OVERVIEW
Embark on an exceptional journey delving into the rich tapestry of early Christianity led by the esteemed Australian Christian historian, Professor John Dickson.
Our exploration begins by immersing ourselves in the vast expanse of the Roman Empire, where we will delve into the intricate interplay between its pagan traditions and the enduring legacy of Judaism. Through Prof. Dickson’s expert guidance, we’ll navigate the dynamic tensions that characterised this era and trace the remarkable emergence of Christianity across Europe.
Venturing further into the heart of antiquity, our odyssey takes us to the cradle of democracy – Greece. Here, amidst the remnants of ancient temples and bustling agora, we’ll unravel the profound impact of early apostolic ministry against the backdrop of Greco-Roman culture and mythos. Witness firsthand how the ethos of Christianity stood in stark contrast to prevailing norms, often challenging societal conventions with its radical message.
Returning to Rome, we’ll confront the stark realities of persecution faced by early Christians, yet marvel at their unwavering resolve and compassion towards the marginalized and downtrodden. Through tales of resilience and altruism, we’ll uncover the indelible imprint left by these pioneers as they exemplified their faith through acts of charity and solidarity.
Join us for an unforgettable expedition through the annals of history, where each chapter unfolds to reveal the enduring spirit of early Christianity, as illuminated by the unparalleled insights of Prof. John Dickson.
John’s story is eclectic. Starting out as a professional singer-songwriter, he now works as an author, speaker, historian, and media presenter. He was the Founding Director of the Centre for Public Christianity (2007-17). He has published over 20 books, two of which became television documentaries, with a third, For the Love of God: How the Church is Better and Worse Than you Ever Imagined, released in Australian cinemas in June 2018.
John has held a variety of teaching and research positions before moving to Wheaton College, including in the Ancient History Department at Macquarie University (2002-2015), the Hebrew, Jewish and Biblical Studies Department at Sydney University (2011-2021), Ridley College Melbourne (2019-2022), and the Faculty of Classics at the University of Oxford (2015-2023).
John has worked with Selah since 2018, leading the Origins of Christianity tour across Israel.
A busy public speaker, he lives in Wheaton, Illinois, with his wife Elizabeth (Buff) and the youngest of their three children.
ITINERARY
Hotel: Mediterraneo, Rome
Included Meals:
Dr Dickson arrives mid morning. We will meet as a group at 12 noon and walk to the Pantheon as we commence our overview of Roman Politics and Religion.
Today's lectures will encompass the Birth of Rome, the Roman Republic and the rise & demise of Julius Caesar.
We continue to the Altar of Peace Museum with a lecture on Augustus (63BC-14AD).
The remainder of the day is free. Dinner is not included tonight so you can eat out locally.
Hotel: Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome
Included Meals:
Return to Rome with the remainder of the day & evening free.
Hotel: Mediterraneo, Rome
Included Meals:
Our lecture focus today is on Emperor Tiberius, the major Gods and temples of Rome and the Imperial cult.
Continue to the airport to fly to Athens in the afternoon on A3655 departing at 6.30pm, arriving 9.30pm. Escorted bus transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight in Athens. (Note there will be time & lots of great dinner options at Rome airport, as well as an inflight meal served).
Hotel: Divani Palace Hotel, Athens
Included Meals:
Today’s lecture focus will be on Greek Philosophy, religion and ethics. We then depart Athens on a relaxing drive to Delphi (approx. 3 hours).
Hotel: Amalia Hotel, Delphi
Included Meals:
We will also visit the Delphi Museum. Early Christianity emerged within the Greco-Roman world, and its development was influenced by the prevailing philosophical, cultural, and religious currents of the time.
Exploring artifacts in the Delphi Museum can shed light on these influences and help connect the dots between ancient pagan traditions and early Christian beliefs and practices.
After lunch stop drive to Kalambaka, where on arrival we check in and enjoy dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Amalia Hotel, Kalambaka
Included Meals:
Meteora" means "suspended in the air" or "in the heavens," a fitting name for these monasteries that seem to defy gravity as they perch high above the ground. We visit 1 or 2 of the monasteries today. The monasteries served as centres of spirituality and religious devotion for Orthodox Christians. They provided a sanctuary for monks seeking solitude, prayer, and meditation away from the distractions of the world below. We will drive to Vergina, where we will visit the tomb of Philip II of Macedonia (4th century BC) before continuing to Thessaloniki. Check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Golden Star, Thessaloniki
Included Meals:
We will then visit the river where Lydia was baptised (Acts 16). We will stop at a section of the Via Egnatia – the very road where Paul walked!
At 5.30pm drive to Kavala airport for our return flight to Athens departing at 7.45pm. Upon arrival at 9pm in Athens Airport, transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Hotel: Divani Palace Acropolis, Athens
Included Meals:
This afternoon is at leisure, a chance to rest or perhaps explore some of Athens gorgeous laneways in the Plaka area. Overnight at the hotel in Athens.
Hotel: Divani Palace Acropolis, Athens
Included Meals:
After lunch at local restaurant in Corinth, we will make visit Cenchreae for a lecture on “women in early Christianity”. Weather & time permitting we might take a swim in the Aegean Sea! Return to Athens Airport for our return flight back to Rome on AZ721 departing Athens at 7.25pm
We arrive in Rome at 8.40pm. A light meal is served in flight as well as great food options at the airport before departure. Transfer to the hotel in Rome.
Hotel: Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome
Included Meals:
Visit the Basilica of Saint Clement. What’s not obvious from the outside is that the current church was built directly on top of an earlier church, dating to 392 CE. That in turn was built on top of a Roman house which dates as far back as the first century CE, and around 100 years after its first construction, it was used as a temple to the mysterious god Mithras.
After lunch visit the Asclepius site and the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian with a lecture about how society was changed by Christian welfare.
Tonight, we enjoy our final dinner together to conclude the tour.
Hotel: Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome
Included Meals:
Selah is happy to assist you with additional travel arrangements in Italy or anywhere else in Europe should you choose stay on.
Included Meals:
Highlights
- Key Christian sites in Rome: the Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill, Appian Way
- Ostia port
- Meteroa
- Philippi
- Berea
- Delphi
- Corinth
- Athens
- Lectures daily delivered onsite by Prof John Dickson
TOUR INCLUDES
Travel with
like-minded people
Christian
Tour Leaders
Option of land
only package
Option of upgrading
to single room
Meals
Sights and entry
fees listed
OUR PRICING
| Category | Description | Twin PP | Single |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Only | not incl airfare to/from Rome | 8,949.00 AUD | 11,400.00 AUD |
| Tour Only | not incl airfare to/from Rome | 6,000.00 USD | 7,500.00 USD |
Due to the Jubilee celebrations in Rome in 2025 (& strict booking terms), this tour will close for bookings on 30 December 2024.
