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Visit the New Testament lands of Paul!

Ephesus, Rome, Istanbul, Corinth, Philippi, Berea, Pompeii, Pergamum, Nicaea, Delphi, Athens, and more! You will never read your New Testament the same!

BridgePaulTour.com

Best if viewed on desktop computer

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Vatican Museum

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All photos by Eric and Terri Johnson, 2019

See the Seven Churches of Revelation, Athens, Corinth, and Rome, among many other incredible sites!

6 days in Turkey

6 days in Greece

4 days in Italy

3 days travel

= 19 total days!

This is an in-depth educational/inspirational trip every Christian who loves the Bible needs to take.

April 1-19, 2024 

Click boldface print for links! 
To see the optional insurance policy, click Travel Insurance Info 

This trip is limited to just 43 total travelers on one bus! Minimum 30 travelers needed 

Join Dr. Loren Pankratz, CARM.org's Matt Slick, and Eric Johnson for a trip that will forever change the way you read your New Testament

Each traveler will receive a book and pamphlet as part of a welcome package--it has good information for our trip. (One per family)

​Itinerary

(Click on boldfaced blue links under "videos' for short videos produced by                        Pastor Loren on the 2019 Paul trip)

Day 1 – Monday, April 1, 2024– Chicago O'Hare

Travelers meet in Chicago for the departing flight. We ultimately fly with Turkish Air on a widebody aircraft overnight. Meals served on board.
 

DAY 2 – Tuesday, April 2, 2024 - ISTANBUL / IZMIR (SMYRNA)

After arrival to Istanbul, we take a short connecting flight to Izmir (formerly Smyrna). After going through customs, our bus and our guide Shebbie will meet us for transfer to our hotel in Izmir--where ancient-day Smyrna was located.
HotelMovenpick Hotel, Izmir
 

DAY 3 – Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - SMYRNA (#1) / EPHESUS (#2) / St. John's Church / Temple of Artemis / KUSADASI

This morning we start by going to Mt. Pagos where we will see the remains from the Hellenistic Castle of Lysimachos. The view of the Izmir Harbor is simply incredible. We then go to the first of the seven churches referred to in the book of Revelation, Smyrna, and walk through the 2nd century A.D. agora that was partially excavated by German and Turkish archaeologists from 1932-1941. We continue to Ephesus, the jewel of the 7 churches. The city was founded in the fourth century BC by Alexander the Great’s successor. In addition, two church councils were held in this city during the fifth century. Among other things, we will see the famous Library of Celsus, a proposed site for the Hall of Tyrannus mentioned in Acts where Paul taught for close to two years, and the theatre where an unruly mob demanded the head of Paul. We'll stop by St. John's church where it is believed the apostle is buried. The basilica was built by the Christian emperor Justinian in the 6th century. We will also take a closer look at the Temple of Artemis, which is located today in a swamp.  We stay at a hotel on the bayside of Kusadasi.
Hotel: Charisma Deluxe Hotel in Kusadasi
Videos (click on links) 
 

DAY 4 – Thursday, April 4, 2024 - EPHESUS / LAODICIA (#3) / COLOSSAE / PAMUKKALE

We begin by returning to nearby Ephesus to visit the Ephesus museum where important artifacts found in the ancient city are located. From here, we will visit the remains of the ancient Laodicea, a site that until recent years was unexcavated. This is the church that Jesus warned against being lukewarm. Among other places, we will see an ancient church from the 4th century and other ruins. Finally, we will head to Colossae (to whom the epistle of Colossians was written), which has not yet been excavated. We can climb to the top of the tell and wonder just what is below the dirt. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Pamukkale where those who would like a Turkish massage will have an opportunity to experience this. Everyone should try this out at least once in their lifetime.
Hotel: Doga Thermal Hotel, Pamukkale
Video: 
DAY 5 – Friday, April 5, 2024 - HIERAPOLIS / PHILADELPHIA (#4) / SARDIS (#5) / IZMIR
We depart from the hotel to visit the remains of the ancient city Hierapolis where the "cotton candy" mountain side looks like it had a fresh dusting of snow. The hot springs have been used as a spa since at least the 2nd century BC, Besides soaking your feet in the warm water and looking at the incredible view, it will be possible to visit an ancient theater and, for those willing to take a short hike up the mountain, see the place of martyrdom and tomb of the apostle Philip. The tomb was recently discovered in the past decade! From here, we drive to the town of Alasehir to see the remains of the church in Philadelphia. Our final stop of the day is the ancient city of Sardis to visit the gymnasium and the synagogue. If there is enough time, we can visit the temple of Artemis located not far away. We finish the day by returning to our first hotel in Izmir--we just made a big circle-- and have dinner before a good night's rest.
HotelMovenpick Hotel, Izmir
Videos
  • Hierapolis
  • Philadelphia/Sardis/Thyatira (7 Churches of Revelation)
DAY 6 –Saturday, April 6, 2024 -/ PERGAMUM (#6) / THYATIRA (#7) / BURSA
We will finish our journey to the 7 churches today by visiting Pergamum, an incredible mountain=side site. We will take a cable car to the impressive acropolis to see the library ruins, the altar of Zeus, the third century BC theatre, and the Temple of Athena, all of which made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political center. Our final church will be at the town of Akhisar where we will see the remains from Thyatira. From here, we drive east to our hotel in Bursa.
Hotel: Almira Hotel, Bursa
Video
  • Pergamum (7 Churches of Revelation)

