Join Dr. Charles Stanley revisiting many of Apostle Paul’s missionary sites OCT '09

[varaneka]

http://www.templetontours.com/JourneyPaul/index.shtml
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Join Dr. Charles Stanley on this once-in-a-lifetime tour revisiting many of the sites of the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys. Dr. Charles Stanley, pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia and speaker on the In Touch Ministries radio and television broadcasts, will be your host & featured speaker on the tour.

Our adventure starts out with a flight over the Atlantic to the birthplace of civilization, Athens, Greece. Upon arrival in Athens, you will be transferred to a deluxe hotel for dinner and a night of rest.


Friday we begin with a visit to the famed city of Corinth. There we will visit the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Forum and the famous Bema, also known as the judgement seat. At this site Paul defended himself before proconsul, Gallio. (Acts 18:12)

Saturday we begin the day with a city tour of Athens. Sites to be visited include the Parthenon and Mars Hill. Serving as a temple to pagan gods during ancient times, and a storehouse for ammunition during more recent times, the Parthenon is perhaps the region’s most recognizable historical monument. Mars Hill is known as the site where Paul addressed the Athenians (Acts 17). Later that afternoon we board the Ocean Majesty which will be our home for the next seven days. Once aboard you will be welcomed by Dr. Charles Stanley. He will introduce guest speaker, Ed Diaz, and a great lineup of Gospel singers who will encourage and entertain you during the week.


The next morning we will dock at Thessaloniki. Here we will visit the Citadel where Paul addressed the people of Thessaloniki (Acts 17). Along the drive you will enjoy magnificent views of the city, along with the numerous monuments from centuries ago. After a short drive to Verria, a small town at the foot of Mt Vermion, we see St. Paul’s Tribune and the Byzantine Church of Christ.

On Monday our ship arrives at Kavala, and a short drive takes us to Philippi. There we’ll visit the chapel commemorating the baptism of Lydia, Paul’s first European convert. Also, no visit to Philippi would be complete without touring the site of Paul’s imprisonment. From here Paul was inspired to write Philippians 1:7-14.



Tuesday we cruise to the Turkish port of Ephesus, the greatest city in Asia Minor during the Roman Empire. Ephesus is famous for the Temple of Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Upon entering the city through the Magnesia Gate, you will find yourself in front of innumerable monuments: The Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsius, and the Thermal Baths of Scolastika. Once inside the city, we will pause for a group picture and a brief message from Dr. Stanley in the Grand Theatre. On the way back to the motorcoach you will stroll along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. Just outside Ephesus, you will be able to see the Basilica of St. John, erected over his grave by the Emperor Justinian. Downhill lies the famous Temple of Diana, today in ruins. After touring, there will be time for shopping in the local craft shops known for their carpets, jewelry, and leather goods.

Wednesday morning we dock at the isle of Patmos. A short bus ride takes us to the Monastery of St. John. The Monastery is over 900 years old and contains many well preserved frescoes, mosaic icons, medieval textiles and vestments. Nearby we visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse, presumed to be the place where the book of Revelation was written. Inside you can see the niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk. Also see the three-fold crack many believe to be made by the Voice of God to emphasize the honor of the Trinity.

Early Thursday morning we arrive at the island of Rhodes. A picturesque drive along the eastern coastline brings us to the city of Lindos. This enchanting site, the most important of the three great cities of ancient times, is guarded by Medieval walls constructed by the Knights of St. John in the 13th century. From the Acropolis there are breathtaking views of the great expanse of the Aegean Sea, and St. Paul’s Bay where the Apostle Paul cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. If you wish, you may climb the Great Staircase to the Temple of Athena, among the most important temples of the Ancient Greek World. On the drive back to the ship, we will view the ruins of the ancient town of Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo, and Diagoras Stadium.


We arrive early Friday morning at Santorini, jewel of the Aegean. This most scenic of all islands was created by a volcanic eruption over a thousand years ago. Here you may choose to ride to the mountaintop city of Thira on a donkey or by cable car. Perched atop 1,000-foot cliffs, this city is believed by some scholars to be the lost city of Atlantis. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the island.


Early Saturday morning we arrive at the port of Pireaus and disembark the Ocean Majesty for the return flight home.

 

[Shimmie]

Re: Join Dr. Charles Stanley revisiting many of Apostle Paul’s missionary sites OCT '

Thanks Creole, I love traveling. Just reading this makes me feel as if I'm there.

 

[Laela]

Re: Join Dr. Charles Stanley revisiting many of Apostle Paul’s missionary sites OCT '

wow.. once-in-a-lifetime is right.. just the cabin prices got me woozy..

Seriously, it looks like a very rare experience to be able to visit all those historic places.

 

[varaneka]

Re: Join Dr. Charles Stanley revisiting many of Apostle Paul’s missionary sites OCT '

I noticed the prices lol

But there are other tours listed for next year, so get a free brochure and think about it!