Embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery with the "In the Footsteps of Paul" tour of Greece and Turkey including an island-hopping cruise. Immerse yourself in the rich history and ancient wonders as you trace the path of Paul's missionary labors, visiting significant biblical sites and walking in his footsteps. This extraordinary experience combines the breathtaking beauty and fun-in-the-sun of the Greek islands with spiritual depth retracing Paul's journey.
Tour leader: Kent McAllister & Pastor Jeff Parker
Tour Educator: Ron Singer
2 night at Anatolia Hotel Thessaloniki
1 night at Grand Meteora Kalmbaka
2 Nights at Royal Olympic Athens
4 nights on cruise ship (outside cabins)
Welcome to Greece!
Kickoff dinner at the hotel
Experience the vibrant energy and captivating charm of Thessaloniki as the sun sets. Rest after your flight.
Hotel: Anatolia Hotel Thessaloniki
Ancient Philippi
Lion of Amphipolis: Follow the route of the Via Egnatia to see the majestic Sentinel of Ancient Greece. We will drive along the ancient route of Apostle Paul to Amphipolis (Acts 17:1).
Continue our journey 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, established the first church in Europe, and was to whom he wrote one of his epistles while imprisoned in Rome (Acts 16:11-40; Philippians)
Baptistery of Lydia & Forum of Philippi: The site of Philippi, the location of the first Christian Church of Europe. Visit the Baptistery of Lydia near the river where Paul made his first converts on European soil, and your visit will continue to the ruins of the Forum of Philippi, the Christian Basilicas, and the “Prison of Paul.”
Evening: Old Town of Thessaloniki
White Tower: Marvel at the iconic symbol of Thessaloniki, the White Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Thermaic Gulf.
Rotunda: Admire the impressive Rotunda, originally built as a mausoleum and later converted into a church.
Arch of Galerius: Explore the Arch of Galerius, also known as Kamara, an ancient Roman triumphal arch featuring intricate reliefs depicting battles and ceremonies.
Overnight: Hotel: Anatolia Hotel Thessaloniki (2nd night)
Visit Paul’s Steps in Veria (Berea of the New Testament), where Paul and Silas were sent by friends after being accused of treason in Thessalonika (Acts 17:5-15). Visit the Bema of Apostle Paul where he had stood and preached the Gospel to the local community.
Kalambaka is a picturesque town in central Greece, known for its stunning location at the base of Meteora's towering rock formations, home to monasteries perched high above. Includes:
St. Stephen’s Monastery
Great Meteoron Monastery
Overnight: Grand Meteora
(Bus 4.5 hours)
Acropolis: Perched atop a rocky hill, the Acropolis is an iconic symbol of Athens, boasting architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens, 5th Century BC, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion and Parthenon.
Ancient Agora: The Ancient Agora in Athens was the heart of ancient civic life, where philosophers, politicians, and citizens gathered, and today, visitors can explore its ruins and envision the bustling marketplace of the past.
Overnight: Royal Olympic, Athens
Ancient Corinth, the once glorious city near the Isthmus where Paul met tent makers Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-18) and spent a year and a half preaching the Word of God. (Acts 18:1-18).
We'll drive to ancient Corinth, one of Paul’s most beloved cities, the town that inspired two of Paul’s letters. Continue to follow in his steps, at.Paul’s BEMA, wander the nearby market and walk on the same paths that the apostle to the gentiles once walked, preaching the gospel nearly two thousand years ago. Stop at the Corinth Canal returning to Athens following in the steps of the Apostle Paul. Travel along the Coast of Faliro where Paul first arrived in Athens by ship.
Athens
Saint Paul's missionary journeys in Athens are associated with the Aeropagus (Mars Hill), where he delivered his famous sermon (Acts 17:16-34), and the Ancient Agora, where he engaged in philosophical and religious discussions with the locals.
Royal Olympic, Athens (2nd night)
Enjoy a breathtaking experience appreciating the beauty of the Aegean Sea while savoring Mediterranean cuisine.
Mykonos is a vibrant and glamorous Greek island famous for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, and charming Cycladic architecture.
Overnight: Cruise ship
We booked External rooms for all travelers. If you'd like to upgrade to a room with a balcony, $600 will be added to the price per person.
Offered based on availability.
Kusadasi/ Ephesus is where the Apostle Paul preached, taught, and established a strong Christian community. He also wrote the famous Epistle to the Ephesians, a letter addressing various theological and practical matters to the believers in Ephesus. Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation (Acts 18:19 - Acts 20:1, 1 Corinthians 15:32, 1 Corinthians 16:8, Ephesians 1:1, etc.)
Lunch on Ship
Patmos
The Grotto of the Apocalypse in Patmos is a sacred cave where the apostle John received his visions and wrote the Book of Revelation.
Overnight: Cruise Ship
In Acts, the Apostle Paul is said to have stopped in Rhodes Island in his journey to Jerusalem in 43AD. Paul's ship landed in a small harbor at Lindos, which is known today as St. Paul's Harbor.
overnight cruise ship
Overnight: Cruise ship
Heraklion, Crete the largest city on the island
Santorini is a beautiful town famous for its white buildings and bright blue doors.
Overnight: Cruise ship
If you like, choose to say goodbye to the group in Santorini and finish your vacation on your own.
We must know before our tour starts so that we can alert the cruise ship at least a week in advance.
The cruise also reserves the right to charge 75 Euro per person for early disembarkation (to be paid on the ship).
The cruise company cannot guarantee that we will stop at Santorini. That is certainly the plan, but please be aware that if the winds and the waters don't cooperate there is a chance that the ship may not be able to stop.
There are ferries from Santorini to Athens a few times a day - one option is with Seajets.
Disembark in Athens Cruise ship at 8:00 AM and head to airport for midday flights home
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Greece 
