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Prepare to Be Inspired
We’re glad you are considering this tour. Our hope is that it is an experience of a lifetime.Overview
Get ready to step into the world of the Bible, where in Greece the disciples spread the message of Jesus across the Roman Empire, where Christians embraced that transformational message and united together in communities called churches, where early Christians died for their faith, where Christianity became the “religion” of the Roman Empire, and where the Church ultimately became infected with disease of power.
The presence of the Apostle Paul in Rome marks a significant chapter in the history of Christianity in Italy. Arriving in the bustling metropolis as a prisoner, Paul’s journey to Rome was not merely a physical voyage but a pivotal moment in the spread of the Christian faith to the heart of the Roman Empire. Today, traces of Christianity’s early presence in Rome can be found throughout the city, from the catacombs where early Christians worshipped in secret to the majestic churches that stand as symbols of faith and resilience.
Dates
April 11 – 17, 2026 (OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR ROME, ITALY EXTENSION)
April 16 – 24, 2026 (GREECE MAIN TOUR)
April 24 – 28, 2026 (OPTIONAL POST-TOUR GREEK ISLE CRUISE EXTENSION)
Pricing
PRE-TOUR ROME
$2,195 per person
MAIN TOUR LAND ONLY
$3,495 per person
LAND AND AIR
$5,495 per person
OPTIONAL POST-TOUR GREEK ISLE CRUISE
$1,995 per person
Lodging
PALATINO HOTEL or SIMILAR (ROME)
GRAND PALACE HOTEL (THESSALONIKI
STANLEY HOTEL or SIMILAR (ATHENS)
CELESTYAL DISCOVERY CRUISE SHIP
Single Supplement
(+) $595 PER PERSON (OPTIONAL ROME, ITALY EXTENSION
(+) $895 PER PERSON (MAIN GREECE TOUR)
(+) $695 PER PERSON (OPTIONAL POST-TOUR GREEK ISLE CRUISE
TOUR LEADERS
PASTOR JAY HACKETT WITH SCOTT PREISSLER PH.D.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026 – USA TO ROME, ITALY
Overnight flight to Rome, Italy – dinner on flight.
DAY 2: SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026 – ROME, ITALY
Depart Athens for Rome, Italy. Arrive at Rome airport where we are met and assisted with luggage and transportation to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Dinner (Depending on the International Flight arrival time)
DAY 3: MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026 – ROME, ITALY: COLOSSEUM / ROMAN FORUM
After breakfast, we begin our full day in the “city of love.” Overnight in Rome.
- Colosseum – largest ancient amphitheater ever built!
- Roman Forum – political, legal, and religious center of the Roman Empire
- See Mamertine Prison – ancient jail where Apostle Paul and Peter may have been imprisoned
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026 – VATICAN CITY / TREVI FOUNTAIN
Take in the magnificence of Rome today visiting ancient sights and being immersed in the vibrancy of this overwhelming city! Overnight in Rome.
- Vatican City – Home to the Pope, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. Smallest independent state in world!
- Vatican Museum – Houses an extensive collection of art spanning from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Renaissance masterpieces.
- Sistine Chapel – famous for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo, depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis, as well as the Last Judgment on the altar wall.
- St. Peter’s Basilica -largest and most renowned church in world. Constructed over the site believed to be the burial place of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the first Bishop of Rome.
- St. Peter’s Square – famous for its colonnades designed by Bernini and is a gathering place for large crowds during papal events and ceremonies.
- Trevi Fountain – built in 1700s, one of Rome’s most iconic structures
Breakfast, Lunch, (Dinner on your own)
DAY 5: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026 – CATACOMBS / ST. PAUL’S OUTSIDE THE WALLS / ST. JOHN LATERAN / ST. PETER IN CHAINS
Explore further into Rome’s rich history as we venture beyond the ancient city walls, tracing the footsteps of early Christianity amidst our sightseeing. Overnight in Rome.
