Footsteps of the Apostles
A Journey Through Greece and Turkey
12 days / 10 Nights
Explore the ancient lands of Greece and Turkey where the New Testament comes alive. Retrace the voyages of the Apostle Paul, delve into the early church’s history, and witness the spread of the Gospel. From the historic cities of Athens and Corinth to the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus and the sacred island of Patmos, embark on a spiritual and historical journey that will leave you deeply moved and inspired.
Tour Highlights
Tour Inclusions
Tour Exclusions
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Departure for Greece
Begin your spiritual adventure with an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece. Meals and overnight on board, reflecting on the journey ahead and the historical significance of the places you will visit.
Day 2: Into the Footsteps of Paul – Thessaloniki
Upon our arrival in Thessaloniki, we enter the world of the New Testament, where St. Paul and his companions established the first Christian communities during his four missionary journeys. We will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The evening will allow us to settle in, enjoy a delightful dinner, and rest in preparation for the days ahead. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 3: Thessaloniki – Kavala – Philippi
We begin in Kavala, where Paul landed with Timothy and Silas, and see landmarks like the Byzantine castle and Roman Aqueduct. Following the ancient Via Egnatia, we travel to Philippi, where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe and was imprisoned. The ruins of this significant site reveal its historical importance, including the victory of Octavian and Antony over Brutus and Cassius. We return to Thessaloniki to explore the ancient city, visiting St. Demetrius Basilica, the White Tower, and the Arch of Galerius. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 4: Thessaloniki City Tour – Veria – Meteora
Our day begins with a visit to the tomb of King Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. From there, we travel to Veria, known for its numerous Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, earning it the name ‘Small Jerusalem’. We will visit the Church of the Resurrection, one of Veria’s most famous sites. In the afternoon, we marvel at the unique natural phenomenon of Meteora, where Byzantine monks built their monastic community atop 24 perpendicular rocks 600 years ago. We will visit two of these timeless monasteries to see the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 5: Delphi – Athens
After breakfast, we explore the ancient site of Delphi, home to the oracle of Apollo and considered the ‘navel of the world’ in ancient Greek religion. The sanctuary of Delphi, blending harmoniously with its superb landscape, was the religious center and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. In the afternoon, we travel to Athens and have some free time to explore the city at our leisure. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
Day 6: Full-Day Tour in Athens – Areopagus and the Acropolis
Our day begins with a panoramic city tour of Athens, offering an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make the city unique. We visit the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. Rising 377 feet above the land below, Mars Hill, near the Acropolis and Agora, is where Paul delivered one of his most important gospel presentations, addressing the religious idolatry of the Greeks. We visit the ancient Roman Agora and the Acropolis, exploring the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Parthenon, which epitomizes the harmony between material and spirit. We return to our hotel and enjoy a free afternoon in Athens. Overnight in Athens.
Day 7: Athens – Start the 4-Night Cruise – Mykonos
We drive to the Port of Lavrio to board The Olympia, beginning our 4-day Greek Islands cruise. Our first stop is the island of Mykonos, famous for its charming windmills, cobblestone streets, and beautiful countryside. We explore the island before returning to the ship for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Ephesus (Turkey) – Patmos (Greece)
We disembark in Kusadasi and visit the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, one of Asia Minor’s greatest archaeological sites. Walking along the broad marble streets where Paul once walked, we see the Temple of Artemis, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Celsus Library. We marvel at the massive theater where Paul faced opposition for his teachings. In the afternoon, we cruise to the island of Patmos, where the apostle John wrote the book of Revelation. We visit the Monastery of St. John and the cave where he was imprisoned. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Rhodes
We arrive at the island of Rhodes and spend the day exploring its medieval city and the acropolis of Lindos. We see the ancient temple of Athena, the houses of captains, and the Church of Our Lady of Lindos. Walking through the city of Rhodes, we visit the Street of the Knights and see the residences of the knights with their historical shields. In the afternoon, we reboard the ship and depart for Crete. Full board on board.
Day 10: Crete – Santorini
Arriving in Heraklion, Crete, we explore the island where Paul spent time as a prisoner and where Titus remained to help the churches. We take a walking tour through town and visit the Church of St. Titus. In the afternoon, we cruise to the stunning island of Santorini, known for its breathtaking views from the cliffs of Oia. Dinner and overnight on the ship.
Day 11: Athens – Corinth
We disembark in Athens and embark on a full-day tour to Ancient Corinth. Our first stop is the famous Isthmus canal, connecting the Peloponnese with central Greece and the Aegean with the Ionian seas. In Ancient Corinth, we explore the agora, the Temple of Apollo, and other significant artifacts dating back to 6000 BC. On our way back to Athens, we stop at the ancient port of Cenchreae, where Paul disembarked from Thessaloniki. Corinth holds great significance in the New Testament, with Paul addressing the city’s residents in his epistles. We return to Athens for our final night. Overnight in Athens.
Day 12: Return to the USA
Check out and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA. Reflect on the spiritual journey, the historical insights gained, and the connections made with early Christian communities as you return home with cherished memories and a renewed faith.
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