Steps of Apostle Paul in Greece & Rome

DEPART FROM THE U.S.

• Our journey begins today as we depart on our flight to Athens.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight while you prepare yourself for a life-changing experience.

• Meals: On Board
•    Accommodation: On Board

WELCOME TO GREECE

• Upon arrival in Athens international airport, you will be warmly greeted by our Airport representative and driver. You’ll be transferred to your Athens hotel, where you can settle in and relax for the day. Enjoy a leisurely evening to absorb the atmosphere of this ancient city before a welcoming dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Athens.

• Meals: Dinner at Hotel
• Accommodation:  Athens, Royal Olympic Hotel or Athens Marriott Hotel or Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel
•   Arrival Transfer:  Complimentary

ANCIENT CORINTH

• After early breakfast we will start our journey and drive to Ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18). The Bible mentions Corinth, Greece in several verses, including Acts 18, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Corinthians. We will take the coastal road along the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea.
• Afterward, travel to Corinth, a city where Paul spent a significant portion of his ministry. Walk through the ruins of ancient Corinth, including the Bema (judgment seat) where Paul stood before Gallio and preached to the people. Visit the museum, which houses artifacts from this pivotal location in early Christian history. View the ruins of the 5th century basilica at the ancient port Cenchrea (Acts 18:18), this is the port from which Paul sailed. We head back to Athens and arrive at our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

• Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation:  Athens, Royal Olympic Hotel or Athens Marriott Hotel or Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel

ATHENS CITY TOUR / PARTHENON / MODERN ATHENS / ACROPOLIS MUSEUM

• After breakfast, we will start our touring at one of the most famous sites in Athens, the magnificent temple of the Acropolis of Athens, known as the Parthenon. Built between 447 and 432BCE, this is the picture-perfect spot in Athens. Paul preached in Athens, and at Mars Hill, you’ll reflect on his famous speech to the Athenians, where he spoke of the “Unknown God” and introduced the message of Christianity. We will have an overview of modern day Athens and we will visit the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Parliament House, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, Presidential Palace, the Academy, the University and the National Library. We will end the day at the Acropolis Museum before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay (B,D).

  From the scriptures –  “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription ‘to an unknown God’.  What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you…” Acts 17:22-23

• Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation:  Athens, Royal Olympic Hotel or Athens Marriott Hotel or Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel

ANCIENT DELPHI / SANCTUARY OF APOLLO / BATTLEFIELD OF THERMOPYLAE / KALAMBAKA

• After breakfast, we leave Athens and make our way to the ancient site of Delphi, once regarded as the center of the ancient world, with influence that stretched far beyond Greece. Here, we explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the archaeological museum, home to remarkable ancient Greek sculptures, including the bronze Charioteer and the renowned athlete Aghias.
• Depart Delphi for a scenic drive through central Greece, traveling past forested mountains and the coastal plains near the thermal springs of Thermopylae. Stop at the historic battlefield to see the statue of King Leonidas and learn about the heroic stand of the 300 Spartans against the vast Persian army in one of history’s most legendary battles.
• Our journey continues to Kalambaka, one of Greece’s most picturesque towns. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

• Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation:  Kalambaka, Grand Meteora Hotel or Divani Meteora Hotel

METEORA MONASTERIES / VERIA (BEREA) / VERGINA / THESSALONIKI

• After early breakfast we will visit Meteora, a region renowned for its awe-inspiring 11th century monasteries, perched on towering rock formations. The history of these monasteries is closely tied to the devotion of Christian hermits and monks who sought solitude and spiritual fulfillment on these heights. We will visit some of these active monasteries, which house priceless relics, icons, and manuscripts, offering insight into the Byzantine era’s profound influence on Christianity.
• We will head to Veria (Berea), where Paul was welcomed into the synagogue and preached to the people (Acts17:10-15). See the monument marking the spot where the Apostle Paul’s was preaching and delivered his message, and the Bema where he stood to proclaim the Gospel. Continue to Vergina, where the ancient royal tombs, including that of King Philip, offer a glimpse into the history of Macedonia and its influence on early Christianity.

• We will end the day driving to the city of Thessaloniki, known as the “Queen of the North.” This vibrant city is deeply connected to early Christian history, as it was the place where Paul wrote two of his epistles to the Thessalonians. Thessaloniki was an important site for Paul’s missionary work that hold rich history of the early Christian Church. Check-in at the hotel in Thessalonica for dinner and overnight.

