Footsteps of St Paul

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Athens

   Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

   Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Athens

   

   Trace the Footsteps of Saint Paul - A Private Biblical Tour of Athens and Corinth

   Follow Saint Paul's journey on a private tour through Athens and Corinth with an expert guide. Visit Areopagus Hill and the synagogue in Corinth, where he preached and taught. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Peloponnese and a traditional Greek lunch along the way. Explore key biblical sites and gain a deeper understanding of Paul's mission and legacy. Please note that this tour has an additional supplement on Sunday.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Walking in the Footsteps of St. Paul: A Spiritual Journey Through Ancient Athens

   To follow in the footsteps of St. Paul, begin at Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill), where he preached his famous sermon about the "Unknown God" (Acts 17:22-31). From this historic site, enjoy breathtaking views of the Acropolis before walking to the Ancient Agora, where Paul debated with philosophers and spread his message. Explore the Stoa of Attalos, home to artifacts from the period, and visit the Church of the Holy Apostles, a significant early Christian landmark. Continue to Monastiraki Square, where you can reflect on Paul’s journey while experiencing traditional Greek cuisine in an atmosphere reminiscent of the city’s rich past. Easily accessible by metro at Monastiraki Station, this route offers a profound historical and spiritual experience.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Traveling to Nafplio by Private Transfer / Arrival in Nafplio

   

   Today, you will leave Athens and travel to Nafplio. A driver will pick you up at your accommodations based on your preferred departure time. The journey is about 2 hours long. Please note that this is a non-guided transfer. Along the way, for an additional fee, you can make a short stop to admire the breathtaking Corinth Canal or explore Ancient Corinth with a guided tour.

   Steeped in history and almost unbearably romantic, Nafplio is one of the most picturesque seaside towns in Greece. Nafplio's dramatic fortresses, neoclassical mansions, and nearby ancient ruins narrate the town's diverse history, a pivotal moment of which was when Nafplio became the first capital of modern Greece. While in Nafplio, you can take long seaside walks, savor authentic cuisine at quaint traditional restaurants, and visit UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, only a short drive away.

   Upon arrival to Nafplio, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Nafplio

   

   Nafplio Town Private Walking Tour

   This charming walking tour, with a licensed guide, is around Nafplio, Greece's first modern capital. Wander the old town's enchanting alleyways and immerse yourself in captivating tales and rich heritage. Discover architectural wonders like the First Parliament and the Archaeological Museum. Delve into Nafplio's fascinating history and timeless allure.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   999 Steps to the Top!

   The hike to Palamidi Castle is one of the most popular and rewarding hikes in Nafplio. The castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. The trail to Palamidi Castle starts from the Old Town of Nafplio and winds its way up the hill. The path is well-marked, and there are several rest stops along the way where you can catch your breath and take in the stunning views. The trail itself is relatively easy, but it does involve a steep climb, so be prepared for a bit of a workout. To reach the top of the fortress, there are 875 steps, but the legend refers to them as being 999! Once you reach the top of the hill, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Nafplio and the surrounding area. Palamidi Castle itself is an impressive fortress with a series of walls, towers, and gates to explore.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Traveling to Delphi by Private Transfer / Arrival in Delphi

   

   Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Nafplio and drive you to your next destination, Delphi. The journey takes approximately 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, and offers scenic views along the way. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a comfortable ride through the heart of mainland Greece.

   Lying graciously on the slopes of the pristine Mount Parnassus, this magnificent UNESCO-listed archaeological complex is a sanctuary which the ancient Greeks believed to be the “navel of the world”. According to Greek mythology, Zeus set two eagles free to determine the center of the world. When their paths crossed at Delphi, its status as the center of the world was proven. It is here that oracles channeled the prophecies of Apollo to those seeking his guidance, including great heroes, statesmen, and generals. Athenians, Spartans, Macedonians and Romans brought their offerings, to show off their glory and power, and in thankfulness to the divine wisdom they received. These gifts, many of which you can see today, are clear reminders of Delphi's importance, and past wealthy and prestige. With its central location, Delphi also played host to important competitions, from music and poetry to athletics. Its Pythian Games were equal in prestige to those at Olympia. Even after Delphi fell into the hands of the Romans, its cult and competitions flourished until the rise of Christianity.

