Footsteps 2023 - Rome, Rome, Rome!

 

Our first day was a very full day in Rome. Vatican Museum. Sistine Chapel. St. Peter’s Basilica. Piazza Navona. Pantheon. Trevi Fountain. Spanish Steps. And, of course, we visited Giolitti’s for some gelato!

 

Our final day in Rome was another full day! We visited Mamertine Prison, the Roman Forum, and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls.

Footsteps 2023 - Patmos and Ephesus

 

Patmos and Ephesus. 

Cave of the Apocalypse. St. John’s Monastery. Ancient Ephesus. Terrace Houses. Basilica of St. John. And so much more! 

Two full days. Two transformative days. 

Tomorrow we’re off to Rome!

Footsteps 2023 - Samos

Today was a day for rest and recovery. It was a day of sabbath as we traveled from Athens to Samos. We landed in the early afternoon and enjoyed a leisurely day at the hotel which included swimming at the pool and a quick trip to the beach!

We finished the day at the Pythagorion pier for dinner with our small groups. 

We are resting up in preparation for our early morning ferry to Patmos tomorrow where we will see St. John's Monastery and the Grotto of Revelation. 

Footsteps 2023 - Athens

 

Today was a full and amazing day! 

Led by our INCREDIBLE guide, Eleni, we toured all over Athens, exploring both the Acropolis and the Agora!

Some stops along the way included the Theater of Dionysus, the Sanctuary of Asklepios, the Erechtheion, the Parthenon, the Stoa of Attalos, Mars Hill, Temple of Hephaistos, Olympic Stadium, and so much more! 

After a full morning, we then enjoyed a delicious lunch together at Mystilli Restaurant. 

The afternoon meant naps for some folks and shopping for others. We then met Eleni again for a wonderful exploration of the Acropolis Museum. 

We ended the day with dinner at Attikos Greek House with a spectacular view of the Acropolis. 

Tomorrow we're off to Samos! 

Footsteps 2023 - Corinth and Nemea

Today was incredible! We visited both Corinth and Nemea. 

Before reaching ancient Corinth, we took a brief pit stop at a local shop for refreshments and snacks and for an opportunity to look at (and down!) the Corinth canal.

We started our day exploring ancient Corinth, spending time at both the museum and the archaeological site. While we were there, Rev. Kelley Jepsen led us in a beautiful teaching moment, followed by communion. After exploring ancient Corinth, we then stopped for a delicious lunch overlooking the ancient city. 

Our next stop was to the ancient city of Nemea where we once again got to visit both the museum and the archaeological site. We also did a bit of Olympic training while we were there! 

Once we got back to our hotel, we spent about some time exploring the city on our own. Then it was off to dinner with our small groups! 

Footsteps 2023 - Arrival in Athens!

 

We are officially in Athens! Our flight landed around noon. Once we got through customs, we grabbed our bags and then met Eleni, our AMAZING guide while we are in Greece. After a quick restroom break and a quick snack, we then got on the bus to travel to the hotel. On our way, Eleni gave us a wonderful tour of Athens.

Once we got settled into our hotel rooms, we then took the opportunity to do some exploring on our own. 

We finished the evening with a delicious dinner at The Cave of the Acropolis restaurant. (Where we also sang to and wished CJ a very happy 18th birthday!)

We are so looking forward to a transformative journey together!