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Home , Amphipolis, Apollonia (Mygdonia)

FOOTSTEPS OF APOSTLE PAUL

With Women of the Midwest!

W!  ! & M)%& May 4-13, 2022 Travel Solo Together CO | IA | KS | MN | MO | NE

Dear Women of the Midwest, Greece: The third most ancient of all civilizations, following Mesopotamia/Egypt and India. It is commonly identified as the “Cradle of Civilization”. It is the birthplace of democracy; western philosophy, literature; and politics. It is home to the first Olympics, held in 776BC. It is known as the first advanced civilization in Europe. Greece is a mountainous peninsula surrounded by 3 seas: the Ionian, Mediterranean, and Aegean. It encompasses over 2,000 islands. Its beauty, and rich history, has no boundaries. St. Paul is often considered to have been the most influential, profound, and pervasive of all the apostles in the teachings and foundations of . He was revered for his philosophical advice to people on not only what Christianity meant, but how it related to everyday lives. Thirteen of the twenty-seven books in the are attributed to Paul. However, he was not one of the twelve original apostles. At the time of Christ, he was a strong opponent of Christianity. He studied under the best Rabbis and soon was identified as a respected Pharisee. Because of this, he was assigned with seeking out and persecuting followers of Christ. On his way to one such event in approximately 34AD, he was on the road to Damascus when he had a vision of in the form of a blinding light. He was filled with the Holy spirit and immediately began studying about and teaching Christianity. Because of his intellect and extensive understanding of the Jewish faith, he led many Jewish people to the Christian faith Journal Star Destinations through a series of letters and speeches. He was martyred around the year 66AD for his Christian beliefs. Join me as we explore this ancient land and visit places such as UNESCO sites, Ancient Wonders of the world, the , old monasteries and temples, ancient ruins, art, and more. Walk with me in St. Paul’s footsteps throughout Greece as he preached the Holy word of God. Make history and the come alive for you. Then, while in that historic and beautiful corner of the world, consider the option of extending your trip for a 3-day cruise to some Grecian islands: Mykonos, Kusadasi in Turkey, and the fabulous Greek islands of Patmos, Crete, and Santorini – each unique in their own way. You will go home with unimaginable memories to last a lifetime!

