Day 9 –  Athens: Acropolis, Areopagus, Agora
Our tour of Athens includes a visit to the Theater of Dionysios, Acropolis, Parthenon, Erectheion, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaia, and Acropolis Museum.  We also visit the Areopagus (Mars Hill) and examine the sermon of Paul to the Athenians.  We visit the ancient Athenian agora and its museum. The afternoon brings us into the Plaka for a walking orientation of this historic district.  Overnight Athens. (B,L,D)









Day 10 – Corinth
Crossing the Isthmian Canal we visit ancient Corinth where we see the Temple of Apollo, agora, bema, Peirene Fountain, and Stoa.  While in the agora we celebrate the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11) and spend time in worship.  We also examine Paul’s cultural context of life in the urban centers of the Roman world.  Students are then free to hike through the ruins of an ancient Venetian castle on the Acrocorinth. Overnight in Athens. (B,L)









Day 11 – Greek Island Cruise
Today we set out on the blue waters of the Aegean for an optional day cruise to the picturesque islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.  (B,L)
Day 5 – Thessaloniki: Greek Orthodox Service & Study Day
This day is a time for small group topic discussions and presentations as well as a visit to a Greek Orthodox church to attend a service. (B)


Day 6 – Berea, Vergina, Mt. Olympus
After breakfast we travel to Vergina, site of the Royal Tombs and Palace 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.  We continue our 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).  The afternoon allows us time for a hike on legendary Mt. Olympus.  We return from the hike to a quaint inn in the mountainside village of Litohoro where we spend the night. (B,L)









Day 7 – Meteora
Departing Litohoro we travel to Thessaly and central Greece.  We visit the monasteries of Meteora perched high atop towering rock formations.  We are introduced to Eastern Orthodoxy with an orientation to basic doctrine, beliefs, and practices. During the afternoon we continue to Delphi for dinner & overnight. (B,L,D)









Day 8 – Delphi
Morning field preparation and tour of the archaeological site of Delphi.  Delphi was the most important religious center of classical Greece.  There we see the Sanctuary of Apollo, Oracle of Delphi, agora, Sacred Way, theater, and stadium.  We also tour this significant museum with its bronze Charioteer.  After lunch and free time we arrive late afternoon in Athens for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Days 1 & 2 – Arrival
Depart Chicago / Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece (D)


Day 3 – Thessaloniki
We begin our time in Greece with a cultural orientation, introduction to the life of the Apostle Paul, and a basic Greek language lesson.  We then set out on a walking tour of Thessaloniki including the White Tower, Arch of Galerius, Rotunda, St. Demitrios Church, and the ancient Roman forum. We begin our study of the ministry of Paul and discuss his letter to the Thessalonians.  (B, L, D)









Day 4 – Philippi
Following breakfast we depart for Philippi, the first major city Paul visited on his 2nd missionary journey.  At Philippi we visit the site of Lydia’s baptism followed by a tour of the archaeological site, visiting the bema, forum, basilicas, theater, city walls, and traditional location of Paul’s imprisonment.  Then we visit the port of Philippi, the biblical city of Neapolis (today called Kavala) and tour the port, aqueduct, and mosaic of Paul.  After touring, we return to Thessaloniki for overnight. (B,L,D)
Baptistry of LydiaThe stream in which Paul baptized LydiaRuins of the ancient Roman cityRenewal of baptism ceremonyThe ancient Roman theaterModern day Kavala
A mosaic of the Macedonian Man visiting Paul in a visionThe old Jewish SynagogueThe star of MacedoniaThe tomb of Philppi IIThe men of Macedonia listen to Paul
Remnants of the Ottoman ruleThe Church of St. DemetriusInside the Church of St. DemetriusA fish merchant in the local marketplaceWhere Greeks buy their foodThe port of ThessalonikiThe White Tower
The Orthodox monesteries of MeteoraThe Orthodox monesteries of MeteoraTheir emblemStorageThe monastic lifeThe Orthodox monesteries of Meteora
The ancient path into DelphiThe famous Oracle of ApolloThe beautiful sceneryThe bronze charioteerThe tholos of DelphiThe ancient Athenian TreasuryThe theater
The glorious ParthenonThe Herod Atticus TheaterThe CaryatidsThe walls of the Acropolis at nightThe temple of ZeusGuards at the Tomb of the Unknown SoldierThe Parthenon
Temple of ApolloA Corinthian columnTemple of ApolloPotery replication storeCommunion in the ancient square
College Mennonite Church & Goshen College
Greece & Italy Tour
Itinerary
12 Day:
April 30 - May 11, 2014

