April 24th - May 4th 2017
Join Pastor Ed Rea, his wife Raelynn Rea, and Pastor Bob Probert for the Packinghouse's 2017 Footsteps of Paul Tour & Cruise.
This trip is more than just a vacation, more than just sightseeing. It's an opportunity for spiritual growth, individually and with the body; for greater understanding of the Bible, its history and current world events; and to see the beauty and vastness of God's creation.
Our first stop will be Athens, Greece, where you can stand on the very spot the Apostle Paul gave his amazing address on Mars Hill when he told the people of Athens who the Unknown God was that they worshiped: "the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you . . . For in Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17). You will also get a panoramic view of Athens and the Acropolis from this spot. While in Athens, be sure to find a pastry shop where you can get honey-drenched baklava.
One morning we'll head out to the ancient city of Corinth where Paul started a church, the very church the letters of 1 and 2 Corinthians are written to.
After several days in Athens, we will board the Celestyal Cruise ship for three days of cruising the beautiful Aegean Sea, dotted with hundreds of Greek islands. We'll have shore excursions at Patmos, the island where the Apostle John was imprisoned while he wrote the Book of Revelation; and Ephesus, the city that Paul wrote the Book of Ephesians to and where John spent his last years teaching and writing the Gospel of John.
The island of Santorini, with its whitewashed buildings and contrasting blue doors and windows, is picturesque as it rises above the crystal blue Mediterranean water. It's no wonder this island is a hotspot for honeymoons.
Our next stop will be Rome, Italy, the ruling political force throughout the New Testament. Paul wrote a letter to the church in this city, which later became known as the Book of Romans. The city of Rome has layers upon layers of history, from ancient antiquity to the imposing and formidable artistic excellence of the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, both of which contain works by Michelangelo. We will also visit the Coliseum, where many Christians were martyred; as well as the Mamertine Prision, where it is believed Paul was imprisoned.
We will have a free day in Rome. You are welcome to rest or continue to wander the history-drenched streets and dine on the best pasta and pizza you've ever had in one of the many piazzas (city squares). You should also be prepared to eat your weight in gelato, which you will find every few yards.
There is an option to extend your trip and stay a few more days with us in Rome. We'll be visiting the intact, ancient city of Pompeii where time stopped on August 24, 79 AD, when Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city beneath lava and ash. And if you've every wanted to feel like an international spy on holiday, having lunch in the Italian Riviera city of Sorrento will be pretty close, minus car chases.
We will also spend a day in the city of Florence, where you'll find gorgeous Renaissance architecture next to the latest couture shops. The art museum, Gallery of the Academy of Florence, is where Michelangelo's statue of David is housed and is very much worth a visit. We will also have a cooking class while in Florence so when you get home, you can impress your friends with an authentic Italian meal.
Join us and be blessed!