Adventurously yours,

Barb Wallingford, Women of the Midwest Ambassador

Call Executive Travel’s Group Department today at 402-435-8888. Space is limited. May 4, 2022 - magnificent stone-carved Lion of Jason’s house once stood and where Paul Wednesday - Traveling to , which stood alongside the old , was accommodated during his visit to Greece at the foot of the plateau where Apostle Paul Thessaloniki. Lunch, served at one of the Our wonderful adventure begins as we take visited. , the place where Paul first local taverns, is nothing but a meal for a an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece. landed and stepped onto European ground, Queen! The evening is at leisure. B | L is easily spotted from far away. At the peak Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal “Paul came to Thessaloniki with and service as you start your dream vacation. of old-town, proudly stands the fortress. The fortress is a landmark of Kavala and one of following his usual custom, he went to the its most stunning sights as well as the peak of Synagogue where he used the Jewish May 5, 2022 - the peninsula of Panagia (mother of Jesus), scriptures as the source for his preaching.” Thursday - Thessaloniki dominated by the Acropolis of Kavala. We (:2) Welcome to Thessaloniki! Upon arrival, continue on to , a Roman garrison we meet our private tour guide and take a town and the chief city in the province of short drive to the center of town. We will . It was here that Paul won his May 8, 2022 - enjoy a panoramic city-and- orientation tour first European convert, established the first Sunday - & Aigai/ prior to checking in to our centrally located church in Europe, and baptized a woman Breakfast is served before we head out to hotel. Thessaloniki is the second-largest named Lydia. We will visit the market place experience yet two more stunning sites. Our city of Greece and the most important (where Paul and Silas were brought before first stop is Veria. During the night, Paul and center of the area; a port-city of the Aegean the rulers) and the cistern which tradition Silas left Thessaloniki for Veria with the help Sea. It is a modern metropolis bearing the identifies as the place where Paul was of Christians. They walked for a while on Via marks of its stormy (and glorious) history imprisoned. Return to Thessaloniki in time Egnatia Road, through the lush green fruitful with a cosmopolitan character which gives for dinner. B | D and beautiful area. Veria was a very busy it a special beauty and charm. Evidence city with a flourishing synagogue. As soon of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman “Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made as they got there, Paul and Silas visited the history remains, especially around Ano a direct voyage to and the synagogue. It is said that the Jews of Veria Poli (the upper town). During Roman following day to Neapolis” (:11) were more polite than those in Thessaloniki times, Thessaloniki became an important “After meeting with the believers at and heard with great interest Paul preaching crossroads on the Via Egnatia, where the Lydia’s house, Paul and Silas leave Luke the Holy Gospel. Today, at the spot where road running east from Rome to the provinces behind in Philippi” and travel along the Via Paul, the Apostle, preached the Christian of Pontus and Asia met the road running Egnatia through Amphipolis and .” faith, there is a religious monument, the north from to the River Danube. (Acts 17:1) so-called “St Paul’s Tribune”. In this spot, The ruins of Roman Emperor Galerius’ 4th- there are Roman plates dating back to the century palace include the Rotunda that has May 7, 2022 - 1st century and according to tradition, Paul been both a church and a mosque. Much of Saturday - Thessaloniki was standing on them while preaching. The Thessaloniki was destroyed in the Great Fire After a hearty breakfast, we become monument is decorated with impressive of 1917 and the rebuilt 20th-century city has acquainted with this great city where murals. We continue to Aigai, a a modern European layout. A late lunch/early Paul wrote two epistles to the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of dinner is served before we take a good rest Thessalonians. Built by King Aigai, the ancient first capital of the Kingdom and get rid of our jet-lag. An exciting journey and named after the sister of Alexander the of Macedonia, was discovered in the 19th is ahead of us! Great, the city flourished under the Byzantine century. The most important remains are the B (during flight) | L or D (depending on final Empire and its most important buildings monumental palace, lavishly decorated with arrival time) dated from those days. Today it is considered and painted stuccoes, and the burial the Greek “Queen of the North”. Our city tour ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of May 6, 2022 - takes us along the waterfront to the massive which date from the 11th century B.C. One Friday - Amphipolis, Kavala & Phillipi White Tower and nearby Triumphal Arch of of the royal tombs in the Great is After a rich breakfast, we head out to Galerius, built in 303 AD. We also see St. identified as that of Philip II, who conquered visit the beautiful city of Kavala (ancient Demetrios Church with its valuable mosaics all the Greek cities, paving the way for his Neapolis). We travel along the Via Egnatia and frescoes and then drive to the upper town son Alexander and the expansion of the road (constructed by the Romans in the 2nd which offers a marvelous view of the city. The Hellenistic world. Lunch is served in a local century BC) and drive through Apollonia. We site where the monastery of Vlatadon was tavern before we head back to Thessaloniki make a stop at Amphipolis to admire the built is believed to be the location where for an evening