Group: Friends of Tim & Mary Fox
Dates: September 6 - 18, 2026
Price: $5,495 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single Supplement Fee: $1,995
We invite you to join us as we tour Greece and follow in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. The dates of our tour are September 6-18, 2026. Our tour will trace the Apostle Paul’s journeys and promises to deepen your faith and enrich your understanding of early Christian history.
We’ll explore the great cities of Classical and Hellenistic Greece and visit the first century Christian cities of Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, and Patmos. It is in these communities where the pivotal events of the early church will come alive as you explore the Scriptures in their original settings. Of course, no tour would be complete without a cruise of the wonderful Greek islands, and we will bask in the brilliant sun and gaze at the deep blue seas of the Aegean.
Leading our tour will be Julia VanderMolen and Kleanthis Iliadis. Julia's insights into how the first century context shaped Paul’s Gospel message will encourage and enlighten you, as she relates the message of Paul to today’s world. Her years of teaching will draw you into a world of experiential learning. Kleanthis, a native of Berea, has an insider’s view, taking you off the beaten path to provide an unusually rich experience of Greek foods and culture.
You will find this tour to be an opportunity to gain a fresh perspective, an eyewitness experience, and a renewed appreciation for the mission, message, and ministry of the Apostle Paul and the culture of modern Greece.
And now a little more about Footstep Ministries. In 2012 our oldest child, Matt, traveled to Greece with Footstep Ministries while a student at Grove City College. A few years later, I hosted Waynesburg University Alumni and Friends on a similar trip while working for Waynesburg University. My second personal travel experience with Footstep was when I assisted Dr. Josh Sumpter as he took a group of college students on this unforgettable journey.
We hope that you will consider joining us for this lifetime experience. Space is limited, so make your reservations soon!
Tim and Mary Fox
Questions? Call us at 972-418-6103 or email us at [email protected]
first discovered a love for the ancient Mediterranean world in college when she was studying Latin as a requirement. After seeing Agamemnon's mask face-to-face, she declared a new major in Classics and never looked back. She is excited to invite you to consider the beautiful and complex story of God and us, specifically through the life and writings of the Apostle Paul in the places he lived and wrote. She also loves stretching even further back to where history blurs into mythology, seeing humanity trying to create order out of chaos whether by slaying a minotaur or by optically optimizing art and architecture. Her conclusions: stories and experience show us that humans are nothing if not inconsistent; and our Triune God is nothing if not faithful.
is equally at ease showing off his town of Thessaloniki (where he makes his home) as he is Mt. Olympus (just across the harbor). With a deep understanding of Greek hospitality, or filoxenia, he loves showing off the country that he calls home. He is always ready for any adventure, from scaling a new mountain to teaching you the best way to fillet the fish that just arrived for dinner.
Included in Your Tour Price
Accommodations – Carefully selected first-class/superior tourist hotels (double occupancy, private bath) chosen for comfort, location, and local character. Hotel taxes and service charges are included. (Single room upgrade available at additional cost.)
Cruise Cabin – Standard interior cabin aboard our selected cruise line, including port charges and government fees. Cabin upgrades (oceanview or balcony) available upon request and subject to availability.
Daily Meals – Meals as indicated in the day-by-day itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner). Expect hot buffet breakfasts, thoughtfully arranged group dinners, and select lunches that highlight regional cuisine.
Special Group Meals & Celebrations – Welcome gathering, selected themed meals, and an Acropolis view dinner.
All Scheduled Land Transportation – Deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach with professional driver for all group transfers and touring listed in the itinerary.
Sightseeing & Entrance Fees – Admission to all sites, museums, and activities specifically noted in the itinerary.
Hosted Teaching & Spiritual Reflection – Guided devotional moments, Scripture readings, and site talks led by Footstep Ministries staff, helping you connect place, story, and faith.
Onboard Cruise Excursions – All scheduled shore excursions during the cruise portion of the journey are included (no need to pick & pay à la carte).
All Gratuities – Prepaid tips for hotel staff, restaurant service on included meals, local guides, drivers, and cruise gratuities—so you can relax and simply say “thank you.”
Baggage Handling – 1 piece of luggage per traveler transferred between bus and hotel room.
Headsets / Whisper Devices – Personal audio headsets so you can hear your guide clearly.
Pre-Trip Preparation Materials – Digital travel notes, packing tips, reading plan, and spiritual preparation resources sent in advance.
On-Tour Support – Full-time Footstep Ministries tour host team available throughout the journey for assistance, prayer, and logistical coordination.
Single room supplement: $1,995
Airfare to and from Greece
Potential increases in airline tax/fuel surcharges
Optional tour activities as listed in the itinerary
Additions or changes to the standard program
Individual airport-hotel transfers
Cruise cabin or hotel room upgrades
Travel insurance
Coffee and drinks
Excess baggage fees
RESERVATION & DEPOSIT:
A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of reservation. Fifty percent of the balance is due no later than March 18, 2026. The final balance is due June 18, 2026.
Arrival
Depart US, arrive Thessaloniki, Greece
Our pilgrimage begins as we depart the United States on our international flight. Our first group activity is a relaxing dinner together.