DAY 7  Sunday, April 7, 2024 NICAEA / ISTANBUL / ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM / ISTANBUL 

We begin the day at Nicaea, site of two ecumenical councils in the Byzantine period, including the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 where the deity of Jesus was debated. We'll make a short stop by the lake where it is believed the remains of Constantine's palace are located under the water where it came to rest after an earthquake. Here we will have a Sunday "sermonette" from Pastor Loren on the importance of the council and why Christians worship Jesus. From here we drive over a bridge to cross the Bosporus Strait to reach Istanbul, formerly Constantinople. We head over to the famous Istanbul archaeological museum to check out some of the important biblical artifacts on display, including the biblical portion where the Pool of Siloam inscription and the Gezer Calendar are located.  We end at our hotel for a 2-night stay in Istanbul.
HotelTitanic City Hotel, Istanbul (1 of 2)
Video
 

DAY 8 – Monday, April 8, 2024 - HAGHIA SOPHIA / HIPPODROME /  CISTERN / GRAND BAZAAR

We venture into the Old City of Istanbul to Haghia Sophia where we will have a chance to see this former church before it was conquered for Islam during the Ottoman Empire. It was later made into a museum before it was converted back to a mosque in 2020. From here, we walk through the Hippodrome where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. There is an important artifact in this area that will pertain to our stop in Delphi. Next to this is the Blue Mosque, a 17th-century Ottoman mosque famous with its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tile. Finally, we want to give you time to shop in Istanbul, so we will head over to the Grand Bazaar where you can hunt for some bargains at one of the largest markets in the world. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Istanbul. 
HotelTitanic City Hotel, Istanbul (2 of 2)
DAY 9 – Tuesday, April 9, 2024 - ISTANBUL      AIRPORT /  KAVALA / PHILIPPI / THESSALONICA
We take an early morning flight out of Istanbul to fly to Thessalonica in Greece. We are met by our guide and bus as today we will visit Philippi and Kavala. Kavala is Greece's prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke also came here from Troas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala. Continue on to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelist sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will view the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ and visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. We return to Thessalonica for our dinner and overnight.
HotelCapsis Hotel in Thessalonica
DAY 10 – Wednesday, April 10, 2024 -   THESSALONICA/  BEREA / METEORA MONASTERY
This morning we visit the delightful harbor city of Thessalonica. We will view the old city ramparts, the newly excavated Forum, and St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church. We will also see the Galerius Arch, which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. From here, we say goodbye to Thessalonica and travel to Berea where we’ll make a short stop to view the synagogue where Paul preached. We stop at the Bema Seat surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the "more noble" church. We pass by the area of King Phillip's (Alexander's father) tomb in Vergina, with travel commentary on the Apostle Paul's teaching. This afternoon we see the world-famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched precariously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. Our lodging this evening is in the Meteora area. 
HotelAmalia Hotel in Kalambaka
DAY 11 – Thursday, April 11, 2024 - DELPHI / ATHENS
This morning we drive to the ancient city of Delphi, built upon the slopes of Mount Parnassus, for a walking tour to see the Temple of Apollo, where Paul must have spoken to the people about the Living God. We will continue to the Theater, the Athenian Treasury and the Castalian Spring. At Delphi, the pagan priests imbibed the toxic fumes in a drug-like stupor. We will have a chance to visit the museum with the famous Bronze Charioteer and other items that date back to the time of Paul, including an important archaeological artifact called the Gallio Inscription upon which Claudius ordered the procounsel Gallio to encourage more people to move to Delphi. This is the same Gallio who lived in Corinth and dismissed a charge brought by the Jewish leaders against Paul in Acts 18:12-17. We then follow Paul’s ministry south as we travel on the national highway through famous Thebes, Levadia and the village of Arachova. Continue to Athens for dinner and a night at our hotel (3-night stay).
Hotel: Titania Hotel in Athens
Video