of relaxation. B | L May 9, 2022 - Bouletarion (council chamber) and open Gulf of Corinth to the west and Cenchraea, Monday - Meteora - Kalambaka discussion was encouraged in the Agora on the Aegean Sea, to the east. It made After a filling breakfast, we board our (market place). Paul - who was trained as a huge profits by taxing cargoes that were motorcoach and travel to Kalambaka and young man in the art of debating in Greek - transported overland between the two ports Meteora. Meteora is the second-biggest would have been delighted at an opportunity to avoid the dangerous waters around the and most important group of monasteries in to spread the Good News of Jesus in the Peloponnese. The first attempt to build a Greece after those in (which can cultural heart of the ancient world, among canal across the isthmus at Corinth was be visited by men only). The first mention of its numerous pagan temples, altars, statues, started by Emperor Nero in 66AD but was their history is traced back to the 11th century and monuments. Paul was invited to speak to soon abandoned. The present-day Corinth when the first hermits settled here. The the Areopagus (the Athenian council) which Canal was completed in 1893 (we will make a rock monasteries have been characterized met on Mars Hill. It was only a short distance stop to admire the impressive canal). During by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of from the foot of the Acropolis, dominated our visit, we will walk along the Lechaion cultural heritage and they form one of the by the Parthenon and built as a temple to Way - a marble-paved road linking the port most important stations in the world. Before Athena in the 5th century BC. We continue of Lechaeum with the city. On reaching the visiting two of the monasteries, we stop for by motorcoach through the city to see the heart of the settlement, the road passed lunch at Kyria Ketty, an experience in itself. House of Parliament at Syntagma Square, through an imposing Propylaion (ceremonial The evening is spent in the shadow of the the soldiers in their picturesque uniforms gateway) before citizens climbed a flight impressive rocks, this is truly a unique place guarding the Presidential Palace and Tomb of steps leading up into the agora (market to overnight. B | L of the Unknown Soldier. We will also see place). Here, overlooked by the council the Library, the University, the Panathenaic chamber and the colonnaded stoas (covered May 10, 2022 - Stadium where the first Olympics of the walkways with shops), Paul was placed on a Tuesday - Delphi - Athens modern era were held, the Temple of the stone platform before the Roman proconsul In the peaceful morning light, we travel to Olympian Zeus, and Adrian’s Arch. Enjoy and accused of breaking the religious laws visit the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, a late lunch at a typical Greek tavern and by members of the Jewish synagogue. The set at the foot of Mount Parnassos in a the evening is yours to enjoy more of the area is rich in vineyards and lunch today spectacular landscape. Considered for many city. Don’t miss old-town (Plaka) with its is enjoyed at a local winery while learning centuries the cultural and religious center numerous shops (open till late!), enjoy about the mythical Nemea-Agiorgitiko wine of the Hellenic world, it is also home to the people-watching, or take a stroll around the and the world-famous Corinthian raisins ”Oracle” and Apollo’s Sanctuary, one of the 7 Acropolis hill at sunset; it doesn’t get much (currants). On our way back to Athens, we wonders of the world. prettier! B | L will make a stop at , the port where Paul stopped during his second missionary Our last stop today is at the magnificent “People of Athens! I see that in every way UNESCO World Heritage site of Hosios journey, where he had his hair cut to fulfill a you are very religious. For as I walked vow, probably the Nazirite vow. B | L (Saint) Lucas. A stunning monastery around and looked carefully at your objects decorated with mosaics on a gold background of worship, I even found an altar with this and superb marble works. Sitting peacefully May 13, 2022 - inscription: to an unknown god. So you are Friday - Traveling home under the oak tree, we steal a quiet moment ignorant of the very thing you worship - and for a sweet surprise before heading off to the All too soon, your vacation has ended. this is what I am going to proclaim to you.” Transfer to Athens airport in plenty of time heart of Athens. As the sun sets behind the (Acts 17:22-23) Parthenon, we finish our day with a great to check in for our flight and to clear security. meal and an evening at leisure. B | D You may do some last-minute shopping at May 12, 2022 - the duty-free stores before boarding and Thursday - flying west across The Atlantic Ocean back May 11, 2022 - After breakfast, we take a short drive to to the United States. B | Meals during flights Wednesday - Athens Ancient Corinth. After a delightful breakfast, we head The ancient Greek city of Corinth was We offer a 3-night cruise to Mykonos, out to discover Athens, one of the most destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC but was Kusadasi (), Patmos (St. Jonh’s glorious cities in the world, and the cradle rebuilt a century later by Julius Caesar. In Revelation), Crete, and Santorini. See the of western civilization as we know it today. the time of Paul, Corinth was a busy Roman separate insert. Founded seven thousand years ago, the trading city on the narrow strip of land city flourished in the fifth century BC when between the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Itinerary subject to change. Athenian democracy was practiced in the Sea. It had two harbors - Lechaeum on the B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner To register contact:

