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✔ This exclusive tour promises a more personal, curated experience. We’ll explore sites that larger groups just can’t see.
✔ This journey is designed with you in mind. My goal is to transform the foreign places into familiar friends.
✔ You’ll discover how each site fits the biblical story every time the bus stops—all with your Bible in hand.
I invite you to join me for this life-changing journey through the land of the Bible.
✔ You will learn the Word of God right where it happened—with Bible in hand. After seeing where Paul, Peter, and John ministered, you will never read your Bible the same way again!
✔ I have invited our local guide to offer cultural and historical connections as he travels with us.
✔ We’ll travel the land in a climate-controlled deluxe motor coach.
✔ Our tour will go places and experience sites that larger groups never see. Just look at the itinerary below!
"We have participated in two tours with Wayne . . . we were tremendously blessed by both of them. The itineraries are well thought out and the tours visit the most relevant Biblical sites. Wayne's devotions at each site are thought-provoking and help to put the sites in Biblical context. You will definitely come home with a fuller understanding of the context of the Biblical narrative that will enrich your study and walk with the Lord."
Matt & Tami Conner
"Wayne has a unique way of making you feel special to him and special to God. His humility challenges you to always seek God—not him or his ministry. Amazing man of God in many ways. "
Janine Boyer
"I was just enthralled with the fact that I was standing and walking in places where the apostle Paul walked. Especially on the Appian Way, where Paul walked in chains as a prisoner for miles on the very stones I walked on. This experience gave me so much more insight into the book of Acts, which I previously had found so hard to comprehend."
Jessica MacMillan
Your Daily Itinerary
Glance over the itinerary and see for yourself...
After your journey to these biblical sites, you will never be the same!
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Main Trip Itinerary
(September 6 - 16, 2024)
Embark upon your journey with an overnight flight to ATHENS/THESSALONIKI.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
We arrive in ATHENS for flight to THESSALONIKI and transfer to our hotel for check-in, dinner, and a well-deserved rest.
In the morning we follow the route of the VIA EGNATIA to KAVALA (Neapolis), Paul’s first stop in bringing the Gospel to present day Europe. Next we travel on to PHILIPPI where we visit the BAPTISTERY OF LYDIA at the river where Paul baptized her. Lydia was the first convert of Paul on European soil, followed by the jailer (Acts 16). We also visit the ruins of the FORUM OF PHILIPPI, the “Prison of Paul,” and the Theater. We return to THESSALONIKI for dinner and overnight.
Monday, September 9, 2024
This morning we tour ancient THESSALONICA, where we’ll explore the modest ruins of the city where the church received two of Paul’s epistles on his second missionary journey. We’ll walk through the ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM and also see highlights from the city, including the CHURCH OF ST. DEMETRIOS, the WHITE TOWER, and the STATUE OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT. After lunch, we’ll follow Paul’s journey south to biblical BEREA (Acts 17:11) where its inhabitants examined the Word to see if Paul’s words were true. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Late this morning we board our short flight to ATHENS, where we’ll walk beneath HADRIAN'S ARCH and see the ruins of the massive TEMPLE OF ZEUS. As our bus tour continues, we also see Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the OLD OLYMPIC STADIUM and the Neoclassical Buildings of Athens. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
Today we’ll admire the architectural wonders of ancient ATHENS as we explore the world-renowned ACROPOLIS and see the Propylea, the Erechtheum, and the PARTHENON. We will also visit the newly renovated ACROPOLIS MUSEUM. We visit MARS HILL, where Paul delivered his message on the “Unknown God.” We’ll see the AGORA, the ancient center of the economic and public life of the city. Dinner and overnight are in Athens.
This morning we drive to ancient CORINTH with a stop at the amazing CORINTHIAN CANAL, as well as its ancient solution, the DIOLKOS. Corinth is where Paul met Aquilla and Priscilla and spent a year and a half on his second missionary journey. We will see the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temple, the famous Bema (where Paul stood before Gallio), and the breathtaking ACROCORINTH. Then we drive by CENCHREAE, the harbor from which Paul sailed back to Asia, thus ending his second missionary journey. Dinner and overnight are in Athens.
Let’s cruise! After a leisurely morning, we sail this afternoon from Athens to the quaint isle of MYKONOS, called the island of windmills. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy some time together as a group in BIBLE STUDY. After disembarking on Mykonos, we'll have some free time to experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes. We stroll the charming walkways through a maze of white-washed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and overnight.
