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Paul's Teachings Embark on an inspiring 10 night - 11 days journey tracing the footsteps of St. Paul through Greece, visiting key sites from his missionary travels. This tour offers a blend of spiritual enrichment, history, and breathtaking landscapes as you explore the places where the Apostle to the Nations preached and built early Christian communities. Pauline Sites: Discover Thessaloniki, Philippi, Veria, Meteora Monasteries, Acropolis of Athens, Corinth and much more in the profound legacy of St. Paul’s teachings. Mass and Worship during the week with Greek Hospitality.
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1
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our expert Tour Manager, who will accompany you throughout the entire tour. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in, where you will enjoy a three-night stay. Begin your journey with an introductory discussion regarding our program, accompanied by welcome drinks, offering you the chance to get to know your guide and ask any questions. The evening will continue with a delicious dinner at the hotel, followed by overnight accommodation at a centrally located hotel in Thessaloniki.
2
Begin your spiritual journey. Our trip continues to the Hagia Sofia, one of the oldest churches in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, a drive to the town of Kavala, formerly known as Neapolis, the principal seaport in eastern Macedonia and the first place where St. Paul set foot on the Greek mainland. From there, we proceed to the archaeological site of Philippi, where St. Paul and Silas were imprisoned. Here, we will visit the Church of Philippi, known for its deep connection to St. Paul, and take time for reflection and worship in this sacred setting. A delicious lunch awaits at a local taverna near Philippi, offering a taste of authentic Greek cuisine. We will continue to the village of Lydia, where we will visit the stream and church where Lydia of Thyatira was baptized, marking the first recorded baptism in Europe. The day concludes with dinner at a local taverna, followed by overnight accommodation at the hotel in Thessaloniki.
3
After breakfast, we will check out and depart from Thessaloniki and visit the museum of Pella, the capital of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander the Great. After an included light lunch at the same area, we continue to Vergina (ancient Aigai), where Philip II was assassinated and Alexander the Great became king. Visit the Royal Tombs where Philip II is buried. Our last stop is Veria, where St. Paul and Silas visited and preached about God. We will spend the night here, in this picturesque city. Dinner at a local tavern and accommodation in Veria.
4
After breakfast, our spiritual journey begins with a visit to the site where it is believed that St. Paul stood and preached—the 'Apostle Paul's Podium,' now marked by a grand monument. We will take a moment for prayer and reflection at this historically significant location. Next, we travel through Meteora with a stop at the 13th-century Byzantine Castle of Platamon, located at the foot of Mount Olympus. Surrounded by breathtaking views, this castle offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Then, we continue to a local village for lunch, followed by a wine-tasting experience in Rapsani, situated on the southern slopes of Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the Greek gods. The region’s sunny, mountainous terrain is ideal for producing exquisite red wines, and the vineyards here are truly picturesque. Our day concludes in Kalambaka, nestled beneath the awe-inspiring rock formations of Meteora. After checking into our hotel in Kalambaka for 3 nights, we will enjoy a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay in this tranquil city.
5
We will begin our tour in the morning with a visit to a local iconography workshop, where we will gain insight into the intricate process of creating religious icons. Following this presentation, we will embark on a journey to the awe-inspiring monasteries of Meteora. The monastic history of this sacred site dates back to the 11th century, with the monasteries themselves being established in the 14th century. We will have the privilege of exploring 2 of the 6 monasteries that stand today, with detailed guided tours inside them, where we will learn about the fascinating lives of the monks, their spiritual practices, and their remarkable traditions. As we ascend the towering rock formations, we will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that capture the essence of this unique destination. After an enriching morning, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel for a relaxing afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kalambaka.
6
We will enjoy a relaxing morning today. It is your free day. However, your Tour Manager will be able to provide you with directions as to where and what to do if you decide to visit the city of Kalambaka. You can visit the city center, the Byzantine Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary that was built in the 11th century. Located in the old part of the city, it offers a great view of the plain of Thessaly in combination with the rock formations of Meteora. Take your time to pray. You can have your lunch at a local restaurant. We will meet to have dinner at a local restaurant & overnight in Kalambaka.
7
After breakfast, we will check out from our hotel and embark on a scenic drive through the Thessalian Plain, Greece's second-largest plain. This fertile region is known for its thriving agriculture and animal farms, reflecting the rural traditions of the area. Our journey includes a stop at Thermopylae, the historic site of the legendary battle between the Greeks and the Persians. Here, we will dive into the remarkable stories of bravery that shaped ancient history. We will then stop for a traditional lunch in Bralos Village, a place of historical significance during World War I. In October 1917, the 49th Stationary Hospital was established here, along with recuperation camps for Allied troops. It remained in operation until 1919, with many soldiers, particularly victims of the influenza epidemic, laid to rest in the British Cemetery nearby. Bralos also witnessed fierce combat during the Battle of Thermopylae in 1941 between British Commonwealth forces and the Germans. Later in the day, we will arrive at Delphi, where we will check into our hotel for a one-night stay. Dinner and overnight at Delphi.
8
After breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and visit the Hosios Loukas Monastery, dedicated to 'Esteemed Saint Luke.' This monastery is not in honor of Luke the Evangelist but was established by the Greek monk Loukas, who was laid to rest in its crypt after his passing in AD 953. The monastery features a large church, the Katholikon, and a smaller church built between 997 and 1011 to honor the Virgin Mary. These temples boast stunning frescoes and mosaics that remain beautifully preserved. Take time to pray reverently and reflect in the chapel provided by the monastery. Savor an included lunch at a local taverna before continuing the journey to Athens. Upon arrival, check into our hotel in Athens for a three-night stay. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local taverna, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel in Athens.
9
After breakfast, we will have a city tour by bus to admire the Hellenic Parliament with the 'Evzones', the Presidential Guard. We will pass by the Panathenaic Stadium, known as Kallimarmaro (made completely out of fine marble) and we will arrive at the Acropolis. Amongst the many important monuments are the Temple of Athena and the most majestic temple of Classical Greece, the Parthenon. After our visit to the Acropolis Hill, we will walk down to the site of St. Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill (Aeropagus). It is the exact place where St. Paul preached to a mixed crowd in order to introduce the ‘Unknown God’. We will take some time to read and pray in this holy area. Then, we will visit the Ancient Agora, the center of public life in Athens at the time of St. Paul. Free leisurely afternoon to enjoy lunch (at your own cost) wander the Plaka or Monastery area to shop, and maybe visit the National Archaeological Museum of Greece or numerous other museums. Your guide will always advise you of your options. Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel.
10
08:30 - Embark on a full-day tour from Athens, beginning with a stop at the Corinth Canal. This 19th-century engineering marvel separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece, providing a stunning backdrop to enjoy coffee and take photos. Proceed to Modern Corinth to visit the Cathedral of St. Paul, also known as the 'Holy Cathedral of Korinthos,' a spiritual centerpiece of the city. Explore ancient Corinth, where St. Paul spent 18 months spreading his teachings. Visit the archaeological museum with artifacts dating back 3,000 years, walk in the footsteps of St. Paul, and hold a final service in this sacred open-air setting. Savor a late lunch in the charming old town of Corinth before continuing to Cenchreae, the ancient harbor from which St. Paul departed for Ephesus. Return to Athens, dinner, and overnight stay.
11
After breakfast, we will be transferred to Athens Airport for the return flight back home, farewell to your Local Guide, Tour Leader, and fellow travelling companions.
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7 days from 1100€ pp
based on 2 people sharing
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