Join Dr. Ralph Sexton on this once-in-a-lifetime tour revisiting sites of the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys. Dr. Sexton will be your host and Bible teacher for this unforgettable journey. Our adventure starts with an evening flight from Charlotte to Athens, Greece. Upon arrival in Athens, we will transfer to our hotel for dinner and a night of rest. Thursday morning after breakfast, we will board Celebrity Cruise Lines’s Infinity, our home for the next nine-nights.

Friday is a day at sea with a morning Bible study where Dr. Sexton will introduce us to the Apostle Paul.

The first stop of our cruise will be the Turkish port of Kusadasi. A short drive brings us to the ancient city of Ephesus, the greatest city in Asia Minor during the Roman Empire and home to one of the Seven Churches (Revelation 2-3). Ephesus was the largest city the Apostle Paul visited, and the city where he confronted the followers of Diana (Acts 19:28). Just outside Ephesus we will also visit the Basilica of St. John, erected over the Disciple John’s grave by Emperor Justinian.

On Sunday we call on island of Santorini, the crown jewel of the Aegean. A cable car ride to the mountaintop city of Thira is provided. The day is yours to explore the many art galleries and shops or relax over a cup of coffee as you gaze over the scenic bay below.

On Monday morning, we arrive at the picturesque Greek island of Mykonos. There you may choose to shop, sample a local treat, or enjoy a relaxing stroll among the whitewashed houses of this iconic Greek fishing harbor.

Tuesday we call on the Greek port of Volos. Before disembarkinig for some free-time in the port, Dr. Sexton will lead us in a bible study to prepare us for the sites of Thessaloniki & Philippi.

We dock at Thessaloniki on Wednesday and travel to the nearby town of Veria where Paul found a group of Jews “more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:10-14). We will visit a place where, according to tradition, Paul stood and delivered a sermon. On our return we will visit the Arch of Galerius and walk along the Via Egnatia, the road built to connect the ancient colonies of the Roman Empire from the Adriatic Sea all the way to Byzantium.

Thursday we arive at Kavala, Greece, home of ancient Philippi. The Bible tells us that Paul and Silas came to Philippi in response to the Macedonian call (Acts 16:9). It was here that Paul won his first European convert, a woman named Lydia from the city of Thyatira. Some of the remains we will see at Philippi include the ancient theater, the Acropolis, the Baptistry of Lydia, the marketplace where Paul and Silas were brought before the rulers, and the cistern which tradition identifies as the place where Paul and Silas were imprisoned.

Friday is another relaxing day at sea. This morning Dr. Sexton will lead us in a Bible study to prepare us for our time in Athens & Corinth. The balance of the day can be spent enjoying the luxuries of our cruise ship as we sail through the Mediterranean.

Saturday we arrive at the port city Piraeus, Greece to explore the historic city of Athens, and the birthplace of civilization. We will begin with a visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon. Nearby we will visit Mars Hill, where Paul addressed the Athenians. (Acts 17:22-34) While there, Dr. Sexton will teach about the “unknown god.” We will also see the Ancient Agora, Tower of the Winds, Herodes Atticus Theater, Theater of Dionysus, and the Temple of Zeus while in Athens. After lunch there will be time for shopping in the old Plaka district.

Blue Mosque, and free time to shop in the Grand Bazar.

Friday morning we arrive at the picturesque Greek island of Mykonos. There you may choose to shop, take pictures, or enjoy a relaxing stroll through the whitewashed houses of this iconic Greek fishing harbor. Back on board the ship, Dr. Sexton will lead us in a Bible study following dinner.

Saturday we arrive at the port city Piraeus, Greece to explore the historic city of Athens, and the birthplace of civilization. We will begin with a visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon. Nearby we will visit Mars Hill, where Paul addressed the Athenians. (Acts 17:22-34) While there, Pastor Hawks will teach about the “unknown god.” We will also see the Ancient Agora, Tower of the Winds, Herodes Atticus Theater, the Theater of Dionysus, and the Temple of Zeus while in Athens. After lunch there will be time for shopping in the old Plaka district.

On Sunday, we will depart our hotel in Athens by bus for Corinth. There we will view the remains of the ancient city to include; the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the Site of the Olympic stadium, the Roman Forum, and the famous Bema, also known as the judgement seat. At this site Paul defended himself before proconsul, Gallio. (Acts 18:12)

Monday morning, we depart our hotel in Athens for the return flight home, having witnessed marvelous and historic wonders of our Christian faith.