In the morning we arrive in KUSADASI, Turkey. A short drive takes us to the amazing ruins of ANCIENT EPHESUS, where Paul spent three years during his ministry. The impressive remains of Ephesus include the Agora, the Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsus, the ruins of the TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS (one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”) and much more. After seeing where the Apostle John was buried at the Basilica of St. John, we'll visit the TURKISH RUG SHOP. This afternoon, we sail for the island of PATMOS, where we visit the GROTTO OF THE APOCALYPSE, where tradition says John wrote the book of Revelation. We'll also see the CHAPEL OF ELIJAH, the island's highest point - from which we'll see a beach that John may have written about in Revelation 13. Dinner and overnight aboard the ship.
In the morning, we arrive at Heraklion on the island of CRETE. We’ll drive south to the BASILICA OF TITUS IN GORTYN, and read Paul's words written to Titus in Crete. Then we'll have a short stop at FAIR HAVENS, where Paul sailed on his way to Rome. In the afternoon, we cruise to the picturesque island of SANTORINI, where we explore and shop at our leisure on one of the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. Overnight aboard the ship.
We disembark the cruise this morning in Piraeus. After disembarkation, those not doing the Rome extension will board the return flights back to the U.S.A., arriving home the same day.
ROME AND POMPEII EXTENSION
We transfer in the morning to the Thessaloniki Airport for our flight to ROME, where we are met by our agent and begin our sightseeing tour. Then we have a special visit to the CATACOMBS, where we explore tunnels and see the carvings on the walls from early Christians. Next, we’ll walk a short distance along the APPIAN WAY, the very road Paul walked as a prisoner entering Rome. We’ll pass the CIRCUS MAXIMUS, where the great fire of AD 64 began, sparking the persecution of Christians for centuries.
After breakfast, our first visit today is to the ornate VATICAN MUSEUM and the famous SISTINE CHAPEL with Michelangelo's magnificent ceiling. Our next stop is the BASILICA OF ST. PETER, the largest church in the world, which overlooks the enormous St. Peter’s Square, the site where Peter was crucified upside-down. We visit the ROMAN FORUM and see the ARCH OF TITUS, which boasts of Rome’s victory over Jerusalem. We’ll see the BASILICA JULIAS, where Paul was likely condemned, and the COLOSSEUM, where gladiators fought. Dinner and overnight are in Rome.
This morning we’ll ride a train to POMPEII, where we’ll meet our tour escort and head south for the spectacular ruins. Covered by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79, Pompeii remained buried, preserved, and undiscovered until 1748. The excavations will provide us insight into the first-century Roman Empire of the Apostle Paul. Dinner and overnight are in Rome.
We start our day at the MAMERTINE PRISON, where Paul was imprisoned and wrote 2 Timothy. We’ll also visit the CHURCH OF ST. PETER IN CHAINS, which houses Michelangelo’s statue of Moses, as well as the chains that may have bound Peter. Next we will visit TRES FONTANE ABBEY, the traditional location where the Apostle Paul was martyred. Here we will have a special communion service. Afterwards we make a visit to ST. PAUL'S CHURCH where Paul is buried. Dinner and overnight are in Rome.
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About Your Tour Guide
Dr. Wayne Stiles has served in fulltime Christian ministry for more than 30 years, effectively using writing, teaching, music, video, and leadership as the means of creatively communicating the life-changing truths of God’s Word.
A veteran traveler to Israel, he has taught and written extensively on the devotional benefits of the Holy Land on his popular blog, in his books, as well as in dozens of articles for the Jerusalem Post. Wayne earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary, where he teaches as an adjunct professor. He also served in the pastorate for 14 years in the church he helped to plant, and he served as an Executive Vice President at Insight for Living Ministries for 12 years.
Wayne and Cathy have helped lead many tours to numerous biblical sites in Israel, Jordan, Greece, Turkey, and Italy. They have been married 32 years and have two grown daughters.
Wayne’s passion is to help connect the Bible and its lands to life, showing the practical application of God’s Word in lives that display God’s grace.
What Others Are Saying
Dr. Reg Grant
"Wayne Stiles combines a passion for the land of Israel with a depth of biblical knowledge that inspires and informs. I have had the privilege of traveling to Israel on several occasions with Wayne, and I can tell you firsthand—what you will experience is much more than a casual "fly-over" view of the holy land. You won't simply learn ABOUT the land—you will EXPERIENCE the land, its history, and its people. If you long for more than head knowledge—if you want heart knowledge that will challenge you to follow in the footsteps of our Lord, then let Dr. Stiles guide you on this tour of a lifetime."
