Follow in the Footsteps of Paul

Today, we will take our flight to Thessaloniki, Greece. Begin your journey following in the missionary footsteps of the apostle Paul. Rest and prepare for the incredible adventure ahead as you travel to the historic city where Paul established one of his most important early Christian communities.

Arrive in Thessaloniki and check into your hotel. This historic port city was where Paul wrote his famous letters to the Thessalonians. Take time to rest and acclimate as you prepare for the remarkable journey ahead, walking in the footsteps of one of Christianity's greatest missionaries.

We start our excursion viewing the White Tower, an historical landmark of the city before continuing to visit the Archaeological Museum which houses interesting finds from the Archaic, Classical and Roman periods, with findings from the Sindos area, a stunning exhibition of golden jewels.

Next, make your way up to the Acropolis, located in the upper part of the city where you will have a superb panoramic view of the entire city with the Thermaic Gulf and Mount Olympus in the background.

We'll visit St. Demetrios Basilica which was erected in the 5th century AD. The five aisled basilicas suffered a tragic fire in 1917 but was later restored in 1948. Marvel at the beautiful mosaics, dating back from the 5th to 9th centuries. See the famous crypt, which according to tradition, was once the confinement for an officer by the name of Demetrius who was later executed by emperor Gallerius.

Then view the Arch of Gallerius and St. George Rotunda. The tour will end with a short stop at the well-preserved Byzantine Basilica of St. Sophia, an 8th Century structure, rich in mosaics and frescoes.

Touring the Ancient town of Philippi and the modern city of Kavala gives you the opportunity to follow St. Paul's footsteps. First, we will visit Amphipolis and see the famous Lion of Amphipolis.

This day you'll see the Krenides River, the site of Lydia's baptism and you'll see the Philippian Jail where Paul and Silas were imprisoned. Continue to the church site of St. Lydia's Baptistery where the first Christian woman of Europe was baptized.

Then proceed to the Archaeological site of Philippi, founded by Philip II King of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. It was here where St. Paul set foot on the European Continent during his second missionary journey, establishing a thriving Christian church. The ruins include the Forum Romano with its Basilica, St. Paul's Prison and the Theater.

The famous ancient road Egnatia, which once ran from the Adriatic Sea all the way to Constantinople (modern Istanbul), passed by this city. The next stop is in Kavala (ancient site of Neapolis) for lunch with traditional specialties and a city tour giving you the opportunity to view the Sylas Monastery named after one of St. Paul's companions.

We start our day with a drive to Pella, birthplace of both Phillip II and Alexander the Great. We visit the excavations with the unique pebble floor mosaics.

We later go to Vergina, first capital of ancient Macedonia and burial place of all Macedonian Kings. We visit the newly completed exhibition bearing the finds of all three tombs, one of them famous as the Royal Tomb (allegedly belonging to Philip II, father of Alexander the Great). We will visit the unique subterranean structure built to encase and protect the ancient excavated Royal Tombs, as well as the exhibition with all the findings.

Continue further south passing from the town of Veroia where we will see the bema where St. Paul stood and preached to the Greeks. Then continue to Athens.

A full day tour where you will view many significant historical and archaeological monuments that date back to the Golden Age of Pericles, in the 5th century BC. During that time, the wealthy, newly democratic and invigorated city-state decided to rebuild the Temples on top of the Acropolis in great splendor.

Visit the Parthenon, dedicated to the Goddess Athena, a unique masterpiece of Greek Architecture. Examine the Propylea, which blends Doric and Ionic building principles. Continue to the Temple of the Athena Nike (Wingless Victory) and the Erechtheum Temple, which was formerly used for cult worship.

Explore the Museum of the Acropolis housing more than 4,000 artifacts from the Acropolis site. Next will be Mars Hill, where St. Paul preached Christianity. You will have a chance to see the Ancient Agora, Tower of the Winds, Herodes Atticus Theater, Theater of Dionysus, Temple of Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the former Royal Palace.

Continue by bus to the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, the National Library and then to the "Panathenian" Olympic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. You will have the chance to enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant and stroll at the Plaka which is the historic heart of Athens.

