Embark on a remarkable journey through Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, and Italy as you trace the footsteps of the apostle Paul and explore the crossroads of ancient empires. Guided by biblical scholar Dr. Mark Wilson, you’ll visit legendary sites where early Christianity flourished—such as Apollonia, gateway to the Via Egnatia, Dyrrachium of Illyricum (Romans 15:19), and the ruins of Salona and Narona where Titus ministered. Each destination offers a living tapestry of grand amphitheaters, mosaics, and temples, illuminating the faith, perseverance, and transformation of the early church.
From the walled splendor of Dubrovnik and Diocletian’s Palace in Split to the mosaics of Poreč’s Euphrasian Basilica and the enchanting canals of Venice, the tour weaves together biblical relevance and world history. Along the way, enjoy expert insights, warm fellowship, and moments for spiritual reflection, deepening your connection to the sacred legacy of the region.
This is more than a tour—it’s a pilgrimage designed to inspire your heart, enrich your faith, and leave you with cherished memories. Join us and discover the lands where the gospel journeyed west, where ancient roads led to new beginnings, and where history comes alive in the present.
Tour Includes the Following
• Ten nights lodging
• Hotel city tax and porterage at hotels
• Breakfast and dinner
• Excursions as per the itinerary
• Entrance fees to museums and other sites as per the itinerary
• Transportation with private bus throughout the tour
• English speaking tour leader throughout
• English speaking local guides
• Use of Whispers headsets to hear the tour guide
• Tips to guides, drivers and hotel staff
• International Travel Insurance (NOT Trip Cancelation Insurance) from Thursday, April 9 – Wednesday, April 22, 2026 (allows for an extra day of travel at the beginning and end of the tour). Additional days are available for $8 per person per day. This coverage includes Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Medical Expenses, Disability Income, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Crisis Management, including the expense and coordination of a security evacuation, Personal Property, and General Liability. Coverage does not include trip cancelation, flight cancelation, or trip interruption. This type of coverage can be purchased individually through companies like: Travelex https://www.travelexinsurance.com/,Travel Guard https://www.travelguard.com/ or Allianz Travel https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/. CMDA does not endorse any of these companies or benefit from insurance purchased by those who travel on a CMDA tour.
Tour Package Does NOT Include
• International airfare
• Visa fees (no via needed for US citizens)
• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) NEW in 2026
• Lunches, drinks, and beverages.
• All personal expenses and any other item which is not listed above.
Have Additional Questions?
Please contact a member of our Tour Planning Team for additional details or questions:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 423.844.1063
Double Occupancy Member (per person): $4,965
Double Occupancy Non-Member (per person): $5,065
Single Occupancy Member: $5,895
Single Occupancy Non-Member: $5,995
Cancellation Policy – Cancellations and requests for refund must be submitted in writing to the Christian Medical & Dental Associations, Attention: Tours P.O. Box 7500 Bristol, TN 37621-7500 or email [email protected].
Cancellation charges:
Before November 30 $300
Before December 15 15%
Before January 15 25%
Before February 15 50%
Before March 1 75%
After March 15 No Refund
| Biblical Scholar: | |
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Mark Wilson, D.Lit., D. Phil., will serve as our biblical scholar for this tour. Mark is the founder and director of the Asia Minor Research Center in Antalya, Turkey, a country in which he and his wife Dindy have lived since 2004. He received an M.A. in Biblical Studies at Regent University and a D.Litt. et Phil. from the University of South Africa where he serves as a Research Fellow in Biblical Archaeology. Mark is Associate Professor Extraordinary of New Testament at Stellenbosch University and Adjunct Lecturer in New Testament at Ridley College, Melbourne. He is the author and editor of numerous books, articles, and reviews, including a commentary on Revelation, Charts of the Book of Revelation, and Biblical Turkey: A Guide to the Jewish and Christian Sites of Asia Minor. Mark also contributed the “Acts” and “Revelation” sections in the ESV Archaeology Bible and six articles in the Lexham Geographic Commentary on Acts through Revelation. He is a member of twelve academic societies, and his particular research interests are ancient Jewish communities, Roman roads, and the Seven Churches in Turkey. Mark and wife Dindy have four adult children, four grandsons, and four granddaughters.
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| CMDA Tour Hosts: | |
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George Courtney serves CMDA as the Vice President of Stewardship Development and Legacy Giving. With more than 30 years of experience in Stewardship Development, he finds much joy in helping families navigate their stewardship and legacy-planning journeys. Earlier in his career, George served in leadership roles in Christian day schools, higher education, and international mission organizations. George’s wife, Rose, has served CMDA members for more than 29 years as a placement specialist in CMDA Placement Services.
