11-Day Greece & Turkey Pilgrimage
with Pastor Amy Butler
Start Date: April 8, 2026
End Date: April 18, 2026
Location: Turkey & Greek Isles
We embark on an unforgettable journey as we trace the footsteps of Paul through enchanting Greece and Ephesus in Türkiye, to discover firsthand the sights, sounds, and feelings that he may have had as he established the Church in this ancient land. For Paul came not in word only, and not in affliction only, but also in power and with much assurance and great joy to admonish those he served, to join them in giving thanks to God and to remember without ceasing great works of faith, labors of love and patience of hope in Jesus Christ. As we walk where Paul walked, we will be awed at the beauty of this country and inspired to accomplish our own work on earth.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Wednesday, April 8
Departure from Honolulu
Enclose in your soul Greece and you shall feel every kind of grandeur. – Dionysios Solomos
Day 2
Thursday, April 9
Arrival in Thessaloniki
Paul and Silas came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days argued with them from the scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and to rise from the dead and saying, “This is the Messiah, Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you.” (Acts 17:1-3) We will arrive in Thessaloniki, Greece, where we will be met by our representative and transferred to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
Friday, April 10
Cavala, Philippi, Thessaloniki
“And from there [we went] to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman Colony. We remained in the city some days…” (Acts 16:12) Our first stop this morning is Kavala known anciently as Neapolis, where Paul landed on his first voyage to Europe, as we make our way to nearby Philippi, where Paul, accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first preached on European soil to sow the seeds of Christianity. They founded the church at Philippi with a woman named Lydia, a purple-dye merchant (Rev. 2:18-29 and Acts 16: 14-15) who became the first Christian convert. Paul and Silas were arrested and beaten while in Philippi, but an earthquake caused their prison to be opened. It is said that when their jailer awoke, he prepared to kill himself, thinking all the prisoners had escaped and knowing that he would be severely punished, but Paul stopped him, convincing him that all the prisoners were still there. The jailer became one of the first Christians in Europe (Acts 16: 12-40). We will also see Krinides (or Crenides), an area that includes the archaeological site of Philippi in the Kavala Prefecture. We’ll return to Thessaloniki, the city where Paul was accused of turning the world upside down by his preaching of Christ (Acts 17: 3-6), and the church to whom he addressed his Thessalonian epistles, visit St. George's Basilica, traditionally believed to be built over the synagogue where Paul preached. View the Old City Ramparts, and the Galerius Arch that rises over the Via Egnatia. See two of the most beautiful basilicas in the city, St. Sophia and St. Demetrios, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert. We return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Lunch included.
Day 4
Saturday, April 11
Thessaloniki, Veria, Kalambaka
And if I have prophetic powers and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. (I Cor. 13:2) Our day’s journey takes us to beautiful Berea (Veria) to see Paul’s Bema, where both he and Silas preached in AD 54 or 55 to a Jewish settlement after leaving the Thessalonians (Acts 17:10-15). Then we continue to Metéora, which means “suspended in the air” or “in the heavens above”, is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece (which began when an ascetic group of hermit monks moved up to the ancient pinnacles as early as the 9th century). After spending the day “in the heavens above”, we will drive through the picturesque countryside of Greece to arrive at a seaside city close to Delphi for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Sunday, April 12
Delphi & Athens
Croesus king of Lydia beginning in 560 B.C., tested the oracles of the world to discover which gave the most accurate prophecies. He sent out emissaries to seven sites who were all to ask the oracles on the same day what the king was doing at that very moment. Croesus proclaimed the oracle at Delphi to be the most accurate, who correctly reported that the king was making a lamb-and-tortoise stew, and so he graced her with a magnitude of precious gifts. He then consulted Delphi before attacking Persia, and according to Herodotus, was advised, “If you cross the river, a great empire will be destroyed.” Believing the response favorable, Croesus attacked, but it was his own empire that ultimately was destroyed by the Persians. After breakfast, we travel through the mountainous Greek countryside to arrive in a renowned city labeled the omphalos (navel) of the earth, or in other words, the center of the world! Delphi was also the site of the Delphic oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world. Today, in a most beautiful and ruggedly majestic landscape. We’ll view the archaeological site where the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the museum are located. We’ll view the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the museum located at the foot of the main archaeological complex. The museum houses an impressive collection of items associated with ancient Delphi, including the earliest known notation of a melody, the famous Charioteer, golden treasures discovered beneath the Sacred Way, and fragments of reliefs from the Siphnian Treasury. Continue to Athens for dinner and an overnight stay in Athens.
Day 6
Monday, April 13
Athens, Acropolis, Mars Hill
Beauty is the gift of God. – Aristotle Welcome to Athens, known as the cradle of Western civilization. See the Agora, the ancient marketplace and center of the Athenian public life, where the apostle Paul preached "Jesus and the resurrection" (Acts 17:18) to the skeptical Athenians. We will also view Mars Hill, where the Apostle Paul stood and said, “I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you" (Acts 17:23). Evening flight to Izmir, Turkey. Dinner and overnight in Kusidasi.
