Footsteps of Saint Paul
Follow in the footsteps of Saint Paul and relive the beginnings of Christianity in Greece, learn about the ancient Greek civilization but also experience the modern day life of Greeks from the north to the south of the country!
Day 1 – Athens to Thessaloniki
Outline: Arrive in Athens & take connecting flight to Thessaloniki - Meet with our representative & transfer to hotel - Check-in – afternoon at leisure
Overnight in Thessaloniki
Highlights: Take some time after you check-in to walk the streets and seaside promenade of the Greek capital of the north! Have a Greek cold coffee (frappe) and taste the traditional bougatsa pie of Thessaloniki, while window shopping in the downtown market.
Day 2 – Philippi & Kavala
Outline: Early breakfast – Depart for Kavala & Philippi tour and visit St. Paul’s prison cell – late afternoon return to the hotel
Overnight in Thessaloniki
Highlights: Visit Philippi where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity. Here Paul baptized a “certain woman named Lydia» the first Christian convert in Europe. The Roman forum, completely excavated, is from after Paul’s time. Among the ruins, located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road is the prison where Paul and Silas were thrown. Continue into the modern port city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot in Europe.
Day 3 – Thessaloniki
Outline: Early breakfast – morning tour of Thessaloniki city highlights – late check-out – travel south to Kalambaka
Overnight in Kalambaka
Highlights: In the morning, enjoy a city tour of Thessaloniki. Paul preached in this city during the winters of 49-50 AD and wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. See the ramparts of the city, the White Tower and the triumphal Arch of Galerius starting the Via Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman After lunch, depart for Kalambaka and the Meteora Monasteries.
Day 4 – Meteora Monasteries
Outline: Early breakfast –Visit 2 of the monasteries of Meteora – Lunch – Continue your journey south to Delphi
Overnight in Delphi
Highlights: In the morning, visit the marvelous monasteries of Meteora, breathtaking structures sitting atop gray-rock pinnacles jutting over 2km into the Sky (Meteora means "hanging between Heaven and Earth"). Visit two of the monasteries still in use and view the ancient manuscripts, ornate icons and Byzantine artifacts. Before departing for Delphi, take a few moments to admire the striking scenery.
Day 5 – Delphi
Outline: Leisurely breakfast – Visit Delphi archaeological site & Museum – Lunch – travel to Athens
Overnight in Athens
Highlights: Visit Delphi, the center of the Ancient world – the “omphalos” (navel) of the earth – whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Enjoy a three part visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo; the Sanctuary of Athena at Marmaria; and the Museum. After lunch in the village of Delphi, continue your journey southbound to the Greek capital.
Day 6 – Athens & Corinth
Outline: Early breakfast – Athens city tour in the morning – Lunch – Corinth tour in the early afternoon
Overnight in Athens
Highlights: Visit the Acropolis to see the ruins of the Parthenon, Erectheum and Propylae. Standing on Mars Hill, view the Agora, the ancient market place where Paul spoke to the ancient Athenians. See the House of Parliament, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Presidential Palace, Hadrian’s Arch and the Panathenaic Stadium. After lunch, continue your tour to Ancient Corinth. Here under the shadow of the towering Acropolis, St. Paul preached and lived for two years. The vigorous and mostly Gentile Church he founded here in 50 AD caused him much grief and prompted him to write at least four letters to them. Visit the ruins of the ancient city where Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. See the remains of first century shops, the agora where Paul’s trial by Gallio took place, the Fountain of Peirene, Temple of Apollo and the Bema.
Day 7 – Fly back home
After your late-morning check-out, our Greece a la carte representative will meet you and drive you to Athens airport to catch your flight back home.
