Journey Overview
Step into the world where the New Testament came alive.
Join us as we follow in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul through the ancient Mediterranean, connecting early biblical history and theology with the places with the places where the Gospel took root. Guided by the teaching and insights of Dr. James Fickenscher and under the spiritual care of Dr. Tom Egger, we will explore the biblical events, people, and places that shaped the early church and continue to inform our faith today. These New Testament encounters will be balanced with exquisite cuisine, captivating cultural experiences, Lutheran worship, and free time for exploration.
There is also an optional cruise to the Greek Islands following our travels in mainland Greece.
Our Hosts for the Journey
Dr. Tom and Tori Egger are looking forward to enjoying Christian fellowship, making memories and sharing opportunities for spiritual growth with fellow travelers during Concordia Seminary Travel’s “Word and Witness: Greece in the Time of St. Paul.”
Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger has served as a Concordia Seminary faculty member since 2005 and was inaugurated as the 11th president of Concordia Seminary in 2021. He served as pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, Iowa, from 2000–05. He earned his M. Div. from Concordia Seminary in 1997 and his Ph. D. in 2019.
Dr. Egger specializes in Old Testament theology, particularly Genesis and Exodus and the relationship between Scripture and Christian faith. He has served on the Board of Regents for Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill,. and for 10 years on the Board of Directors of Providence Classical Christian Academy, a K-12 school in St. Louis, Mo.
Dr. Egger currently serves on the LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee, the LCMS Pastoral Colloquy Committee, the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations, and the board of the International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg. He is a member of the Lutheran Historical Conference, the Lutheran Society for Missiology, the Evangelical Theological Society and the Society of Biblical Literature. He has a love for seminary education and for forming pastors to serve the church.
Dr. Egger enjoys birdwatching, hiking, spending time with his ever-growing family, and following the St. Louis Cardinals, the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Indiana Fever.
Dr. James and Rachel Fickenscher
also will be sharing this journey with you. James serves as an assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, where he teaches the New Testament, biblical interpretation and Greek. As tour scholar, James will help travelers gain a deeper understanding of the world in which St. Paul lived and ministered. Rachel brings a heart for hospitality and connecting with others. James and Rachel enjoy welcoming new friends, learning together and sharing Christian fellowship. They have two children who bring joy to their family.
Rev. Dr. James Fickenscher is assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He joined the faculty in 2024 and previously served as associate pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, School and Early Learning Center in McAllen, Texas (2017-24).
Dr. Fickenscher earned a Ph.D. in 2022 and an M. Div. in 2012 from Concordia Seminary. His areas of interest include New Testament and Greek syntax and linguistics, hermeneutics of the New Testament, the intersection of biblical studies and mental health and the Pauline Corpus, especially the letters of Timothy and Titus.
Dr. Fickenscher is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the Evangelical Theological Society. He has presented to both organizations on New Testament Greek Linguistics and the Pastoral Epistles and has led workshops at Concordia Seminary and to local circuits on applying Greek study to pastoral ministry.
His hobbies include spending time with family and friends, engaging in a good story and working on various kinds of puzzles.
Wheels up! Travelers fly overnight to Thessaloniki International Airport, Greece. An optional group flight may be arranged. Travelers are welcome to book their own flights and are not required to join a group flight. Airfare is not included in the price of the journey.
