Group: Christ Church Anglican & Friends
Dates: May 29 - June 12, 2026
Price: $6,245 per person (based on double occupancy; land & cruise)
Single Supplement: $2,195
Optional Group Air: Details coming soon, from DFW
Next year, Monika and I will be leading a spiritual and historical tour retracing the footsteps of the Apostle Paul through Greece and parts of Turkey—and we warmly invite you to join us!
This journey is more than a travel opportunity; it’s a powerful encounter with the land, message, and ministry of the greatest missionary and evangelist the Church has ever known. Together, we will stand where Paul once stood—on the stones of the first-century churches in Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus. We'll walk through the great sites of Classical and Hellenistic Greece, visit the majestic monasteries of Meteora, and worship in the Holy Grotto of Revelation on the Island of Patmos, catching a glimpse of John’s heavenly vision.
We are especially blessed to be guided by our dear friends and fellow parishioners, David and Elizabeth Sparks of Footstep Ministries. We’ve traveled with them extensively through Greece, Italy, and Israel, and have seen firsthand the excellence and care they bring to every detail. David, a Pauline scholar, will bring the New Testament to life with deep insight into the world that shaped Paul’s message—and how that message speaks powerfully today. Elizabeth, a native of Greece, will enrich our experience with her knowledge of local culture and her heart for hospitality, taking us beyond the usual tourist paths to discover the soul of her homeland.
This tour promises not only breathtaking scenery and unforgettable history, but also deep spiritual transformation. As we journey through this sacred land, the Scriptures will come alive in fresh and profound ways.
We hope you’ll prayerfully consider joining us. It would be our great joy and privilege to share this extraordinary experience with you. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to sign up early!
In Christ,
Bishop Paul & Monika Donison
Questions: Email us: [email protected] or call us at 972-418-6103
is author of the Journal of Paul and a devotional series of daily insights based on the letters of the Apostle Paul. For the past thirty years he and his wife Elizabeth have led numerous tours both for adult-enrichment and academic credit. His passion is to make the Word come alive by exploring it in its historical context so that travelers return home with a renewed faith and a strengthened witness.
delights in showing you her homeland as only a native can do. Her desire is for travelers to experience the cultures of various lands and to enjoy wonderful and supportive Christian fellowship. Her prayer is that the Lord will touch each traveler's heart in special ways as we study the Word and listen to His voice.
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 Dr. David Sparks, 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.
Not Included in Tour Price
International airfare, travel insurance, personal expenses, beverages other than those served with included meals, cruise cabin or hotel upgradees, passport fees, incidentals, and any activities labeled “optional” in the itinerary.
Depart US, arrive Thessaloniki, Greece
Our pilgrimage begins as we depart the United States on our international flight. We met in Thessaloniki and transferred to our hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.
*Overnight in Thessaloniki (D)
Today begins with an orientation to Greek culture and our first day of touring, beginning with biblical Berea (Acts 17:11). When Paul arrived in 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 Philippi 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.
ANCIENT PHILIPPI
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 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 cheese.
*Overnight in Thessaloniki (B,L,D)
*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.
Nestled in western Thessaly lies the rock forest of Meteora, where famous Byzantine monasteries perch precariously on summits of soaring, sheer-sided gray rock pinnacles of varied and spectacular shapes. Hermits began meeting in this area in the 9th century and, in the evolving centuries, formed community life, first in wooden shelters and later transformed into monasteries. We visit the Grand Meteoron with its Hall of the Martyrs, Sanctuary, Independence
Museum, Kitchen, and Ossuary. We enjoy lunch and then off to Delphi for dinner and overnight.
*Overnight in Delphi (B,L,D)
*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.
Considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world and the most sacred of precincts, today, Delphi is a quaint village lined with shops and cafes. We traverse the Sacred Way of the ancient site to witness the Athenian Treasury, the Theater, and the Temple of Apollo after our visit to the Museum, where, among other treasures, we behold the unique 5th century B.C. bronze charioteer. From our lunch venue, we take in an amazing panoramic view of the valley below, filled with over a million olive trees. In the afternoon, we head to our hotel at the foot of the Acropolis in legendary Athens.
*Overnight in Athens (B,L,D)
The architectural splendors of this ancient city are magnificent. We begin our day at the New Acropolis Museum for our orientation to the Parthenon and the magnificent sculptures that adorned her façade. Then, we make our way to the world-renowned 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 and man’s achievement. We descend 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 marketplace 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 sights and sounds. Remember that today is the only day you need to buy your own lunch and dinner. Overnight: 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 nearby Ephesus should not be missed for here history truly comes to life. Walking 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.
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)
*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)
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.
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 to transfer to the airport and return to the USA. Return with wonderful memories! (B)
*Please be sure to book your airfare for a departure time after 10:30 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.
We’re so excited you’re joining us on this unforgettable journey! Here’s everything you need to know about flights and travel plans so your adventure gets off to a smooth start:We’re so excited you’re joining us on this unforgettable journey! Here’s everything you need to know about flights and travel plans so your adventure gets off to a smooth start:
Leave the U.S.: May 29, 2026 (overnight flight)
Arrive in Thessaloniki (SKG): May 30, 2026
First group activity: A delicious welcome dinner around 7:00 PM on May 30.
When you arrive, just hop in a taxi to the hotel—it’s super easy and costs about €35. We’ll send you more tips and details as the tour gets closer!
At the end of the tour, we’ll all travel together from the port to the Athens (ATH) airport on our comfortable group bus.
Fly home from: Athens (ATH)
Be sure to book your return flight for after 10:25 AM on June 12, 2026 to allow time for the group transfer.
You’ll want to book a multi-city itinerary, flying into Thessaloniki (SKG) and out of Athens (ATH).
Some travelers choose to fly roundtrip to Athens and catch a short commuter flight to Thessaloniki on Aegean Airlines. If you go this route, be sure to leave plenty of time to get your luggage and recheck it.
Many of our travelers like to come a day or two early to shake off jetlag and ease into the experience.
We’d be happy to book you extra nights at the group hotel at our special group rate—stay tuned for details on how to add an early night or two .
Closer to the trip (about 4 months before departure), we’ll send you a quick email asking for you to log in to your WeTravel account to share your flight details with us, passport information, etc.
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 letters to the Romans through the eyes of medieval and renaissance art.
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!
