Path of Paul Greece Tour & Cruise Special - November 2024

Our journey begins as we board our overnight connecting flight to Thessaloniki. Meals served on board.

Today we arrive in Thessaloniki, named after Alexander the Great’s sister. The city features prominently in the New Testament, at which time this provincial capital was considered a world cultural center. This community was the center of Paul’s activities in Northern Greece. It is where he preached and founded a church, and he wrote two epistles to the people of Thessaloniki (Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians). This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel.

Today we tour along the ancient route of the apostle Paul to Amphipolis (Acts 17:1). Our journey takes us to ancient Philippi, which was named after the father of Alexander the Great. This busy Roman colony boasted a great library and theater. In Philippi, Paul preached and established the first church in Europe, and it was the people of Philippi to whom he wrote one of his epistles while imprisoned in Rome (Acts 16:11-40; Philippians). It was in this area that Paul met Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She and her household accepted Christ and were baptized in the nearby river (Acts 16:11-15). Next we continue to Kavala, ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16:9-11). We return to our hotel in Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

This morning we stop in Veria (Beroea of the New Testament), where Paul and Silas were sent by friends after being accused of treason in Thessalonika (Acts 17:5-15). We visit the Bema, where Paul is said to have stood and preached the Gospel to the local community. Next we continue to Kalambaka to see the striking scenery of the hanging monasteries of Meteora. Perched on top of huge rocks that seem to be suspended in mid-air are ageless monasteries where we can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. There are 24 monasteries in total, with 6 currently inhabited. We visit one of them before checking into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Today we depart our hotel and drive to Athens. We stop at Thermopylae, the location where the Greeks victoriously fought for their freedom during the Greco-Persian wars in 480 BC. We see the statue of Leonidas, king of the Greek city-state Sparta. Next we continue to Athens, where we have a panoramic orientation tour and may have some free time to explore. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Today in Athens we visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Areopagus, and Mars Hill, where the apostle Paul delivered his well-known sermon (Acts 17:15-34). We see the Acropolis Museum, then have a tour of the Parliament House, the Academy, Omonia Square, and the Panathenaic Stadium. We have free time in the Plaka area, the ancient city of Athens. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Today we drive to Corinth to visit the archaeological site where the apostle Paul worked for 18 months with tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-18). We also see the handmade Corinth Canal connecting the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. Next we stop and see the ancient port of Cenchrea, where Paul stopped during his mission to the area. We learn about Isthmus, a trade center where Paul visited to spread the word between the crowds. Next we make our way to the beautiful seaport town of Nafplio, the first capital of Greece and a location rich in Venetian architecture, cobbled squares, and towering castles with commanding views of the Argolic Gulf. Here we view the water castle of Bourtzi and Palamidi Castle (note there are 999 steps to the top of the castle so, time permitting, we may have the option to climb to the top for an impressive view of the gulf). We return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

This morning we begin our journey home, reveling in our unforgettable experiences in Greece. Our hearts are full; we walked in the footsteps of Paul, and we will never be the same (Numbers 6:24–26).

After transferring from Athens to Piraeus by motor coach, we set sail for the Saronic Islands of Greece in the Saronic Gulf. Our first stop is the island of Hydra, where we have free time for strolling, shopping, and swimming. Next, it's on to the island of Egina (Aegina), passing through the narrow strait separating the Peloponnesian coast from the island of Poros. Upon arrival in Egina we have the option of joining an excursion to the Temple of Aphaia (cost not included) or taking a walk around the main town. The lovely Egina is only 31 miles from Athens, and is a popular getaway for Athenians during the summer months.

After lunch served on board we sail to Poros in the southern Agrosaronic Gulf. We have free time to explore Poros – we could visit ancient Trizina, see the ruins of the Russian Dockyard, or take a romantic stroll in the Lemon Forest. After sailing back to Piraeus port we transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning we begin our journey home, reveling in our unforgettable experiences in Greece. Our hearts are full; we walked in the footsteps of Paul, and we will never be the same (Numbers 6:24–26).