Wayne and Debbie Moore, La Porte, Indiana
"Experiencing the land of the Bible was a great blessing. But traveling with Wayne and Cathy Stiles was the icing on the cake. Wayne provided outstanding devotionals and connected the places, events, and history with the Scriptures, showing their relevance for our lives."
David & Cheryl Ratcliff, Bulverde, Texas
"We were privileged to have had Dr. Wayne Stiles as our teacher during our Israel tour. Wayne’s insight and teaching about many of the sites was invaluable. He shared the scripture that was relevant for each site and “tied” it all together. Our local guide provided a lot of history and current events but Wayne made the Scripture come alive as we sat and walked where Jesus walked and preached. It all seamed so real and relevant. We would urge everyone to go to Israel and we could not recommend anyone any more highly than Wayne Stiles to lead you through the Promised Land."
Bonnie Campbell
"What privilege to travel with Cathy and Wayne Stiles through Israel! At every site Wayne used scripture to bring history to life in a clear, yet profound way. I hope one day to return with them."
June Gong Chin
"Wayne added a dimension and depth of knowledge and Cathy exuded warm compassion, for which I am grateful! Wayne and Cathy were a valuable enhancement to my Holy Land experience."
Marvel Haynes
"Wayne made the trip to Israel so much more meaningful and brought the bible alive with the devotionals he gave. I certainly recommend him as a Bible teacher for a trip to Israel."
Peggy Allen, Weems, Virginia
"On my fourth tour of Israel, it was a blessing to be on the bus with Wayne and Cathy Stiles. Each day was exciting! Walking (or climbing) to the places Jesus walked, and hearing Wayne's teaching and reading relative scriptures was emotionally exhilarating. Wayne knows the land! It was not a vacation, but a trip that renewed me like nothing else . . . and left me with a hunger for more. I plan to go back again, and hope that Wayne and Cathy will be my bus leaders. Thanks, Wayne and Cathy!"
Bill and Bev Hanna, Oxford, Connecticut
"As first-time visitors to the Holy Land, we truly appreciated Wayne’s teaching style that connected the historical and biblical references at each of the significant locations. His insights into Scripture gave us ‘food for thought’ and brought the Bible to life. It was an unforgettable journey! We are grateful to have shared it with Wayne and Cathy."
Jim and Lillian Moneyhun, Greenwood, South Carolina
"Our favorite moments included looking across the Jezreel Valley to Nazareth and Nain and Mt Tabor. I marvel at Wayne’s insight and knowledge. Talk about a man who can lift details off the pages of Scripture while standing on the sites! And Cathy was such a shepherd, caring for us with such love and grace. What a dynamic duo! We had often heard that a trip to Israel was life-changing. On our tour to the Holy Land, and through Wayne's solid, practical devotionals, the Scriptures became alive and real—right before my eyes. Life-changing indeed!"
Nan McCullough
"Wayne and Cathy are a delightful, caring couple who made my trip to Israel both enjoyable and memorable. His communication style is relaxed, and it's easy to grasp the power of the biblical moments at each site."
Gail Livermore
"My trip to Israel has endless memories, thanks to Wayne and Cathy. Wayne read from the Bible about each site and then added his own words about the events that took place there. Cathy was so good about answering endless questions and making sure everyone was doing okay."
Don and Margaret Lacefield, Plano, Texas
"Our trip to Israel was a life-changing experience! Wayne’s teaching was clear, concise, and applicable. He helped us build the bridge between the Scriptures and the location we were visiting."
Linda Jones
"Wayne's teachings on our tour of the Holy Land were a highlight. Each devotional was rooted in the biblical history of the site we were visiting and as Wayne shared from a Scripture passage related to the site, history came alive. Even though the biblical stories were usually very familiar to me, Wayne almost always brought out fresh perspectives that blessed and challenged me spiritually."
Jerry and Vera Greene, Columbus, Ohio
"We had the great pleasure of going to Israel with a group from across the US and several countries. One of the most informative and enjoyable parts of the trip was the Bible teaching offered by Wayne Stiles at our tour stops. Wayne's impressive knowledge of the geography of Israel, in addition to his obvious love and understanding of the Old and New Testament stories associated with our stops, really brought the Bible to life. His warm and gentle spirit enhanced our journey."
© 2023 Wayne Stiles
Images courtesy of the Pictorial Library of Bible Lands
