Taylor University
Janterm to Greece and Italy
January 5 - 22, 2016
Itinerary
Day 1/2: Depart USA/Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece (D)
Day 3 Thessaloniki
Cultural orientation and introduction to the life of the Apostle Paul. Basic Greek language lesson. Tour of Thessaloniki including the White Tower, Arch of Galerius, Rotunda, Basilica of St. Demetrios, Roman Forum. (B/L/D)
Day 4 Philippi
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. While on site we have our lunch. After touring, we return to Thessaloniki for field preparation, dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Thessaloniki/Independent Study/Small Groups
Students will be studying Philippians and 1st Thessalonians individually and in groups as they prepare for their onsite and small group presentations. (B/D)
Day 6 Berea/Vergina
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 the Mt. Olympus range. Dinner and overnight in the mountain village of Litohoro. (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 then tour of archaeological site. Delphi was the most important religious center of classical Greece. There we see the sanctuary of Apollo, Delphic Pythia, 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/L/D)
Day 9 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. Dinner and overnight in Athens. (B/L/D)
Day 10 Athens/Optional Greek Island Cruise
Optional three island cruise to the picturesque islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aigina. The cruise includes lunch and lasts the entire day. Estimated cost per student: $100-$120. Weather permitting. (B)
Day 11 Athens
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. Dinner & overnight. (B/L/D)
Day 12 Athens Free Day
Students are free to explore Athens' impressive ancient history and vibrant modern culture. (B)
Day 13 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 in the urban centers of the Roman world. In the evening, we gather together for our final Greek meal at a local tavern. We offer our concluding remarks on Greece and begin our preparations for travel to Rome/Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Overnight Athens. (B/L/D)
Day 14 Rome: Renaissance and Modern
Morning flight to Rome, Italy. We begin with an orientation to Italy and an examination of Paul’s letter to the Romans, Paul’s crowning theological work. A short subway ride takes us to the Piazza del Popolo where we trace Italy’s role in the renaissance and examine works by the Renaissance master Caravaggio. Heading down the historic Corso we visit the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Column of Marcus Aurelius, and Victor Emanuel Monument. Overnight at our hotel within the historic Old City of Rome. (B/L/D)
Day 15 Rome: Classical
Tour of the ancient city of Rome, focusing on the great civilization and its impact on the life and ministry of Paul. We tour the Palatine Hill, home to the ancient emperors, before descending into the ancient Roman Forum, the very center of the empire. In the forum we see the Arches of Constantine, Titus, and Septimius Severus, Temple of the Vestal Virgins, rostra, Temple of Caesar, Senate House, and much more. We continue to the world famous Coliseum where we examine Christian martyrdom. We then head to the Pantheon, a masterpiece of Roman architecture. (B/D)
Day 16 Vatican City, Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica
We visit the Vatican City, the nation-state home of the Catholic Church. In St. Peter’s square we gaze up at the sculptures of Bernini before venturing into the Vatican Museum, home of numerous masterpieces by Raphael, Da Vinci, and Caravaggio. We then enter the Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and the Last Judgment. We end the day in St. Peter’s Basilica and Square and view Michelangelo's "Pieta." (B/L)
Day 17 Rome: Early Church Sites
We make our way to the Catacombs and explore these underground burial sites. Continuing our studies in the life of Paul, we visit the church of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the site of Paul's tomb. We conclude our tour with a summation lecture on Paul and a celebratory dinner. (B/D)
Day 18 Rome/USA
Depart back to the USA.
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