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Dr. Joe Olachea is the North American Director of DisciplePath, coaching and training pastors and ministry leaders in whole-church intentional discipleship. He earned his PhD in research with an emphasis on First Century Jewish Worldview, completing his dissertation in Discipleship Methodology as Related to Personal Spiritual Transformation.
Dr. Joe has taught in seminaries on four continents. He is the Discipleship Trainer for the ABA, Discipleship Catalyst for Every Ethne’ and serves on two boards at America’s Keswick and Omega Graduate School.
Kim is the founder of WIMN, providing soul care for women in vocational ministry through retreats, meetups, and mentoring. In addition, she is an educator, business owner, and content writer for her website, Proverbwise.
Joe & Kim have been married for 45 years and reside in
New Bern, NC.
They have five married children and ten grandchildren.
Girls just wanna have fun!
2.28.24
It’s been fun traveling with my husband, leading tours together, and sharing experiences in the US and around the world for nearly 46 years. I wouldn’t trade those trips together for anything, but there is something to be said for GIRL TRIPS! If you want to laugh A LOT and do CRAZY things together, then travel the world with your sister, cousin, mom, or girlfriend – ‘cause girls just wanna have fun!
In April of 2018, my husband and I were leading our first tour to Greece and had the last-minute opportunity of inviting my sister to join us. Like me, this was her first visit to Greece.
We were giddy with excitement even before we boarded our first flight. Knowing the layover was going to be in Vienna, we imagined the Austrian countryside depicted in The Sound of Music with snow covered alps in the distance and white patches of tiny flowers (edelweiss) along the runway. Our plan was to belt out the song, “The hills are alive with the sound of music…” getting the rest of our group to join in. However, as the plane approached the runway in Vienna, alas, there were no mountains, not even a hill, and definitely there was no edelweiss! Our singing never got beyond a whisper that faded away as we broke out in hilarious laughter. People probably thought we were crazy! But I have to say the Austrian pastries in the airport were delicious!
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Riding a donkey up the steep mountain path to Fira, the capital of Santorini, to secretly taking pictures of the large shirtless man splashing about in the Plateia Ippokratous, in the medieval town of Rhodes, caused us to giggle like little girls, making this the most memorable trip ever! Other highlights included our attempt at Greek “line-dancing” and wading in each body of water we encountered - including the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian Seas. We even dipped our feet in the ice-cold stream that is the traditional site of Lydia’s baptism not far from biblical Philippi, described in Acts 16:14-15, just to say we did it!
My sister and I are always up for trying new foods, so we tasted almost every Greek delicacy, especially relishing in the strong, smooth Greek coffee served in tiny white demitasse cups in local villages. For dessert, we often sought out refreshing gelato and pagotó at the local Greek ice-cream shoppes along the way.
What I’ve learned through these years of leading tours is the most fun and laughter happen when girls travel together. I’ve had the experience of meeting and traveling with many women from all over the US and other parts of the world – moms and daughters, grandmothers and granddaughters, sisters, cousins, girlfriends – and even mothers-in-law & daughters-in-law. Maybe you’re celebrating a birthday or retirement or sisterhood or friendship, take a risk. Join the adventure. Invite a friend or sister, cousin or daughter.. Plan on some serious fun in Greece and Rome this summer! You won’t regret it!
Oh, and just so you know, this trip is not just for girls, guys are welcome, too! Believe me, they will have fun. But from my perspective, most of the time, girls have more fun!
Call me today to secure your reservation! Or shoot me an email! Space is extremely limited! Take a chance and have some FUN!
My favorite place in Greece
2.26.24
A very significant event happened 38 years ago on February 26, 1986, which has made this place one of my favorite places in Greece.
“Ancient Corinth, inhabited since the Neolithic times, was considered the richest city of the ancient world and its most important commercial hub until the rise of Athens.” This beautiful place connects multiple civilizations in one panoramic view. The arches of ancient Rome to the Greek pillars that held high the temples of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses to the dome of the more recently built Greek Orthodox church in the distance are nestled between the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf of Corinth, the rugged acropolis and ruins from the Temple of Apollo, and the Isthmus. Passing picturesque villages on a narrow country road leads us to ancient Corinth, a place that connects the ancient past to the humble Greek dwellings that house the locals today.
When Joe and I lead tours to Greece, ancient Corinth is one of my favorite places to introduce to our fellow travelers. The rich history, vast beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance make this quiet place one of the most loved stops on our journey.
