AM, then fly to Thessaloniki Enjoy a welcome dinner and stay overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 3: April 6th, 2027
Our morning begins touring 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 continue on to Vergina and after lunch, we will visit the ancient site of Vergina and see the royal tombs of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. We then 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 ofBerea with its old synagogue. We return to our hotel in Thessaloniki for dinner as a group and stay overnight.
Day 4: April 7th, 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 5: April 8th, 2027
This morning, we will check out of our hotel in Thessaloniki drive to Delphi, stopping in Thermopylae, a historic mountain pass in central Greece famous for the site of the 480 BC battle where the Spartan King made a legendary last stand against the invading Persian army led by Xerxes. We will check into our hotel and have a group dinner at the hotel in Delphi.
Day 6: April 9th, 2027
We check-out of our hotel in Delphi and take a short drive to 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 where the group will enjoy a group dinner at the hotel and stay overnight.
Day 7: April 10th, 2027
Today we will explore the ancient city of Athens, the birthplace of democracy. Our day begins with a short walk up to 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. Group dinner at overnight in Athens.
Day 8: April 11th, 2027
Our day begins with a drive south into the Peloponnese, the peninsula of southern Greece. We drive 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. Before leaving the site, we participate in Communion together (1 Corinthians 11:17-34). 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. Return to Athens. Dinner at Stamatopoulos Tavern. Overnight at hotel in Athens.
Day 9: April 12th, 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. Please book a departure flight no earlier than 12:00pm. For those continuing on for the optional Turkey Extension we'll transfer as a group to Lavrio Port to embark on our 4-night cruise through the Aegean Islands and Turkey. We set sail for Mykonos at 1:00 p.m. Upon arrival at 6:00 p.m. and disembarking, you'll have the evening to stroll the charming cobblestone streets of cosmopolitan Chora and perhaps enjoy a coffee in the picturesque "Little Venice." We'll return to the ship by 10:30 p.m. before setting sail for Kusadasi, Turkey at 11:00 p.m. We will stay overnight on board.
Day 10: April 13th, 2027
At 7:00 am we dock at the port of Kusadasi in Turkey, the 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). We set 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 St. John’s Monastery and the Grotto of the Revelation. We set sail for Rhodes at 9:30 pm and stay overnight on board.
Day 11: April 14th, 2027
At 7:00 am, we call at Rhodes. You will enjoy your included organized excursion to Lindos, situated 55 km (40 miles) from the city of Rhodes and “bears” above it the Acropolis of Lindos, with the ancient Temple of Athena, built in 300 B.C. In the center of the village, you will find the Church of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) of Lindos, with frescoes from the 15th century. At the old city of Rhodes, you will go through D’Amboise Gate to walk on the Street of the Knights. Along this street, you will find the residences of the Knights, separated according to Order, which bear until today their corresponding crests. We set sail to Heraklion, Crete at 6:00 pm and stay overnight on board.
Day 12: April 15th, 2027
We arrive at Heraklion Crete, (Acts 27:7-13) at 7:00am and enjoy an optional excursion to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the first European civilization and legendary home of the Minotaur (half bull and half man). Then we set sail to Santorini. We will disembark by tender-boats, sea and weather permitting. We will take the cable car up to the town of Fira, perched high on the rim of the ancient volcano, then you will have time for taking photos, browsing, shopping and enjoying the breathtaking view. We will set sail for Lavrio at 9:30 pm and stay overnight on board.
Day 13: April 16th, 2027
At 6:00 am we arrive at the port of Lavrio. We will disembark after breakfast at about 7:45 am and drive to the airport in Athens to catch our flights to return home challenged and encouraged in our faith.
Accommodations
Porto Palace Hotel is a distinctive upscale hotel housed in a beautifully restored 1913 industrial landmark in Thessaloniki's New Harbor district, just a 5-minute drive from the city center and within easy reach of the airport and major transportation hubs. Guests enjoy spacious accommodations, an acclaimed Greek breakfast, a rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views, wellness facilities, and complimentary parking, making it an excellent base for both sightseeing and relaxation.
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.
Amalia Hotel Athens is a stylish four-star hotel in the heart of Athens, ideally located beside Syntagma Square and the National Garden, with the Acropolis, Plaka, museums, shops, and the metro all within easy walking distance. Guests appreciate its modern, comfortable accommodations, rooftop restaurant with panoramic Acropolis views, excellent Greek breakfast, and unbeatable central location for exploring the city's most iconic landmarks.
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 and do not include airfare. A non-refundable $500 deposit per person will be required at registration. 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.
Title | Price Per Person |
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Double Shared Room | $4,624 |
Single Private Room | $5,332 |
Optional: Turkey Cruise Extension
Pricing is based on group size and room selection. All prices are per person based on double shared room occupancy and do not include airfare. A non-refundable $350 deposit per person will be required at registration. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars. 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 Cabin | $2,653 |
Flight Recommendations
Check back soon for recommended flight options to/from Greece.
What's Included:
✓ 7 nights in 5-star accommodations
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3 nights at Hotel Porto Palace (4-Star)
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1 nights at V Hotel Delphi (4-Star)
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4 nights at Hotel Amalia (4-Star)
✓ Daily hotel buffet-style breakfast
✓ Dinners throughout the trip:
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(3) Buffet dinners at Hotel Porto Palace
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(1) Buffet dinners at V-Hotel
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(2) Buffet dinners at Hotel Amalia
✓ Biblical Expeditions Instructor Marc Turnage
✓ 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 or dinner on 4/11 at Stamatopoulos Tavern
✘ Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, laundry, etc.)
✘ Optional activities outside the scheduled itinerary
✘ Cruise port fees
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.
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. An additional $350 non-refundable deposit will also be required for the optional cruise add-on.
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.