![Thessaloniki - Mount Olympus – Meteora [6days] Thessaloniki - Mount Olympus – Meteora [6days]](https://mazitravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/THESSALONIKI-1766013_1920-e1769433547317.jpg)
Embark on a 15-Day pilgrimage of faith and devotion.
In the Footsteps of Saint Paul & the Seven Churches of Revelation
Experience a profound 15-day “Steps of St. Paul” tour in Greece and Turkey, tracing the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys across two historic regions of the ancient world. This extended pilgrimage explores major New Testament destinations, sacred churches, and renowned archaeological sites where early Christian communities were founded. Travel through iconic cities, biblical landscapes, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites while gaining deep insight into scripture, history, and faith. Carefully designed for pilgrims and faith-based travelers, the tour combines spiritual reflection with cultural discovery and expert guidance. Ideal for those seeking an in-depth biblical experience, this journey offers an unforgettable connection to the origins of Christianity.
- Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul through key biblical sites in Greece and Asia Minor.
- Explore the Seven Churches of Revelation: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.
- Visit Ancient Corinth, where St. Paul preached and established an early Christian community.
- Discover Philippi, the site of St. Paul’s first Christian mission in Europe and the baptism of Lydia.
- Experience Thessaloniki, closely connected with St. Paul’s missionary journeys and epistles.
- Explore Ephesus, one of the most important cities of early Christianity and a major biblical landmark.
- Connect Scripture with History through ancient ruins, sacred sites and early Christian monuments.
- Deepen Your Faith with moments of prayer, reflection and spiritual fellowship throughout the journey.
- Discover the Heritage of Early Christianity across two lands central to the spread of the Christian faith.
- Enjoy a Meaningful Pilgrimage Experience combining faith, archaeology, history and cultural discovery.

All Year Round
- Full Board: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner starting from lunch on Day 1 through breakfast/lunch on Day 15
- Accommodation: 14 nights in selected 4-star and 5-star hotels (Istanbul, Izmir, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Canakkale, Alexandroupolis, Thessaloniki, Kalambaka, Athens).
- Transportation: Private luxury air-conditioned motor coach for all transfers and sightseeing per itinerary.
- Ferry Tickets: Dardanelles Strait ferry crossing (Canakkale).
- Guiding Services: Official licensed English-speaking guides specializing in Christian and Byzantine history throughout Turkey and Greece.
- Spiritual / Tour Escort: Dedicated tour manager from our office accompanying the group throughout the trip.
- Insurance: Travel liability insurance and basic medical cover during the tour.
- International airfare to/from the starting and ending points.
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites, museums, and national parks.
- Drinks, beverages, and bottled water during meals (unless otherwise specified).
- Gratuities for drivers, local guides, and hotel staff.
- Hotel climate/resilience taxes (payable directly to hotels)
- Personal expenses, laundry, phone calls, and optional activities.
- Anything not explicitly mentioned under included services.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Istanbul International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our official guide and transferred by luxury air-conditioned coach to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is dedicated to your first orientation and spiritual preparation, offering time to rest after your journey. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner together.
- Meals: Lunch at a local restaurant and dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Istanbul.
After breakfast, we begin our pilgrimage at the magnificent Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom), the eternal symbol of Eastern Orthodoxy. We then proceed to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar, where we venerate the Holy Relics of the Three Hierarchs and the Column of Flagellation inside the Patriarchal Church of St. George. After lunch, we visit the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae—where the Akathist Hymn was first sung—and the Monastery of St. Mary of the Spring (Balıklı) to pray at its holy spring and honor the tombs of the Patriarchs. We conclude our afternoon with a visit to the Basilica Cistern before returning for dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch during sightseeing, and dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Istanbul.
Leaving Istanbul in the morning, we travel south toward the historical city of Bursa. Here, we pause to visit the landmark Green Mosque and explore the old town center, which housed thriving Greek Orthodox communities for centuries. Following lunch, our journey continues across the fertile plains of Asia Minor toward Izmir (ancient Smyrna). Upon arrival in the evening, we check in to our hotel and share a relaxing dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch en route, and dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Izmir
Our morning begins with a drive to Thyatira (Akhisar), one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 2:18-29), known for its early Christian history. We then proceed to ancient Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6), the historic capital of Lydia, to contemplate the remains of the early Christian church and the ancient gymnasium. In the afternoon, we reach Pamukkale (ancient Hierapolis), where we visit the martyrdom site of Saint Philip the Apostle alongside the world-famous white calcium terraces.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a local restaurant, and dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Pamukkale.