- St. Paul Outside the Walls
- One of four major basilicas in Rome located outside of ancient city walls
- Dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle and believed to be built over his burial site
- Catacombs
- Network of underground burial sites
- Primarily used by early Christians during Roman Empire
- Provided a place for burials and religious rituals away from persecution
- San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains)
- Minor basilica housing the chains that bound St. Peter when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem
- Site of Michelangelo’s famous statue of Moses
- St. John Lateran
- Cathedral of Rome and the World – Diocese of Rome and seat of the Bishop of Rome >the Pope
- Dedicated to John the Baptist and John, the Evangelist
- One of the four major basilicas in Rome
Breakfast, Lunch, (Dinner on your own)
DAY 6: THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026 – ALBAN HILLS / ROCCA DI PAPA / NEMI
Today is a relaxing touring day. We will leave Rome and drive to the Alban Hills, a volcanic site also known as “Castelli Romani.” The Castelli aren’t castles, but hill towns, many with an ancient history and famous for producing wines.
- Stroll through small ancient medieval towns including Castel Gandolfo and Frascati while viewing scenic landscapes and lakes.
- See summer residence of the pope and the estate of Villa Aldobrandini with its finishing touches added by Maderno, designer of St. Peter’s façade in Rome.
- Local wine estate for tasting local wines and food.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026 – ROME / THESSALONIKI
Depart from the hotel and proceed to Rome airport for our flight to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight. Arrive in Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece today and the capital of ancient Macedonia. Tour group will be met at airport and assisted with arrival procedures. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Breakfast (in Rome Hotel), **Lunch, Dinner (in the Thessaloniki hotel)
**Lunch is dependent on the arrival flight time in Thessaloniki from Rome, Italy
MAIN GREECE TOUR
DAY 6: THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026 – DEPART THE USA FOR THESSALONIKI, GREECE, FOR INDIVIDUALS NOT GOING ON THE OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR ROME, ITALY EXTENSION
Overnight flight from the USA to Thessaloniki, Greece.
DAY 7: FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026 – ARRIVE IN THESSALONIKI, GREECE FROM THE USA
Arrive at Thessaloniki Airport where we are met and assisted with luggage and transportation to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Dinner (Depending on the arrival time of the flight from the USA)
DAY 8: SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026 – THESSALONIKI
Enjoy the day in Thessaloniki, where the Apostle Paul as well as Silas and Timothy preached about Jesus. Paul wrote two letters to the Thessalonians. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
- Guided city tour of Thessaloniki
- Free afternoon – take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade of Nikis Avenue, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Enjoy views of the sea and the city’s modern skyline as you soak in the lively atmosphere of the city.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026 – PHILIPPI / KAVALA / THESSALONIKI
Our journey today traces the footsteps of Paul’s entrance into Macedonia as we learn about early Christian converts in Europe. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki
- Kavala (ancient Neapolis- Acts 16:9-11)
- In ancient times, it was an important port city known for its strategic location and commercial activity. Paul and his companions traveled to Neapolis by boat, marking the beginning of their mission in Europe.
- Phillipi (Acts 16:9-40)
- Philippi was an ancient city in eastern Macedonia (Greece). It was established by King Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. In Acts 16:9-40, the Apostle Paul and his companions visited Philippi during their missionary journey.
- Lydia’s Stream (Acts 16:13-15) .
- Paul and his companions went outside the city gates on the Sabbath to a place of prayer, where they met a group of women gathered by the riverside. Lydia was among them, and she became the first convert to Christianity in Philippi after hearing Paul’s message.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2026 – VERIA (BEREA) / VERGINA / THESSALONIKI
Departing Thessaloniki, we take a short drive to Veria (Berea) and Vergina. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
- Veria (Berea) Acts 17:10-16)
- City where Paul found refuge after being compelled to leave Thessaloniki amidst a hostile crowd.
- Vergina
- Tomb of King Phillip (father of Alexander the Great) which offers a glimpse into the grandeur and history of this ancient civilization.
- Thessaloniki
- Return to Thessaloniki
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11: TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026 – THESSALONIKI / ATHENS
Following breakfast, we check of the hotel and transfer to the Thessaloniki Airport for the one-way flight to Athens. On the way to the hotel, we enjoy a city tour and lunch in the Plaka area. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026 – ATHENS
Today we see Athens, renowned for its illustrious history! See this city as the Apostle Paul saw Athens. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
- Acropolis, Greece’s crowning glory (Acts 17:16-32)
- Propylaea
- Temple of Athena Nike
- Erechtheion
- The Parthenon, epitome of Ancient Greek architecture
- View ancient Dionysus Theater from the Acropolis
- Mars Hill, (Acts 17:22-31) where Apostle Paul confronted idolatrous beliefs and delivered his renowned speech.
