Steps of Paul in Greece with Steve Macchia and Mark Buchanan

Depart Boston Logan International Airport on a flight to Thessaloniki, Greece. Dinner and breakfast will be served on the flight. Optional upgrade quotes to premium economy and business class seats are available upon request.

We arrive in Thessaloniki, where our Greek-English-speaking guide greets us. The ancient city of Thessaloniki, named after Alexander, the Great’s sister, is over 2300 years old. It was here that Paul wrote his letter to the Thessalonians. Later, the city flourished under the Byzantine Empire. We settle into our hotel and have time to explore the city before dinner at the hotel. Overnight Thessaloniki. (D)

We drive to Philippi, where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity (Acts 16:12-18). Here, Paul baptized a woman named Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe. Visit the Roman Forum and the prison where St. Paul and Silas were thrown. Gather at the same river where Paul baptized Lydia and at the Roman theatre for your prayer and teaching. Continue into the modern port city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul, accompanied by Silas, Luke, and Timothy, first set foot in Europe. This ancient city was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki (B.D)

Our guided city tour of Thessaloniki includes places where Paul lived and preached and ancient Byzantine monuments and churches. We see the Arch of Galerius, the City Walls, the Chain Tower and Citadel, the White Tower, the Cave and Well of the Apostle Paul, the House of Jason, and the Monastery of Vlattadon. Walk to the Roman Agora where Paul preached. Following a break for lunch, we depart for Vergina (ancient Aigai), the first capital of Macedonia. Here, Phillip II was assassinated in 336 B.C., making Alexander the Great the leader of the Macedonian Kingdom. We explore the remarkable underground Museum of the Royal Tombs. Next, we visit Veria (Biblical Beroea), a charming town with a Jewish quarter and dozens of Byzantine churches. Paul visited here twice, and Jews and Greeks eagerly received his message. We visit the “bema” where Paul preached, marked with a monument of mosaics and a nearby statue of Paul. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight. (B.D)

We depart Thessaloniki and travel through the Greek countryside, past Mount Olympus, the legendary home to the Greek gods, to the Meteora Monasteries. Hiding in caves from the Ottoman invaders in the 11th century, the monks were forced to move their settlements higher upon the rocks until they were unreachable by the invading armies. Meteora means “suspended in the air,” as the beautiful monasteries were established by bringing building materials and food supplies by ladders and baskets. The Byzantine monasteries perched on steep rocks enclose priceless manuscripts, artifacts, and paintings. While visiting the monasteries, we enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding them. (Reaching the monasteries requires walking over uneven terrain and many steps.) In the afternoon, we visit an icon workshop in the area to see how icons are made. We enjoy a delicious Greek dinner and an overnight stay in Kalambaka tonight. (B.D)

This morning, we depart for ancient Delphi, where we see the ancient ruins and the first monument built, worshiping one God rather than multiple pagan Deities. We tour the archeological museum and have lunch in the area. Continue to Athens, where we check into the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure to explore the city and have dinner on our own. Overnight in Athens. (B)

Following Sunday morning service, we depart for Corinth with a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland and connects the two seas (Ionian and Aegean). Later, we visit Ancient Corinth, home to Paul, for eighteen months. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Bema, the Market Place, and the Temples. Paul spoke to the Corinthians from the Bema at Corinth about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Return to Athens for a city tour, which includes the world-renowned Acropolis, with the ruins of the Parthenon, Erechteum, and Propylea. Then, ascend Mars Hill, where Paul preached (Acts 17:16, 22). We also view the Agora (ancient marketplace and former center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Presidential Palace. Tonight, we enjoy dinner and a folklore show in a typical Greek taverna. Overnight in Athens. (B.Special dinner)

Transfer to the Lavrion (Athens) port for embarkation on our cruise ship. Enjoy the many shipboard activities or just relax while sailing to the Island of Mykonos with its windmills, whitewashed buildings, sidewalk cafes, 360 churches, and chic shops! The approximate time on the island is 6-10 pm. Overnight on the ship (B.L.D)

We arrive in Ephesus this morning to visit the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Here, Paul spent many years - preached, taught, and lived in Ephesus for an extended period (Acts19:1-10). For the Ephesians, Paul wrote his “Letter to the Ephesians.” We sail to the Island of Patmos, arriving in the early evening. We see the Monastery of St. John and the cave where it is believed that John received the visions that now constitute the Book of Revelation. Overnight on the ship. (B.L.D)

The ship docks in Rhodes, where we enjoy an entire day. Our included shore excursion would take us to the Ancient Acropolis of Lindos and the port of St Paul, where Paul stopped on the way back to Jerusalem. This afternoon, walk on your own in the Medieval town! Overnight on the ship. (B.L.D)

This morning, we dock at Heraklion in Crete, where Paul and Titus visited in support of the Early Church. You may explore the town of Heraklion or take an optional Shore excursion* to Knossos Minoan Palace. This afternoon, the ship docks in Santorini, one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. You can take the cable car up to the capital town of Fira, the most beautiful place on the island, to enjoy the views, take a stroll and shop, or just enjoy an ice cream in a glorious setting. *Optional shore excursions may be purchased on the ship. Overnight on the ship. (B.L.D)

Disembark from the ship and transfer to the airport for our flight home (B)