We start the day exploring ancient Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22), the seventh Church of the Apocalypse, where recent excavations have revealed a grand early Christian basilica. Afterward, we journey toward the Aegean coast to the seaside resort town of Kusadasi. The remainder of the afternoon is set aside for quiet reflection, individual prayer, and a peaceful stroll along the seafront prior to dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch en route, and dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Kusadasi.
Today is devoted to ancient Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7), the foremost Church of Revelation. We tour the Double Church of Mary, host of the Third Ecumenical Council in 431 AD, as well as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Hadrian. Later, we ascend Mount Koressos to visit the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist—the burial place of the Beloved Disciple—and the House of the Virgin Mary. In the late afternoon, we return to Izmir to visit the historic Church of St. Vukolos and honor the memory of Saint Polycarp and Saint Chrysostom of Smyrna.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch, and dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Izmir.
We depart Izmir for Pergamum (Rev. 2:12-17) to explore the majestic Acropolis and the Red Basilica (Kızıl Avlu), an ancient temple later transformed into a church dedicated to Saint Antipas. We also visit the Asclepion, one of the most famous healing centers of antiquity. In the afternoon, we drive along the Aeolian and Troad coastlines—where Saint Paul received his divine vision of the Macedonian man (Acts 16:9)—reaching Canakkale by evening.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch en route, and dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Canakkale.
In the morning, we cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry and travel toward the border post of Ipsala/Kipi. After completing border formalities, we enter the blessed land of Greek Thrace and arrive in Alexandroupolis. The afternoon features a visit to the Metropolitan Church of St. Nicholas, followed by free time to relax along the coastal promenade before dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch en route, and dinner at a traditional Greek restaurant/hotel.
- Overnight: Alexandroupolis.
We depart for Kavala (ancient Neapolis), where Saint Paul first set foot on European soil in 50 AD. We visit the mosaic shrine commemorating his landing before continuing to Philippi, home to the very first Christian church in Europe. Here, we pray at the Baptistery of Saint Lydia (the first European Christian convert) by the Zygaktis River and view the ancient prison where Paul and Silas were held. By late afternoon, we drive to Thessaloniki and settle into our hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch near Philippi, and dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Thessaloniki.
Today is dedicated to Thessaloniki, recipient of Saint Paul’s two famous Epistles. Our morning tour centers on the Church of Saint Demetrius, patron saint of the city, where we descend into the sacred Crypt. We also visit the historic Rotunda of St. George, the Church of Hagia Sophia, and Panagia Chalkeon. In the afternoon, we ascend to the Upper Town (Kastra) for panoramic views of the Thermaic Gulf and visit the historic Vlatadon Monastery before dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a traditional restaurant, and dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Thessaloniki.
We travel to historic Veria to pray at the “Bema of Saint Paul,” the monument marking where the Apostle preached to the noble Bereans (Acts 17:10-12). Next, we visit nearby Vergina to tour the royal tombs of the Macedonian dynasty. In the afternoon, our drive takes us across the Thessalian plain to Kalambaka, situated at the foot of the holy cliffs of Meteora.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch in Veria/Vergina, and dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Kalambaka.
We begin with a morning visit to the cliff-top Monasteries of Meteora (such as Great Meteoron and St. Stephen), UNESCO-protected sanctuaries of Orthodox monasticism. Following our spiritual visits, we drive through the mountains of Phocis to ancient Delphi, the historic “Navel of the Earth,” where we visit the archaeological site and museum. Late in the afternoon, we proceed to Athens and check in to our hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch in Delphi, and dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Athens.
Our morning tour takes us to the Acropolis and to Mars Hill (Areopagus), where Saint Paul delivered his famous sermon about the “Unknown God” to the Athenian philosophers (Acts 17:22-31). We then visit the Acropolis Museum. In the afternoon, we explore the historic center of Athens, visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral, Kapnikarea Church, and Plaka, followed by a panoramic drive past Syntagma Square and the Panathenaic Stadium.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch in Plaka, and dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Athens.
We depart on a day trip across the Corinth Canal to Ancient Corinth, where Saint Paul lived, preached, and established a vibrant Christian community for over a year and a half. We explore the archaeological site, venerate the Bema of Gallio where Paul was judged, and read his immortal “Hymn to Love” (1 Cor. 13). We also stop at the ancient port of Cenchreae, from where Paul set sail for Syria. In the late afternoon, we return to Athens for rest and a farewell dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch in Corinth, and farewell dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Athens.
Following breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free morning for final prayers, reflection, or souvenir shopping. At the appointed time, our coach transfers you to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” for your homeward flight, carrying the spiritual blessings of this holy journey.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel (and lunch depending on flight departure time).
