Course Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 – Arrival
Depart Pittsburgh / Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece
Day 3 – Thessaloniki
Cultural Orientation and Introduction to the life of the Apostle Paul. Basic Greek Language Lesson. Tour of Thessaloniki including the following sites: White Tower, Arch of Galerius, Rotunda, St. Demitrios Church, Roman Forum/Agora.
Day 4 – Philippi & Kavala
Following breakfast we depart for Philippi. We first visit the port of Philippi, the biblical city of Neapolis (today called Kavala) and tour the port, aqueduct, and mosaic of Paul before venturing on to Philippi. At Philippi we visit the site of Lydia’s baptism followed by a tour of the archaeological site: Bema, Forum, Basilicas, Theater, City Walls, and traditional location of Paul’s imprisonment. After touring, we return to Thessaloniki for overnight.
Day 5 – Berea, Vergina, Venetian Castle
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 through the ruins of an ancient Venetian outpost castle. Overnight in the quaint mountain village of Litohoro, on the foothills of Mt. Olympus.
Day 6 – 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.
Day 7 – Delphi
Morning field preparation then tour of archaeological site. 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 free time to roam the quaint modern village, we arrive late afternoon in Athens for dinner and overnight.
Day 8 – Athens
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 (Mar’s Hill) and examine the sermon of Paul to the Athenians. We visit the Agora and museum. The afternoon brings us into the Plaka for a walking orientation of this historic district. Overnight Athens.
Day 9 – Athens Free Day or One Day Cruise
Enjoy a free day in historic Athens to wander the shop lined streets of the Plaka or take in a world class museum. Students will also have the option to spend the day sailing to three picturesque Greek islands: Hydra, Aegina, and Poros. The cruise will cost $100-$120 and include lunch, weather permitting. (B)
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. Return to Athens for our final, celebratory Greek dinner. Overnight Athens.
Day 11 – Rome & the Vatican City
Say "Yiasou" to Athens as we fly to Rome to explore the "Eternal City." After checking into our hotel in the old city, we head to the Vatican City, the world's smallest country and the seat of the Catholic Church. We tour the Vatican Museum - one's of the world's premier museums - exploring classical sculpture, Renaissance art, and monumental architecture. The museum concludes in the Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescos and the Last Judgment. We end the day in St. Peter’s Basilica and Square and view Michelangelo's "Pieta." Overnight Rome.
Day 12 – Rome: Classical Rome
Our tour of the Eternal City begins on top of the Palatine Hill, residence of the Roman Emperors for hundreds of years. We then continue to the Roman Forum, the Arches of Titus and Septimius Severus, Temple of the Divine Julius, Temple of the Vestal Virgins, Rostrum, Senate Chamber, and much more. Exiting the forum, we study the Arch of Constantine before entering Rome’s most famous building, the Coliseum. We also visit the Victor Emanuel Monument built in honor of Italy's first king, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
Day 13 – Rome Free Day
Students are free to stroll down the Corso or sit by the Trevi fountain as they enjoy a free day in Rome. In the evening, we have our closing meeting and reflect on our thirteen wonderful days spent overseas.
Day 14 – Departure
Depart Rome, arrive Pittsburgh.
Grove City College
May Term Travel Course to Greece & Italy
Huma 201: Civilization and the Speculative Mind
REL 237: The Call and Ministry of the Apostle to the Gentiles
May 18 - 31, 2014
Course Leaders:
Dr. Kemeny, Paul C.
Professor of Religion and Humanities
724-458-2195
Dr. Sparks, David
President, Footstep Ministries
972-418-6103
Huma 201: Civilization and the
Speculative Mind
A study of Christian revelation and how it influences the course of Western civilization. It focuses on key texts that are foundational for theology, cosmology, epistemology, human nature, society, and ethics. This course contains the second component of the across-the-curriculum Information Literary (IL) requirements.
RELI 237: The Call and Ministry of the
Apostle to the Gentiles
This course considers the distinctive calling of Paul for a special task in the history of redemption, with a consideration of the outworking of that calling in his ministry and message, especially as seen through the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistle to the Galatians.
Questions? Please contact Dr. Paul Kemeny