Upon arrival in Greece, we will transfer to our hotel in Thessaloniki, one of the most historically significant cities of the ancient Christian world. After time to settle in, we will gather for worship and prayer before enjoying a welcome dinner at our hotel. D
After breakfast, we will attend a local Greek Orthodox worship service. In the afternoon, we will explore Thessaloniki’s rich history, visiting sites that illuminate its early Christian heritage and Jewish heritage, alongside its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman past. B, D
After breakfast, we will depart for Philippi, where the Apostle Paul established a Christian congregation. Highlights will include a site traditionally identified as Paul’s prison, as well as the ancient marketplace, acropolis, and Roman theater. We will then visit Lydia Springs, traditionally associated with the baptism of Lydia and her household by Paul, before continuing to the port city of Kavala, where Paul first set foot on European soil alongside Timothy and Silas. B, D
After breakfast, we will depart for Kalambaka, on the northwestern edge of Thessaly. On our way we will stop at the churches of St. Demetrius and St. Sofia and visit the town of Veria, evangelized by Paul as recorded in Acts 17. After checking into our hotel, we will enjoy dinner in Kalambaka. B, D
Today, we will discover the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, perched atop towering rock formations that rise dramatically from the surrounding landscape. These remarkable sanctuaries offer a glimpse into centuries of Orthodox Christian faith and monastic tradition. From Meteora, we will travel to Delphi, one of the most celebrated sacred sites of the ancient Greek world. After checking into our lovely hotel, we will have time to relax or explore the charming town at our leisure before gathering for dinner at a local restaurant. B, D
Today we will explore the ancient sanctuary of Delphi, once considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks. We will visit the Temple of Apollo, where the famous oracle delivered her prophecies, and discover the grounds where pilgrims sought divine guidance. We’ll take in the remarkable mountain scenery and explore the archaeological museum with our guide. In the afternoon, we’ll experience the time-honored tradition of Greek beekeeping with a visit to a traditional Greek honey farm. Back at our hotel, we’ll enjoy a President’s Reception, presented by Concordia Seminary and hosted by President and Tori Egger. Dinner will follow. B, D
Following an early breakfast, we will depart for Athens, the historic heart of classical Greece. Our first day in the city will take us to the Acropolis, crowned by the iconic Parthenon, followed by a tour of the new, state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum. In the evening, we will gather for dinner at or near our hotel. B, D
Today, we will journey to Ancient Corinth, where the Apostle Paul spent eighteen months proclaiming the Gospel and establishing a congregation. As we explore the archaeological remains, we will visit sites associated with his ministry, including the ancient marketplace, where Paul likely practiced his trade as a tent maker, and the Bema, or judgment seat, where he was brought before the Roman proconsul Gallio, to face accusations. If time allows, we will visit the port of Cenchreae, Paul’s departure point for his second missionary journey and where he shaved his head to fulfill a vow. Upon returning to Athens, we will enjoy a cultural food tour that concludes with dinner at a local taverna. B, D
After breakfast at our hotel and worship together, we will begin our day of exploration that may include the Roman Agora. Later, we will gather for devotions on the Areopagus where Paul delivered his memorable address recorded in Acts 17 in which he proclaimed the “unknown god” to the people of Athens. In the evening, we will enjoy a sumptuous farewell dinner at a local restaurant with views of the historic city where Paul once proclaimed the Gospel. B, D
The memories will indeed last a lifetime. We hope your conversations, and therefore your journey, will continue with your new friends. Our journey concludes, formally, with the departure of our flight home.
Fellow travelers going on the cruise will be transferred to the port.
After breakfast, we will make our way to the Port to board our beautiful ship to enjoy a 4-night, 5-day cruise. Our first stop will be stunning Mykonos famous for iconic sixteenth century windmills. Beautiful Mykonos offers delightful classic cuisine and shopping. B, L, D
We arrive at the port of Kusadasi, Turkey where we will embark on an excursion to Ephesus recognized by Christians around the world for the work of St. Paul. On our excursion, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary and enjoy one of the largest, most fascinating and inspiring open-air archaeological museums in the world. After our tour, we expect to have time to shop for carpets, jewelry, leather goods or other souvenirs before returning to our ship to depart for Patmos. Our visit of Patmos will be highlighted by a visit to St. John’s Monastery, the Grotto of the Apocalypse, and a small museum home to priceless treasures including manuscripts, medieval textiles, and vestments. B, L, D
Today, we will enjoy our visit to the Island of Rhodes with stunning landscapes, dramatic ancient and historic sites, and charming modern hillside villages. Rhodes features a medieval history that is as fascinating as it is significant. B, L, D
| As we arrive in Crete, we will be greeted by the imposing sixteenth century walls of Koules Fortress. On this island fellow travelers can enjoy the calm of the stunning waterfront or opt for a fun excursion. After lunch we will cruise to Santorini, one of the best known of the Greek islands with its iconic white houses and blue-domed churches (and some believe the site of lost Atlantis). We will have the opportunity to explore the magical villages of Fira and Oia, and enjoy the sunset before returning to our ship to sail overnight to Athens. B, L, D |
After breakfast on board, we will disembark our beautiful ship and transfer to the airport. The memories will indeed last a lifetime. We hope your conversations, and therefore your journey, will continue with your new friends. Our journey concludes, formally, with the departure of our flight home. B
B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included
Purpose
Word and Witness: Greece in the Time of St. Paul is designed to deepen faith, strengthen vocation, and build relationships among those who share a commitment to the mission of
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
As we explore the places where the Apostle Paul proclaimed Christ, we will encounter the culture, history and ideas of ancient Greece. In Acts 17:32, we hear varied responses to Paul’s proclamation: some mocked, while others wanted to hear more. We too bear witness to Christ in a world that can be indifferent or hostile to the Gospel.