It was in this place that the Apostle Paul served as the pastor of the early Corinthian church for approximately eighteen months on his second missionary journey. (Acts 18:11) Later he wrote two letters to this somewhat dysfunctional group of people. The first was written while Paul was ministering in Ephesus , a city we visit while on our tours. The second epistle was written later in the same year while Paul was in Macedonia, possibly from Philippi which is in the eastern region of Macedonia.
Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi, another site we are scheduled to visit this summer. While the first letter sternly addressed the immoral behaviors and spiritual immaturity of this church, the second addressed the infiltration of false teachers that had crept in. For this, Paul promised he would be paying them a visit to address this matter.
The culture of ancient Corinth was much like the large commercial cities of today. It was a crossroad for travelers and commerce. Corinth’s two harbors, Cenchrea and Lechaion , and the Isthmus known as the Corinth Canal, connected the goods that flowed through the city from Italy and Spain to the west, and Asia Minor, Phoenicia and Egypt to the east.
There was a strong emphasis on knowledge and wisdom as well as a plethora of religious beliefs with temples to the Greek gods, including Asclepius, the god of healing, Apollo, son of Zeus and twin brother of Artemis, and Aphrodite, the goddess of love. This bustling city was “a center for open and unbridled morality”. In fact, “the worship of Aphrodite fostered prostitution in the name of religion.” Just like thriving cities across the globe, the religious diversity, unacceptable behaviors, and cultural clashes caused many problems for the immature young believers of the Corinthian church.
The first time I visited ancient Corinth, I was caught by surprise when approaching the Bema Seat at the ruins of the ancient synagogue, where Paul likely stood trial. The Jewish leaders accused him of crimes he did not commit and brought him before the Roman proconsul, Gallio, who dismissed the accusations having no regard for the Jewish religion. (Acts 18:12-15). A stone there commemorates the essence of the struggles Paul faced as well as the difficulties we all face in this life. Although the stone is not from the first century, Greek and English words from II Corinthians 4:17 have been carved into it. In his second letter had written these words. The English translation reads this way, “For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.”
This verse is one of comfort and hope for me personally. On Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1985, our fourth baby, Christy Therese was born in Statesville, NC. The day after she was born, she was transported to the NICU at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, where she was soon diagnosed with a rare heart defect, transposition of the great arteries.
During that difficult season of my life, I read Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthian church, written around 55 AD. These words gave me hope. So, I the words on an index card and taped the card to Christy’s bassinet to remind me, and those who cared for Christy, of the future HOPE we have because of the gospel proclaimed by Paul. This is the same gospel Paul was martyred for approximately ten years later in Rome. We will visit Paul’s burial site at the Basilica of St Paul when we visit this summer.
I tell you this story of Christy because of the HOPE I have thirty-eight years after her death. I tell you the story because as you travel through biblical lands, visiting the sites of the earliest followers of Jesus, you may find a favorite place like I did that reminds you of the HOPE you have in your own circumstances.
I wish I could tell you how Christy’s life has impacted many people through the years, but time does not permit right now.
I love to visit ancient Corinth when Joe and I lead these tours to biblical lands, not only because can we introduce people to the natural beauty, rich history, and grandeur of ancient Corinth, but because we can share this hope of eternal glory. No matter how messed up the world may be, the best is yet to come for those who have faith in Jesus.
There are many reasons why people visit Greece and Rome from the delectable food to world-class beaches, romantic villages, magnificent museums, historical sites highlighting the life of the apostle Paul, and much more. Come away with us this summer to find your favorite places around the world!
Ready to sign up for the Greece & Rome trip June 19 to July 2, 2024. Reach out for details & get a link to sign up now to reserve your place. We are almost full so don’t delay!
2024 Footsteps of Paul - Trip Itinerary
Greece-Rome 2024 - Itinerary
June 19-July 2, 2024
Wednesday, June 19: Depart from your preferred airport for Athens, Greece. Tour operator Ron Cansler will handle your roundtrip Athens flights.
Thursday, June 20: Arrive Athens, transfer to 5- star hotel, introduction to hotel neighborhood. Dinners and breakfasts included in Athens, all meals on cruise, breakfasts/one dinner in Rome.
