Travel in the steps of the Apostle Paul through Thessalonica, Philippi, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. Along the way, visit Kavala and the monasteries of Meteora. Relax on a 3-day cruise to the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Crete, and Santorini and visit the ancient city of Ephesus.
Duration: 10 days.
DAY 1: SUNDAY – ARRIVE IN THESSALONICA
Arrive in Thessalonica, the second largest city of Greece. Enjoy the day at your leisure. Take a walk by the seaside promenade and explore the beautiful city center!
DAY 2: MONDAY – AMPHIPOLIS – PHILIPPI – KAVALA (NEAPOLIS)
Depart for Philippi, passing by the Lion statue of Amphipolis (short stop for photos). We visit the archaeological site of Philippi, where Paul established a strong church and sent his letter (Acts 16:9-33). We see the river where Lydia is said to have been baptized, the ruins of a prison where the Apostle Paul and Sylas had been kept, the Agora, the 5th and 6th-century Basilica, and the theater. After the visit, we continue to Kavala, the ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16:11) where we enjoy a panoramic tour before returning to Thessalonica for an overnight stay.
DAY 3: TUESDAY – THESSALONICA – BEREA – VERGINA – KALAMBAKA
This morning we drive to the upper part of the old city walls that offer excellent views of the city. After our sightseeing drive, we will make our way to Berea (Acts 17:10-15) where Paul arrived and according to his custom, went to the synagogue and discovered that these Jews were “more noble” than those he had encountered in Thessalonica (Acts 17:10-11). Continue to Vergina, the first capital of Macedonia, where we will visit the tomb of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. The tour also includes a visit to the museum that houses the priceless artifacts found here. In the late evening, we arrive at the beautiful town of Kalambaka.
DAY 4: WEDNESDAY – METEORA MONASTERIES – THERMOPYLAE – ATHENS
Enjoy a spectacular drive up to Meteora to visit two Monasteries built on the top of colossal symmetrical gray and reddish boulders. They are perched precariously high above the ground and were first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation. View the superb icons, old manuscripts, and unique mosaics and frescoes. In the afternoon, start the drive back to Athens passing by historical Thermopylae, where we visit King Leonidas of Sparta’s commemoratory monument.
DAY 5: THURSDAY – ATHENS
In the morning, we climb up to the marble-capped Acropolis Hill and visit the famous Parthenon and Erechtheion Temples. Walk to nearby Mars Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where Paul delivered his soul-stirring sermon to the giants of philosophy, logic, and learning and spoke about the inscription: “to an unknown god.” We continue our tour with a panoramic sightseeing of the city highlights. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure in Plaka, the oldest and most picturesque district of Athens.
DAY 6: FRIDAY – CRUISE TO MYKONOS
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Lavrion port for embarkation on the Greek Island cruise. Sail at 1.00 p.m. and enjoy lunch onboard. Our first port of call is Mykonos, where we have free time for walking and exploring the town. Stroll on your own through the whitewashed, flower-decked alleyways, climbing to the sculpture church of Paraportiani or along the waterfront of “Little Venice” to the famous windmills. Enjoy dinner on board and at 11.00 p.m. we sail for Kusadasi, Turkey.
DAY 7: SATURDAY – KUSADASI (TURKEY) – PATMOS (GREECE)
Arrive at Kusadasi port in Turkey at 7.00 am. This is the starting point for our tour of Ancient Ephesus (Acts 18:19-21). The Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived and worked here for some years. We tour the spectacular ruins in the city founded in the 10th century B.C. After the visit, we return to the port for re-embarkation at lunchtime and sail to Patmos. Arrive in Patmos (Revelation 1:9) in the afternoon and enjoy an optional tour to the Monastery of John the Evangelist, where he was exiled and wrote the Book of Revelation. We also visit the Grotto of the Revelation (Cave of the Apocalypse) before embarking on the cruise ship. Sail to Heraklion, Crete, and enjoy dinner onboard.
DAY 8: SUNDAY – CRETE & SANTORINI
At 7.00 a.m. we arrive at Heraklion, Crete (Acts 27:7-13). Enjoy the included excursion to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home of King Minos and the legendary Minotaur (half-bull and half-man). After the tour, we sail for Santorini at noon, the island with the most magnificent landscape! Ride the cable car up to the white-washed town of Thera, perched high on the rim of the ancient volcano. Set sail back to the port of Lavrion around 9:30 p.m.
DAY 9: MONDAY – ANCIENT CORINTH – CENCHREA – ATHENS
After disembarkation, we commence our enchanting drive along the Saronic Gulf. Our first stop is at the historic Corinth Canal for some photos before we continue to the Corinth archaeological site. It was Corinth (Acts 18:1-18) where the Apostle Paul lived and worked, establishing a thriving church, subsequently sending two of his epistles now part of the New Testament. Here, we see all of the sites associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Bema, and Gallio’s Seat. The small local archaeological museum here is an absolute must! Before returning to Athens, we pass by the port of Cenchrea. The evening will be free in Athens to explore the historical and modern center of the city.
DAY 10: TUESDAY – ATHENS DEPARTURE
After witnessing a unique visual and historical experience of the Old and New Testament sites in Greece, this Biblical journey has come to an end. You will be transferred to Athens International Airport for your departure flight.
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