EXPLORING GREECE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL
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 Dr. Carrie Wood and Regent University 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 HIGHLIGHTS
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Explore the ancient city of Thessaloniki and the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum - a treasure trove filled with artifacts that will make familiar biblical references come to life and help you better understand new testament scripture.
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Visit the famed Acropolis, Parthenon, and Mars Hill (Acts 17) where Paul encountered the council of Athens. Walk the same paths that Socrates, Plato and Aristotle did centuries earlier.
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Immerse yourself in the history of ancient Corinth, where Paul spent two years and founded the Church of Corinth. Visit key sites such museum of Corinth, the theater and the inscription of Erastus, the city treasurer (Romans 16:23), as well as the Bema of Gallio, the agora of Corinth, the ancient harbor of Cenchrea (Acts 18:18), and the Corinthian Canal.
PRICING INFORMATION
Occupancy | Price Per Person |
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Double Shared Room | $3,419 |
Single Private Room | $3,895 |
*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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BE Instructor Dr. Carrie Wood
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Local English-speaking guide
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Breakfasts & dinners daily at hotel (except for in Athens, only breakfast is included)
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Air-conditioned bus with WiFi and driver
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All entrance fees and activities as per itinerary
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All tips (hotel staff, guides, driver, etc)
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Individual headsets for each participant
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BE devotional and educational materials
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One-way flight from Athens to Thessaloniki
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One group bus transfer upon arrival/departure
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
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Travel or medical insurance
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Airfare to/from Athens, Greece
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COVID-19 PCR/RAPID testing
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Meals not previously mentioned
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Expenses of a personal nature
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Anything not previously mentioned
TRIP INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Carrie Wood
Dr. Carrie Wood serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies for the Regent University School of Divinity, in the New Testament department. She holds a Ph.D. in Theology and a Master’s in Divinity from Regent University, each with a concentration in Biblical Studies. She earned her Bachelor of Theology in Messianic Jewish Studies from The King’s University. Carrie fulfilled her Continuing Professional Education (CPE) and served as a hospice chaplain before pursuing her Ph.D. Dr. Wood has taught on multiple continents, in both civilian and military settings, and for Biblical Expeditions as an instructor in the lands of the Bible. Her love of the Land and studying the spatial and temporal context of Scripture has led her to research and write about the geography, archaeology, and socio-economic aspects of Israel in the Second Temple Period.
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1: Wed, June 4, 2025
Depart the USA and get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime!
Day 2: Thurs, June 5, 2025
Arrive at Athens International Airport and fly to Thessaloniki. Please schedule a flight that arrives by 10am to Athens where you will need to get through customs and meet up with the group by 12pm in front of the Kourlourades Snack Shop, next to Arrival Hall A. We will have someone there to meet the group with a Biblical Expeditions sign. They will also hand out tickets for the flight to Thessaloniki and lead the group to the Aegean check-in counter where the group will be directed to the departure gate for the Thessaloniki flight.
Day 3: Fri, June 6, 2025
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 our Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Sat, June 7, 2025
Our first stop this morning is the ancient site of Pella, the capital of the glorious kingdom of ancient Macedonia and the birthplace of Alexander the Great. In addition to visiting the ancient site, we tour the museum at Pella, which speaks to the wealth and grandeur of the Macedonian kingdom. From Pella, we travel to 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 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: Sun, Jun 8, 2025
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 Delphi.
Day 6: Mon, June 9, 2025
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: Tues, June 10, 2025
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 people to explore the marvelous city of Athens and shop in its markets. Overnight in Athens.
Day 8: Wed, June 11, 2025
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 Athens.
Day 9: Thurs, June 12, 2025
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, the ancient harbor of Cenchrea (Acts 18:18), and the Diolkos, the road which connected the two sides of the Corinthian Isthmus. On our way back to Athens, we stop to see the Corinthian Canal. Overnight Athens.
Day 10: Fri, June 13, 2025
Depart from Athens International Airport and return home challenged and encouraged in your faith! Hotel checkout will be between 10:00-11:00am. Please note that one group transfer to the airport will be offered and departure timing will be determined based on when the majority of participants' flights will be departing. Private airport transfers can be reserved at additional cost.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The 3-star Acropolis Hill Hotel features modern facilities in a smooth Boutique atmosphere beautifully designed by 3SK-Stylianidis architects. With 60+ years of Greek hospitality experience, our team offers you high quality services and accommodation in the heart of Athens. At Acropolis Hill hotel, you are sure to experience a comfortable stay enjoying relaxing moments by the outdoor swimming pool or magnificent Acropolis and city views from the rooftop terrace.
Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Hotel Orfeas is located amid a garden in Kalampaka. It offers tastefully decorated accommodations opening out to a balcony. WiFi access is available in public areas. Each guest room at Hotel Orfeas will provide you with a TV and air conditioning. Featuring a bath or shower, the private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests at Hotel Orfeas can start their day with a complimentary continental breakfast. A snack bar is also available on the premises.
Offering aesthetic harmony, a warm and relaxed environment inspired by the renowned Greek hospitality and high-quality services at the heart of Thessaloniki, Hotel El Greco is centrally located on Thessaloniki’s historic Egnatia Street, only 5 minutes away from the Aristotelous Square and the Port. Its spacious, modern and fully-equipped rooms, free Wi-Fi access, parking and cozy breakfast banquet hall, along with the staff’s welcoming smiles and hospitality, make superior hotel El Greco the ultimate city hotel.
THE FINE PRINT
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A deposit of $500 per person is due immediately upon booking. The balance is due 100 days before departure.
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Cancellations of confirmed bookings within 7 days of registration will receive a full refund minus a $175 (per person) administrative fee. Cancellations after 7 days of registration but more than 100 days before departure will be subject to loss of their $500 deposit. 50-99 days prior to departure will be subject to loss of 50% of trip price. 49 or fewer days prior to departure will be subject to loss of 100% of trip price.
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Land costs are quoted as a package and credits are not given for services not used.
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Trip pricing does not include airfare to/from the trips starting point unless otherwise noted in the trip itinerary/website.
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If booking group airfare the group must maintain a minimum of 10 flying passengers.
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Availability cannot be guaranteed until registration is complete. We exercise best efforts to book hotels per itinerary, however in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 100 days of tour date, we may be forced to offer substitutes.
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Please be aware that living standards and cultural norms at locations may differ from those in the USA.
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Travel Insurance is not required but highly recommended. Biblical Expeditions does not sell travel Insurance nor is the travel insurance offered by our hosting platform, WeTravel, connected to us in anyway.
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Overseas medical coverage is required, and we must have a copy of your policy prior to departure.
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Please see our full Terms & Conditions for more details.