• Roundtrip airfare from Orlando

• 3-Star Hotel Accomodations - Quads, Triples, and Double Rooms based on tour size (All our hotels are in safe, walkable downtown neighborhoods, allowing students to explore the local culture, and learn beyond the classroom).

• ALL Meals – yes, even lunches! Expect hot buffet breakfasts, thoughtfully arranged group dinners, and select lunches that highlight regional cuisine.

• 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 Julia VanderMolen helping you connect place, story, and faith. 

• All Gratuities

• Headsets / Whisper Devices – Personal audio headsets so you can hear your guide clearly. 

Deposit due by October by October 22, 2025.

Balace due by January 14, 2026

*Please note that payments made by credit card are subject to an additional 3–4% processing fee. Payments made by bank account do not have any added fees.

Julia 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. 

Kleanthis 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.

Fabrizio is a proud Italian in love with Rome and its timeless history. Since childhood, he has journeyed across the Italian peninsula, embracing its landscapes, flavors, and traditions—living the true spirit of what it means to be Italian.

With Footstep Ministries, Fabrizio shares an authentic taste of Italian culture: a heritage rooted in millennia of history and deeply intertwined with the Christian tradition, of which Italy remains a remarkable example to the world today. He now calls Rome home, where he lives with his family—his wife, an architect and expert in the history of architecture, and their daughter, the light of his life and the center of his love as a devoted father.

Depart US, arrive Thessaloniki, Greece

We depart the USA and arrive in the province of Macedonia, Greece and settle in our our time in the second largest city of the country, Thessaloniki. After our introductions, we enjoy dinner in a local taverna and stroll the promenade along the coastline. A quick orientation to the city and travel together prepares the group for the journey ahead. Overnight Thessaloniki.

The New Testament books to the Thessalonians are Paul’s letters to this community of first-century Christians. . Venturing into Thessaloniki, we make our way into the heart of the city for a visit to the church of St. Demetrios, and an introduction to Greek Orthodoxy. We then make our way to the Roman Forum and then a gyro lunch in Aristotle square.

Before we continue on to the next historical site we visit the bustling open-air Kapani market with its wide variety of Greek olives, making sure to sample a few. We then proceed down the Via Egnatia to the Arch and Rotunda of Galerius before visiting the landmark of the city, the White Tower. Finishing our day at the harbor we take a short harbor cruise before free time to explore the city. Overnight Thessaloniki.

Following breakfast, we depart for Philippi. Along the way we have a Greek language lesson, and give a refresher of the Greek history In Philippi we visit the site of Lydia’s baptism, and students and faculty will have the opportunity to renew their baptisms in the same stream. After lunch we explore the the archaeological site: bishop's quarter, bema, forum, basilicas, theater, city walls, and traditional location of Paul’s imprisonment. At the bema we reflect on Paul's example for the newly planted church at Philippi, and at the prison cell we reflect on the purpose of his suffering to share the Gospel.

We then make our way to the port of Philippi, the biblical city of Neapolis (today called Kavala) for a quick stop before making the trek back to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

Today we travel to Berea to see the rostrum of Paul and the Jewish Quarter with its synagogue. Our emphasis is upon Paul and his Synagogue Sermon (Acts 13), focusing on Paul's Jewish background. We remember that the Old Testament served as the bedrock of Paul's theology, and discuss the similarities and differences of the new Gospel of Christ.

We continue our travel to Vergina, site of the Royal Tombs of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. We explore the museum and the Macedonian tombs with their priceless artifacts, wall paintings, and edifices.

In the afternoon we arrive in Litohoro on the foothills of the Mt. Olympus range for a hike on the mountain. Overnight in the village of Litohoro. 

Departing Macedonia, we travel to Thessaly and central Greece to visit the Greek Orthodox monasteries of Meteora perched high atop towering rock formations. As part of our experience, we read through the liturgy of the Orthodox Church and comment on its historical significance.

Within the monastery we visit the moving "room of the martyrs" and reflect on those willing to be a witness even unto death throughout Christian history. Another new mural in the monasteries has us reflect on the dialogue between faith and science.

After lunch, via the Thermopylae Pass of Spartan fame, we continue to the ancient sacred site of Delphi for our overnight.

This morning we proceed to the archaeological site of Delphi, once the most important religious center of classical Greece. At the museum we journey chronologically through Greek sculpture and trace its artistic developments throughout the ages.

We then proceed to the archaeological site and visit the sanctuary of Apollo, agora, sacred way, theater, and stadium. After lunch in the village with views of the valley, we explore the town with a bit of free time, before driving to the Athens in the afternoon. We check in to our hotel just a few steps from the majestic Acropolis.

This morning we make our way to the outstanding Acropolis Museum for our orientation to its monuments—the Theater of Dionysius, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaea, and the world renown Parthenon.

Our next stop is the majestic Parthenon, sanctuary to the pagan goddess Athena, built after the Athenians defeated the Persian invasion in the fifth century BC.

We also spend time in worship on the Areopagus (Mars Hill) as we hear once again the sermon of the Apostle Paul that he delivered to the Athenians. We continue into the Plaka for a local taverna lunch, afterwards strolling through the Plaka for an orientation to the Historic District. Overnight in Athens.