20 Day:
April 30 - May 19, 2014
Contact Us for more information on this exciting tour
We'd love to have you travel with us!
Click here to register now
We'd love to have you travel with us!
Click here to register now
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The island of HyrdaCars are not allowed on Aegina, but donkeys are!The island of PorosThe white-washed alleyways of PorosShopping on PorosThe church of St Nektarios on AeginaThe Temple of Aphaea on Aegina
20 Day Program:
April 30 - May 19, 2014
$4,845 from Chicago
12 Day Program:
April 30 - May 11, 2014
$3,845 from Chicago
Day 12 – Departure for 12 Day Itinery / Evangelical Church for 20 Day Itinerary
For those on the 12 day itinerary, depart Athens for the USA.  For those on the 20 day itinerary, we attend a service at the 1st Evangelical Church of Athens.  Schedules permitting, we meet with the pastor and members of the church to learn about the Evangelical church in Greece and join together in fellowship.  Overnight Athens. (B)


Day 13 – Athens: Classical and Modern
We continue our tour of Athens with a visit to the Pan Athenian Stadium, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.  Overnight Athens. (B,L)
Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unkown SoldierNational Archaeological MuseumTemple of ZeusNational Archaeological Museum
Day 14 – Athens: Free Day
Free Day.  In the evening we convene for a final group dinner in the Plaka to say “andio” to Greece. Overnight Athens. (B,D)

Day 15 – Rome: Orientation
After an early morning flight to Rome, we check into our hotel in the Old City of Rome.  In the afternoon we begin our orientation of the city with a walk to the Piazza Popolo, the Corso, the ancient Pantheon with its massive construction, and the magnificent Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.  Overnight in Rome.  (B,D)
The World Famous Roman Colosseum The Interior of the Colosseum The Roman Forum, Heart of the Roman EmpireTemple of Antoninus and FaustinaThe Arch of Titus
Day 16 – Rome: Classical Rome
Today we see the heart of the great Roman Empire and examine its impact on the life and ministry of Paul. We tour the Palatine Hill, home of the Roman Emperors, before visiting the forum and its many sites: the arches of Titus and Septimius Severus, Regia, Temple of the Vestal Virgins, rostra, senate chamber, and much more. We then visit the arch of Constantine before entering the world famous Coliseum where we examine the plight of the Christian martyrs.  (B)










Day 17 – Rome: Vatican City 
Today we visit the Vatican City and the Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frecos and the Last Judgment.  We end the day in St. Peter’s Basilica and Square and view Michelangelo's "Pieta."  (B,L)
CatacombsSt. John LateranSt. John LateranBasilica of St. Paul Outside the WallsBasilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
St. Peter's SquareThe Obelisk of St. Peter's SquareInside St. Peter's BasilicaThe Cration of Adam in the Sistine ChapelInside the Vatican Museum
Day 18 – Assisi
Today we make our way to the Umbrian town of Assisi, home to the Catholic Saint Francis.  We begin our tour at the Basilica of St. Claire, one of Francis' first followers and the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies.  After making our way through the small town, we tour the Basilical of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adorned with frescoes by Giotto. (B)









Day 19 – Rome: Christian Rome 
We make our way to the Catacombs and explore these underground burial sites. We then visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, one of the four major basilicas of Rome and the ecclesiastical seat of the Pope. Continuing our studies in the life of Paul, we visit the basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls built over the site of Paul's tomb. Afternoon free followed by our closing celebratory group dinner.  (B,D)

Day 20 – Departure
Return home with renewed faith and unforgettable memories!
Santa ChiaraThe streets of AssisiThe Basilica of St. Francis of AssisiThe Basilica of St. Francis of AssisiThe Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Dear Friends,

Goshen College professor and campus pastor (and CMCer) Bob Yoder is leading a May term course next year to Greece and Italy along with Footsteps Ministries. Bob has led the course, Journeys of Paul, in the past, and GC’s Five Core Media made a documentary of the previous course.

This time, Bob is inviting Phil to join him, and is opening the course to any CMCers who want to participate, either for 12 days, or the full 20. Initially this will be an exclusive invitation to CMCers. Bob’s vision is to enrich student experiences by adding an intergenerational component to the course, strengthening faith formation by bringing together college students with adults who have more of their lives behind them. From a CMC standpoint, this is one way to work on our historic relationship with Goshen College, building relationships with students, receiving and sharing gifts in a new way. The trip also offers a unique opportunity for CMCers to grow and experience renewal in our own walks with Jesus, as the scriptures become alive in intangible ways. We will also enjoy a learning community that includes other CMCers  and the Goshen students.

You can learn more about this opportunity by checking out the information on this website. Also, Bob and Phil will be hosting an informational session on August 11, during second hour. If you have any interest at all, please feel free to be in touch with me, preferably via email given my summer schedule. Because the course involves international air travel, we will want to reserve places soon. We have room for 15-20 CMCers to join 22 GC students.

Bob Yoder and Phil Waite

Bob Yoder
Journeys of Paul
in Greece and Rome
This 20-day Bible experience follows the journey of the Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey in Greece (Acts 16-18) and his final journey to Rome (Acts 28) examining how he mentored Christian faith in the communities and individuals he encountered.

Participants will also have the opportunity to experience first-hand key biblical sites in Greece and Rome, gain understanding into the cultural and religious issues at the time of the Apostle Paul, cross-culturally experience contemporary realities of Greece and Rome, and grow in their own faith through reading, reflection, worship, and learning about various religious communities, both historical and present.
Phil Waite