In the Footsteps of Saint Paul

Highlights

Thessalonica | Berea | Athens | Corinth | Mycenea | Mykonos | Ephesus | Crete | Santorini

Highlights:

  • Visit Kavala, Greece’s prettiest mainland port and the first European city to accept Christianity
  • City tour of Athens, including the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Acropolis
  • Enjoy a devotional in the midst of the Church of Corinth where Paul preached,
  • Aegean Sea cruise around Greek islands and Ephesus, Turkey

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Accommodations

At IWorld of Travel, we understand that where you stay is as important as the destination itself. Rest assured, we are in the process of hand-selecting accommodations that align with our high standards of luxury and comfort. Our portfolio exclusively features 4 and 5-star properties, as well as boutique hotels that are not just places to stay, but integral parts of your travel experience. These establishments are chosen for their exceptional service, prime locations, and the unique charm that they bring to your journey. We are committed to ensuring that your accommodations will enhance your trip and we look forward to sharing the details with you soon.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Thessalonica
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Thessalonica and watch the New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians come alive. En route to the hotel view the old city ramparts, the newly excavated Forum, St. George church and the UNESCO World Heritage site Arch of Galerius and Rotunda. The remainder of the day is free to relax and explore on your own. (B,D)

Day 2: Thessalonica
Begin the day by following the massive battlement Byzantine wall to the citadel for a panoramic view of the city. Continue to Kavala, Greece’s prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Sillas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! Then on to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. View the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ and visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. Return to Thessalonica and visit St. Demetrius Basilica, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert. (B)

Day 3: Thessalonica | Berea | Meteora
Travel to Berea and see the monument to Paul made from colorful mosaic tiles. Visit the tomb King Phillip (father of Alexander the Great) in Vergina. In the afternoon, see the world-famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched precariously on summits of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. (B)

Day 4: Meteora | Athens | Planka
Travel to Athens, the birthplace democracy! Visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. Later, tour the Ancient Agora archaeological site, the house of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace. (B)

Day 5: Athens | Corinth | Mycenea
Travel to the ancient Corinth, the city that inspired many of Paul’s most familiar letters. See the Archaeological Museum, the market place, the Bema and the Temples. Enjoy a devotional in the midst of the Church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached, enhance your understanding and love of I & II Corinthians. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. Continue to Mycenae where the remains of the ancient city date back to the Bronze Age. (B)

Day 6: Mycenea | Athens | Mykonos
Cruise Transfer to Athens and board your 3-day cruise. The first stop in on the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. Experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes and then stroll the charming walkways through a maze of whitewashed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening activities. (B,D)

Day 7: Ephesus | Patmos
Dock in Turkey to enjoy a tour of Ephesus, the city of the Bible and one of the largest restorations still in progress, with miles of ancient treasures. View the Library, Agora, temple of Artemis, and visit the Basilica of St. John. The Basilica is believed to be the site of the grave of John. The next stop is a small valley where a humble chapel lies on the site of the little house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. In the afternoon, visit the isle of Patmos, whose historic center is UNESCO World Heritage site. Take tour to see the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the cave claimed to be where John received the Revelation. Back on the ship, enjoy the Captain’s dinner. (B,D)

Day 8: Crete | Santorini
Tour Crete, the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. An optional tour is available to Heraklion and the fantastic ruins of the palace of Knossos, believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. In the afternoon, visit the island of Santorini which is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. The town of Thera features white washed houses, narrow streets, and open air cafes accessible by cable-car or mules. You can choose an optional sailing tour around an active volcano crater. Return to the ship for dinner and entertainment. (B,D)

Day 9: Athens Disembark your cruise in Athens. Transfer to your hotel for a day of leisure. At night, a farewell dinner tonight at one of the typical taverns in Plaka. (B,D)

Optional: Tour Dephi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the museum and marvel at the site of the Charioteer a bronze statue so delicate you can see its eyelashes. In the afternoon, you may choose to travel along a coastal road past many wonderful beaches to the Southernmost point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand.

Day 10: Departure from Athens
Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Program Code

F-0107

Tour Length

10 Days / 9 Nights

Tour Countries

Tour Regions

Tour Specialties

IWorld Regions
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