Depart from home and head to Athens, Greece. 

Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight — tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!

Arrival in Athens and transfer to our hotel. 

Dinner and overnight at Wyndham Grand Athens Hotel.

Morning departure from our hotel. We will begin our sightseeing of Athens as we drive to Corinth. Visit the sites in Mycenae and then head back to Athens.

Corinth: this city connects the Peloponnese to mainland Greece and was a bustling commercial hub renowned for its strategic location and prosperity. With its diverse population and cultural influence, it became a crucial center for trade, arts, and worship. The Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys brought Christianity to this vibrant city, leaving and enduring spiritual legacy that shaped the early Christian community in Greece and beyond.

Mycenae: an ancient Greek city known for its legendary Bronze Age civilization, is famed for its monumental architecture. This architecture includes the Lion Gate and the imposing citadel. Explore these fascinating ruins and discover its rich cultural legacy. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides valuable insights into the early civilization of Greece, complementing the historical context of the Apostle Paul’s ministry in the region.

Dinner and overnight at the Wyndham Grand Athens Hotel again.

Morning transfer to port of Piraeus to embark on our cruise — Celestyal Cruises. We will arrive in Mykonos in the afternoon and be there until late evening. 

Mykonos: an alluring Greek island in the Aegean Sea celebrated for its stunning beaches, lively town, and architecture. In Mykonos, you can indulge in a variety of experiences, and visit iconic landmarks like the 16th century windmills and the picturesque district of Little Venice.

Upon return to the ship we will continue our journey in the Mediterranean Sea as we sleep.

Today we are docked in Kusadasi and head for our excursion towards ancient Ephesus.

Ephesus: it is here where Paul first came on his 2nd missionary journey (Acts 18:19-21). Ephesus was one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world and its former glory can still be appreciated today from its well-preserved streets, temples, fountains, public baths, terraced houses, and theatres. Paul returned to Ephesus on his 3rd missionary journey, staying and preaching for a period of about two years, where “special miracles” were wrought (Acts 19:11-12 & 20:20).

We will sail in the afternoon for a short journey to the island of Patmos. In Patmos we will visit the cave of John and Patmos Monastery.

Cave of John: this cave, also known as the Cave of the Apocalypse, is a sacred site on the Greek island of Patmos. It is believed to be the location where Saint John the Apostle received the visions that inspired the Book of Revelation. This significant spiritual site offers profound connection to early Christian heritage.

Patmos Monastery: this UNESCO World Heritage site is a Byzantine monastery, dating back to the 11th century. It houses valuable religious artifacts and a remarkable library. It is renowned for its historical significance and serves as a site of pilgrimage amongst Christian believers.

Overnight aboard the cruise ship.

Today we are docked on the island of Rhodes. We disembark and head towards the ancient site of Lindos. In Lindos, we will see the ancient ruins of the Acropolis of Lindos and the Port of St. Paul. It is here that the Apostle Paul stopped during his last journey to Jerusalem from Miletus.

Acropolis of Lindos: this ancient citadel is renowned for its archaeological significance and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. This historical site, featuring remnants of ancient temples, theatres, and monumental stairways, offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Port of St. Paul: according to tradition, it is at this site in Greece that the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked during his journey to Rome. This account is described in Acts 27.

Overnight on the cruise ship.

In the morning we arrive in Heraklion, Crete. Here we will have the option ot discover the city on our own or spend our time on the beautiful coastal beach. In the afternoon, we will sail to Santorini where we will transfer to Oia to have the best sunset view in the world.

Following breakfast in the morning, we begin with our tour of the Meteora Monasteries. From there our group will travel southward past Thermopylae where we will learn about the famous Spartan battle.

Meteora Monasteries: this collection of stunning monastic complexes are perched atop towering natural sandstone rock pillars. These UNESCO World Heritage sites, dating back to the 14th century, serve as a testament to the dedication and resilience of the Eastern Orthodox monks who once sought refuge in these awe-inspiring retreats. Today, these monasteries continue to captivate guests with their remarkable architecture, spiritual significance, and breathtaking panoramic views.

Overnight and dinner at the Grand Meteora hotel in Kalambaka.

We will drive to Berea to view the ancient synagogue where the Apostle Paul spoke. The Bema is surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the “more noble” church. 

We will continue to Thessaloniki following the famous Via Egnatia. We will arrive in the city driving past remnants of the original Roman road that spanned the nation during Paul’s time. En route we will view the old city ramparts; the newly excavated Forum; St. George’s Church; and the Galerius Arch.

Via Egnatia: this prominent Roman road was constructed during the 2nd century BC. This road connected the Adriatic Sea to Byzantium (Istanbul). This vital trade and military route fostered the flow of commerce, culture, and ideas, contributing significantly to the expansion of the Roman Empire’s influence across the Balkans and Greece. Although not directly linked to the Apostle Paul and his time in Greece, the Via Egnatia facilitated the socio-cultural exchange that indirectly shaped the historical backdrop of Paul’s missionary journeys in the region.

St. George’s Church: this has a storied history that reflects the city’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Constructed during the Byzantine era, the church stands as a testament to the flourishing Byzantine artistic and architectural tradition. Over the centuries, it has weathered numerous historical events and transformations, embodying the enduring spirit of Orthodox Christianity and serving as a symbol of spiritual resilience ofr the local community and visitors alike.

Galerius Arch: this triumphal arch, constructed during the late 3rd or early 4th century AD, commemorates the Roman Emperor Galerius’ military victories. Adorned with intricate reliefs and sculptures, the arch serves as a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire and stands as a prominent symbol of Thessaloniki’s rich cultural and historical legacy.

Dinner and overnight at Lazart Hotel in Thessaloniki.

We begin the day by following the massive battlement Byzantine wall to the citdael for a panoramic view of the city. Next we will visit Philippi and Kavala. 

Kavala is Greece’s prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christopolous beacuse it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city.

Continue on to Phillipi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will view the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ. Of course we will also visit the crypt, traditionally thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and Theatre.

We return to Thessaloniki and visit St. Demetrius Basilica, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert, before returning to the hotel for our overnight.

Dinner and overnight at the Capsis Hotel.

We will take a morning flight from Thessaloniki to Athens. As we arrive in Athens, we will start to explore the city of democracy. We will visit the Acropolis Museum, followed by free time for lunch at Plaka. After lunch we will continue exploring the Acropolis and Mars Hill.

Acropolis: a UNESCO World Heritage site and renowned ancient citadel. Dominating the city’s skyline, it houses several historically significant structures, including the iconic Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Dating back to the 5th century BC, the Acropolis represents the pinnacle of Classical Greek architecture and cultural achievement.

Mars Hill: also known as the Areopagus, this site holds a profound connection to the Apostle Paul’s ministry in Greece, as depicted in the New Testament. It was at this significant location in Athens that Paul delivered his renowned speech to the Athenians, articulating his interpretation of the Christian faith and engaging with the city’s intellectual and philosophical traditions. This pivotal moment in early Christian history reflects the dynamic interaction between Paul’s teachings and the philosophical climate of the ancient Athens, highlighting the cultural intersection between Christianity and classical Greek thought.

Dinner and overnight at the Wyndham Grand Athens Hotel once again.

Transfer to Athens international Airport to depart for home.