1212 O Street • Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone: 402-435-8888 (ask for Group Department) Fax: 402-435-2735 [email protected] www.executivetravel.com

ONLINE REGISTRATION LINK: https://fs28.formsite.com/vLu8mE/WMWFOOT22/

Package Price: Group airfare: Per person in a shared double room: $3,495 We offer group airfare. Pricing and specific itinerary will be available by the end of June 2021. All registered travelers will be notified. Per person in a single room: $4,195 Estimate $1,600, economy class, including taxes and fees. Limited number of single rooms available. Tour Activity Level: LEVEL 1 2 3 4 This tour involves a considerable amount of walking, stairs, longer Triple rooms are not available on this trip. periods of standing, outdoor activities, and steep areas within the We offer “Pair & Share” service for our Solo travelers. Ask us to assist places visited. This trip is not recommended for guests with walking in finding your roommate! difficulties. Comfortable, sturdy shoes/boots are recommended. Travel Insurance: A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required upon signing We recommend travel insurance to help protect you and your up. Deposit can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Balance is due trip investment against the unexpected. We offer a plan provided on January 4, 2022, and is non-refundable. Balance can be paid by cash or check. Credit card payment(s) (any payment applied to the by Travelex Insurance Services. For rates and plan highlights, please ask us. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. tour after the deposit) will access a 3.5% fee. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Registering for this tour signifies that you agree with our terms and Company, NAIC #22276. conditions which can be found at executivetravel.com/eti-home/ Visa/Passport requirements (per 9/29/2020): vacation/escorted-tours.The tour will be materialized with a minimum U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Greece and can of 15 travelers. visa-free up to 90 days. It is the traveler’s responsibility to make The price quoted within this brochure is based on a USD/EURO exchange rate of 1.20. We reserve sure all documentation needed is as per current regulations. Please the right to adjust the price at final payment if the exchange rate increases. check www.travel.state.gov at least 90 days prior to your departure.

Included: Not Included: • 8 nights during the tour in Greece at local 3+ and 4-star hotels • Airfare • 8 x breakfast • Airline baggage fees for your second checked bag. Your first • 6 x lunch (day 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9) checked piece up to 50 lbs is free • 2 x dinner (day 3, 7) • Travel insurance • All transportation as per tour program • Personal expenses • Admissions to all sites mentioned in the tour program • Meals and beverages other than mentioned in the tour • Full-time English-speaking professional tour guide program • Baggage handling at hotels (one piece per person) • Entrances to monuments and/or museums other than • Headphones where required mentioned • Women of the Midwest Ambassador, September 15-24, 2021 • Gratuities to guides and drivers (estimate $8 per day) • Detailed travel documents, handed out three weeks prior to • Professional fee, $75 per person, due at time of registration departure (hard-copy and electronic) • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions • All local taxes and fees as per September 20, 2020 W!  ! & M)%& Hotel Accommodation: Travel Solo Together Final accommodations are confirmed with the delivery of your CO | IA | KS | MN | MO | N E travel documents, 30 days prior to departure. A wholly-owned division of Executive Travel

Call Executive Travel’s Group Department today at 402-435-8888. Space is limited. 7/22/2021 Cruise Extension

