September 25 – October 4, 2023 — 10-Day “In the Footsteps of Paul” Tour including Greece, Turkey, and a 3-Night Greek Isles Cruise

Tour Investment is $4899 per person from Ft. Myers, FL. Price includes all flights, Greek Cruise with 3 meals/day and drink package included, land transportation, professional guides, departure taxes, port fees, hotels, dinner & breakfast each day during land tour, all tips and gratuities, free professional digital photos of the tour, all entry fees and excursions as outlined below. 

Registration Closed Due to Deadlines.  (33 Travelers Going)

DAY 1 – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25: DEPART USA FOR GREECE   Embark upon your journey to the land of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Thessaloniki. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight because tomorrow you will be walking where the apostle Paul walked!

DAY 2 – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26: THESSALONIKI, KAVALA   Arrive in Thessaloniki, the city where Paul was received by Jason. Paul was preaching the Word of God here until he was rushed out of the city. We will transfer to our hotel in Kavala for dinner and overnight.

DAY 3 -WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27: PHILIPPI, KAVALA, KALAMBAKA, THESSALONIKI   This morning we travel on to Philippi and visit the Baptistery of Lydia, near the river where Paul baptized her. Lydia was the first convert of Paul on European soil and the conversion of the jailer followed. Also, we will visit the ruins of the Forum of Philippi, the Christian Basilicas, the “Prison of Paul” and the Theater. Next, we drive to Kavala (Neapolis), Paul’s first step in bringing the Gospel to present day Europe. It is a picturesque port! View the Byzantine Castle and the Ro-man Aqueduct. Then continue to Thessaloniki for a panoramic city tour before continuing on to Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4 – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28: KALAMBAKA, ATHENS    This morning we will see the world-famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched precariously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliff-side caves. Then they fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, which were later transformed into monasteries. We continue on our way back to Athens for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5 – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29: THREE DAY MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE

We sail this morning from Athens to the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. Experience the water-front area lined with shops and cafes and then stroll the charming walkways through a maze of white-washed buildings. No shore excursions included this day, as we will dis-embark and walk around this marvelous island at our leisure before returning to ship for dinner and evening activities.

DAY 6 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: KUSADASI, EPHESUS, PATMOS   In the morning, we will arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey, and drive to Ephesus, where Paul spent three years during his ministry. The impressive remains of Ephesus include the Agora, the Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsius, the ruins of the Temple of Diana (one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”), and many more. Later we will sail for the island of Patmos, where we visit the Monastery of St. John on one of the island’s highest points. From there, we will walk down to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St. John the Divine. Shore excursions to Patmos & Ephesus are included today.

DAY 7 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1: CRETE, SANTORINI   In the morning, we arrive at Heraklion, Crete and at the traditional village of Stironas. Here we’ll show you how traditional Cretans lived centuries ago. We’ll also visit a botanical parterre which is home to various aromatic and medicinal herbs from the mountains of Crete.  We’ll have a chance to literally put our lips to the deep cup of traditional Cretan winemaking when we visit a raki distiller and sample traditional raki directly from the barrels in his cellar (included). Time permitting, we will stop in Heraklion on the way back to the ship. Then we sail north to the isle of Santorini, the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands to explore the exquisite whitewashed villages. We can also visit Fira (or Thira, the ancient name of island), which clings to volcanic cliffs and are accessible by cable-car or mule. No Shore excursions are included on Santorini.

DAY 8 – MONDAY, OCTOBER 2: PIREAUS, CORINTH, ATHENS

We disembark the cruise this morning in Piraeus. After disembarkation, we will continue our sightseeing with a visit to Ancient Corinth. This is the once-glorious city near the Isthmus, where Paul met Aquilla and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the Word of God. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples and the famous Bema, where Paul stood before Gallio, accused by the Jews of Corinth. Then we drive to Cenchreae, the little harbor from which Paul sailed back to Asia, thus ending his second missionary journey. Here we admire the architectural wonders of ancient Athens, as we follow our guide to the world- renowned Acropolis, to see the Propylea, the Erechtheum and the Parthenon. We visit Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his speech on the “Unknown God.” Then we see the Agora, the ancient center of the economic and public life of the city, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians. During the bus tour, we also see Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium and the Neoclassical Buildings of Athens. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Athens on your own. Dinner and overnight are in Athens.

DAY 9 – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3: DELPHI, ATHENS   We will include a special visit to Delphi, this mountainous city which today is both an archaeological site and a modern town. For the ancient Greeks, Delphi was labeled the “omphalos” (navel) of the earth and it is here that the eternal flame burned in the Temple of Apollo. Delphi was the site of the Delphic oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world. It was also here beginning in 586 B.C. that athletes from all over the Greek world competed in the Pythian Games, one of the precursors to the modern Olympics. On our way up to Delphi, we’ll have time to stop and enjoy the small scenic villages that cling to the mountainsides. Dinner and overnight are in Athens.