- View the ancient Agora (marketplace) from top of Mars Hill.
- City tour viewing the ancient Olympic Stadium, House of Parliament, and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13: THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026 – CORINTH / ATHENS
A short drive this morning takes us along Paul’s journey to Corinth where me meets Priscilla and Aquila. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
- Corinth (Acts 18) – a bustling hub of trade and culture in ancient Greece, situated on the narrow stretch of land connecting the Peloponnese with mainland Greece. During the time of the Apostle Paul, Corinth was a prosperous and cosmopolitan city known for its wealth and diversity. It was also home to one of the early Christian communities to which Paul wrote his epistles.
- Free afternoon in Athens.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14: FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026 – RETURN TO THE USA or CONTINUE ONTO THE OPTIONAL GREEK ISLE CRUISE EXTENSION
Following breakfast, we transfer to the Athens Airport for the return flight back to the USA. Those going on the Optional Greek Isle Cruise will transfer to the Port of Lavion to board the cruise ship.
Breakfast
OPTIONAL GREEK ISLE CRUISE
DAY 14: FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026 – CRUISE / MYKONOS
Following breakfast and hotel check-out, we make our way to the Port of Lavion to begin our cruise through the Greek Isles. Overnight on ship.
- Mykonos – evening visit/weather permitting – renowned for its picturesque, white-washed buildings with blue accents, charming narrow streets, beautiful beaches, iconic windmills, stunning scenery, rich history, and lively atmosphere.
Breakfast (in the hotel), Lunch, Dinner (lunch and dinner will be on board the cruise ship)
DAY 15: SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 – CRUISE / EPHESUS/PATMOS
Early morning arrival in Kusadasi, Turkey for tour of Ephesus. Meals and overnight on ship.
- Ephesus (Acts 19) – a significant destination during Paul’s second and third missionary journeys. He visited Ephesus to teach and preach the Christian faith, making a profound impact on the community. Ephesus was an important center of commerce and culture in the ancient world, and Paul’s presence there played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity throughout the region.
- Afternoon sailing to Patmos, Greece
- Patmos –the island where the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation during his exile. John’s time in exile on Patmos contributed to the composition of this influential text, which continues to inspire and intrigue readers around the world.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (on board the ship)
DAY 16: SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2026 – CRUISE / CRETE / SANTORINI
Early morning arrival in Crete. Meals and overnight on ship.
- Crete (Heraklion)- choose to wander the streets of Heraklion or tour (additional cost for the shore excursion) of Knossos palace (Minoan period 3500-2100 BC)
- Afternoon sailing to Santorini – this journey across the Aegean Sea offers panoramic views of shimmering waters and distant horizons, setting the stage for our arrival at one of Greece’s most iconic destinations.
- Santorini – the island’s distinctive whitewashed cubiform houses cling to cliffsides, creating a stunning contrast against the deep blue sea below. Santorini is renowned for its dramatic vistas, charming villages, and the unique geological formation of its caldera, formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. (additional cost to ride the gondola)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (on board the ship)
DAY 17: MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2026 – DISEMBARK CRUISE / ATHENS
Early morning arrival at Port of Lavion. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
- Athens
- Free afternoon following lunch
Breakfast (ship), Lunch, Dinner (hotel)
DAY 18: TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026 – DEPART FOR THE USA
Following breakfast, transfer to the Athens Airport for flight back to the USA.
