In the steps of Apostle Paul 2nd + 3rd Journey in Greece

Philippi  Kavala Amphipolis  Apollonia Thessaloniki
  Dion Veria (Beroea) Athens  Corinth  Lesbos (Mytilene)
  Chios  Samos  Patmos  Kos Rhodes  Crete

“A journey of a lifetime”

Following Saint Paul’s steps we do his 2nd trip itinerary. (49-52 AD)
At this trip he was joined by his student SILAS. Visiting many cities of Small Asia today’s Turkey he came to TROJA.
Being in Troja dreaming a man from Macedonia came to his dream asking him to visit the area and give his help.
The same time came in Troja Saint Lucas and Saint Timothy and all together joined him to this trip to Macedonia.
 
First they came to NEAPOLIS / Today’s KAVALA,
“We sailed from Troas and made a straight run to Samothrace, the next days to Neapolis…”
(Acts 16, 11)
then PHILIPPI.
“…And from there to Philippi, a leading city in that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony”
(Acts 16, 12)
Next cities Amphipolis - Apollonia and the city of Thessalonica
“They travelled by way of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica”
(Acts 17, 1)
Veria (Berea), Dion, Athens,
“Paul’s escort brought him as far as Athens, and came away with instructions
for Silas and Timothy  to rejoin him with all speed”
(Acts 17, 15)
Corinth,
“After this he left Athens and went to Corinth”
(Acts 18, 1)
Lesbos (Mytilene)
"We went on ahead to the ship and embarked for Assos, where we were to take Paul aboard,
this was the arrangement he had made, since he was going to travel by road.
When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and proceed to Mytilene.
(Acts 20, 13-15)
Chios
We sailed from there and next day arrived off Chios
(Acts 20, 13-15)
Samos
On the second day we made Samos, and the following day we reached Miletus
(Acts 20, 13-15)
Kos - Rhodes
After his visit to Samos, Paul disembarked at Miletus and, having been informed of the state of affairs
in Ephesus by his envoys, sailed for Kos and Rhodes
(Acts 21,1)

 Experience with us St. Paul’s
2nd + 3rd Journey in Greece!

A combination of
Lifestyle – Religion – Culture – History

 Our 20 nights /21 days custom designed experience, combining local culture,
ancient cities, archaeological – historical / sacred Christian sites,
Healthy natural Mediterranean traditional meals, shopping,
Chartered vehicle, individual touring with driver
Museums, walking, daily tours….do I need to say more.
21 days Northern Greece, Mainland & Peloponnese, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Patmos, Kos, Rhodes & Crete
Meals: 20 meals, natural / healthy / rich,
For transportation: A chartered vehicle / mini van with driver known of Mainland
 Greece: We will drive you over 35 cities / sites / ruins.
For lodging, we have chosen nice hotels at the best locations

OPTION 1

OPTION 2

OPTION 3

Philippi:
Easily reached from Kavala, just 14 km distance. Was named after Philip II of Macedon,
who wrested the town from the Thracians in 356 BC.
 Saint Paul landed at Kavala and visited Philippi in 49AD and so began his mission in Europe.
Despite being cast into prison here he retained a special affection for the Philippians,
his first converts, and the congregation that he established was one of the earliest to flourish in Greece.
It furnished the principal remains of the site: several impressive, although ruined, basilica churches.

 Thessalonica:
The capital city of the prefecture and Co – capital of the Hellenic state. A beautiful city, built at the deepest recess
of the Thermaikos bay is also a major economic and commercial center not only of Hellas,
but also the gate of the Balkan states to the Aegean and the Mediterranean seas.
The city is called the Nymph of Thermaikos and despite the numerous conquerors and destructions that has suffered
has managed to keep its character and special features through the centuries.
The city was founded by Kassandros in 315 BC and was actually a gift to his wife Thessalonica,
sister of Alexander the great.
Only a very few traces of the city’s classic period still survive, as successive destructions and the many different rulers
of the city altered beyond any recognition the remains of the ancient city. During the Roman period of the city,
Thessalonica was declared a free city and the Egnatia route brought prosperity and considerable economic wealth to it.
In 54 AD the city was visited by Apostle Paul and the first Christian community was founded.
(Christianity had slow beginning in the city. Saint Paul visited twice, being driven out on the first occasion after
provoking the Jewish community.