Corinth is a city blessed with a superb location, fertile plains and virtually impregnable refuge. Excavations reveal that the ancient city was huge and wealthy; a survivor of numerous invasions but devastated by earthquakes.

St. Paul lived and worked in Corinth for 18 months, making converts where he could. The Bema (platform) where the Roman governor tried him is still visible. See one of Corinth's most striking ancient buildings – the Temple of Apollo, seven of whose original columns still stand.

Walk through the remains of the Market Place, a colonnaded square once surrounded by many small shops. See the celebrated Fountain of Priene, which has produced water from earliest times, and the Lechaion Road, formerly the main thoroughfare to the port of Lechaion.

You will then visit the incredible Corinth Canal. The concept of cutting a canal through the Isthmus of Corinth to link the Ionian and Aegean seas was first proposed by the tyrant Periander, founder of Ancient Corinth. The magnitude of the task defeated him, so he opted instead to build a paved slipway across which sailors dragged small ships on rollers. Nero inaugurated one attempt in 67 AD with his golden spade, but it was finally completed in 1893.

Depart for port to board cruise ship. Athens (Greece) - Depart: 11:00 AM

Mykonos (Greece) - Depart: 11:00 PM

You may want to disembark at Mykonos and do a walking tour of the island on your own. This beautiful Cycladic island is famous for its windmills, white-washed buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Explore the charming narrow streets of Mykonos Town, visit the iconic windmills, and enjoy the stunning Aegean Sea views.

Kusadasi, Turkey - Ancient Ephesus Tour:

Every step we take in Ancient Ephesus brings us closer to the Hellenistic, Roman and early Christian eras. We will enjoy a truly exceptional experience in one of the most important and complete classical cities in Europe. We pass through the Magnesian Gate and wander through the Agora, Odeon, the magnificent and restored Library of Celsus, the marble-paved Main Street of Curetes, Baths of Scholastica, The Great Theatre, Trajan's Fountain, the Houses of the Patricians, Prytaneum and the Temple of Hadrian.

The Terrace Houses were where the wealthy families of Ancient Ephesus lived. These villas are excellently preserved, especially the interior decor. The oldest houses date from the 1st Century BC, were built on two storeys and even had hot and cold water and a heating system.

Patmos, Greece - A Personal Pilgrimage:

This excursion takes us to a small but fascinating island with connections to the Bible. Patmos is mentioned in the Book of Revelation, where St. John the Evangelist received a vision from Jesus. Visitors can see the location where John is said to have had the revelation, the Cave or Grotto of the Apocalypse. We visit the Monastery of St. John founded by St. Christodoulos in 1088, including the Byzantine Church of St. John, adorned with a wood-carved icon screen and important frescoes.

If you are a first time visitor to Santorini she will take your breath away. And even if you are a regular visitor, with her soaring landscapes and whitewashed houses she will still do that every time. She is regularly described as one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

One of the greatest spectacles is Oia village perched on the rim of the Caldera, the remains of a volcanic eruption. Santorini is a ring of rock around the sea – think of it as the rim of an old volcano.

First we head to Megalochori, one of the most authentic and unspoiled villages on the island, retaining its distinctive architecture, character and charm. Our trip continues eastwards through a number of traditional communities like Firostefani and Imerovigli until we arrive at Oia.

On our journey we will have had the lace-like caldera to our west, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea and Nea Kameni and an incredible, unsurpassed panoramic view. There is plenty of time in Oia to explore, stroll the marble-paved alleys, visit the adorable shops and capture the moments on camera. Admire the traditional buildings carved into the rocks and the unusual captain's manors.

Depart: 8:00 PM

Athens (Greece) - Fly back home.

Complete your life-changing journey following in the footsteps of the apostle Paul. As you prepare to return home, reflect on the incredible sites you've visited, the scripture that has come to life before your eyes, and the deeper understanding you've gained of Paul's missionary journeys that helped spread Christianity throughout the ancient world.

This transformative experience will forever enrich your understanding of the New Testament and the early Christian church. The memories and spiritual insights from walking where Paul walked will continue to inspire your faith journey long after you return home.