Greece & Turkey 9-Day Tour & Cruise

Footsteps of the Apostle Paul

and History of the Early Church

October 16-24, 2027

 Hosted by Bruce W. Martin

9-Day Tour including a 3-Day Greek Island Cruise!

Imagine walking in the footsteps of Paul and the early church leaders on an epic tour including Athens, Ephesus, Smyrna, Thyatira, Pergamum, Corinth, Crete, Santorini, and the Isle of Patmos. This trip will bring New Testament history to life as we explore the ancient ruins of the Acropolis, the Amphitheater at Ephesus, Basilica Church of St. John, the Parthenon, and finally Mars Hill in Athens.

DAILY ITINERARY:

Day 1: Departure from US

Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight finishing in Izmir, Turkey. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where  the apostles walked! 

Day 2: Arrival Izmir 

Today we transfer to our hotel in Izmir, Turkey. The remainder of your day is free to relax, sightsee on your own and enjoy  your hotel facilities. 

Day 3: Pergamum, Thyatira & Smyrna

Our first visit of the day is Pergamum. The church of Pergamum was praised for its forbearance; (Rev. 2:12-17) it was  here that the first Christians were executed by Rome. We’ll visit the fabled Acropolis, pass through the Royal Gates, view  the foundations of the Altar of Zeus and visit the ruins of the library (which once held 200,000 volumes). Next we travel  east to Thyatira viewing the ancient roadway and period columns. Thyatira was once a busy trading center and famous  as a “seller of purple,” the most favored of the Seven Churches. We continue south to Izmir, which is the third largest  city in Turkey and a longtime center for Jews and Christians. In Paul’s day, Izmir was known as Smyrna and was another  of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11). Our lodging this evening will be in Izmir.

Day 4: Ephesus 

Today, we travel to the nearby town of Selcuk for a visit to the ancient Ephesus. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000  people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city. We view the Library,  Agora, theater, colorful mosaics in the aristocratic Terrace Houses, and a panoramic outlook of the surrounding ancient  port area (including a wealth of church history and cultural insight). Then we continue with a visit to the Basilica Church  of St. John, which houses an immersion baptismal and is believed to be the resting place of John. From here we have an  excellent overview of the Ephesus harbor, the Mosque of Jesus, and see the site of the Temple of Artemis, which is listed  as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  

Day 5: Isle of Patmos 

This morning, we embark our cruise ship and sail for a visit to the beautiful Isle of Patmos, which is under statutory  protection as a historic monument. Here we have a tour to see the fortified monastery of St. John and the cave claimed  to be where John received the Revelation. Back on the ship, enjoy dinner before settling into your cabin for the night. 

Day 6: Crete and Santorini

Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. Take a tour to Heraklion and the fantastic ruins of the  Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical  Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. This afternoon visit the island of Santorini which is  perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. You may choose to take an optional panoramic bus tour viewing  some of the most spectacular scenery of the Aegean. Travel through countless villages and settlements with delicate  architecture and beauties eventually arriving in Oia. During your time in Oia, visit the many narrow streets, open-air  cafes and glittering boutiques. Upon returning to the ship, we view the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia,  Palea, & Nea Kameni. We arrive at the ship for dinner and evening entertainment. 

Day 7: Disembark Cruise – Ancient Corinth

We disembark the cruise this morning and travel west with a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal. Next, we visit  ancient Corinth, the city that inspired many of Paul’s most familiar letters and is a highlight for the New Testament  scholar. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will  enhance your understanding and love for the Bible. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we  walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in  the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. We travel on to the top of the nearby Acropolis where our guide will speak on the  worship practices and point out the bird’s eye view of what was a bustling city of around 800,000 during Paul’s stay.  Another important stop is a visit to Diolkos where we view the paved trackway which enabled boats to be moved  overland across the Isthmus of Corinth and served as a lifeline for Corinth. This shortcut allowed ancient vessels to  avoid the long and dangerous circumnavigation of the Peloponnese peninsula. Before returning to Athens, we will visit Cenchreae, the ancient port region of Corinth. Acts 18:18 states the Apostle Paul stopped at Cenchreae during his second missionary journey. Then we have an overnight stay in our hotel in Athens.

Day 8: Athens 

Following breakfast this morning we tour the beautiful city of Athens, the foundation of democracy. We visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon,  and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation.  From atop Mars Hill we view the Agora below, the ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life. Additional  sites viewed during our panoramic bus tour are, the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic  Stadium, and Presidential Palace. An option later this afternoon is a visit to the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes. Then we have an overnight stay in our hotel in Athens, preparing for travel tomorrow.

Day 9: Homeward Bound

Today we travel home from Athens, with new friends, memories of a lifetime, and a greater appreciation for the history of the early New Testament Church.

Registration Includes: 

• Daily Bible Teaching provided by Bruce W. Martin
• 5 nights lodging in 4 star hotels 
• 2 nights standard inside cabins on cruise (double occupancy) 
• Breakfast and dinner daily / Lunch (if on cruise during service) 
• Full time English speaking Turkish/Greek Tour Guide & Cruise Representative / Local Island Guides 
• Porterage at Hotels & Cruise (1 Bag) 
• Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel staff (Transported to Greece by Group Leader) 
• Services of long distance deluxe motorcoach as appear on itinerary 
• All guides, entrances and transportation as appear on itinerary 
• Including Credit Card Processing 
• Port tour of Crete and Santorini 

Not Included:  

• Airfare 
• Lunches (unless otherwise listed)
• Optional Travel Insurance (US Residence Only)  
• Optional Outside Cabins PP (Standard porthole $200.00 / Premium 36″ Window $300, Balcony $1500) 

Price per person based on double occupancy & a minimum of 15 passengers necessary for operation of tour.  

Single Supplement: $1,200

Greece & Turkey 8-Day Tour

October 16-24, 2026

 $4,295.00 per person (double occupancy)

$5,495.00 per person (single occupancy*)