 Veria (BEREA):
The capital city of the prefecture amphitheatrically built at the foot of Vermion Mountain.
Forests and fruit-tree plantations thrive in the rainy climate of the area and the remains of historic and prehistoric agricultural settlements are evident.
It is believed that the city was founded and named after Feronas, a general in the army of Alexander the Great.
The city’s golden age was during the 13th century and the subsequent economic and commercial activity resulted in the significant cultural
and spiritual growth of the city. Christianity has a venerably long history here.
Saint Paul preached in Veria (Acts 17: 1-13 of the New Testament) on two occasions, and a gaudy alcove shrine
at the base of Mavromikhali marks the supposed spot of his sermons. But the town is more famous for fifty
or so small medieval churches, mostly sixteen to eighteen century.

 Korinthos:
Saint Paul stayed in Corinth for eighteen months in 51-52 AD, though his attempts to reform the citizens’ ways
were met only by rioting-tribulations recorded in his two “letters to the Corinthians

Itinerary

Following Saint Paul’s steps, 2nd trip itinerary.
(49-52 AD)

 Day 1:
Athens
Arrival. Reception at the airport. Transportation and check into our hotel. You will have the remainder of the day free to relax
or take a stroll along the streets of Athens to enjoy the flavour of the city.
Accommodation Athens.

 Day 2:
Arrival Thessalonica
Direction north to Thessalonica. On our way a visit to Pelion “the centaurs mountain”. Early afternoon arrival at Thessalonica.
Dinner at local “Tsipouradiko” with many Greek specialties and the local spirit “Tsipouro”.
Accommodation Thessalonica.

 Day 3:
Philippi/Kavala
Ninety miles from Thessaloniki are the extensive ruins of the city of Philippi, which Paul visited in A.D. 50.
It was one of the leading cities of Macedonia. Among the ruins is a most impressive Roman theatre.
Kavala is Greece's prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbour. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas.
Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Chiristoupoli because it was
the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible!
We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala.
Continue on to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil.
We will 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. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre.
We return to Thessalonica for the night.
Accommodation Thessalonica.

Day 4:
Thessalonica/Dion
Morning visit the museum, which has extensive Macedonian and Hellenistic collections, and gets to know Thessaloniki,
a very unusual Greek city. It's more European than southern Greek.
Continuing we drive south at Dio at the foot of Mt. Olympus and just about forty miles from Thessaloniki.
But it's not just a rest stop. It was a key Roman colony in Augustus's time and has a wonderful museum and although it is nowhere stated
that Paul passed through the city of Dion, many scholars suppose that it would have been
 
Day 5:
Thessalonica/Veria
The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today. Visit the old city ramparts; the newly excavated Forum,
St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church; and the Galerios Arch which rises
over the famous Via Egnatia. We will see two of the beautiful basilicas in the city of St. Demetrius, dedicated to a distinguished
member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert, and St. Sophia.
Our next stop the ancient site of Pela [Alexander’s capital] and its famous mosaics.
Go on direction Veria to view the Bema surrounded by newly placed mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding
he "more noble" church. We also visit King Phillips tomb in Vergina.
Accommodation Veria

Day 6:
Vergina / Meteora / Kalambaka
Vergina has the tomb of Philip plus an important museum.
Staying in Beroea, which had an important early Christian community,
sets us up for the drive  to Meteora. Meteora is a must-see on any trip to Greece.
Here are some of the most ancient, active monasteries on all of Greece, and they are perched
miraculously atop the mountains along the Pinios river.
Meteora where we step and see the world famous Byzantine monasteries that is perched precariously
on summits of grey rock pinnacles 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.
Meteora where the fantastic and breathtaking Byzantine monasteries are perched on top of huge grey and reddish pillars.
Monks seeking isolation and spiritual salvation first built those monasteries in the 14th century,
They are veritable Byzantine museums exhibiting superb icons, old manuscripts and unique mosaics and frescoes.
Accommodation Kalanbaka

Day 7:
Meteora /Delphi
Direction south west direction  Delphi where we overnight. Accommodation Delphi.
 