DAY 12 – Friday, April 12, 2024: 3 island cruise Relax Day

It's a day of relaxation as we take the entire day to sail the Aegean Sea and visit three different Greek islands: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. Sit back and enjoy conversing with our fellow passengers while making short stops at the three islands. Choose to go on a quick swim in one of the bays or shop in the many unique shops. Lunch is provided on the boat. Return to the Athens hotel relaxed and ready to finish this trip in a strong way. (NOTE: For those who would rather not go on the cruise, which lasts the entire day, you are welcome to spend the day relaxing at our Athens hotel with a view to the Parthenon. A survey will be given later next year to see who would rather just relax at the hotel; you would be credited with $100 for not going.)

Hotel:  Titania Hotel in Athens

 

DAY 13 – Saturday, April 13, 2024 - ANCIENT ATHENS

This morning we begin our walking tour day by visiting the Acropolis, the most important biblical site in the entire country of Greece. We begin at the Parthenon, which was constructed in the fifth century BC and later destroyed in the 17th century AD. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens upheld as their patron, this building was certainly known by Paul. We will then make our way down to Mars Hill, which was a place of assembly. Socrates used to lecture here, and this is the area described in Acts 17. What they were worshiping as an “unknown God,” Paul came to tell them about Jesus! We will also stop by to see one of Athens’ best-preserved ruins known as the Temple of Hephaestus in the agora as well as the ancient forum. We end the day at the National Archaeological Museum to look at some of the treasures of Greece. If we have time, we can stop by the Olympic stadium not far from our hotel.
Hotel Titania Hotel in Athens
Video
 

DAY 14 – Sunday, April 14, 2024 - CORINTH / PATRAS

We pack up the bus and begin our final day in Greece. An hour away is Corinth, a place of great biblical significance. After all, Paul wrote two (and probably four) letters to the Corinthians, and he stayed here as well. The culture was pagan, meaning that Paul had to deal with some earthly issues as he directed the early Greek believers. After stopping to observe the Corinth Canal, we will visit the museum, the Bema Seat (described in Acts 18), the Doric temple of Apollo, the Askesleion, Agora, Lechaion Road, and the Periene Fountain. We will also have a chance to see the Erastus Inscription lying on the ground and proof that such a Christian governmental official mentioned in the New Testament (2 Tim. 4:20; Rom. 16:23) actually existed. After lunch in the quaint town, we head along the coast for a couple of hours as we head toward Patras where we will catch an afternoon ferry ride (with meals and sleeping accommodations) on a cargo sheep (but with sleeping rooms) to Bari on the southeastern coast of Italy, arriving the next morning.
Hotel: Superfast Ferries on the Adriatic Seas
Video
 

DAY 15 – MONDAY, April 15, 2024 - POMPEII / POZZOULI

After disembarking from the ferry, we are met by our host Daniel and begin traveling across southern Italy for several hours. Our only stop of the day is Pompeii, which was buried under a layer of ash and pumice by a sudden eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year AD 79. People who walked these streets were the generation of the early apostles, and Paul’s message had reached there long before the destruction (which occurred twelve years after Paul’s execution.) The activities of Vesuvius were already beginning to cause disturbances during Paul’s lifetime. Most scholars believe he arrived in AD 62; later that year, while Paul awaited his first appearance before Nero in Rome, an earthquake caused a tsunami with a tidal wave that swamped the ships at Ostia harbor, ruining as much as one third of the Alexandrian grain. Paul walked the roads of many Roman cities similar to Pompeii, and the imagery of the Epistles is nowhere more easily pictured. We will be given free time to explore houses, shops, temples, squares, streets and even some of the darker quarters of the city. From here, we watch a sunset as we head toward our hotel on top of a hill overlooking the bay at Pozzouli.
Hotel:Hotel Gli Dei, Pozzuoli
Video

