Upon our arrival in Thessaloniki, we enter the world of the New Testament, where St. Paul and his companions established early Christian communities during his missionary journeys. At the airport, we’ll be met and begin a guided tour of the ancient city where Paul founded a church that later received two epistles. Highlights include the impressive Basilica of St. Demetrius, the scenic waterfront with the iconic White Tower, and the triumphal Arch of Galerius. Following the tour, we’ll check into our hotel and gather for dinner together. Overnight accommodations at the Hotel Capsis in Thessaloniki. (D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit Philippi, where Paul preached his first sermon in Europe and baptized the first Christian convert. We’ll explore ruins including the prison of Paul and Silas and the battlefield where Octavian and Anthony defeated Brutus and Cassius. From here, we’ll continue to the port of Kavala, where Paul, Timothy, and Silas landed. We’ll see landmarks like the Byzantine castle, Roman Aqueduct, and ancient acropolis as well as travel along the historic Via Egnatia, passing Roman and Greek tombs and chariot wheel ruts. Following the tour we return to Thessaloniki for dinner together. Overnight accommodations at the Hotel Capsis in Thessaloniki. (B, D)

In the morning after breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Veria where we will walk along the old walls where Paul was known to preach. Here, you can visit some of the small churches built during the 17th and 18th centuries. We arrive in Kalambaka to check into our hotel and for dinner together. Overnight accommodations at the Hotel Amalia Meteora in Kalambaka. (B, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll visit two of Meteora’s breathtaking monasteries, perched atop towering rock formations and suspended between sky and earth. Dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, these monasteries house priceless historical and religious treasures and offer unforgettable views. On our return to Athens, we’ll stop at Thermopylae, the legendary site of the battle between 300 Spartans and the Persian army. Overnight accommodations at the Hotel Zafolia in Athens. (B, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a panoramic tour of Christian Athens, including the Acropolis and the Areopagus, where Paul preached about the “Unknown God.” We’ll continue to Corinth, where Paul lived and preached for over a year, inspiring two of his most familiar letters. Our tour includes visits to the Corinthian Canal, ancient ruins, and the Erastus inscription. You’ll also see the site where Paul taught from the Rostrum. We return to Athens for dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight accommodations at the Hotel Zafolia in Athens. (B, D)

We begin our day with breakfast at the hotel and then a drive to the Port of Lavrio to start a 4-night Greek Islands cruise. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring the Island of Mykonos, world-renowned for its lovely windmills, small cobblestone streets, and countryside. Overnight accommodations on board the ship (B, L, D)

In the morning, we’ll step off the ship at Kusadasi for a guided visit to ancient Ephesus, one of Asia Minor’s best-preserved archaeological sites. Walk the marble streets Paul once walked, and see landmarks like the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus, and the great theater. In the afternoon, we’ll cruise to Patmos, marking the site where John wrote the book of Revelation. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Monastery of St. John and the cave where he was imprisoned. Overnight accommodations on board the ship (B, L, D)

We arrive at the Island of Rhodes in the early morning to explore its rich blend of ancient and medieval history. You’ll be able to enjoy this beautiful island on your own or with optional add-on excursions (information will be provided). On the island you have the opportunity to explore sites like the acropolis of Lindos, home to the ancient Temple of Athena, as well as the Church of Our Lady. You might also want to see the historic captain’s houses, and walk the Street of the Knights through Porta d’Amboise. In the early evening, we are back on board the ship to make our way to Crete. Overnight accommodations on board the ship (B, L, D)

Today’s journey takes us to both the Island of Crete and the famous Island of Santorini, which was formed by a half-submerged crescent of a volcanic caldera. You’ll be able to enjoy these beautiful islands on your own or with optional add-on excursions (information will be provided). At the end of the day, we are back on board the ship to make our way to Athens. Overnight accommodations on board the ship (B, L, D)

After breakfast on board the ship, we disembark and transfer to Athens International Airport (AIA) for your return flight to the USA. (B)

*Registration Deadline is January 15, 2026

*Note about activity levels: While we make every effort to accommodate mobility needs, please note that this tour includes walking tours on uneven surfaces and stairs, standing for extended periods of time, bus tours on uneven roads, travel by boat/cruise rides, etc. For more information or questions regarding activity levels and mobility, please contact us.

*We can book your airfare for you or you are welcome to book your own. We would like to work with you on your arrival and departure times so that we can best arrange for transfers to and from the airport. All flights will arrive in Thessaloniki (SKG) and depart from Athens (AIA). If booking through Sunlight Tours, airfare payments (not included in trip price) are due upon airfare booking.

*Travel insurance is highly recommended. As a way to help protect your trip experience, Sunlight Tours offers travel insurance options through our trusted travel partner, Yonder. Free quotes are available. Please contact us with any questions.

*A non-refundable deposit required for this trip: $500

Other payments due: first half payment is due by December 9, 2025 and final payment is due by March 9, 2026. If booking through Sunlight Tours, airfare payments (not included in trip price) are due upon airfare booking.

*Cash/Check/Credit Cards accepted.

Sarah Raymond (Sunlight Tours Trip Director) is passionate about travel and the way it opens us up to the world. Learning the stories of other people and places broadens our own perspective and understanding. Sarah has been leading trips for almost 20 years, but in 2019, she made the leap and started her own tour company. Sunlight Tours has taken groups to Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Belize, Italy, Ireland, Wales, Greece and Turkey. In 2025, Sarah and the team are thrilled to add Scotland and Turks & Caicos to the growing list! Sarah lives near Grand Forks, ND with her children and a lot of plants. Learn more about what we have brewing in our travel mugs (brains) at www.sunlighttours.org.

Pastor Lexy Steinle is the lead pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND.  She is a second career pastor and has been greatly shaped by her 7 years of teaching elementary music in public schools and various music and youth related positions in her congregation prior to becoming their pastor. She lives with her 2 geriatric cats Zelda and Zuri, and currently enjoys Olympic Weight Lifting, co-captaining an adult kickball team, and wandering around farmers markets with friends.

"After traveling to the Holy Land with Sunlight Tours, I am excited to continue to experience the rest of the New Testament with them as we follow the footsteps of the Early Church! Slipping off your sandal and placing your foot where so many other faithful have walked through the centuries? Life changing."

Pastor Jill Steichen has been the Pastor of Comstock-Hoff Lutheran Parish for the last 15 years. Prior to that she served as Assistant to the Bishiop for the NWMN Synod as well as serving in two rural communities. She is married to David, and has four adult children. Pastor Jill loves to travel, and has traveled to Israel, Tanzania and Thailand recently.

“I look forward to traveling with you as we walk in the steps of St. Paul, growing deeper in faith and expanding our understanding of the early church.”