Through the teaching of expert guides and the insights of Dr. James Fickenscher, we hope to be renewed and emboldened by Paul’s example to return home with a deeper commitment to sharing Christ and encouraging future church leaders.
Our carefully curated itinerary brings together biblical and historical sites, theological reflection and encounters with the culture that shaped Western civilization. Along the way, we will enjoy
excellent accommodations, memorable Greek cuisine, fun cultural experiences, Lutheran worship, and free time to explore.
Our Philosophy
We measure a journey not by the number of sights visited, but by the depth of the
experiences that shape us.
Balance of Learning, Reflection, and Fun
We create purposeful journeys that connect each destination to a larger story, balancing
meaningful learning and spiritual reflection with fellowship, free time, and enjoyable
experiences.
Expert Guidance and Personal Encounters
Rather than simply following a tour guide's script, we learn from knowledgeable scholars and local experts who invite deeper exploration while allowing room for personal discovery and
reflection.
Beautiful Base Locations
We minimize hotel changes, choosing welcoming locations that serve as bases for exploration.
This allows more time to experience local culture, connect with fellow travelers, and enjoy each
destination.
Thoughtful Planning, Room to Explore
Our itineraries are carefully designed to create a meaningful narrative, with time and flexibility
for reflection, conversation, discovery, and fun.
Cuisine, Culture, and Conversation
We share memorable meals in a variety of settings, discovering Greek culture through its food,
hospitality, and people.
Flight Information
Travelers will have flexibility in how they join the group in Greece. Depending on the size and geographic distribution of the group, Purposeful Journeys may arrange an optional group flight departing from a major U.S. airport. The departure airport will be determined based on the convenience and proximity of the majority of travelers.
Based on current market conditions, airfare is estimated at approximately $1,400, although actual pricing will depend on availability and booking dates.
In general, there are three options for joining the group:
Join the Group Flight: Travelers may choose to fly with the group from the designated U.S. departure airport. This option will include a group transfer from the arrival airport in Greece to the destination hotel.
Advantage: This is typically the most convenient and potentially the most economical option.
Meet the Group at the Destination Airport: Travelers may arrange their own flights and meet the group upon arrival in Greece, allowing them to participate in the group transfer to the destination hotel. An additional charge may apply for the airport transfer.
Advantage: This option offers greater flexibility in selecting departure airports and flight schedules while retaining the convenience of group transportation upon arrival.
Meet the Group at the Destination Hotel: Travelers may make their own flight and ground transportation arrangements and meet the group directly at the destination hotel.
Advantage: This option provides the greatest flexibility in travel arrangements, although it may involve additional transportation costs.
When offered, group flight arrangements will generally be announced 90 to 120 days before departure. Travelers will be asked to indicate their preferred arrival option shortly after the group flight details are announced.
Hotel Accommodations
We have selected a collection of exceptional accommodations for Word and Witness: Greece in the Time of St. Paul, combining comfort, convenience, and a sense of place throughout our journey.
In Thessaloniki, we will stay three nights at the City Hotel. In Kalambaka, our one-night accommodation will be at the Grand Meteora. We will spend two nights in Delphi at the Amalia Hotel, followed by three nights in Athens at The Athenian Callirhoe.
Journey Cost and Savings Opportunities
Word and Witness: Greece and the World of Paul Land Only Cost—$4,550
(You may save more than $700 if you apply early)
Join us on a Greek Island cruise extension of this journey—Cabin prices begin at $1,675. For a full list of cabin categories and prices, please click here: Word and Witness Cabin Categories and Prices
Current Discounts and Incentives
- $300 Host Discount: Available to all alumni, faculty, supporters, and friends of Concordia Seminary
- $150 Early Application Discount: Apply by February 1, 2027 to receive this additional savings.
- $150 Pay-in-Full Discount: Pay your balance in full before the due date of your first scheduled payment.
- 3% Check Payment Discount: Receive a 3% discount off of airfare when you pay by check rather than credit card. The 3% discount is based on the total land-only cost of the journey and will apply to group airfare or individual flights booked by Purposeful Journeys.
Discounts are subject to applicable terms and conditions. Please review your invoice and remittance schedule for details.
Your land-only journey price includes:
- Applicable taxes and surcharges associated with land-only journey arrangements.