Friday, June 21: Travel by deluxe coach to ancient Corinth, the once glorious city near the Isthmus separating mainland Greece from the southern Peloponnese, where Paul met Aquilla and Priscilla and spent a year and a half working and preaching the Gospel (Acts 18). Visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples and famous Bema, where Paul stood before Gallio accused by the Jews of Corinth. Back to Athens for dinner at an authentic Greek restaurant.
Saturday, June 22: Check out of hotel for Athens city tour, including stadium where the first modern Olympics were held, Syntagma or Constitution Square with Changing of the Guard at the Greek Parliament. Highlight of every traveler’s experience of Athens is ascending the Acropolis to study the Parthenon at its summit. The area of Athens most associated with the Apostle Paul is Mars Hill (or Areopagus). When Paul’s claims about the resurrection intrigued the city’s leaders,
he was taken to the top of Mars Hill to argue his belief in the famous sermon about “the unknown God” (Acts 17:19-31). Those who wish opportunity to climb to the top of the famous hill, re-affirming with Paul the Gospel of the Risen Christ. Then, a guided visit to the recently- opened and most-impressive Museum of the Acropolis, housing the cream of all Acropolis-area archaeological discoveries. In the afternoon, head to the Athens Port of Piraeus to board the newly-refurbished Celestyal cruise ship Journey.
Sunday, June 23: First port of call, Thessaloniki, where Paul stayed briefly after being driven from Philippi—and again his strong exhortations about the Risen Christ led to his expulsion. In an optional excursion, we retrace Paul’s steps back to Philippi including the traditional site where Lydia was baptized and the ruins of ancient Philippi with special attention to the site that remembers the cell where Paul and Silas were imprisoned before their freedom was miraculously restored.
Monday, June 24: The included shore excursion drives through the colorful town of Kusadasi to reach biblical Ephesus where Paul spent a major part of his missionary journey (Acts 19) and of course wrote the Letter to the Ephesians (one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation). Your guided walking tour takes you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus, and The Great Theatre, the largest one in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 where Paul caused a riot (Acts 19:22). Walk along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. Before boarding the ship, free time in the shopping city of Kusadasi, specializing in Turkish carpets, jewelry, and leather.
Tuesday, June 25: Heraklion, Crete, optional shore excursions including the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home to king Minos and the legendary Minotaur; the Minoan culture was the highest in the world (the first throne in Europe is still there) till it vanished seemingly overnight, perhaps a victim of the tsunami caused by the volcanic destruction of Atlantis. Or an optional drive
through the countryside exploring charming villages while learning of Cretan culture and traditions. Paul had a stopover on the island on his way to Rome in about 61 A.D., then returned with Titus around 64 A.D. He left Titus to minister on the island.
Wednesday, June 26: Santorini, most breathtaking of all the Greek islands—which may have been ancient Atlantis since half of the island sheared off from a volcano. The exquisite white- washed villages, including the town of Fira, or Thira, cling to volcanic cliffs, accessible only by cablecar. After reaching the cliff peak, a walking-tour of the city is included with other excursions available. The town of Oia has the most famous views, and this option is highly recommended.
Thursday, June 27: Mykonos, a small architectural miracle, with its gleaming whitewashed buildings and windmills--and one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world. Guided walking tour of the city is included, led by the tour escort; other excursions are available at additional cost.
Friday, June 28: To many, Milos is the most exotic island in the Aegean Sea because of its extraordinary colors and landscape. Highlights of Milos include Sarakiniko and Kleftiko, with white rock formations, emerald-green waters, and caves eroded by the sea, all steeped in stories of pirates. But they are rivalled by early Christian catacombs, an array of beaches, and the multi-colored settle- ments of Klima, Emborios and Mandrakia, with their quaint buildings cut into the cliffs. Milos is where the Venus de Milo (the exquisite life-sized marble statue believed to be the goddess Aphrodite, now housed in the Louvre) was discovered.
Saturday, June 29: Disembark at Athens port and transfer to airport for the flight to Rome. Check into well-located 4-star hotel for dinner.
Sunday, June 30: Visit St. Paul’s Church Outside the Walls, marking the burial place of the martyred St Paul. We then make our way to the Appian Way, walking a short distance on the road which Paul would have walked on his way to Rome. After lunch
on own, we visit the Colosseum, which symbolizes the eternity of the Roman civilization. Next, we walk through the Forum of ancient Rome, pausing at the Basilica Julius, the courthouse where Paul may well have endured his trial. We see the Triumphal Arch of Titus, which documents the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and plundering of the Temple, including the theft of the Menorah. Finally, we walk to the Piazza Venezia, dominated by the imposing monument of Vittorio Emanuel II. We get picked up
nearby by our bus (optional—or stay on own) and drive back to our hotel, dinner on your own in a restaurant of your choice, and overnight in Rome.
