Steps of Paul Pilgrimage
May 1 - 12, 2025
Days 1 & 2
Depart for an overnight flight to Greece. Arrive the next morning in Thessalonica where you will be driven to the hotel and have free time for the rest of the day.
Day 3
Explore Philippi where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe and Lydia was baptized. Visit the Roman Theatre, where it’s believed Paul and Silas were arrested. Then travel to Kavala and Neapolis to see the Roman Aqueduct and ruins of the Acropolis.
Day 4
Tour key sites at Thessalonica including the Cathedral of St. Demetrius, the great Church of Saint George, the White Tower, Arch of Galerius and more. Then visit Vergina, the legendary burial site of Macedonian kings, and Veria (Berea) where Paul found a more “noble” Jewish community and created an important church.
Day 5
Enjoy spectacular views at Meteora, a mountainous region with stunning scenery. Visit the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, the biggest and oldest one of all.
Day 6
Visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum and the famous Monastery of Hosios Lukas, which has been listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Day 7
Enjoy a tour of key sites in Athens: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Royal Palace, Pan-Athenian Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the world-famous Acropolis, Mars’ Hill and more.
Day 8
Travel to ancient Corinth where Paul established a thriving church and wrote two epistles in the New Testament. You will see all sites associated with his ministry: the Agora, Temple of Apollo, the Bema and Gallio’s seat — and more.
Day 9
Embark on a 3-night cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. Enjoy free time to explore Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands with hundreds of tiny chapels, whitewashed buildings and beautiful windmills.
Day 10
Stop at the Turkish port of Kusadasi for an excursion to Ephesus. Visit the home where John lived with Mary, the mother of Jesus. Tour the Basilica of St. John, ruins of Diana’s temple, the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, the Arch of Hercules and more. Cruise to Patmos to see the Holy Grotto of the Revelation, where John lived in exile for 18 months.
Day 11
Dock at the port of Heraklion on the island of Crete for an optional tour to the Palace of Knossos, the center of the Minoan civilization. In the afternoon, you will enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views on volcanic Santorini.
Day 12
After disembarking from the ship, you will be driven to the Athens airport for your flight home or to travel to Istanbul to continue on the optional tour in Turkey.
Optional Tour Extension: Turkey
Day 13
Enjoy a full-day tour of Istanbul that includes the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace — and more.
Day 14
Embark on a Bosphorus Cruise to enjoy stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline and key landmarks. Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace and climb Çamlıca Hill on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Day 15
After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight home.