Breakfast
Pricing
| PAYMENT SCHEDULE | PASSENGERS | PAYMENT |
|---|---|---|
| At the Time of Registration | All Passengers | $500 Non-refundable Per Person Deposit |
| 25% of the Tour Balance | All Passengers | August 1, 2025 |
| 50% of the Remaining Tour Balance | All Passengers | September 25, 2025 |
| 75% of the Remaining Tour Balance | All Passengers | November 15, 2025, |
| Final Payment | All Passengers | January 1, 2026 |
Pricing
$2,195 PP — Optional Pre-Tour Rome
Price Includes
- Meeting at the Rome, Italy Airport
- Transfer from the Rome, Italy Airport to the group hotel
- 4 (+) Star hotel accommodations
- One-way flight from Rome, Italy to Thessaloniki, Greece on Day 7
- Ground transfer from the Thessaloniki Airport to the group hotel
- Ground transfer from the group hotel to the Thessaloniki Airport at the completion of the Optional Pre-tour Rome, Italy extension
- English speaking guide
- Daily buffet breakfast in hotels as indicated in the tour itinerary
- 2 buffet dinners on Day 2**, 3 and 6
- **Depends on the arrival time of the flight on Day 2
- Gratuity for driver, guide, hotel staff
- 4 lunches and gratuity for lunches
- Admissions to the Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Scheduled visitation day to the Colosseum subject to change
- Half day guided tour in the Vatican
- Scheduled visitation day to the Vatican subject to change
- Admissions to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- English speaking licensed guide, for all transfers & sightseeing days
- Bottled water on board the tour bus (if available)
- Headset for each traveler
Price DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Domestic and International Air cost for the Optional Pre-tour Rome, Italy extension passengers who registered as Land Only
- Personal incidentals charged to hotel room
- Dinner on Day 4, and 5
- Single Supplement Fee for those requesting to room alone or if a roommate cannot be assigned by Faith Based Expeditions
- Personal incidentals charged to the hotel room
- All beverages including alcoholic beverages
- Items of a personal nature
Pricing
$3,495 PP — main greece portion
$5,495 PP – Land and Group Air
Price Includes
- Domestic and International airfare (Coach) out of Atlanta, GA
**GROUP AIR RATE IS BASED ON A MINIMUM OF 10 PASSENGERS ON THE GROUP AIR RESERVATION. IF THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS FALL BELOW 10 PEOPLE, THEN THE GROUP AIRLINE DEPARTMENT WILL CANCEL THE GROUP AIR RESERVATIONS AND THEN WE WILL NEED TO SECURE INDIVIDUAL AIR AND CAN NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE PRICE AND SCHEDULE WILL REMAIN THE SAME.
- Main Greece land portion cost
- 4 and 4 (+) Star hotel accommodations as shown above
- Meeting at the Thessaloniki Airport on arrival and departure whether traveling as Land Only or Land and Air
- Ground transfer from the Thessaloniki Airport to the group Hotel
- Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport on Day 6 for one-way flight to Athens
- One-way flight on Day 6 from Thessaloniki to Athens
- Transfer from the Athens Airport to the group hotel
- Ground transfer from the group hotel to the Athens Airport at the completion of the Greece Land tour
- All transfers & sightseeing days
- Gratuity for driver, guide, and hotel staff
- Luxury air-conditioned motor coach
- Entrance fees for sites indicated in the Itinerary
- Daily buffet breakfast and dinner in hotels
- 7** lunches and gratuity for lunches as indicated in the tour itinerary
- **Depends on the arrival time of the flight from Rome, Italy
- Headset for each passenger
- Bottled water on board the tour buses
- Porterage at hotels
Price DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Domestic or International airfare for the Greece Main tour passengers who registered as Land Only
- Hotel cost for any traveler arriving prior to APRIL 17, 2026 (Excluding those on the Pre-Rome, Italy Extension)
- Hotel cost for any traveler staying after APRIL 24, 2026
- Optional Travel Protection Insurance
- Entry fees for optional sites not included in itinerary
- All beverages including alcoholic beverage
- Single Supplement Fee for those requesting to room alone or if a roommate cannot be assigned by Faith Based Expeditions
- Personal incidentals charged to hotel room
- Items of personal nature
Pricing
$1,995 PP — Optional greek ISLE CRUISE
Price Includes
- Breakfast on Day 14 at the group hotel prior to transferring to the Port of Lavion to board the cruise ship
- Ground transfer from the group hotel to the Port of Lavion for embarkation on cruise ship on Day 14
- Outside cruise cabins
- Ground transfer from the Port of Lavion to the Athens group hotel at the conclusion of the Greek Isle Cruise on Day 17
- Hotel room following the Optional Greek Isle Cruise on Day 17
- Lunch and gratuity for lunch Day 17
- Ephesus Excursion – Kusadasi, Turkey
- Temporary Turkish VISA handled by the cruise line for the visit to Ephesus
- Patmos Excursion – Isle of Patmos
- Unlimited drinks (coffee, tea, soda, beer, wine) on board the ship offered only during meals
- Port Taxes and gratuity for the cruise Purser