   Upon arrival to Delphi, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

   

   Delphi Private Tour

   Visit the Temple of Apollo, where the famous oracle influenced many historic events. Explore the Theater of Delphi, the Athens Treasury, and enjoy stunning views of Mount Parnassos. Discover the Delphi Archaeological Museum to learn more about life in the ancient town. The site’s magical setting, with its spiritual power and breathtaking views of olive groves stretching to the Corinthian Gulf, captivated even the most powerful rulers of antiquity.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Traveling to Meteora by Private Transfer / Arrival in Meteora

   

   Today you will be traveling from Delphi to Meteora. A driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Delphi and take you on a 3-hour journey to Meteora. Please note this is a non-guided transfer.

   As the name (meaning "high in the air") implies, Meteora seems suspended in space. The six monasteries (some dating as far back as the 11th century) sitting above dramatic rocky pillars are UNESCO-listed, and Greece's second most important pilgrimage destination, after Mount Athos. The views here are breathtaking, and can seem hard to believe, attracting tourists and film crews alike. Inside, you'll find a rich collection of artifacts explaining the last thousand years of events and belief. Beyond, explore the region's rugged landscape, whether hiking from monastery to monastery, or ascending the surrounding peaks.

   Upon arrival in Meteora, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Meteora

   

   Panoramic Meteora and Monasteries Group Tour

   On this captivating journey to the historic monastic community of Meteora, perched atop towering rocks, you will be able to explore all six Holy Monasteries, with the chance to enter three. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, delve into the area's history and geological marvels with scenic stops and insightful walks. Capture unforgettable moments and stunning views to share with friends, creating lasting memories of this unique experience.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Traveling to Thessaloniki by Private Transfer / Arrival in Thessaloniki

   

   It's time to move on once more, today to Thessaloniki. We'll arrange for a driver to pick you up from your accommodation in Meteora. It's a three hour long drive, door-to-door.

   Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, offers urban sophistication and cultural diversity. With its ancient roots, Thessaloniki, also known as Saloniki and Salonica, offers a delightful amalgam of historical, culinary, and cultural activities. Due to its prime location, this city has had many rulers, from the Venetians to the Saracens to the Ottomans. For centuries, Thessaloniki was Byzantium's second largest and wealthiest city, after Constantinople, and it even served as a "co-capital" at times. Thessaloniki was a haven for Sephardic Jews fleeing Spanish persecution, a group that for a time formed most of the city's population, and which is still visible in the city's diverse architecture, music, and cuisine. While compact in size, Thessaloniki is home to 15 UNESCO-listed monuments. The expansive harbor is its heart and soul, offering magnificent views of Thermaikos Bay. This urban waterfront is the center of many of Thessaloniki’s happenings, as well as the location of its iconic landmarks, such as the White Tower and the Monument of Alexander the Great. Its former warehouses now house the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, and the Thessaloniki Cinema Museum.

   Upon arrival to Thessaloniki, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

   

   Follow the Locals to the Waterfront

   After your arrival, we recommend stretching your legs with a walk along Thessaloniki's waterfront. This five-kilometer promenade's footpaths and bike lanes connect a series of green spaces. Along the way, there are plenty of cafes to grab a cup of coffee or a snack, and great spots to capture the local beauty, especially the sunset.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Thessaloniki

   

   Thessaloniki Walking Half Day Private Tour

   Thessaloniki is a city where history and culture intertwine, offering an unparalleled blend of ancient treasures and vibrant modern life. On this guided tour, you will delve into its rich past, exploring iconic landmarks and uncovering hidden stories that shaped the city.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   In the Footsteps of St. Paul: Exploring Early Christianity in Thessaloniki

   Follow the journey of St. Paul in Thessaloniki, a city where he preached and built one of the earliest Christian communities. Start at the Ancient Agora, the heart of public life in Roman times, where Paul likely shared his teachings. Next, visit the Church of St. Demetrius, dedicated to Thessaloniki’s patron saint, and explore its crypt. Walk along the historic Via Egnatia, the Roman road Paul traveled, leading to the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda, once a place of worship. Conclude at the Church of the Holy Apostles, an exquisite Byzantine landmark adorned with stunning frescoes. Thessaloniki’s main attractions are easily accessible on foot or by public transport, making this a rewarding pilgrimage through history and faith.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

10. Day 10 Your Second Full Day in Thessaloniki

    

    Into St.Paul's Footsteps: Amfipoli, Filippi and Kavala Private Tour

    Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Northern Greece on this full-day excursion. Visit the ancient city of Amphipolis, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Philippi, and the coastal town of Kavala. Explore historical landmarks, ancient ruins, and picturesque landscapes, all while experiencing the unique charm of this fascinating region.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 9 - 10 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

11. Day 11 Departure Day

    On this day a driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the airport for your departing flight.