DAY 16 – Tuesday, April 16, 2024- POZZOULI / MINTURNO (APPIAN WAY)/ CATACOMBS / ROME

This morning we take a short drive down the hill from our hotel to the port of ancient Puteoli where Paul arrived after a long voyage. This would be his first and only visit to Rome. “…and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli" (Acts 28:13) After taking a stroll through the city, we make our way north to the ruins of Minturno, a well-preserved Roman village located along the Appian Way, which Paul would have travelled through during his trip to Rome. Here we can walk on the stones of the ancient Appian Way traveled by Paul. We then drive to the outskirts of Rome to the Catacombs of San Sebastian where ancient Christians were buried. There is plenty of “graffiti” in Latin and Aramaic in the catacombs and in the Basilica of San Sebastian. Finally, we finish our drive for the day by heading into the City of Seven Hills (Rome) and arrive at our hotel to prepare for the encore, 2 full days in Rome.
Hotel: Hotel President in Rome
Video:

DAY 17 – Wednesday, April 17, 2024 - ROMAN FORUM / COLOSSEUM / ANCIENT SITES OF PAUL's MARTYRDOM

This morning we drive by the Circus Maximum and get dropped off to taken a walking tour through ancient Rome. Among other things, we will see Trajan's Column, go along the Via dei ForiImperiali (street of the Imperial Fora), the Forum of Trajan, and then reach the Capitoline Hill, once the political and religious center of the town. The Arch of Constantine, erected to commemorate the victory of the emperor over Maxentius in the 4th century A.D., is here. We venture to the Colosseum, an everlasting symbol of the greatness of Rome and the stage for the ancient historical fights of the gladiators. After lunch, we will visit some sites that are traditionally associated with Paul. We start at Insula di San Paolo alla Regola. Tradition has it that Paul used to live in this area during the years of his first imprisonment. Here Paul met with the first Christians in Rome. Next we go to the Church of the Santa Prisca. Then we move to the Abbey of the Three Foundations, which is the place of Paul’s martyrdom. Tradition has it that three different springs gushed out at each spot touched when Paul’s head fell down. Finally, we end up at St. Paul Outside the Walls, a Benedictine Abbey that shares its name, origins and centuries of history, both joyful and sorrowful, with the adjoining basilica. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Hotel President in Rome
Video
 

DAY 18 – Thursday, April 18, 2024 -VATICAN MUSEUM / ST. PETER’S CHURCH AND SQUARE / FOUNTAINS AND SQUARES

There is so much art here, this must be considered the most valuable museum in the entire world. In the Sistine Chapel the incredible ceiling art by Michelangelo and the wall depicting “The Last Judgment,” as well as the frescoes of some of the greatest artists of the 15th and 16th centuries, can be admired. We will have a chance to stand in St. Peter’s Square, which is embraced by the colonnade and “Cuppolone,” as the Romans call Michelangelo's dome. This afternoon we have a chance to see the artistic side of Rome on a walking tour. Among other places, we travel through the artists’ quarters of Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain (don’t forget to throw a coin in to ensure a future return!)—and the Spanish Steps. Bargain with some vendors for purses and other Italian merchandise. And don’t forget to have some gelato (Italian ice cream)—there’s no better festive atmosphere than Rome! Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight as we prepare for tomorrow's early flight.
Hotel: Hotel President in Rome
Video

DAY 19 – Friday, April 19, 2024 - Return to Chicago

Three countries, dozens of sites, and fond memories we will have for a lifetime are all checked off as we head to the airport with a new appreciation for the 7 Churches and Paul. Our reading of Acts and Revelation will never be the same again.

Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group.

Land only Cost of the Trip (3 countries): $6995 

                      

Flight cost: $1640 from Chicago

Sign up for the trip by by clicking here

 

Two bonuses for those who fly on the group flight:

$100 off for 30 travelers (not including chaperons) taken off final bill
$100 additional discount with 40+ travelers including chaperons (cash on trip)

Flights

TK 006  April 1   Chicago O'Hare  to Istanbul    Leave 9:10P Arrives 3:45P P on April 2

Connector: TK2332  April 2 in Istanbul to Izmir at 5P, arrives 6:10P.