- Gratuity for the Cruise Representative
- English speaking licensed guide, for all transfers & sightseeing days
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board ship only
- Ground transfer from the group hotel to Athens Airport for return flight to USA on Day 18
Price DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Domestic and International air cost for Post-tour Optional Greek Isle Cruise who registered as Land Only
- Hotel room if staying after 11:00 AM on (APRIL 28, 2026)
- Optional Travel Protection Insurance
- Dream Cabin with a balcony Supplement of $595 per person if available (based on double occupancy)
- Dream Cabin with a Balcony Single Supplement of $1,190 per person if available (passengers rooming alone)
- Balcony Cabin Supplement of $350 per person if available (based on double occupancy)
- Balcony Cabin Single Supplement of $550 per person if available (Passengers rooming alone)
- Shore excursion on Crete
- Gondola fee on Santorini
- Lunches and dinner while on shore or on a shore excursion
- Single Supplement Fee in for those requesting to room alone or if a roommate cannot be assigned by Faith Based Expeditions
- Cruise/cabin miscellaneous expenses of a personal nature
- Items of personal nature
Insurance
| Trawick International Travel Protection Insurance Price Chart | |
|---|---|
| Tour Cost Range | Insurance Premium Cost |
| $1 – $1,000 | $88.44 |
| $1,001 – $2,000 | $139.00 |
| $2,001 – $3,000 | $211.14 |
| $3,001 – $4,000 | $280.40 |
| $4,001 – $5,000 | $377.67 |
| $5,001 – $6,000 | $424.91 |
| $6,001 – $7,000 | $527.54 |
| $7,001 – $8,000 | $611.21 |
| $8,001 – $9,000 | $724.68 |
| $9,001 – $10,000 | $895.64 |
Cancellation Policies
A cancellation by any individual tour registrant (or if a tour leader cancels an entire tour for any reason), the following penalties will apply.
The below cancellation penalties and refund policy will apply for all travelers who choose not to abide by a country’s official travel restrictions.
- Non-refundable Third-party supplier penalties include but not limited to –
- Credit / Debit Card Processing Fee
- Land Suppliers
- Cruise Ship supplier
- Non-refundable Cruise Deposit from 149 days prior to the tour departure date
- Group Air supplier
- Etc.
- Any individual canceling between the date of registration and the Final Payment Due Date (Final Payment Due Date is 100 days prior to the tour departure date) will be penalized a Non-refundable, Non-transferrable $500 per person deposit and plus any non-refundable third-party supplier cost/s
- Any individual canceling between 99 – 85 days prior to the scheduled departure date we will be penalized the entire tour deposit plus 10% of the total tour cost and any nonrefundable payments to any third-party supplier.
- Any individual canceling between 84- 55 days prior to the scheduled departure date we will be penalized 50% of the total tour cost plus any nonrefundable payments to any third-party supplier.
- Any individual canceling between 54 – 45 days prior to the scheduled departure date will be penalized 80 % of the total tour cost plus any nonrefundable payments to any third-party supplier.
- Any individual canceling between 44 – 0 days prior to the scheduled departure date will be penalized 100 % of the total tour cost.
- Any individual canceling less than 60 days prior to the tour departure date and causes their assigned roommate to room alone and if there is no one to be assigned as the person’s roommate, then the person canceling will be responsible to pay the Single Supplement fee.
- If a roommate is subsequently found for the remaining roommate, then the Single Supplement fee will be refunded to the canceling individual.
- Allow up to 8 – 10 weeks for any refund to be issued.
If the tour includes a cruise as part to the main tour itinerary or as an Optional Extension and the tour leader or an individual cancels the cruise portion whether as part of the tour or as an Optional Extension, then the following cancellation penalties will apply. - For a cancellation between 149 days to 90 days prior to the scheduled departure date we will impose a penalty of $300 per person plus nonrefundable payments made by us to third parties for the tour.
- For a cancellation between 89 days – 60 – days prior to the scheduled departure date we will impose a penalty of 35% of every registered person’s total cost for the cruise plus and nonrefundable payments made by us to third parties for the cruise.
- For a cancellation between 59 days – 30 days prior to the scheduled departure date we will impose a penalty of 80% of every registered person’s total cost for the cruise plus and nonrefundable payments made by us to third parties for the cruise.
- For a cancellation less between 29 days – o days prior to the scheduled departure date we will impose a penalty of 100% of every registered person’s total cost for the cruise plus and nonrefundable payments made by us to third parties for the cruise.
- Please allow 8 – 10 weeks for a refund to be issued.
Testimonials
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