Overnight in Thessaloniki (D)
Today begins with an orientation to Greek culture and our first day of touring. When Paul arrived in Veria (Berea), he went immediately to the Jewish synagogue and shared the message of the Messiah with them, proving that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. We visit the traditional rostrum where Paul delivered his sermon, and the remnants of the Jewish quarter housing the synagogue.
Then we are off to Vergina, one of the most fascinating sites of recent discovery. In the mid-seventies, the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, was discovered containing silver vessels and golden crowns. The royal tombs also house one of the few remaining paintings from the Macedonian period.
Overnight in Thessaloniki (B,L,D)
Today we continue our journey in the footsteps of Paul and his companions, Silas, Timothy, and Luke. In Philippi, we make our way to the riverside and spend time recalling Paul’s words to Lydia whose heart was opened to the Gospel. It was in this stream that Paul baptized her and welcomed her into the Christian community. In the baptistery dedicated to Lydia we join in singing praises as we are thrilled by the marvelous acoustics of the shrine.
*wear purple in honor of Lydia (optional)
Following lunch, we make our way to the ancient city of Philippi, walking through the forum, seeing two major basilicas and a Roman theater. We pause at the prison cell of Paul and Silas and recall their words of salvation. Then we travel to the port city of Neapolis (Kavala), Greece's most picturesque mainland port. Paul arrived at this port when landing in Greece. Here we see a modern mosaic depicting Paul's vision and his arrival at Neapolis before returning to our hotel and dinner.
Overnight in Thessaloniki (B,L,D)
The New Testament books to the Thessalonians are Paul's letters to this community of first century Christians. In Thessaloniki we see the old city ramparts, the landmark White Tower proudly adorning the harbor, and the Arch of Galerius that rises over the Via Egnatia. We visit the most beautiful basilica in the city, the 1,400 year old church of St. Demetrius, dedicated to a Roman military officer who was martyred for his faith in Christ by the Emperor Galerius. As part of our appreciation of modern Greece, we visit the bustling open air market with its wide variety of Greek olives and feta cheeses. In the afternoon we board a short flight to Athens and check in to our hotel at the foot of the Acropolis.
Overnight in Athens (B,L,D)
*Thessaloniki, holy site: Please wear clothing that covers both the shoulders and knees. Casual wear is acceptable. A shawl can be used to cover the shoulders while we are in the church.
The architectural splendors of this ancient city are magnificent. We make our way to the world-renown Acropolis with its Propylaea entrance. As we stand before the Parthenon we can still hear the hammers striking stones of marble as reconstruction continues to maintain the wonder of this monument to man’s achievement. We also visit the Acropolis Museum and the Erechtheion before descending to the Areopagus (Mars Hill) and read the sermon that Paul addressed to the Athenians of his day. From there we stroll through the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life).
Overnight in Athens (B,L,D)
Enjoy this free day by ambling through the historical district of the Plaka, noted for its shops, cafes, taverns, and colorful people. Explore one of the many museums of Athens. Relax and soak up the sites and sounds. Remember that today is the only day you need to buy your own lunch and dinner.
Overnight in Athens (B)
On our way to Corinth, we visit the isthmus that boasted two major ports and controlled the flow of goods in ancient times, one reason that Corinth became the leading commercial city of the Greek mainland. Paul spent a year and half in this community and later wrote letters to them, the first of which contains his chapter on love. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the marketplace, the Bema and Temples. We celebrate communion among the ruins of this great city. In the afternoon, we return to Athens for a celebratory dinner of our last night on the mainland.
Overnight in Athens (B,L,D)
This cruise provides a perfect introduction to the Aegean Sea. In the days following the land tour, we cruise through the most beautiful waters in the world to enchanting destinations. Stroll along the marble streets of Ephesus; visit the grotto of St. John on the isle of Patmos where he wrote his apocalyptic book of Revelation; wander the whitewashed alleyways of Mykonos; travel the Crusader streets of Rhodes; explore the Venetian city of Heraklion of Crete; and marvel at the breathtaking view of Santorini. The history of each of our ports-of-call is rivaled only by their natural beauty.
Mykonos
On Mykonos we find beautiful beaches, chic boutiques, and elegant nightclubs. Beneath its sophisticated surface lies a quite essential Greek island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and white-washed island with its iconic windmills. Find a table on the waterfront and bask in the serenity of sunset over its picturesque harbor. (B,L,D)
Ephesus, Turkey
A tour to Ephesus will make history come to life. Starting at the top of the ancient city, we walk towards the ancient harbor, down a marble road rutted by the wheels of countless chariots. We pass architectural masterpieces such as the Library of Celsus before arriving at the Great Amphitheater where the Ephesians shouted their praises to Artemis in reaction to the Gospel proclamation of Paul.
After the tour, cool off with a refreshing freshly squeezed pomegranate or orange juice or a cold scoop of unique Turkish "stretchy" ice cream. Just make sure to keep a good grip of the cone!