TK1881  April 9th   Istanbul to Thessalonica    Leaving 7:15A and arrives 8:35 A

TK1362  April 19th Rome to Istanbul Leaving  705A  arriving 1040A

TK 005  April 19th Istanbul to Chicago Leaving 2:20P arriving 5:50PM

What does the all-inclusive trip land-only cost include?
  • Full-time guide / bus / driver in each country
  • 4-star hotels (these are awesome, even better than Israel!)
  • All admission fees to sites in all three countries
  • 2 meals a day, breakfast and dinner buffets (sit-down dinners in Italy)--great food, super selection, you won't go hungry!
  • All taxes and tips! (no nickel and diming throughout the trip, nothing else you need to pay for)
  • Email correspondence throughout the months preceding the trip from Eric Johnson, including teaching, tips,  video links, etc. as well as a book and pamphlet mailed to your family as a welcome packet
  • Devotionals at important biblical sites every day--bring your Bibles!
  • Travel Diary
  • And so much more!
Not included:
  • Domestic transportation to O'Hare airport
  • Airfare from Chicago to Turkey/Greece/Italy ($1640)
  • All Lunches
  • Snacks and souvenirs
  • Turkish visa ($60)

Questions you may have

Who is organizing this trip?

Eric Johnson (bio below) is the organizer who works through Pilgrim Tours, a Christian tour company based in Pennsylvania. Dan Bergey  is our personal representative, one of the best in the business. Pastor Loren Pankratz (Bridge Community, Centerville) is coming with some of his members and Matt Slick of CARM.org is joining the trip as well.

How much does it cost to sign up? And what if I drop out before the trip happens?

It is $500 per person upon registration. The rest of the money is due in February 2024. If you drop out of the trip (in writing) before December 2023, you will lose $125 of the deposit. If you drop out after, you lose the entire deposit. The final payment date will be announced when the trip is official. The agency asks that you do not make additional payments throughout the year but rather pay it all at once in January 2024. Credit card payments are accepted and even encouraged.

Is there unlimited room for sign ups?

We are limiting the trip to one bus and 43 travelers. If it sells out, we will not add a second bus but instead begin a wait list. 

Which airport will we fly out of?

We will be flying out of Dallas Fort Worth for our group flight. The advantage of flying with the group is you do not pay for your flights until the final payment date. The cost to get to DFW will be extra and we may get a group flight for that. 

What if I am coming by myself? Can I get a roommate?

The cost of the trip is based on double occupancy. As a single person, you have 3 options:

  1. You can request a single room, which will cost $1300 extra

  2. You can tell us who your roommate (also signing up) will be

  3. You can request a roommate. (We will do our best to pair you up with someone of the same sex who is close (as possible) to your age.

Will there be a lot of walking?

If you go to Disney World, you know that you will walk miles. In Turkey, Greece and Italy, it’s similar. To see the sites, the buses drop us off and we will need to walk. On the average day, we will cover between 6 to 8 miles, although not all at once. Generally we will get on and off the bus an average of 5-6 times each day. If you get tired, you are free to stay with the bus, as our driver stays with it when we are gone. But, generally, you need to be in good shape. No wheelchairs or walkers are allowed on the trip. We encourage you to bring walking sticks. Our day typically begins at 6 a.m. wake-up call, 6:30 breakfast, and 7:30 drive away from the hotel. We usually try to get back to the hotel by 7:00 p.m. Dinner is usually at 7:30 p.m. Needless to say, this is a busy trip, though we do spend much more time traveling on the bus (rest) than we do in Israel.

Do we need passports, visas, and shots?

Passports yes! They must be valid through October 2024. The Turkish visa is an extra  charge, which you will apply for the month before we leave. In 2022, the cost was $50 per person. 

Do I need to be in shape? 

It is highly recommended. But there is plenty of time to prepare. We believe the best way to get ready for this trip is to walk. Start around the block, build up to several blocks, and before you know it, you will increase your stamina. Wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on this trip--they don't work in Israel anyway-- but for those who are unsteady, we recommend hiking poles.

Will there be education in the months before we go?

Beginning in the summer of 2023, Eric Johnson will send out regular emails full of information to educate the passengers. These will include video links, PDF articles, travel tip suggestions, etc. Since 2009, Eric has a lot of experience getting people prepared–physically, mentally, and spiritually—to go on this trip of a lifetime. 

Will we need the COVID vaccine for any of the countries?

No vaccination is required. Currently, no testing is required entering or exiting Israel. We do not expect this regulation to ever happen again (as there was from April 2020 through March 2022).