Day 8:
Delphi/Ancient Olympia
Delphi-the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. We will gain a greater understanding of the Greek religious heritage and their influence
on the early Christian church. We visit the museum where we will marvel at the site of the Charioteer,
a bronze statue so delicate we will see his eyelashes. We will see the Temple of Apollo and the Castalia Springs.
We leave Delphi and through Galaxidi / Nafpaktos / Antirion – Rio we pass to Peloponese and ancient Olympia.
Olympia is situated in a fertile valley full of splendour surrounded by hills and light green forests.
The incense and the holy atmosphere of the surroundings along with the classical architecture of the ancient buildings
make this place unique in the world.
Accommodation Olympia

Day 9:
Byzantine city of Mystras/Sparta
Morning, The stadium of Olympia, the temple of Zeus, the statues of heroes and athletes all embrace and speak in favour
of the true Olympic Spirit flourished here... in Olympia and in the hearts of... get to know more.
We go south east to Mystras, the Byzantine acropolis, the monasteries of Lakonia the bare and wild slopes of Mani,
and Sparta, where we overnight.
Accommodation Sparta.
Mystras
The one time capital of Byzantium, the medieval town of Mystras is mounted on Taigetos' slope.
It is protected by an impregnable fortress (the Kastro), which was built in 1249 by the Frankish prince Guillaume de Villehardouin.
Sparta
the pride, simplicity, duty, courage, strength of the Spartan led to the legendary Thermopiles, the most heroic battle of all seasons.
Native soil of the brave Sparta has fought against many invaders and is considered the cornerstone of resistance throughout the centuries.

Day 10:
Mycenae/Epidavros/Corinth
 Today we travel to Mycenae where the remains of the ancient city date back to the Bronze Age to see the famous
Lioness Gate, the Tomb of Agamemnon in the shape of a Beehive Corinth is the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters.
See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples.
To stand in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place
where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love of I & II Corinthians.
The ruins of this important cultural centre are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked.
The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day.
Continue our journey direction Athens where we overnight.
Accommodation Athens

Day 11:
Athens - Lesbos (Mytelene)
 By ferry to Lesbos. Transportation port / hotel. Visit the chapel at the village Vasilika.
Accommodation Mytilene

Day 12:
Lesbos (Mytelene) - Chios
By ferry to Chios. Transportation port / hotel. Visit of the island
Accommodation Chios

Day 13:
Chios - Samos
 By ferry to Samos. Transportation port / hotel. Visit of the island.
Accommodation Samos

Day 14:
Samos - Patmos
 By ferry to Patmos. The island of Apocalypse. Transportation port / hotel. Visit the monastery of St John. 
Accommodation Patmos

Day 15:
Patmos - Kos
 By ferry to Samos. Transportation port / hotel. Visit of the island.
Accommodation Kos

Day 16:
Kos - Rhodes
 By ferry to Samos. Transportation port / hotel. Visit of the island.
Accommodation Rhodes

Day 17:
Rhodes - Heraklion Crete
 Transportation hotel airport for the flight to Crete. Reception at the airport. Transportation to the hotel
Accommodation Heraklion

Day 18:
Crete
 Accommodation Heraklion

Day 19:
Crete - Piraeus / Athens
Accommodation on board

Day 20:
Athens
Athens city tour including Acropolis – Parthenon and the archaeological museum of Athens
At last we're ready for the fabulous buildings on the high citadel of Athens, the Acropolis.
We pass under the entrance gate (called the Propylaia) on our way to the Parthenon (Athena's temple)
and the mysterious Erechtheum. We also visit Greece's premier museum: the National Museum.
Accommodation Athens

Day 21:
Athens / Flying back home
Transportation hotel / airport. Flying back home