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Home , Amphipolis, Ancient Corinth, Kechries, Unknown God

FOOTSTEPS OF APOSTLE PAUL

With Women of the Midwest!

W!  ! & M)%& September 14-23, 2022 Travel Solo Together CO | IA | KS | MN | MO | NE

Dear Women of the Midwest, Hi, I’m Lora Black, the Ambassador for our journey to Greece and our tour of the beginnings of . We will start on the path, in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, when we land in - Greece’s second largest city. Our small group of 20 is joined upon arrival, with our private guide for this marvelous 10-day adventure. We will wander amongst the ruins of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, as we travel the roads where Paul, , and countless other names we know from the , had traversed. Our footsteps lead us to many of the UNESCO World Heritage sites; , the , and ’s Sanctuary, one of the 7 Wonders of the World. We travel ‘up’ to the rock monastery at , where you’ll have spectacular views. We eventually arrive in , where the first thing you will see is the and the marble -sparkling under the Greek sun. We will get to see the daily changing of the guards in front of the Presidential Palace and Tomb of the unknown soldier, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympics of the modern era were held and more, in Greece’s capital city. Our final destination from Paul’s travels is the Ancient city of , once a bustling Roman trading city between the Ionian and Aegean Seas. We will stroll through the ruins on marble-paved streets, see where Paul was put on trial, and be held spellbound by the recounting of history by our guide, Vicki. Journal Star Destinations Shopping, dining and just getting to experience Greek culture awaits our group. Whether it is the famous Corinthian currants, wine from local vineyards, olive oil, goat cheeses, sesame seed and honey energy bars and foods from the Mediterranean diet, you will go back home with your stomach and heart filled with the generosity and spirit of the Greek people. And, you can choose to add a 3-night cruise extension to this fabulous adventure, where we’ll visit the islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Santorini and also included are and . Add on this trip extension and see just how blue the waters around Greece really are! You won’t want to come home! Make plans for September 2022 for a trip of a lifetime. I hope to see you on this fabulous Women of the Midwest tour.

Sincerely, Lora Black, Women of the Midwest Ambassador

Call Executive Travel’s Group Department today at 402-435-8888. Space is limited. September 14, 2022 - magnificent stone-carved Lion of ’s house once stood and where Paul Wednesday - Traveling to Thessaloniki, 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 Silas 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 where he used the Jewish September 15, 2022 - the peninsula of Panagia (mother of ), 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 September 18, 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 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 and Asia met the road running Egnatia through Amphipolis and .” faith, there is a religious monument, the north from Athens 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 September 17, 2022 - 1st century and according to tradition, Paul been both a church and a . 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 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 September 16, 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 September 19, 2022 - Bouletarion (council chamber) and open to the west and Cenchraea, Monday - Meteora - Kalambaka discussion was encouraged in the on the , 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 . 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 , , 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 (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 to Way - a marble-paved road linking the port most important stations in the world. Before in the 5th century BC. We continue of 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 September 20, 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 In the peaceful morning light, we travel to Olympian , and Adrian’s Arch. Enjoy and accused of breaking the religious laws visit the -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 ancient Greek 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 background of worship, I even found an with this and superb marble works. Sitting peacefully September 23, 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 September 22, 2022 - the duty-free stores before boarding and Thursday - flying west across The Atlantic Ocean back September 21, 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 (Ephesus), Patmos (St. Jonh’s glorious cities in the world, and the cradle rebuilt a century later by . 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 and the Aegean Itinerary subject to change. 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/FOOT21/

Package Price: Group airfare: Per person in a shared double room: $3,695 We offer group airfare. Pricing and specific itinerary will be available by the beginning of November 2021. All registered travelers will be Per person in a single room: $4,395 notified. Estimate $1,500 for your roundtrip ticket, economy class, Limited number of single rooms available. including taxes and fees Triple rooms are not available on this trip. Tour Activity Level: LEVEL 1 2 3 4 We offer “Pair & Share” service for our Solo travelers. Ask us to assist This tour involves a considerable amount of walking, stairs, longer in finding your roommate! periods of standing, outdoor activities, and steep areas within the places visited. This trip is not recommended for guests with walking A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required upon signing difficulties. Comfortable, sturdy shoes/boots are recommended. up. Deposit can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Balance is due on June 1, 2022, and is non-refundable. Balance can be paid by cash Travel Insurance: or check. Credit card payment(s) (any payment applied to the tour We recommend travel insurance to help protect you and your trip after the deposit) will access a 3.5% fee. investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we Registering for this tour signifies that you agree with our terms and offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services. For rates conditions found at executivetravel.com/eti-home/vacation/escorted- and plan highlights, please reach out to us. tours.The tour will be materialized with a minimum of 15 travelers. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. The price quoted within this brochure is based on a USD/EURO exchange rate of 1.20. We reserve the right to adjust the price at final payment if the exchange rate increases.