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Tentative Tour Itinerary
The tour intends to visit each of the sites listed below. Sites closed because of weather, renovation or other unforeseen circumstances will not be visited. The tour guide is given the freedom to use their discretion in the order in which sites are visited. They may visit sites in a different order/day than listed.
Friday, April 10 Depart the USA
Saturday, April 11 Arrival in Tirana, Albania
Upon arrival at the Tirana airport, you will meet a Tutku Travel representative who will assist with a transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight at Arvi Hotel https://www.hotelarvi.com/index.php/en/; or similar (2 nights)
Sunday, April 12 – Apollonia and Dyrrachium (the archaeological museums in Durres and Tirana are closed for renovation, hence the change to add Apollonia)
We first drive to Apollonia near Pojan to visit the southern terminus of the famous Roman road, the Via Egnatia. The well-preserved site features various Roman buildings including a nymphaeum, council building, and temple as well as a Christian church. In the afternoon we return to Durres to take a walking tour of ancient Dyrrachium to see its amphitheater and forum. Dyrrachium is a site of historical and biblical significance. Although Dyrrachium is not mentioned by name in the Bible, it was a major city in Illyricum visited by Paul on his third journey (Romans 15:19). It was strategically located as the western terminus of the Via Egnatia—the vital Roman road that connected the Adriatic Sea with the Aegean. The nearby region was significant as Paul traveled extensively along the Via Egnatia, preaching and establishing churches.
Monday, April 13 Montenegro – Doclea, Budva, Kotor
We begin our journey by crossing the border into Montenegro to visit the Roman site of Doclea near Podgorica. This remarkable archaeological site reveals the grandeur of ancient Roman life, with remnants of temples, baths, and city walls that evoke its flourishing past. After a stop for lunch, we’ll pass through Budva, a historic port city known for its medieval walls and vibrant Old Town, where the charm of narrow streets and ancient squares meets stunning views of the Adriatic. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Kotor to tour the old town and castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Kotor at Hotel Vardar https://www.hotelvardar.com and Hotel Cattaro https://cattarohotel.com. Two hotels to accommodate the group in this small town; or similar (1 night)
Tuesday, April 14 – Risan/Risinium and Croatia, Dubrovnik
This morning, our day will begin in Risan, an ancient town renowned for its exquisite Roman-era Hypnos mosaic, which depicts the Greek god of sleep. Known as Risinium in antiquity, this town reflects the rich cultural and biblical history tied to the Roman Empire’s influence on early Christianity. We then cross into Croatia to visit Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” a UNESCO World Heritage site. A walking tour highlights its layered history, including the 14th-century Franciscan Church and Monastery, home to one of Europe’s oldest functioning pharmacies. In Dubrovnik, free time offers the chance to take a cable car ride, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic Sea. Overnight at Kompas Hotel in Dubrovnik https://www.adriaticluxuryhotels.com/hotel-kompas-dubrovnik/; or similar (1 night)
Wednesday, April 15 – Narona, Solin, Split
After breakfast we will continue along Croatia’s coastal wonders invites you to explore a fascinating intertwining of history, archaeology, and the early days of Christianity. Starting at the Archaeological Museum of Narona, built atop the ancient temple of Augustus, we will view relics showcasing Roman influence and early Christian connections in the region. Continuing on to Solin, the ruins of Salona—a significant Roman colony—offer insights into its status as a hub of prosperity and faith. Highlights include the impressive amphitheater and the Porta Caesarea, landmarks that underscore Salona’s importance in the Roman Empire and its role in spreading Christianity. Paul dispatched Titus to Dalmatia to preach the gospel (2 Timothy 4:10). The capital of this Roman province was Salona, with Narona and Iader being other major ports undoubtedly visited by Titus.
In the afternoon, we will arrive in Split to explore Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that reflects both imperial grandeur and transformation over centuries. Originally constructed as the retirement residence of Emperor Diocletian, it later served as a refuge for Christians fleeing persecution. During your free time, consider visiting Split’s renowned Archaeological Museum. This treasure trove of artifacts offers a deeper dive into the civilizations that once thrived along these Adriatic shores, from the Roman Empire to the early days of Christianity. Overnight at the Cornaro Hotel in Split https://cornarohotel.com; or similar (1 night)
Thursday, April 16 – Trogurium, Burnum, Zadar
Today we will embark on an unforgettable journey to Tragurium, an ancient site founded during the Hellenistic period and brimming with historical significance. As we explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trogir, we’ll marvel at the stunning castle and cathedral that stand as testaments to centuries of Romanesque architectural mastery. The cobbled streets and charming ambiance of this coastal town offer visitors a unique glimpse into a place where history and modernity coexist harmoniously, from its picturesque views to its well-preserved landmarks.