- The opportunity to purchase NTA Aon Travel Protect Cancel-for-Any-Reason (CFAR) travel insurance
- Deluxe motor coach transportation throughout the itinerary.
- Hotel accommodations, based on double occupancy.
- Meals as specified in the final itinerary.
- Admission fees for attractions and historical sites specified in the final itinerary.
- Gratuities for services received as a group staff at group meals, coach drivers, and guides.
- The opportunity to purchase Cancel-For-Any-Reason (CFAR) travel insurance at a price comparable to that of a Basic Travel Insurance policy.
- All goods, services, and activities expressly identified as included in the General Terms and Conditions
What Is Not included in Your Land-Only Journey:
- Round-trip international airfare.
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and after-dinner drinks.
- Goods, services, and activities expressly excluded in the General Terms and Conditions.
- Gratuities for individual services and meals.
Single Supplement
All prices are quoted as double occupancy. Single travelers are subject to a single supplement fee for the land-only portion of the journey. The land-only single supplement is $950. The single supplement for the cruise is the price of the cabin less $500.
If you are currently a single traveler, but would like a roommate, we can help find a roommate so that both travelers can avoid paying the single supplement.
Extend Your Journey with a Greek Island Cruise
Continue your exploration of the world of St. Paul with an optional Greek island cruise extension, priced separately from the land-only portion of this journey. Cabin prices begin at $1,675 per person, based on double occupancy.
For a complete list of cabin categories and prices, see Word and Witness Cabin Categories and Prices.
Your cruise extension fare price includes:
- Excursions to Patmos and Ephesus.
- $100 onboard credit for beverages or other eligible onboard purchases and services.
- Transfers from your Athens hotel to the cruise port and from the cruise port to the airport.
- Onboard dining throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with additional snacks available at designated times at the Greek Deli and Pizza Oven.
- Coffee, tea, water, and juice at designated self-service stations during operating hours, generally from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Complimentary soft drinks with meals in the main restaurants, excluding the Greek Deli.
- Essential Wi-Fi, allowing web browsing, email, and text messaging through supported apps. Upgraded Wi-Fi packages are available for an additional charge.
- Onboard entertainment and activities, including live music and evening shows.
- All port fees and gratuities.
Application Approval and Payment Schedule
Travel Insurance Selection
A decision regarding travel insurance is required as part of the application process. Applicants must indicate their selection before their application can be approved.
Invoices and Payment Schedule
Once your application has been approved, you will receive an invoice and remittance schedule reflecting your selected payment arrangement. Your first payment will generally be due approximately 30 days after application approval.
You may choose one of the following payment options:
- Pay in Full: To qualify for the pay-in-full discount, your entire balance must be paid before the first payment due date shown on your invoice.
- Monthly Payments: Your balance will be divided into scheduled monthly payments, with the final payment due on the date specified in your invoice and remittance schedule.
All payments must be received by the applicable due dates. Your invoice and remittance schedule will provide the specific amounts and deadlines for your journey.
After Your Application Is Approved
Once you are approved as a fellow traveler, you will receive an invoice and remittance schedule from Malone Clan Expeditions, LLC, doing business as Purposeful Journeys.
You will also receive a link to a password-protected page on our website containing additional information, announcements, and updates about your journey.
General Terms and Conditions
Malone Clan Expeditions, LLC, doing business as Purposeful Journeys, will administer this journey. All applicants must accept the General Terms and Conditions when submitting an application.
Please review these terms carefully. Additional charges may apply in certain circumstances, including requests to deviate from the group flight itinerary or the need for a single-occupancy hotel room.
Questions About Your Journey?
We welcome your questions as you consider joining us for Word and Witness: Greece in the Time of St. Paul. If you have an immediate question, please click here: Get in Touch
Join us for Word and Witness: Greece in the Time of St. Paul
Submit your application below to begin your journey.
A few things to know as you apply:
- No deposit is required to submit your application
- Airfare is not included in the price of your journey. An optional group flight may be offered much closer to the time of departure.
- Travel insurance is strongly encouraged. You may purchase NTA Aon Travel Protect Cancel-for-Any-Reason (CFAR) travel insurance for the same cost of Basic travel insurance exclusively through Purposeful Journeys.
Once you submit your application, you will receive additional information about next steps and payment arrangements.
We look forward to traveling with you!
You can contact us to ask a question here.
If you are a fellow traveler on this journey, find important relevant information here.
Plan Your JourneyIf you are a fellow traveler on this journey, find important relevant information here.
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