Itinerary – Walking with St. Paul in Greece
7 Day Walking with St. Paul in Greece
St. Paul’s story of transformation, from persecutor to apostle, is one of the most poignant in the history of Christianity. Follow the footsteps of his journey as you visit his prison in Philippi, celebrate mass at St. Mary’s in Thessaloniki, and stroll through the Acropolis. With centuries of history, culture, and spirituality, this tour is just the tip of the iceberg of Greece’s sacred treasures.
Itinerary
Day 1: Thessaloniki – Arrival
Greeted upon arrival in Thessaloniki, start the Biblical sightseeing tour with Kavala, the ancient port, the citadel, Panagia quarter, and the medieval fortress. Continue to Philippi, described in Acts 16, 11-12, the city where Paul announced the good news. After his visit, the Christianity witnessed a quick rise and a basilica was built in the 4th century.
Day 2: Thessaloniki – Veria – Kalambaka
Visit Thessaloniki, the city carrying Roman, Byzantine, Turkish, and Greek cultures. We visit the St. George Rotunda, Church of Saint Demetrios and celebrate mass at St. Mary. Continue to Veria where Paul had a very warm welcome, but he had to cut his visit short because the Jews of Thessaloniki caused trouble.
Day 3: Kalambaka – Delphi
Visit Meteora, a UNESCO heritage site with the incredible rock monasteries. Six of twenty four monasteries are still active. We will visit the monastery of the Transfiguration of Jesus and the monastery of St. Varlaam.
Day 4: Delphi – Loutraki
Visit Delphi, an important religious center of Greek antiquity. We will discover Apollo’s temple of Oracle, the theater of 5000 spectator capacity, and the Marmaria sanctuary which comprised of several buildings. One of them was dedicated to Athena. Continue towards Ancient Corinth. Stop at the Ossios Loukas Monastery which shelters the body of St. Luke.
Day 5: Loutraki – Ancient Corinth – Athens
We will discover the archeologic site of Corinth and remind ourselves of the two epistles Paul wrote to the Corinthians. After the outdoor religious service, visit the temple, the agora, and the commercial center.
Day 6: Athens
We will visit Athens with the Acropolis and sanctuaries of the Parthenon, Athena, and Erechtheion. Brief stop at Areopagus hill where St. Paul pronounced his sermon (Acts 17:16-3). The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Athens and Old Plaka.
Day 7: Athens – Return
Transfer to airport for the flight home or you can extend your journey in either Israel or Italy.