Monday, July 1: our first stop this morning is the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, the celebrated Chapel of the Popes and the venue of the Conclaves for Papal elections—we, of course, have timed “skip the line” tickets. The Vatican Museum is filled with priceless art, statuary, and tapestry. At the end of the museum tour, entry to The Sistine Chapel, one of the most splendid
masterpieces in the history of world art and known around the world for its magnificent ceiling, beautifully decorated by Michelangelo. From here, our next visit is to the Basilica of St. Peter, the largest church in the world, constructed over the tomb of St Peter and overlooking the enormous Piazza San Pietro where crowds gather to receive the Pope's blessing and be first to know a new Pope has been elected. After a break for lunch on our own, we tour the panoramic highlights of eternal city. Driving through the main streets of Rome, we will marvel at the monuments of this great capital—especially stopping at the Fontana di Trevi, following tradition by tossing a coin into the fountain, promising a return to Rome. Dinner on your own and overnight in Rome.
Tuesday, July 2: Breakfast at hotel before flying home with golden memories of the glories that were Greece and the grandeur that was Rome.
*$5,795 includes airfare at $1400 from Newark. Price for your preferred airport could be lower or higher. Price includes exterior cabin with window; balcony stateroom may be available.
Terms & Conditions
U.S. passport valid through end of January 2025 is required; anyone with non-U.S. passport, please contact tour operator.
Payment schedule: Initial $500 deposit required by January 15, 2024. (Space is limited and first-come, first served, so to be sure of space enroll early). Final payment is due May 1, 2024.
Tour price includes :
- Air transportation arranged from your preferred airport. Tour organizer Ron Cansler will assist with your airline arrangements. $1400 allowance is figured into total tour price for air arrangements; some airports might be less or more expensive. Cancellations after the air tickets have been issued are subject to a cancellation penalty as imposed by the airline. Fuel charge and current taxes/fees are included. Please note: frequent flyer miles or credit card points cannot be used to purchase or upgrade air tickets; however, if you arrange your own airfare, including premium seats, you will deduct $1400 from the final payment.
- Accommodation in deluxe hotels and exterior cabin on ship (balcony cabins may be available at additional cost). Anyone in a single room pays an additional $1295.
- Meals daily buffet breakfasts in hotels, all dinners in Greece, one dinner in Rome, all meals on cruise.
- Sightseeing in the land itinerary; one shore excursion in Ephesus included, other shore excursions optional.
- One regular-sized suitcase, maximum 50 pounds, is currently allowed free of charge plus one personal item and one “carry-on.” Tour organizers accept no liability for loss or damage to any baggage.
- All tips are included, land and sea.
Cancellation policy: No penalty for written cancellations received before January 15, 2024. Written cancellations received January 15-April 30, are subject to a $500 cancellation penalty per person. No refund after April 30. No refund made for missed services while on tour. In addition to the above cancellation fees, airline tickets are not refundable once issued. We recommend the purchase of travel insurance, which covers medical expenses as well as cancellation penalties and other eventualities. Information on travel insurance is available. Contact: Ron Cansler for details.
Responsibility: Joe and Kim Olachea and Ronald L. Cansler dba Escorted Travel Concepts, LLC, and their agents act only in the capacity of agents in all matters, and as such, are not responsible for any damage, expense, or inconvenience caused by late plane/ship arrival or departure or by any change of schedule or other condition, nor the loss of or damage to any person or property from any cause whatsoever. The sponsoring organization reserves the right to withdraw the tour at any time or make changes in the published itinerary whenever in their sole judgment conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience or safety of the tour. Services of any regularly-scheduled jet carrier may be used on this tour. Payment of deposit by tour participants indicates acceptance of above terms and conditions.
To register send $500 per person. Make check payable to “Escorted Travel” OR contact Kim Olachea to pay with credit card or ACH.
Mail to Escorted Travel—Olachea, 210 Amber Brush Lane, Joplin MO 64801
For more information, contact Kim Olachea
Disciple North America Tours
A Ministry of Dr. Joe Olachea
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For more information about our ministries or to sign up
for the 2024 Greece & Rome Trip:
Shoot us an email info@disciplepath.org
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