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Insurance is optional. However, we highly recommend it!  There are two policies offered through Allianz, the world's largest travel insurer. The "Anytime" plan allows you to cancel the trip for any reason to the day we leave and receive 80% of your money back, along with other benefits offered in the traditional policy. The cost  for the Odyssey policy is 7.95 and is due at the time of final payment. The cost for the Odyssey with cancel anytime is 10.85% of your entire bill and is due at the time of registration. (After registration, this particular policy cannot be purchased.) For most, this is over insurance, but for those with elderly parents or who have poor health, this is a peace of mind policy. Both policies offer a quality package that will protect you if anything happens during your trip, including COVID (i.e., if you contract COVID a few days before we leave or get it on our trip, you are fully covered). Purchasing a policy is completely optional but is highly recommended. As the architects of this trip, neither Pilgrim Tours nor I receive compensation from your insurance purchase.

Actual comments from past travelers

"The Footsteps of Paul tour is an investment in understanding the scope and breadth of biblical history. If you've been to Israel on the biblical archaeological trip of discovery, this trip feels like a completion of the journey.  It's a step back thousands of years when Jesus's birth was only a promise to the time Paul walked out his calling with supernatural strength against epic odds.  I felt a sense of his passion for Christ and dedication to make Him known and came away inspired to be bolder in my own witness."

-Michelle (2022)

"Being a person who appreciates evidence for her faith, The Footsteps of Paul adventure was the trip of a lifetime! Walking where Paul and other early Christians walked, learning about the ancient Greco-Roman culture and enjoying fellowship with like-minded believers made this trip an incredible treasure. The knowledge gained from this experience will enhance my study and understanding of the Scriptures as well as my ability to teach others. What a joy and honor to have this opportunity!"

-Karen V. (2022)

“It’s true.  You won’t read the Bible the same after one of Eric’s trips.  Now when I read the Bible or watch a Bible story, not only can I proudly say that “I’ve been there!” but I can clearly grasp the the towns, distances and geographies.  In addition, I now have an understanding of the archaeological evolution of the sites which has given me context as to the joys and fears of varying government entities over thousands of years.”

-Catherine (2020)

"Going on the Footsteps of Paul trip will make reading the Word come to life, especially the book of Acts and Revelations. The Bible talks about real people and real places that you can actually see today. It has turned the black and white pages of my Bible into living color. What a privilege!"

-Sunshine W. (2022)

"The Footsteps of Paul trip was absolutely wonderful! There were so many location we visited discussed in the Bible, making it come alive! If you have the opportunity, take the trip!" 

-Tex S (2022)

"This trip was a chance in a lifetime to see where Paul lived, walked and talked. To see and touch the community remnants of what he saw was mind boggling. I highly recommend this trip and Eric Johnson as trip leader. Your life will be forever enhanced, enriched and changed."

Ruth P. (2022)

"Each day is packed with visits to the places where the early apostles actually walked, taught, contended for their faith, lived and died.  You will want to bring your Bible, a journal and take plenty of pictures.  This pilgrimage will not end when you return home.  It’s an invitation and powerful opportunity to grow and be transformed through insights that will shape you for years and years."

-Todd S. (2022)

“Whoever goes with Eric Johnson is happy and satisfied because he cares about his passengers”

–Andre Shama, Tour Guide in Israel

“Thanks for a prize-winning tour!”

–Duane Tubbs, La Mesa, CA (2019)

"It was the most amazing trip I have ever taken!! And I've traveled quite a bit!!"

--M.H., (2017)

Video endorsements from the October 2022 Footsteps of Paul Tour
(click on the names below)

Pastor Kenny Dodd (CEBC in San Diego)

Cathy Dodd

Brent and Michelle Lapp

Joe and Eileen Dameron

Karen Vande Vegte

Larry and Carol Murray

Mike and Teri Strauch

Register for the trip by clicking here         

Instructions when registering

 

1) Select CREDIT CARD or check if you will indeed mail this today. (I recommend credit card because you are NOT registered until your payment gets to the agency.

 

2) Select # of passengers per room (only sign up 2-3 people per registration/room)

3) Airfare services: If you need help to get to Dallas our departure city, put yes. Otherwise, fort those from SLC, we will figure out a flight we can take to Dallas.

Departure airport: Put Dallas Fort Worth (unless you put "yes" to the previous question then say where you want to originate to get to Dallas if you want agency's help in getting there. If you plan to book your own flight to Izmir, Turkey, to Thessalonica, and then Rome to home on your own, put "no" and for departure say "Land only"--but now you are responsible to mimic our flights. 