We then head to a local rug workshop and showroom and get to see how beautiful turkish rugs are made, following a tradition that has been passed down through the generations. It truly is an artform! Should you desire to bring one home as a souvenir, you will have an opportunity here to do so!
We then return to the ship where you can grab some lunch, a nap, or a just relax on deck. (B,L,D)
This island is known as the site of the apocalyptic Revelation of John written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is now an Orthodox chapel that captures a glimpse of the vision of heaven. After a brief lesson examining an overview of the book, we make our way into the chapel.
There, we sing songs of worship as we remember the great words of the heavenly chorus, "Hallelujah!"
After making our way back to the harbor you can stroll the small town briefly, before making your way back to the ship for dinner and our overnight sailing to the island of Rhodes. (B,L,D)
*Patmos, holy site: Please wear clothing that covers both the shoulders and knees. Casual wear is acceptable. A shawl can be used to cover the shoulders while we are in the church.
Rhodes
The beautiful "Island of Roses" has a rich and varied history. On a hill above the charming town of Lindos rises an ancient acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. Below lies the bay of St. Paul, where the apostle landed during his voyages. The crusading Knights of St. John left the medieval city of Rhodes behind when they were defeated by the Sultan. Stroll through the Palace of the Grand Masters and recall the days of the Crusades. (B,L,D)
Three options for this day:
*Option 1. Discover the Medieval Town of Rhodes
Venture into the charming medieval town of Rhodes, conveniently located near our ship dock. A major highlight is the impressive and majestic walled fortress of the Knights Hospitaller, a legendary and formidable crusading order that inhabited the island for centuries. There are plenty of quaint cafes, restaurants and retail shops to make a relaxing day of exploring the medieval town.
Option 2. Half-day on a local boat,
Consider spending 5-6 hours aboard a delightful small to medium sized boat that will take you to various picturesque swimming/snorkeling spots around the stunning Islands of Rhodes. Enjoy a light, delicious lunch and refreshing beverages while on board. The cost ranges from $110 to $145 per person, depending on the number of participants that sign up. You will still have an hour or two to explore the old town after our time on the water.
Option 3. Car Rental to scenic Lindos Beach
Rent a car (accommodating up to five people) and take a 45-minute drive to the beautiful Lindos Beach. This sandy beach features calm, shallow waters and breathtaking views of a nearby acropolis, which houses both a historic crusader castle and a classical Greek temple. The rental cost is approximately $100 per car (including rental and gas). Meals and refreshments at the beach will be on your own and we sit at a wonderful beachside restaurant.
Heraklion, Crete
Paul ministered on this island with his traveling companion, Titus, who became the first overseer of the Christian community founded here. We visit the Church of Titus as we begin to wrap up our journey in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul.
Crete, holy site: Please wear clothing that covers knees and shoulders. Causal wear is acceptable. A shawl can be used to cover the shoulders while we are in the church.
The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. The town of Fira boasts beautiful white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques clinging to steep cliffs. Lying on the upper rim of a dormant volcano, Fira is only accessible by either cable-car or mule ride. (B,L,D)
Board our bus for transfer to airport and return trip to USA filled with wonderful memories of Greece! (B).
*Please be sure to book your airfare for a departure time after 10:25 AM. We will all transfer to the airport together after disembarking the cruise ship in Athens. This timing will ensure everyone has sufficient time to make their flight.
Depart the U.S.: September 6, 2026
Arrive in Thessaloniki (SKG): September 7, 2026
First group activity: Dinner around 7:00 PM on September 7
Please plan to arrive by early to mid-afternoon so you have time to check in and rest before dinner.
The hotel is about a €35 taxi ride from the Thessaloniki airport. It’s very simple and convenient.
We’ll send detailed instructions closer to the tour.
On September 18, after disembarking the ship, we’ll travel together via group bus transfer to the Athens (ATH) airport.
Return flights should be booked for 10:25 AM or later on September 18 to allow time for the transfer.
Fly into Thessaloniki (SKG) and out of Athens (ATH). This is typically listed as a multi-city itinerary.
Some travelers prefer to book round-trip flights to/from Athens, then take a commuter flight to Thessaloniki on Aegean Airlines.
If you choose this option, be sure to allow plenty of time to collect and recheck your luggage during the connection in Athens.
Many travelers choose to arrive a day or two early to adjust to the time zone. If you’d like to do this, we can book extra nights at the group hotel at the group rate—just let us know!
About four months before the tour, we’ll send out a request via our website where you can submit your flight details.
We don't just organize tours.
When you travel with us through the lands of the Scriptures, you’re more than a tourist. You’re a pilgrim! In Israel, you will walk in the footsteps of Jesus. In Greece, you’ll join Paul in his missionary journeys. In Italy, you’ll live Paul’s letter to the Romans through the eyes of medieval and renaissance art. In England you'll see the faith through the eyes of the English saints.
We do not put you on the tourist treadmill. We don’t rush you through sites. We set our own pace and at each venue, we provide you time to reflect on God’s Word and for worship. We accompany every group, ensuring personal attention all along the way. We view each tour as an opportunity to minister to your life.
In other words, we're different. We are not a "travel company," we're a ministry!