The adventure continues as we head to Burnum, located near Kistanje, where you’ll witness the awe-inspiring remnants of a Roman amphitheater and military camp. These ruins tell the tale of Roman ingenuity and their strategic use of architecture in military operations. Later, at Iader (modern-day Zadar), the journey unfolds with visits to the Roman forum, a treasure trove of rich archaeological finds, and historical churches that illustrate the region’s deep cultural and religious heritage. This day on the tour will inspire our imagination and deepen our appreciation for the ancient civilizations that once thrived along these Adriatic shores. Overnight at the Kolovare Hotel in Zadar https://hotel-kolovare.com/; or similar (1 night)
Friday, April 17 – Poreč, Pula
Our scenic drive today will take us to the enchanting town of Poreč, where history comes alive at every turn. Here, we will explore the Roman Forum and Castrum, each offering a glimpse into the rich Roman heritage that shaped this coastal gem. A visit to the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dazzling mosaics and striking early Byzantine architecture, promises to be a highlight of the day. As you stroll through the charming Old Town, the ancient Decumanus Street invites you to step back in time while discovering quaint shops, local eateries, and vibrant culture. In the afternoon, we will make our way to Pula, a city steeped in history and culture, where we will spend the night. Overnight at Park Plaza Histria Hotel in Pula https://www.arenahotels.com/en/hotel/park-plaza-histria; or similar (2 nights)
Saturday, April 18 – Pula (I removed the visit to Nesactium this day; also the archaeology museum is closed now for renovation so we’re checking whether it will be reopened by next April; we could also make the museum optional since folks might have had enough museums by this point).
We will have a full day touring the historic city of Pula, a destination brimming with fascinating remnants of its Roman past and rich cultural heritage. We will visit Pula Amphitheater, one of the most well-preserved Roman arenas in the world, the Temple of Augustus, a striking tribute to the emperor that stands as a testament to the artistry and reverence of the Roman era, and the Arch of the Sergii, captivating blend of historical grandeur and architectural splendor. As we continue, we will visit Pula’s theaters and the renowned Istria Archaeological Museum, where captivating exhibits bring the ancient world to life. This day promises to be an unforgettable immersion in history, culture, and the enduring legacy of one of the Adriatic’s most enchanting cities, leaving you inspired and enriched by the wonders of Pula. Return to hotel to overnight.
Sunday, April 19 – Tregeste, Venice
After breakfast, we will drive to Trieste and take a walking tour of the Roman city of Tergeste, where the echoes of antiquity come alive as you explore its beautifully preserved theater, ancient gate, majestic propylaeum, and the historic Basilica. Each step within this historic city unveils stories of Roman architecture and cultural significance, offering an enriching glimpse into the legacy of this Adriatic jewel. After lunch, we will continue our journey to Venice, where you’ll have free time to immerse yourself in the city’s enchanting canals, vibrant piazzas, and timeless charm that make it one of the most captivating destinations in the world. Overnight at the Foresteria Valdese, Venice https://www.foresteriavenezia.it; or similar (2 nights)
Monday, April 20
Today, we will visit St. Mark’s Square, a bustling center of Venetian history and culture, and the magnificent Piazza and Basilica of St. Mark’s. The Basilica, renowned for its opulent Byzantine-style architecture, is adorned with colored marble and glittering gold mosaics that evoke centuries of grandeur. Inside, you will marvel at its soaring domes, intricate frescoes, and the Evangelist Mark’s tomb, which adds a spiritual dimension to this awe-inspiring landmark.
Continue to the elaborate Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of gothic architecture that once served as the sumptuous residence of Venetian rulers. Its richly decorated halls and chambers whisper tales of power and intrigue, while the famed Bridge of Sighs offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of prisoners who passed through its corridors. Each corner of the palace tells a story of Venice’s storied past, from political might to artistic glory.
We will enjoy a walk along the Canale Grande, where gondolas glide gracefully through shimmering waters under the shadow of the iconic Ponte di Rialto. This elegant bridge, an emblem of Venetian engineering and artistry, connects the lively markets and charming boutiques on either side of the canal. Venice is a city that continues to enchant visitors with its timeless allure. Return to hotel to overnight.
Monday, April 21
Departure for flight home
CMDA Tour Planning Team
[email protected] or call 423-844-1063
