ANSWERS to COMMON QUESTIONS
Who are the trips for?
The Footsteps of Paul trip is specifically designed for Christian leaders, students of the Bible, and those wanting to practice the example of the Bereans whom St Luke praised when he said "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."
Why only Turkey, Greece, and Italy?
Did you know there is more Bible history in modern Turkey than in Israel? The unique focus of a StPaulFootsteps experience is a classical approach to the ancient Greco-Roman world and it's influence on Western civilization from a Christian perspective. Turkey, Greece, and Italy encompass unique aspects of history that have shaped our modern culture, and are also significant to the growth of the early Christian church and it's spread across the world. Whether your specific interest is the study of the Old & New Testaments, the Greco-Roman empire, Paul's epistles or his missionary journeys, you can experience it all on a StPaulFootsteps expedition with like-minded men and women of faith.
What is Included
All basic expenses are included in the trip:
- 3 meals a day
- Visas
- Local transportation
- Lodging (3.5-4 star)
- Turkey to Greece travel
- Greece to Italy travel (Rome / Florence add-on)
- Train tickets
- Site Entrance fees
- Airport transfers
Not Included:
- Airfare to Europe
- gifts, snacks, coffee shops, gelato, more coffee shops, even more gelatto, etc., and souvenirs.
What about airfare to Europe?
Airfare from the USA to Turkey and from Italy back to the USA is not included. Some trip participants may choose to travel a few days early to explore Istanbul or stay late to visit Florence. Additionally, we will have trip participants who come from multiple areas in the USA. Forcing everyone to fly from Tulsa (or even NYC) can increase the overall cost if that's not where you normally travel from.
We will coordinate your air travel with you so that you arrive & depart when needed. When booking airfare, keep in mind you lose a day on your travel to Europe, but gain a day on your way back.
What Is A Walking Tour
You will walk a lot! Based on fitness apps that track the distance and number of steps past participants have taken, you actually will walk 3-4 miles per day. Typically a light day of walking is followed by a heavy day of walking. Unlike walking on a track, treadmill, or sidewalk, almost all of the walking overseas is on paths, unpaved trails, cobblestone streets and uphill (don't ask me to explain how it seems we never go downhill).
Waiting List?
If the trip fills up, is there any way I can still go on the trip? Possibly . . . we will start a Waiting List. If space opens, we will fit you in on a first-come/first-served basis. Due to changes in family schedules and other factors, this occasionally happens.
How do I Sign-up and Pay?
We use ManagedMissions.com software for handling trip communication, required documents, trip payments, etc. You will be given a ManagedMissions account when you sign-up for the trip and complete the required non-refundable $260 Trip Deposit.
Trip Sign-up & Payment link: ManagedMissions.com
Select the Trip labeled:
Victory Leadership Network Footsteps of Paul
NOTE: Every trip participant must complete a separate ManagedMissions.com application. There are no "family" applications.
Passports
Required for international travel. Must be valid for travel 6 months beyond last day of trip (March 2026). Can take several weeks to obtain so start early. Allow a minimum of 6-8 weeks to obtain.
USA passport application: https://www.usa.gov/passport
Visas
All necessary visas included in the trip costs.
Local Travel
We will use public transportation, tour bus, Metro, funicular, walking, etc. On average, you will walk 3-4 miles per day over cobblestone streets and ancient trails.
NOTE: You will walk an actual 3-4 miles per day. This could be described as a walking tour of Italy, Greece, & Turkey.
Accommodations
We will stay in hotels and monasteries. All trip prices are based on 2 people per room. Typical hotels are 3.5-4 stars.
Can I join the trip last minute?
Yes, but at a price! It depends on how "last minute" you are. We generally purchase airfare and pay for hotels months in advance of our trip departure. Adding someone in after that often means the airfare cost will have increased and the hotel or lodging space needed may go at a higher rate. Those costs are passed on to you.
Entrance fees to sites & exhibits are not usually affected, but the increased airfare costs and lodging costs (above what the rest of the group is paying) can be several hundred dollars more. We are happy to work with you to try to keep the costs down, should you add in late. As a side note, the trip payment is divided into 4 scheduled payments between now and September 2025. Payment schedule details are on the PAYMENTS page.
Safety
Safety is paramount in all we do. All reasonable and customary precautions will be observed at every leg of the trip. Though you will be probably be stretched and challenged, you will never be placed in personal danger by the StPaulFootsteps or VLN staff.
NOTE: People have asked about the safety of travel to Turkey. We will only be in the "safe" areas, far from terrorists, world crises, etc. Additionally, trip leaders stay in close contact with the US Embassy in each country and inform the Embassy of our itinerary in advance, plus provide our leaders contact information in case the Embassy needs to connect with our group. Every trip itinerary and passenger list is registered with the US State Department in advance.
Physical Activity
This trip will involve a significant amount of walking, stairs, uneven terrain, and extended time outdoors—often in warm weather. Participants should be in good physical health and capable of engaging in moderate to occasionally strenuous activity for several hours each day.
We kindly ask all travelers to evaluate their ability to:
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Walk 3–4 miles per day, including hills and ancient stone paths
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Stand for extended periods during guided tours
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Navigate stairs and uneven surfaces without assistance
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Keep pace with the group across full travel days
If you have any health conditions that may affect your ability to fully participate, please consult your doctor prior to committing. Our goal is to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone, and being physically prepared will help you get the most out of this incredible journey.
Clothing
"Holy places" do not allow tank tops, shorts, skirts above the knee, bare shoulders, etc. This applies in Italy & Turkey more than in Greece, and is specifically applicable at the Vatican, churches in Florence, and mosques in Turkey. You will be informed in advance the days we are visiting these sites.
Weather
Average temps in Turkey, Greece, & Italy are between 40-70 degrees. Sunscreen is a must.
Trip Insurance
Every participant is REQUIRED to carry Overseas Medical insurance coverage. If your existing medical insurance does not cover overseas travel, you will be required to obtain coverage. Proof of overseas medical coverage is required before trip departure. If your current medical insurance does not cover you overseas, low cost Travel Medical Insurance policies that span the trip dates are available through Sevencorners.com, FaithVentures.com, and other travel insurance companies. Overseas health insurance is not part of the trip payments made to StPaulFootsteps.com.
Recommended Travel Items
A recommended list of items we have found helpful in overseas travel is provided. None of these items are required. All of these items are easily packable in a carry-on bag, along with our required clothing, etc. For your convenience, online shopping links are provided for each item where a specific product is recommended.
Link to SUGGESTED ITEMS
Online Conference Call Meetings
There will be 2 or 3 online meetings held prior to the trip departure. Recordings of the online meetings are posted to the website afterwards. The last conference call is held a week before trip departure. Call recordings are posted online after each call.
What if I have more questions?
Contact us via email, phone, or text for your unanswered questions.
Tel/text: 918.770.8088 Email: info@stpaulfootsteps.org