Introduction: biblical location of the vision to the Apostle Pricing: Embark on a weekend discovery taking John, as recorded in Revelation 1:9. you to some of the most beautiful and Per person in a shared double cabin culturally enriched destinations in the Most scholars agree with the authenticity $1,095 Aegean, minus the crowds. A journey of his authorship. And you will visit this very place! Al Per person in a single cabin back in time is ahead! This may be a $1,395 short cruise but you will be amazed at just how much you will see. Mykonos and May 15, 2022 - Sunday A limited number of single cabins available. its famous windmills, Kusadasi in Turkey, Crete - Santorini the stopping off point for Ephesus, the Welcome to Crete, Greece’s largest Triples and Quadruples not recommended. site of one of the Seven Wonders of the island, a place of mystery, myths and Ancient World, and the fabulous Greek legends. There’s the chance to take in Included: islands of Patmos, Crete, and Santorini. the bustling city of Heraklion and some • Private transfer with English speaking of Crete’s extraordinary archaeology and assistance (hotel-port-hotel-airport) Some of the highlights are six contrasting history. You can also learn more about • 3-Night Cruise aboard Celestyal ports in four days, evenings in Mykonos the art and creativity of the Minoans. We Olympia in XA-category stateroom and Patmos, Crete’s incredible Palace of have included a complimentary visit to • 1 night in Athens, May 16-17, 2022 Knossos, and Santorini sunset (weather the Palace of Knossos, once the home permitting). Your voyage around the of Europe’s oldest civilization and the • Onboard dining beautiful Aegean may seem like a dream setting for the legend of the Greek hero • Unlimited classic drinks by the time you return and is a wonderful Theseus and the Minotaur. Your odyssey • 2 excursions (Ephesus and Knossos) way to end the Footsteps of Apostle continues as you will be spending an - additional excursions can be Paul’s journey! evening in Santorini, whose stunning purchased onboard or pre-booked face is instantly recognizable across the (ask us for the electronic PDF with all May 13, 2022 - Friday world. She will take your breath away, choices) Embarkation - Mykonos with her soaring landscapes, clusters of • Onboard entertainment Enjoy a laid back breakfast and morning whitewashed houses in the capital Fira, • Gratuities in Athens. Around 10 AM, you will and of course the iconic blue-domed • Port taxes leave the historic and classical capital church at Oia. Don’t forget to try one of • Local taxes and fees as per 8/31/2020 of Greece and transfer to Piraeus, the many restaurants jostling for position the port of Athens. Off you go to the at the edge of the caldera. AI Not Included: first destination, the beautiful island • Ambassador (cruise is fully English of Mykonos, also known as the Island May 16, 2022 - Monday of the Winds. Take an evening stroll spoken) Disembarkation - Athens at leisure • Meals/drinks other than mentioned through the atmospheric Old Town with Upon disembarkation, we have arranged its immaculate whitewashed houses, • Entrance fees to museums/sites not for a private transfer to our centrally mentioned in the inclusions winding alleys, lovely little churches, located hotel. The day is at leisure to and delightful restaurants at the water’s enjoy Athens and do some last souvenir- • Personal expenses and anything not edge. You will undoubtedly recognize the shopping or just relax and people-watch. mentioned in the inclusions picture-postcard white windmills sitting side by side, overlooking the sea. B | AI B Airfare: See separate insert for group airfare. May 14, 2022 - Saturday May 17, 2022 - Tuesday Kusadasi - Ephesus - Patmos Traveling home Travel Insurance: You will arrive in the colorful Turkish beach All too soon, your vacation has ended. For full pricing grid and highlights, please town of Kusadasi in the morning. This is Upon disembarkation, we have arranged ask us. the coastal gateway to the Hellenistic for a private transfer to Athens airport in ruins of Ephesus, famed for one of the plenty of time to check in for our flight Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and to clear security. You may do some *Locally inspired regional cuisine, house wine, the Temple of . A complimentary last-minute shopping at the duty-free beer, soft drinks, teas, coffees, cocktails, and excursion is included to this iconic site, stores before boarding and flying west branded spirits while onboard. Premium wines, one of the undoubted highlights of our across The Atlantic Ocean back to the Champagnes, high-end spirits, fresh fruit juice journey. Patmos is next! One of the United States. B | meals during flights available at a supplement. Snacks are available northernmost islands in the Dodecanese for purchase outside of dining times, specialty is one of the smallest with a charm all its Itinerary subject to change restaurants available at an additional charge. own. Patmos is famous for being the B = Breakfast AI = All Inclusive duringcruise* 7/22/2021 JOIN OUR GROUP AIRFARE!

Group airfare, economy class, is offered with Delta Airlines at $1,585 per person including taxes and fees:

May 4, 2022 Omaha* - Atlanta 10:30 AM - 1:46 PM May 4, 2022 Atlanta - Paris 4:35 PM - 7:05 AM (May 5, 2022) May 5, 2022 Paris - Athens 9:15 AM - 1:30 PM May 5, 2022 Athens - Thessaloniki 2:30 PM - 3:25 PM

May 13, 2022 Athens - Amsterdam 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM May 13, 2022 Amsterdam - Detroit 10:30 AM - 1:12 PM May 13, 2022 Detroit - Omaha* 3:55 PM - 5:19 PM

For travelers with cruise extension returning from Athens on May 17:

May 17, 2022 Athens - Amsterdam 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM May 17, 2022 Amsterdam - Detroit 10:30 AM - 1:12 PM May 17, 2022 Detroit - Omaha* 3:55 PM - 5:19 PM

*Ask us for airfare from a different hometown/state (a small difference in pricing may occur).

Group airfare comes with seat assignments 30 days prior to departure. Executive Travel and Women of the Midwest cannot confirm precise seat numbers earlier than 30 days prior to your departure and therefore cannot guarantee the availability of specific seating on the aircraft. We do our best to honor your preferences (window, aisle). Premium seating upgrades are not available when traveling on a group air contract. If you have frequent flyer miles (SkyMiles), please note those cannot be used to upgrade to Delta Comfort Plus but only be used for upgrades to business or first class when traveling on a group air contract. Contact us if you have any questions about this and kindly note that certain exceptions may exist.

Airfare is subject to change until tickets are issued, 30 days prior to departure.

RESERVE YOUR AIRFARE WHEN SIGNING UP!

7/22/2021