We continue to the archaeological site of Corinth, which was the most important city in Greece during Roman times and where Paul lived and taught for a large portion of his ministry. We recreate the different factions within the tenuous Christian community of the day and share in a eucharistic celebration together.

We then have the opportunity to hike through the haunting fortifications of Acrocorinth, located high above the site. The view from the top allows students to see the isthmus of Corinth, and further understand the strategic location of the city. With that in mind, it makes sense why Paul would spend so much time in the city.

Our second day exploring Athens takes us to many of the other sites throughout its renowned history. We’ll start our walking tour visiting Hadrian’s Arch, delineating the old from the new city, as well as the Temple of Zeus, which stood uncompleted for over 600 years. We then make our way to the Panathenaic stadium, home to the ancient Athenian games as well as the site of the first modern Olympics in 1896.

After a stroll through the National Gardens, we’ll see the stoic Evzones guarding the tomb of the unknown soldier in front of the national parliament. A quick hop on the Athens metro will then take us to our lunch just outside the National Archaeological Museum. The Museum houses the treasures of Greece, from the “mask of Agamemnon” to the Antikythera Mechanism to the famous statue of Zeus. The afternoon is free for strolling the charming streets of the city before dinner together.

Arriving in time for sunset, we'll journey to the magnificent Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio for our final night in Greece, where students can reflect on the journey so far. To end the night we’ll join together for a farewell feast at a local seaside taverna for a dinner that won't be forgotten!

We then return to Athens to pack our bags for our flight to Rome in the morning.

Depart Greece and arrive in Rome. We check in to our hotel, and then go for a quick orientation stroll. We will hop in to local churches, stroll the Corso, and orient ourselves to our new environment.

After a bit of rest at our hotel we take a short subway ride to the Piazza del Popolo where we trace Italy’s role in the renaissance and examine works by the Renaissance master Caravaggio. Time permitting we'll visit other major landmarks in Italy, and get a taste for local delicacies before our neighborhood dinner in the evening.

Today we tour ancient Rome, first visiting the world-renowned Colosseum and understanding the culture of striving, competition, and death that surrounded it. We will then make our way to the Circus Maximus, where we'll recreate the famous chariot races of the Roman Empire.

The next stop is the Palatine Hill, home to the ancient emperors, before descending into the ancient Roman Forum, the very center of the empire. In the forum we see the Arches of Constantine, Titus, and Septimius Severus, Temple of the Vestal Virgins, rostra, Temple of Caesar, Senate House, and much more. After a pizza lunch we’ll visit the church of San Pietro in Vincoli, home to Michelangelo’s Moses.

In the afternoon we make our way to the basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls, and reflect on the martyrdom of the great witness to the Gentiles. Students will have a chance to reflect on the life of Paul, and the true meaning of the Gospel.

A quick train ride north takes us from Rome to the heart of the Renaissance, Florence. Florence is truly one of the amazing cities of Italy, and vitaly important in European history. First we visit the baptistery of the Duomo and take in its Byzantine style mosaics. Then we marvel at the massive dome of the church itself, Brunelleschi's sloping, red-tiled dome, predominant on Florence's skyline and the world's fourth-largest cathedral. Then to the museum where the Gates of Paradise of the Baptistery are not to be missed.

After a lunch sampling Tuscan meats and cheeses, we visit the Academia and view the majestic David. The rest of the afternoon is free for group study and further enjoyment of the city. In the late afternoon we gather to hike to the top of the Duomo and survey the beauty of the surrounding area. After descending we have a bit of free time in the city before catching an evening train back to Rome.

In the morning we will take the Roman metro to the Vatican, the seat of the papacy and St. Peter's Basilica. In the morning we'll visit the Basilica, the largest Roman Catholic church in the world, built over the grave of the Apostle Peter himself. Within the church is one of Michelangelo's masterpieces, the "Pieta."

After a quick lunch we visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Seeing masterworks from the likes of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci, we will gain an understanding of the connection between the classical world and the Renaissance. And of course we’ll marvel at Michelangelo’s world famous ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment. In the evening we'll cross over the Tiber to dine near the magical Piazza Navona before returning to the hotel. We share together one final Italian meal before our journey ends on the following day.

Our bus takes us to catch our morning flight as we make our way back to the States with our faith enriched through the study of God’s work throughout the history of Greece and Italy, and the life of the Apostle Paul.

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. 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!

“For the past two years, I’ve had the previously unimaginable experience of traveling to Greece “in the footsteps of Paul” with the good folks at Footstep Ministries. Space and time don’t permit me here, but I could tell you hours of stories of what we’ve seen and experienced and the formative impact it's had on me. Baptizing a student at Philippi, standing before the bema where Paul would’ve stood in Philippi and Corinth, ascending the medieval monastery complex at Meteora, hiking up Mt. Olympus (get in shape first!), and concluding the trip atop Mars Hill and the Parthenon and Athens… to say nothing of the food and fellowship. Footstep Ministries knows how to plan and lead a trip where your students will encounter one sublime delight after another, balancing learning, activity, and wonder-inducing experiences in a trip they’ll never forget. Can’t recommend highly enough.”

— Mathew Beatty, Head of School, Bloomfield Christian School