In the footsteps of St. Paul

Arrival at Thessaloniki’s airport, our representative will wait for you, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Begin the excursion by visiting the White Tower, a historic landmark and we continue with the Archaeological Museum. We will see the unique collection of Macedonian Gold and important finds from Archaic, Classical and Roman period. Driving by the international Trade Fairgrounds, the Aristotelis University area, we will reach the Citadel and the city walls where we can admire Thessaloniki’s panoramic view. Continue to visit the Basilica of St’ Demetrios, the Saint of the Thessaloniki. Drive along Egnatia Street, named after the famous Roman way, Via Egnatia, walked by St Paul on his way from Instabul to Rome. View the Arch of Galerius and St George’s Rotonda.

Early departure for Pella, ancient second capital of the Macedonian Kingdom and the birthplace of Alexander the Great. We will then pass by the beautiful city of Edessa with its famous waterfalls. Proceed for our next visit to Veria to see the famous Steps (Vema) where St. Paul had preached. Continue onto Vergina the first capital of Macedonia where we visit the King’s mausoleum and the famous museum with finds of the Royal Tombs of King Philippos II, father of Alexander the Great.

We will drive to Kavala through the famous Egnatia Road. On the way, we will stop at the ancient city of Philippi, one of the most interests biblical and historical cities renamed Philippi, after the king Philippos II, father of Alexander the Great. Enjoy a guided tour at the upper and lower parts of the archaeological site, where we will visit the ruins of two Basilicas, the Theatre, the Prison of St. Paul and St Lydia's Baptistery. Continue to Kavala, the ancient site of Neapolis, the very same place where St.Paul set foot on the European continent during his second missionary journey. The tour will include a visit to the house Mohamed Ali and the Aqueduct. Return to Thessaloniki for an overnight at the hotel.

Early bus transfer to Ormos Panagias or Ouranoupoli harbor, where the cruise will begin taking you to the southern point of the Holy Mountain. Sailing, you will have the opportunity to view and photograph Europe’s most unique Monk’s Republic with its impressive Byzantine Monasteries. To this day 1.700 monks still live under the strict rule on the Holy Mountain, with no woman ever being allowed to set foot there. The boat will cruise along the west coast to Ouranoupolis for a stop of approximately two hours where you can have lunch. Depart from Ouranoupolis to Thessaloniki.

After your breakfast, we visit Meteora enjoying a unique and most impressive scenery of ageless monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing between Earth and Sky atop huge rocks. We visit the first great monastery of Varlaam, founded on the 16th century and located on the top of a rock at 380m height! The Monastery of Varlaam is the second largest monastery in the Meteora complex, with the largest number of monks (seven) of the male monasteries. Our second visit will be at the Monastery of St. Stephan, of the 15th century, also built on the top of another huge rock where you will admire a small treasure of Byzantine and Christian items, at the museum inside the monastery! Afterwards we suggest you to visit the “Natural History Museum of Meteora & Mushroom Museum”. Meet the mushrooms and their rich variety of shapes and colors. Explore the Museum's collection and meet some of the most amazing mammals of Greece and Europe. Get familiar with the protection of ecosystems, wildlife and endangered animals. The Museum includes a rich collection of rare birds from around the world. Learn about native and migratory birds and enjoy our collection. Back to Thessaloniki.

After breakfast, we visit the most famous mountain of Greece, the residence of the 12 Gods, Mount Olympus. We will walk in the narrow paths of the mountain, eat in a local restaurant and discover the beauty of the ancient sites just in front of us. Return to Thessaloniki.

Morning free. Transfer to the airport for departure flight. Your trip includes 7 nights in a hotel of your choice with breakfast, transfers, tours and ferry tickets for the cruise.