Included: Not Included: • 8 nights during the tour in Greece at moderate, local 4-star • Airfare, estimate $1,500 per person, economy class hotels • Airline baggage fees for your second checked bag. Your first • 8 x breakfast checked piece up to 50 lbs is free • 6 x lunch (day 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9) • Travel insurance • 2 x dinner (day 3, 7) • Personal expenses • All transportation as per tour program • Meals and beverages other than mentioned in the tour • Admissions to all sites mentioned in the tour program program • Full-time English-speaking professional tour guide • Entrances to monuments and/or museums other than • Baggage handling at hotels (one piece per person) mentioned • Headphones where required • Gratuities to guides and drivers (estimate $8 per day) • Women of the Midwest Ambassador, September 14-23, 2022 • Professional fee, $75 per person, due at time of registration • Detailed travel documents, handed out three weeks prior to • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions departure (hard-copy and electronic) • All local taxes and fees as per August 4, 2021 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

Forwarding registration and deposit signifies that you agree to the terms and conditions found on our website at executivetravel.com/eti-home/vacation/escorted-tours

Call Executive Travel’s Group Department today at 402-435-8888. Space is limited. 8/4/2021 biblical location of the vision to the Apostle *Locally inspired regional cuisine, house wine, Cruise Extension John, as recorded in Revelation 1:9. beer, soft drinks, teas, coffees, cocktails, and branded spirits while onboard. Premium wines, Most scholars agree with the authenticity Champagnes, high-end spirits, fresh fruit juice Introduction: of his authorship. And you will visit this available at a supplement. Snacks are available Embark on a weekend discovery taking very place! Al for purchase outside of dining times, specialty you to some of the most beautiful and restaurants available at an additional charge. culturally enriched destinations in the September 25, 2022 - Aegean, minus the crowds. A journey Sunday - Crete - Santorini back in time is ahead! This may be a Welcome to Crete, Greece’s largest Pricing: short cruise but you will be amazed at island, a place of mystery, and Per person in a shared double cabin just how much you will see. Mykonos and legends. There’s the chance to take in $1,195 its famous windmills, Kusadasi in Turkey, the bustling city of Heraklion and some the stopping off point for Ephesus, the of Crete’s extraordinary archaeology and Per person in a single cabin site of one of the Seven Wonders of the history. You can also learn more about $1,495 Ancient World, and the fabulous Greek the art and creativity of the Minoans. We A limited number of single cabins available. islands of Patmos, Crete, and Santorini. have included a complimentary visit to the Palace of Knossos, once the home Triples and Quadruples not recommended. Some of the highlights are six contrasting of Europe’s oldest civilization and the ports in four days, evenings in Mykonos setting for the legend of the Greek hero Included: and Patmos, Crete’s incredible Palace of and the Minotaur. Your Knossos, and Santorini sunset (weather continues as you will be spending an • Private transfer with English speaking permitting). Your voyage around the evening in Santorini, whose stunning assistance (hotel-port-hotel-airport) beautiful Aegean may seem like a dream face is instantly recognizable across the • 3-Night Cruise aboard Celestyal by the time you return and is a wonderful world. She will take your breath away, Olympia in XA-category stateroom way to end the Footsteps of Apostle with her soaring landscapes, clusters of • Onboard dining Paul’s journey! whitewashed houses in the capital Fira, and of course the iconic blue-domed • Unlimited classic drinks September 23, 2022 - Friday - church at Oia. Don’t forget to try one of • 2 excursions (Ephesus and Knossos) Embarkation - Mykonos the many restaurants jostling for position - additional excursions can be Enjoy a laid back breakfast and morning at the edge of the caldera. AI purchased onboard or pre-booked in Athens. Around 10 AM, you will (ask us for the electronic PDF with all leave the historic and classical capital September 26, 2022 - Monday - choices) of Greece and transfer to Piraeus, Disembarkation - Athens at leisure the port of Athens. Off you go to the • Onboard entertainment first destination, the beautiful island Upon disembarkation, we have arranged • Gratuities of Mykonos, also known as the Island for a private transfer to our centrally • Port taxes of the Winds. Take an evening stroll located hotel. The day is at leisure to through the atmospheric Old Town with enjoy Athens and do some last souvenir- • 1 night in Athens, September 26-27 its immaculate whitewashed houses, shopping or just relax and people-watch. • Local taxes and fees as per 8/4/2021 winding alleys, lovely little churches, B and delightful restaurants at the water’s Not Included: edge. You will undoubtedly recognize the September 27, 2022 - Tuesday - picture-postcard white windmills sitting Traveling home • Women of the Midwest Ambassador side by side, overlooking the sea. B | AI (cruise is fully English spoken) All too soon, your vacation has ended. September 24, 2022 - Saturday - Upon disembarkation, we have arranged • Meals/drinks other than mentioned Kusadasi - Ephesus - Patmos for a private transfer to Athens airport in plenty of time to check in for our flight and • Entrance fees to museums/sites not You will arrive in the colorful Turkish beach mentioned in the inclusions town of Kusadasi in the morning. This is to clear security. You may do some last- the coastal gateway to the Hellenistic minute shopping at the duty-free stores • Personal expenses and anything not ruins of Ephesus, famed for one of the before boarding and flying west across mentioned in the inclusions Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, The Atlantic Ocean back to the United the Temple of . A complimentary States. B | meals during flights Airfare: excursion is included to this iconic site, one of the undoubted highlights of our Itinerary subject to change Group airfare becomes available by the beginning of November 2021 and all journey. Patmos is next! One of the B = Breakfast northernmost islands in the Dodecanese registered travelers will be notified. is one of the smallest with a charm all its AI = All Inclusive during the cruise* own. Patmos is famous for being the 8/4/2021