DAY 10 – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4: RETURN FLIGHT HOME   Today, we return home to USA with a new insight into Paul’s life and teachings.

March 7-17, 2024 — 11-Day “In the Footsteps of Jesus” Tour of Israel with 3-Day OPTIONAL Tour of Jordan

Tour Investment is $5,177 per person from Fort Myers, FL. Price includes all flights, land transportation, professional guides, departure taxes, port fees, hotels, dinner & breakfast each day during land tour, all tips and gratuities, free professional digital photos of the tour, all entry fees as outlined below.

(Registration is closed due to reaching passenger capacity of 47) 

Itinerary

Day 1 – Thursday, March 7: Depart U.S.A.
Tour members meet for our flight to Israel, the incomparable Land of the Bible. After dinner is served, sit back and relax, enjoying the on-board entertainment as you prepare for this exciting adventure of a lifetime, walking where Jesus walked.

Day 2 – Friday, March 8: Arrive Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Caesarea Maritima
We arrive in Tel Aviv, where we are met by our agent who assists us through customs and security. (Time permitting) We transfer to our motor coach and visit Jaffa and Caesarea Maritima, where Peter proclaimed the Good News to the Roman Centurion (Acts 10). Next, we drive to our hotel on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 – Saturday, March 9: Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Druze Village, Nazareth, Cana, Galilee
Today, we depart for the Galilee, visiting Megiddo and Mt. Carmel, where Elijah prayed and God defeated 450 prophets of Baal with fire from heaven (1 Kings 18). Time permitting, we’ll stop at the Druze Village for a short lunch break (not included). From here, we continue to Zippori . Then, we continue to Nazareth (Jesus’ childhood home), and the Mt. of Precipice. Time permitting, we continue to Cana (John 2), where Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding reception. Next, we arrive in Tiberias for dinner and overnight on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Day 4 – Sunday, March 10: Galilee, Magdala, Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Jesus Boat, Boat Ride on Sea of Galilee, Jordan River
There is nothing quite like watching a sunrise from our hotel on the Sea of Galilee in the morning. We begin our sightseeing with our first stop at Magdala to see this new archeological site with the ancient synagogue, and then we drive to the Mt. of Beatitudes (Matthew 5-7), with time for reflection and worship. From here, we make our way to Capernaum, Jesus’ base for His early ministry. We will visit the recently excavated “Jesus Boat” which is believed to have been built during the time of Jesus. We then board a present time replica wooden “Jesus Boat” for our Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee. Next, we stop for lunch, with the option of the special, traditional St. Peter’s Fish (not included). Afterwards, we see Gadara and then make our way to the Jordan River with the opportunity to step into that special river. Optional Baptism in the Jordan River will be available for those interested. We will have dinner and overnight in Tiberias. 

Day 5 – Monday, March 11: Golan Heights, Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Tabgha, Beit Shean, Galilee
After breakfast, we travel north for the Golan Heights to lookout over the area at an incredible sight. Then, we visit Tel Dan and have a short hike/walk where we will see the gate of Jeroboam. Then, we drive to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter made the good confession of Christ as “the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13- 16). Afterwards, we stop at Tabgha, the Church of Peter Primacy. Next, we visit Beit Shean, one of the best-preserved Decapolis Roman cities. In Beit Shean, the bodies of King Saul and his sons were hung from the city walls (1 Samuel 31:10-12) after they were defeated by the Philistines. We return to Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 – Tuesday, March 12:  Jericho, Qumran, Masada, Dead Sea
After our breakfast, we begin our day of sightseeing traveling south toward the Dead Sea. En route we will make our first stop in Jericho (conditions permitting). From here, we make our way to Qumran and the settlement of the first century sect known as the Essenes, authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Following the road south along the western shore of the Dead Sea, we will visit Masada. Here, we will ascend the wilderness mountain by way of the cable car to the fortress built by King Herod. Next, we survey the ruins of the fortifications, waterworks, synagogue, temples and palaces. We then proceed to our hotel at the Dead Sea for dinner and overnight.

Day 7 – Wednesday, March 13: Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, Bethlehem, Jerusalem
This morning we will have some free time to enjoy the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on the earth) for a short swim/float. Please be sure you bring with you good water shoes, as the bottom surface can be rough on your feet. 
Afterwards, we continue north for a visit to Ein Gedi where David hid from King Saul. We leave the Dead Sea area for Jerusalem, an ascent of 4,000 feet in 13 miles. “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.” (Psalm 122:1-2 NASB). We conclude our sightseeing with a short drive and visit to Bethlehem. We will pass by Rachel’s tomb on the outskirts of Bethlehem, visit the Church of the Nativity and view the Shepherd’s Field. Dinner and overnight are in Jerusalem.