NOTE: It is HIGHLY  recommended that you fly with our group and not make your own flight plans because it can be complicated to book the right flights on your own.

4) Choose insurance:

         a) Odyssey plan (7.95% of total). Visit https://www.pilgrimtours.com/company/insurance.htm for more info.

         b) Odyssey with Cancel Anytime (10.85% of total). This allows you to drop out all the way until the week of the trip and get 80% of your money back. For most people, this policy is not necessary, but some like the added assurance, and I might recommend it in times of COVID. It is your choice, so do what makes sense to you. The only time to order this policy is at registration, and you must pay for it at registration (so be prepared to pay for this policy at registration).

 

I do recommend you have insurance, whether with Allianz or your own. Just so you know, Allianz now covers issues related to COVID, a benefit that was only added a few weeks ago. This is valuable in case you get COVID just before or during your trip.

5) Passenger(s) info, including address, phone, email, etc.

 

6) Passport info: If you do not have a valid passport valid through October 2024, DO NOT fill this section out. You will need to get or renew your passport in the next year and, once you get that, get that info to the agency. (You are able to sign up without a valid passport). Otherwise, please fill this out

 

7) Rooming situation: Note, I recommend only 2 to a room because it can get crowded with 3. If you want a roommate, you can tell me who you want or we can assign someone to you (based on availability). But you can have up to 3 in a room, there are no savings by tripling up.

 

8) Emergency contact info

 

PLEASE don't forget to go to Step 4 and pay the $500 per person deposit (plus the cost of the "Cancel Anytime" policy, if you chose that). The registration is not valid unless you pay the deposit. Once you have paid with your information, you are officially registered. Do me a favor and email me (Eric@mrm.org) to let me know you have signed up.

About Trip Organizer Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson has taken more than 600 people to biblical land trips on more than 16 organized trips, including more than two dozen pastors, since 2009! Those who have come with him have had the chance to learn how the Bible speaks about real people and real places while describing historical events. Eric believes that everyone should come to the Holy Land and experience this incredible place for themselves in order to make the Bible come alive. Reading God’s Word will never be the same!

Eric is married to Terri (35 years in 2023) and has three daughters. After teaching Bible classes in Southern California for 17 years (as well as more than a decade teaching English as an adjunct professor at Grossmont Community College), he and his wife moved to Utah in order to become a full-time Christian missionary to the Mormon people. He received his Master’s of Divinity degree in 1991 and has written several books, including Answering Mormons Questions (with Bill McKeever, Kregel, 2013), Mormonism 101 (with Bill McKeever, Baker Books, 2015), Mormonism 101 for Teens (MRM, 2016) and Sharing the Good News with Mormons (Harvest House, 2018, co-edited with Sean McDowell). His most recent book is Introducing Christianity to Mormons (Harvest House, 2022). He was a contributor for the Apologetics Study Bible for Students (Holman, 2010). His hobbies are reading and traveling the world.

Colosseum, Rome

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Mars Hill, Athens
(Parthenon in background)

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Pompeii, Italy

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Library of Celsus, Ephesus

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Parthenon in Athens, Greece
from our hotel

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Awesome breakfast and dinner buffets

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Gymnasium at Sardia, Turkey

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Smyrna, Turkey

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Archaeological Museum, 
Istanbul

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Delphi, Greece 

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Parthenon, Athens

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Pompeii, Italy

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Ancient Roman road (Appian Way) in Italy, 2,000 years old

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Pantheon

St. Peter's Square, Vatican City

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Vatican museum

Pompeii, Italy

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Sardis synagogue, Turkey

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Puteoli, Italy--harbor where Paul entered Italy

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Pergamum, Turkey

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Erastus Inscription, Corinth, Greece

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Bema seat, Corinth, Greece

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Colosseum, Rome, Italy

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Pompeii, Italy

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Arch of Titus, Rome

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Roman Forum

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Pool of Siloam Inscription (Hezekiah's Tunnel in Jerusalem), Archaeological Museum in Istanbul, Turkey--One of Eric's favorites!

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Arch of Titus, Rome

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Colosseum, Rome

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Eric and Terri Johnson in Philadelphia, Turkey in 2019

Everyone gets a pocket-sized travel diary

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Every family gets a copy

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