Steps of St. Paul in Greece and Cyprus [12days]

After breakfast we’ll explore the city of Thessalonica, where Paul preached in his second and third missionary journeys. To the early Christians of this city he wrote the epistles ″To Thessalonians″. During our tour, we will pass by the scenic seafront to see the White Tower and we’ll continue with the Museum area, the University Campus, the Monuments from the Roman times and the Churches from the Byzantine Era (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE). We’ll visit the Church of Saint Demetrius, the city’s Patron Saint and afterwards we’ll head towards the citadel, to see the city walls and enjoy a unique, panoramic view over Thessaloniki. Short coffee break by the city walls. Departure for Veria (Berea), where in
AD50, Paul preached to a more “noble” Jewish congregation and established an important Church (Acts 17: 10-14). We will visit the old synagogue, as well as the monument commemorating Paul’s visit to Berea. Ensuite, we will head to Vergina (Aegae), the legendary burial site of the Macedonian kings (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE). We will visit the
splendid local museum, which displays the tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. Return to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast we depart for Philippi, the town where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity, as early as 49 AD. ″And from there (He went) to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman Colony. We remained in this city some days…″ (Acts 16:11-12). Paul preached to the Jewish congregation outside the city walls. Among those who converted to Christianity, were Lydia and her family. In Philippi, we will visit the archaeological site (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE) to see the ancient theater, the forum, the remains of early Christian churches and the Prison of St. Paul.  Next, we’ll drive to the nearby Baptismal site of Lydia to make our pilgrimage. We will continue towards the city of Kavala, the ancient city of Neapolis (Acts 16:11) where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. It was later renamed Christoupolis, meaning city of Christ, because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. There will be enough time for optional lunch. Before we depart, we’ll see the monument which commemorates Paul’s landing to Neapolis, as well as the Aqueduct of the Roman times.  Dinner and
overnight in Thessaloniki.

After breakfast, we’ll start our journey towards the spectacular Monasteries of Meteora (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE). Driving through the plain of Central Macedonia, we’ll pass by the majestic Mount Olympus, and crossing the Thessalian plain we’ll arrive at the magnificent landscape of Meteora, which is one of the largest and most important monastic centers in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. A unique landscape, where sheer rocks rise from the ground and fortress-like monasteries are perched atop the rocks!! The first monasteries were built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation. We will visit the most famous of them, the Great Meteoron, which is now a popular museum, to admire superb frescoes, icons and old manuscripts. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

After breakfast, we’ll start our journey to Delphi. Arrive in Delphi and visit the archaeological site of Delphi (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE). Delphi is located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. According to the Greek mythology, it was Zeus who determined the Delphi was the ″Omphalus″ (the center) of ″Mother Earth″ (Gaia). The Delphic Oracle of Gaia was
already important from as early as 1400 BC. From about 800 BC, it was rededicated to god Apollo, who provided answers to his pilgrim’s questions via his priestess, Pythia. Excavation at Delphi, have uncovered a plethora of artifacts. During our visit to the archaeological site we’ll see the remains of the Apollonian Sanctuary: treasure houses, impressive retaining walls, the Temple of Apollo, the Altar, the Theater and more. In the nearby Museum we’ll
admire artifacts found during the excavations: worship idols, exceptional statues, votive offerings, and more. The pride of this museum is the ″Bronze Charioteer″, a masterpiece of the Classical era. Lunch in the nearby area. Departure for Athens. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

After breakfast we will explore the city of Athens, one of the most glorious cities in the world and the cradle of western civilization as we know it today. During our panoramic bus tour we’ll pass by the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Greek Parliament, Syntagma Square, the Academy, the University and the National Library. After we reach the foot hills of the Acropolis, we’ll continue on foot to visit the Areopagus (Mars’ Hill), where Paul preached to the Athenians (Acts 17:16-34). Next we’ll accent the Sacred Acropolis (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE), which is crowned by Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Parthenon (Temple of Goddess Athena), The
Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. We’ll continue with a visit to the new Acropolis museum, one of the top five museums in the world. This stunning museum was built to house the findings and sculptures of the Acropolis. After the tour there will be free time in Plaka (old Athens). Dinner and overnight in Athens.

After breakfast we will depart with our coach to ancient Corinth (Acts 18.1-18). The journey is scenic and it passes by important historical sites, like Salamis, Eleusis, Megara and the Corinth Canal (coffee and photo stop). Ancient Corinth was a thriving town, with two busy ports: Lechaion and Cenchreae. It was destroyed by the Roman Legions in 146 BC and revived by Julius Caesar in 44 BC. Apostle Paul arrived in Corinth at 50 AD and stayed the longest, working as a tent maker for Priscilla and Aquila, leaving his strong legacy in the area. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians is a universal praise to love. We’ll visit the local museum and the impressive archaeological site: the Forum, the Temple of Apollo, the Odeon of the Roman times, the Bema where Paul was brought before Gallio to be judged for disturbing the peace. Before ending the tour and return to Athens, we will pass by the ancient Greek port of Cenchreae (Acts 18:18) from where Paul departed towards Ephessus. Return to Athens, dinner and overnight. Alternatively: Visit the quaint town of Nafplio for lunch and free time.

According to the schedule of your return flight you will be taken to the airport of Athens for your flight to Larnaca Cyprus. Arrival at Larnaca airport, meet and assist, transfer to Limassol area hotel, check in, dinner at the hotel.

Today begins with a visit to St. John’s Cathedral in Nicosia, a small, single-aisled church built on the site of a 14th-century chapel, showcasing the Franco-Byzantine style and adorned with 18th-century wall paintings depicting biblical scenes and the discovery of St. Barnabas’ tomb in Salamis. We continue with a stroll through the charming pedestrian area of Nicosia’s old city before heading to the mountainous Troodos region. In the picturesque village of Kalopanayiotis, we explore the UNESCO-listed St. John Lampadistis Church, originally a 1731 monastery and home to a remarkable 16th-century icon of the saint, along with a fascinating Byzantine museum nearby. The day concludes with a return to Limassol for dinner at the hotel and an overnight stay.

Today we visit the impressive archaeological site of Kourion, once a major city-kingdom of ancient Cyprus. We explore its Greco-Roman theatre and the House of Eustolios with its beautiful mosaics and bath complex. We continue to St. Neofytos Monastery, founded in the 12th century, with its cave-chapel (Enkleistra) decorated with stunning Byzantine frescoes. In Paphos, we visit Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church and St. Paul’s Pillar, then explore the
famous Pafos mosaics at the House of Dionysos, renowned for their mythological and hunting scenes.
Return to Limassol for dinner and overnight.

Crossing into the northern part of Cyprus, we visit St. Barnabas Monastery, now a museum with ancient Cypriot artifacts, and the ancient city of Salamis, once a major cultural center. After free time in Famagusta’s old city, we return south and head to Larnaca to see the remarkable Church of St. Lazarus, built over the tomb of the saint.
Dinner and overnight in Limassol.

If departing in the afternoon, enjoy a cultural morning tour. We visit Lefkara village, known for handmade lace and silverwork, then head to Choirokoitia for a traditional Cyprus brunch at the Basketry Museum, with local delicacies and live demonstrations. Finally, we explore the Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, a UNESCO site, before transferring to the airport.