Day 8 – Thursday, March 14: Mt. of Olives, Palm Sunday Road, Garden of Gethsemane, Jewish Quarter, Temple Mount, Southern Steps
After breakfast, we begin explorations with a drive to the beautiful Mt. of Olives to behold the breathtaking panorama of the Holy City. Our pilgrimage will proceed down the Old Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane with its ancient olive grove. There we will visit the Church of Agony, where tradition holds that Jesus prayed. We will enter Jerusalem through the Zion Gate, and walk to the holiest site in the whole Jewish world, the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) of Herod’s temple. Beyond the wall lies the 35-acre temple area purchased by King David (2 Samuel. 24:18-25). On this site now stands the El-Aksa Mosque, and the magnificent Dome of the Rock (the third holiest shrine in Islam). From the temple area, we make our way to St. Stephen’s Gate, to walk the Via Dolorosa, including St. Anne’s Crusader Church, Pools of Bethesda, the Sister of Zion Convent (to see the Pavement where Jesus stood as he was being tried by Pilate), Ecce Homo Arch, and the ancient Cardo. We continue to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Afterwards, a short walk takes us to the Southern Steps to stand on the original steps that Jesus walked on as he entered the Temple area. We will have dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. After dinner, we make our way back to the Western Wall for a visit to the Rabbi’s Tunnel.

Day 9 – Friday, March 15: Shrine of the Book, Model City, Yad Vashem Memorial, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, St. Peter Gallicantu, Garden Tomb
After breakfast, we visit the Shrine of the Book Museum, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed. You will be fascinated by the 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem as it would have appeared in Jesus’ time. From here, we have a short drive to Yad Vashem Children’s Holocaust Memorial for a visit. Next, we drive to Hezekiah’s Tunnel (conditions permitting) for an optional walk through the tunnel. Be sure to bring good water shoes with you, as you will get wet walking through the tunnel. Also bring a flashlight if possible. From here, we make our way to the Church of Agony at St. Peter Gallicantu. Afterwards, we visit Golgotha and the Garden Tomb for time of worship and communion. We overnight in Jerusalem. 

Day 10 – Saturday, March 16: Jerusalem
After breakfast, we have time at leisure then gather together for our last day of sightseeing in Israel with stops at additional sites of interest in Jerusalem to be determined by our tour leader. Later in the day, we will have our Farewell Dinner together at a restaurant, before returning to our hotel.

Day 11 – Sunday, March 17:Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport, Return Flight to U.S.A., Arrive in U.S.A.
This morning, we transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our return flight home. We arrive back in the U.S.A. same day. At the close of an unforgettable tour, we bring with us lasting memories of the Old and New Testament, a renewal of our faith, and a greater understanding of the life and ministry of our Lord.

OPTIONAL JORDAN EXTENSION
$1297.00 per person
Price is based on minimum of 20 travelers for price to be valid
(Includes: Visa & Border taxes of $77 & Gratuities of $45)

Day 11 – Sunday, March 17: Allenby Bridge, Jordan: Madaba, Machaerus, Petra
This morning we depart Israel for Jordan via the Allenby Bridge, where we meet our agent and are assisted through security and customs. We board our motor coach to Madaba, the Moabite town of the Bible to see the Ancient Holy Land Map. Next, we travel to Machaerus (Mukawir). Perched on a 700-meter- high hill southwest of Madaba are the ruins of the fortress of Herod the Great. Machaerus is where John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod Antipas. We continue south to Petra, “the Red Rose City.” Dinner and overnight are in Petra.

Day 12 – Monday, March 18: Petra, Amman
After breakfast, we visit Petra, a 2000-year-old Nabatean city. We’ll walk about a half-mile through the narrow passageway with cliffs on either side (called the “Siq”). At the end of the Siq appears Petra’s Treasury, a massive royal tomb carved out of the solid mountain rock. Time permitting, we will see Jabal Harun – the place where Aaron is buried. We then leave in the afternoon for Amman. Dinner and overnight are in Amman. 

Day 13 – Tuesday, March 19: Amman, Mt. Nebo, Allenby Bridge, Israel: Jaffa, Tel Aviv Airport
This morning we travel to Mt. Nebo to view the Holy Land from where Moses stood (Deuteronomy 34:1), a breathtaking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the Mt. of Olives and the roof tops of Jerusalem. We then return to the Allenby Bridge for our return to Israel. After our border formalities, we arrive back in Israel and continue with a visit to Jaffa. Then we have dinner and an evening transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our return flight back to the U.S.A. 

Day 14 – Wednesday, March 20: Arrive in USA
We arrive home in the U.S.A. At the close of an unforgettable tour, we take home wonderful memories of the Old and New Testament, a renewal of our faith, and a greater understanding of the life of our Lord.

March 4-13, 2025 — 11-Day “In the Footsteps of Jesus” Tour of Israel with 3-Day OPTIONAL Tour of Rome

Tour Investment is $5,642 per person from Fort Myers, FL. Price includes all flights, land transportation, professional guides, departure taxes, port fees, hotels, dinner & breakfast each day during land tour, all tips and gratuities, free professional digital photos of the tour, all entry fees as outlined below.

Invite your friends!  Departure from other cities are available, usually with a small +/- price adjustment.

Online Registration link HERE.  Use Code Transform25