Footsteps of Paul 2024

Description

Follow in the footsteps of Paul on this unforgettable tour of Biblical Greece. Journey with us from his landing site at Neapolis through ancient Philippi, Amphipolis, Thessaloniki, Berea, Athens and Corinth. This magical trip will enrich your faith and deepen your understanding of the Biblical text. Also includes visits to the dramatic Christian cliff monasteries at Meteora and  the ancient pagan religious center at Delphi.

Footsteps of Paul Tour of Biblical Greece

A day-by-day itinerary for the Footsteps of Paul Tour taking place 18-25 September 2024.

Day 1 – Wednesday, 18 September
Arrival day in Thessaloniki, Greece. Transfer to our hotel for check-in. 17:00 muster at the hotel for welcome cocktail, orientation and dinner.

Day 2 – Thursday, 19 September
Breakfast at the hotel. Bus to Kavala (ancient Neapolis), where Paul landed in Europe on his second missionary journey. Time allowing, optional hike to the Acropolis of Kavala, including a visit to the 15th century Fortress. Bus to Philippi for group lunch and tour of the Archeological Site of Philippi, including the Roman Forum, Amphitheatre, “Prison,” Christian Basilica and Octagon Church.

Short bus ride to the Baptistery of Lydia where Paul won his first European converts. Devotional talk. Return to Thessaloniki, following the route of the Via Egnatia. Stop along the way for a group photo at the famous Lion of Amphipolis, a 4th century BCE funerary monument. Dinner in Thessaloniki near the waterfront.

Day 3 – Friday, 20 September
Breakfast at the hotel. Walking tour of the major sights, including the Roman Agora, the 6th century St Dimitrius Church, the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda. Lunch on the go. Afternoon free time to continue exploring the city at your own pace. (Recommendations and maps provided). Evening devotional talk before group dinner near the hotel.

Day 4 – Saturday, 21 September
Breakfast at the hotel. Bus to Verioa (biblical Berea). Visit the Monument to Paul and the Museum of Byzantine Art. Introduction to Iconography. Devotional talk and lunch in Veroia. Afternoon bus to Meteora. For hotel check-in and dinner nearby.

Day 5 – Sunday, 22 September
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit one or two of the “floating” monasteries of Meteora still operating and open to visitors. Built during the 14th and 15th centuries, these monasteries are second only to Mount Athos in importance for Greek Orthodox Christians. Group lunch at Meteora. Devotional Talk.

Bus to Athens with a brief stop at Thermopylae on the way, the famous battlefield where a vastly outnumbered Greek force squared off against the Persian army in 480 BCE. Check-in and dinner at the hotel.

Day 6 – Monday, 23 September
Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning to explore Athens at your leisure. (Maps, recommendations and cheat sheets provided). Lunch on your own. Meet at the hotel for 16:00 walk to Mars Hill, overlooking the Ancient Agora. Read the biblical account of Paul’s meeting with the Areopagus, in which he declares to them knowledge of the “Unknown God.” Evening visit to the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, Erechtheum, Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike. Group photo in front of the Parthenon. Dinner near the base of the Acropolis.

Day 7 – Tuesday, 24 September
Breakfast at the hotel. Bus to Ancient Corinth, where Paul stayed 18 months and established one of the first churches in Europe. Visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum and the famous Bema, where Paul stood before Governor Gallio when the Corinthian Jews opposed his teachings. Group lunch and devotional talk. Return to Athens. Visit the port of Cenchreae on the way, where the Apostle Paul had his hair cut to fulfill a vow.Farewell dinner at a traditional Greek Taverna.

Day 8 – Wednesday, 25 September
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport and departure for home.