Footsteps of St. Paul

Greece and Turkey and Greek Islands

These unique Christian Tour packages combine the footsteps of St. Paul with cruising in Greece and Turkey. Participants have the opportunity to thoroughly explore a vast part of continental Greece, as well as get a glimpse of some characteristic Greek islands while on our 3-day cruise.

Day 1:
Arrival in Thessaloniki, the second largest and most significant city in the country, after the capital Athens. You will be met at ‘Macedonia’ Thessaloniki Airport and taken to your hotel for dinner. In the evening, you have free leisure time to rest and to prepare for your Christian tour. Overnight stay in Thessaloniki

Day 2:
Today, we visit the town of Kavala, a wealthy region of Greece, with a large natural port. Next, on our Christian tour itinerary is the ancient city of Neapolis, which was visited by Saints Paul, Timothy, Silas and Luke. Ancient Neapolis was renamed Chrisoupolis and was the first city in Europe to accept Christianity. After visiting the marvellous Roman aqueduct and the ruins of the Medieval Castle-Acropolis, we head for the town of Philippi, which was established by King Philip II in 358 B.C. Philippi was the location where St. Paul gave his first sermon, as well as baptized the first Christians on European soil. Later, St. Paul was held captive in a Roman crypt. We then visit the Ancient Site of Philippi, admiring the Acropolis, the Agora, the Basilicas and the ancient Theatre. Return to Thessaloniki for overnight stay.

Day 3:
Archives of correspondence between St. Paul and the Christian community of Thessaloniki can be found in area’s Books of the New Testament. We continue our Christian tour, visiting the ancient city walls, the Archaeological Museum, Agios Georgios Church, the ancient Roman Rotunda, and the Arch of Triumph of Emperor Galerius, built in 303 B.C. We also visit the city’s beautiful churches: the five-aisled Basilica of Agios Dimitrios that is built over the tomb of the saint, and the basilica of Hagia Sophia that is celebrated for its splendid mosaics. Departure for Kalambaka, the small town built on the ancient city of Aeginion, beneath the majestic rocks of Meteora. Overnight stay in Kalambaka.

Day 4:
Today, we visit two of the renowned Byzantine monasteries that are located in Kalambaka in Western Thessalia. Both monasteries are perched on giant, dramatic boulders, which reach the height of 100 to 150 meters. The Meteora was a flourishing community in the 14th century, having no less than 24 working monasteries. It was a place where monks sought isolation, refuge and spiritual salvation. Departure for Athens, for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5:
Transport to Piraeus Port, where we set off on a 3-day cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. Departure for Mykonos Island. Arrival in Mykonos in the afternoon. The island of Mykonos is a marvellous cosmopolitan holiday hotspot that combines an international jet-set atmosphere and stimulating nightlife. We recommend a nonchalant stroll in Mykonos Town to admire the whitewashed houses and flowered balconies, and to visit the beautiful church of Panagia Paraportiani. Other attractions in Mykonos Town include the island’s trademark windmills and the charming area of Alefkandra, Mykonos’ Little Venice. Departure for Rhodes Island.

Day 6: We arrive in Rhodes in the morning. This part of our Christian tour includes and optional half-day excursion to the Temple of Athena, which is situated on the impressive rocky Acropolis of Lindos, overlooking the elegant, whitewashed artists’ colony and the Aegean Sea. Boat trip to Kusadasi, Turkey

Day 7:
We reach Kusadasi, Turkey in the morning. Our optional excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus sets off from here. In the afternoon, we arrive in Patmos, the tranquil island where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelations. During the Patmos leg of our Christian tour, you can participate in our optional excursion to the monastery of St. John the Theologian and to the Holy Grotto of the Revelation. Departure for Piraeus

Day 8:
Today, you will be informed of the fantastic cruise to areas in the Peloponnese and begin our tour in Corinth, where we visit the ruins of the ancient city, which are perched on a hill above the modern town of Corinth. Our next destination is Mycenae, where we visit the Archaeological Museum, the sanctuary and the temples, as well as the impressive citadel of Agamemnon, the ancient acropolis, and the famous Lion’s Gate, which is said to symbolize the strength of the kings of Mycenae. Homer wrote that Mycenae is a “city rich in gold”. Return to Athens. Dinner and overnight stay in Athens.

Day 9:
Our day of sightseeing in Athens, one of the most magnificent ancient cities in the world, starts with a visit to the world famous Acropolis. On this sacred hill, you will see exquisite monuments, such as the Propylae Gates, the breathtaking Parthenon and the Erechtheion. We also visit the Areios Pagos Hill, the Ancient Agora, the Parliament Building, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace. After our Athens sightseeing tour, participants have the afternoon free to explore this captivating city. Dinner and overnight stay in Athens.

Day 10:
Transfer to Athens Airport for departure.

                      Footsteps of Paul in Greece & Turkey

Day 1-Thessalonica

Thessalonica (Acts 17:1–2) which is well known for the 2 New Testament books that were written about it called Thessalonians. We will have a short tour of the city on this first day which may include Jason’s home.

Day 2 – Kavala -

Spring where Lydia was Baptized (Acts 16:14–15)where the first European Christians came to Christ and were baptized Philippi (Thes.2:2) where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will see what is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. Kavala is Greece’s most beautiful mainland port. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas (Troy). This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Kavala-ancient Neopolis (Acts 16:11) We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala. Macedonia(Acts 16:8-10) you will drive through this northern area of Greece.

Day 3 – Thessalonica

Tour Thessalonica (Acts 17:1) See where Paul lived at Jason’s home. Visit Berea (Acts 17:10-14) A stop will be made in Berea to view the Bema surrounded by newly placed mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the “more noble” church. Travel to Meteora where you will see ageless monasteries and exquisite Byzantine art. Stay overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 4 - Corinth

Corinth (Acts 18:1-17) We will be stopping at the Corinth Canal and then travel to the ancient city of Corinth. The we will make a brief stop in the place where Paul would’ve landed in Corinth. This city has inspired many of Paul’s most familiar letters. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. Enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love of I & II Corinthians. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day.

Day 5 – Mykonos

On board the cruise ship heading to Mykonos We sail this morning from Athens to the unique isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. Experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes and then stroll the charming walkways through a maze of whitewashed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening activities. Be sure to find “little Venice” while you are there.

Day 6 – Rhodes

Rhodes (Acts 21:1) First, you will enjoy an excursion to the ancient city of Lindos. Magnificently situated between two bays with sandy beaches, an ancient acropolis and medieval castle, Lindos is famous as a most striking and impressive city where Paul stopped on his Journey. Rhodes is an ancient fortified city was built by the knights of St. John and is rich in Roman and Greek culture. Stroll down the Street of the Knights to the market area for shopping and a wonderful Greek lunch. We return to the ship for dinner. This evening you can participate in a special Greek night on board.

Day 7 – Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey (Rev 2:1-7) Enjoy a tour of Ephesus, the city of the Bible and one of the largest restorations still in progress with miles of ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city. We’ll view the Library, Agora, Temple of Artemis. We will also have some free time in the port to shop and look around. Patmos (Rev 1:9) We visit the Isle of Patmos roughing a town below the grotto of 3,000 people (the same number during John’s time), is under statutory protection as a historic monument. We will tour to see the fortified monastery of St. John and the cave where John received the Revelation.

Day 8 & 9 – Athens

Athens From the mountains, our tour travels southward past Mount Olympia and on to the city of Athens, the birth place of democracy. Visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul he spoke with the judges and near where he preached the “sermon to the unknown god” (Acts 17:22-31) to a Gentile nation. Additional sites include the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace.

Day 10 Return Home