• From the scriptures – “The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.” (Acts 17:10-14)

  “Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace and the following day to Neapolis ” (Act 16:11)

• Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Thessaloniki, The Met Hotel or Mediterranean Palace Hotel

THESSALONIKI

• After breakfast, we will start a city tour of Thessaloniki. Built by King Cassandros and named after the sister of Alexander the Great, the city flourished under the Byzantine Empire. We will see the Old City Walls, the White Tower, Galerius Arch and the Rotunda.
• Then, visit the Aghia Sofia Church, an 8th-century Christian church modeled after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. You’ll also visit St. Demetrios Church, with its impressive mosaics and frescoes, which bear witness to the city’s deep Christian roots.
• Visit the Byzantine Museum, the site where the monastery of Vlatadon was built is believed to be the location where Jason’s house once stood and where Paul was accommodated during his visit to Thessaloniki.  Enjoy dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

From the scriptures – “Paul came to Thessaloniki with Silas and following his usual custom, he went to the Synagogue where he used the Jewish scriptures as the source for his preaching.” (Act 17:2-4)

• Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Thessaloniki, The Met Hotel or Mediterranean Palace Hotel

KAVALLA AND PHILIPPI

• Today, you will visit the historic city of Kavala (ancient Neapolis), the port where Paul and his companions first landed on European soil.
• Continue to Philippi, where the Apostle Paul established a strong church and sent his letter (Acts 16:9-33). This location is a significant site for early Christianity. It was here that Paul preached and converted Lydia, the first European Christian, marking the beginning of the spread of Christianity throughout the continent. We see the river where Lydia is said to have been baptized, the ruins of a prison where the Apostle Paul and Sylas had been kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica and the Theater.Visit the Panagia Eikosifinitsa Monastery before returning to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

From the scriptures – “Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace and the following day to Neapolis ” (Act 16:11) “And from thence to Philippi which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony; and we were in that city abiding certain days.” (Act 16:12)

• Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner 
• Accommodation: Thessaloniki, The Met Hotel or Mediterranean Palace Hotel

FLY FROM GREECE TO ITALY

• After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Thessaloniki International Airport for our flight to Rome, Italy. The Apostle Paul arrived in Rome in the spring of 60 AD and spent two years in Rome, teaching about Jesus and proclaiming the kingdom of God. Upon arrival in Rome, we’ll transfer to our hotel, where we’ll be staying for the next three nights. After checking in, you’ll have some free time to relax. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a half-day tour of the Catacombs, an incredible network of burial galleries where thousands of early Christians were interred. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

• Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation: Rome, Bettoja Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio or La Griffe Roma Hotel
• Departure  and  Arrival Transfer – Complimentary

ROMAN FORUM / MAMERTINE PRISON / COLISEUM / OSTIA ANTICA

• After breakfast, we’ll begin our walking tour of the ancient Roman Forum, the vibrant heart of Ancient Rome. From there, we’ll continue to the Arch of Titus, built to commemorate the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
• Next, we’ll visit the exterior of the Mamertine Prison, traditionally thought to be where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. Our journey continues with a visit to the legendary Coliseum, once the site of gladiatorial games where countless lives were lost. Opened in AD 80, the Coliseum could hold between 40,000 and 80,000 spectators. Recently, part of its floor has been restored, offering a fascinating look at the labyrinth of tunnels, cells, and ramps used to transport gladiators and animals.
• We will end our touring day exploring the ruins of Ostia Antica, providing a remarkable glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome, and the Ostian Gate, now known as the Gate of St. Paul. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. 

From the scriptures – “And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him”. (Acts 28:16-30)

• Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Rome, Bettoja Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio or La Griffe Roma Hotel

VATICAN CITY / ST. PETER’S BASILICA / SCALA SANTA / ABBEY OF THE THREE FOUNTAINS / ST PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS

• After breakfast, our day of sightseeing begins in Vatican City, where we’ll visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums, home to some of the world’s most celebrated masterpieces.
• Next, we’ll head to the Abbey of the Three Fountains, the traditional site of the Apostle Paul’s martyrdom, and walk along the ancient road he once traveled.
• We’ll also visit the 4th-century Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where Paul’s tomb lies.
• The day concludes with a visit to the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), which, according to Catholic tradition, were the steps Jesus ascended to face trial before Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. These stairs are believed to have been brought to Rome by Helena, Constantine’s mother. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

• Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Rome, Bettoja Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio or La Griffe Roma Hotel

DEPARTURE FLIGHT BACK TO THE U.S.

• After a delicious breakfast breakfast, you will be transferred to the Rome airport for your flight home

• Meals: Buffet Breakfast
• Accommodation: On Board flight
• Departure Transfer – Complimentary for Sunday departures