Day 7
Tuesday, April 14
Ephesus
But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Ephesians 4:7) After breakfast, we will drive to Ephesus. Ancient Ephesus is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Originally an ancient Greek Ionic city built in the 11th century BC, Ephesus grew to become the largest metropolis and capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor. Here, St. John carried out his mission for two years and was Bishop of the Ephesian Church before he was exiled to the Island of Patmos. Today, we will walk on the Marble Road, passing numerous historically rich sites, including the fountain of Trajan, the Terrace Houses, and the Temple of Hadrian. We will also see the Library of Celsus, which adorns the site’s most impressive square, and sit in the theater (the largest surviving from the Roman period). This massive theatre (capable of entertaining up to 25,000 spectators) was the scene of an uprising provoked by a merchant named Demetrius against St. Paul and his teachings (Acts 19:23). Continue to The Basilica of St. John, which was constructed by Justinian I in the 6th century at a site where John the Apostle was said to have been buried. Then, we will end our day at the house of Mary just outside of Ephesus. Dinner and Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 8
Wednesday, April 15
Smyrna & Return to Athens
This morning, visit the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Smyrna in ancient Agora. Located in modern-day Izmir, Smyrna was one of the Seven Churches that the Apostle John relays the promise from God: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10). Transfer to Izmir for your return flight to Athens.
Day 9
Thursday, April 16
Athens
We’ll continue on to Athens, known as the cradle of Western civilization. See the Agora, the ancient marketplace and center of the Athenian public life, where the apostle Paul preached "Jesus and the resurrection" (Acts 17:18) to the skeptical Athenians. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you" (Acts 17:23). Also see the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
Day 10
Friday, April 17
Corinth
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things (Acts 17:24-25). After breakfast, travel to Corinth, one of the oldest towns in Greece, which, in classical times rivaled Athens and Thebes in wealth. Paul lived in Corinth for 18 months working as a tentmaker and establishing a church (“… and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized” – Acts 18:8) but as we know, the Corinthians caused Paul much grief as evidenced by the four letters he wrote to them. We’ll visit the ruins of this ancient city including the remnants of the first-century shops, the agora (where Paul’s trial by Gallio took place), the Fountain of Peirene, and Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest stone temples in Greece and built on a hill overlooking the remains of the Roman marketplace (where Paul preached to the Corinthians). Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.
Day 11
Saturday, April 18
Depart for Home
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity (1 Cor. 16:13-14). With hearts full of gratitude and memories for a lifetime, we transfer to the Athens airport for the return flight home to Honolulu.
Izmir flights:
A3 996 13APR ATH ADB 0525P 0625P 13APR
TK2321 15APR ADB IST 1255P 0220P 15APR
TK1845 15APR IST ATH 0655P 0830P 15APR
- $6,595 per person based on double occupancy.
- $5,595 per person Land Only (purchase your own air).
- Single room supplement - $1,495
- $500 per person with registration to secure space.
- 50% of the total amount is due on or before October 6, 2025
- Balance due on or before January 6, 2026
LH 459 08APR SFO MUC 0905P 0510P
A3 503 09APR MUC SKG 0805P 1105P
LH1285 18APR ATH FRA 0655A 0900A
LH 456 18APR FRA LAX 1035A 0105P
UA1170 18APR LAX HNL 0500P 0749P
Tour information
GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only travelers not traveling with the group are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.
HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the tour leader will make every attempt to pair single travelers requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.
MEALS: Breakfast provided daily. Lunch and dinner provided on days as noted in the itinerary.
SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary are included, as well as an expert English-speaking guide.
LUGGAGE: Space is limited on the tour buses. Travelers are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Travelers are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions.
TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES: Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes or fees imposed by national and/or local governments that are not included at the time of publication are the traveler’s responsibility.
NOT INCLUDED: Country-specific visas or ETAs, excess baggage fees, passport fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the list of included features.
PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. Travelers with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements.
AIR: The Air Included option covers round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the Air Included option. Travelers who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.
LAND ONLY: Travelers who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. Travelers arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the transfer bus at no additional charge.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators or scooters. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Trawick International. Please click here for more information or to enroll in the plan.
A preexisting medical condition waiver is available if purchased within 21 days of registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to 180 days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.
PAYMENT: I understand and agree that Signature Tours accepts no responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that may occur in connection with these services. I also declare that I am aware that restrictions may apply to the services purchased and that I am satisfied that such restrictions have been explained. I the cardholder, take full responsibility for the charges on the account described above. By clicking Order, I agree to receive emails, SMS text messages, and phone calls from Signature Tours.
CRUISE: Celestyal Discovery cruise ship: All exterior cabins. Guided Shore Excursions included: Ephesus, Patmos and Santorini. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included on cruise.