Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle featuring a 3-night Greek Islands & Turkey cruise - 2023

Day 1 Overnight Flight

Paul the Apostle, the prolific writer of the New Testament letters, was one of the first Christian missionaries. Trace his journey through the ancient cities and pastoral countrysides of Greece and Turkey.

Day 2 Athens, Greece - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in Athens, Greece’s lively capital. This evening, toast to the beginning of your spiritual journey during a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 3 Athens - Piraeus* (Embarkation) - Mykonos

Embark on a 3-night cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily while on board. The island of Mykonos is your first stop. This charming, mountainous island is known for the hundreds of tiny chapels, whitewashed buildings, and beautiful windmills that dot its landscape. Don’t miss Mykonos Town, following the mazes of narrow streets full of bustling activity. Enjoy free time to explore this island paradise.

Day 4 Kusadasi, Turkey - Patmos, Greece

Visit the Turkish port of Kusadasi for an excursion to the ruins of Ephesus (UNESCO), where Paul the Apostle lived 3 years during his ministry. You’ll also visit the Agora, the great theater, and the stadium where chariot races and gladiatorial combats took place. Legend claims that Paul fought here against wild beasts. Visit the House of Mary, where the Virgin Mother spent her last days. Continue your cruise to Patmos. Visit the Monastery of John and the Cave of the Apocalypse where John the Evangelist wrote the Book of Revelation during his exile.

Day 5 Heraklion (Crete)** - Santorini

Enjoy an excursion to the incredible open-air museum of the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Then, during free time in Crete’s largest city, enjoy a variety of museums, shopping, or visit a nearby winery to sample traditional Greek wine. Later, arrive on the fabled island of Santorini, known as the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Enjoy time at leisure to independently explore this lovely port or purchase a ship excursion from the cruise line.

Day 6 Piraeus* - Disembark Cruise Ship - Thessaloniki

After an early morning disembarkation, travel north. Pause at Thermopylae, famous for its heroic defense by Leonidas against the Persian army. Your day ends in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city. Founded in 315 B.C., Thessaloniki was an early center for Christianity. Paul visited and preached here during the winters of A.D. 49-50 and wrote 2 epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. Visit the Church of Saint Demetrius (UNESCO), dedicated to the patron saint of Thessaloniki and set on the location of the saint's martyrdom.

Day 7 Thessaloniki - Kavala - Philippi - Thessaloniki

Travel to the coastal town of Kavala where Paul, accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot on European soil. In nearby Philippi, Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, planting the seeds of Christianity. Join a local expert for a guided tour of this historic town featuring the archaeological site and monuments spanning the Ancient Roman and Byzantine eras. See the dungeon where Paul was held prisoner and the site where he baptized Lydia, the first Christian in Europe.

Day 8 Thessaloniki - Meteora - Kalambaka

Proceed through the fertile Thessalian Valley to Meteora (UNESCO). These dark, sandstone pinnacles rise abruptly from the plain of Thessaly, with 6 historic monasteries perched upon their peaks. Beginning in the 10th century, hermits, monks, and ascetics sought solitude and spiritual solace in these dramatic crags. Visit two amazing Meteora monasteries*** which are renowned for their intricate construction and exquisite Byzantine art. Overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 9 Kalambaka - Athens

Travel through the plains of Central Greece to Athens, arriving in the early afternoon. In Athens, see the hill of Areopagus (Mars Hill) – where Paul delivered his famous “Men of Athens” speech – and visit the incomparable Acropolis before settling in to your hotel for a 2-night stay. The evening is yours to explore Greece’s vibrant capital city.

Day 10 Athens - Corinth - Athens

Travel to Corinth where Paul lived and preached for two years and also wrote 2 epistles. Explore ancient Corinth on a guided tour featuring the Agora, where Paul’s trial by Gallio took place, and the Bema, where Paul was brought before the tribunal, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner in the Plaka, Athens’ historic district nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. Celebrate the end of a marvelous trip while feasting on local cuisine and fine wine in a traditional taverna while Greek entertainment creates a wonderful ambiance around you.

Day 11 Athens - Tour Ends

Return home inspired by the incredible, soothing landscapes and the words and deeds of Paul the Apostle.