Footsteps of Paul in Greece with Ephesus and Patmos

Today you begin your Biblical journey to Thessaloniki! Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, you will be transferred to your hotel to drop off your bags. Enjoy some free time before dinner. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Apostle Paul visited Philippi together with Silas during his Second Missionary Journey. Our first Biblical encounter with Philippi is through Act 16:11-40. At the time, Philippi had no synagogues and very few Jews, so Paul decides to wait for the Sabbath and go to the river banks outside the city. There he began to talk to the women that gathered there, amongst them, Lydia-the first person to be Baptized in European soil-she and her whole household became believers. During your tour in Philippi, you will have the opportunity to visit and study your Bible in the actual place where the Baptism took place called "Lydia's Baptistry." You will also see the place where Paul and Silas were imprisoned and freed by a violent earthquake. From there, you will continue to Kavala; the site was used to be Ancient Neapolis that Paul, Timothy, and Silas landed. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

This morning you drive to Berea, as described in Acts17:10-15 Paul and Silas go to Berea and preach at the Synagogue. Many of the Jews became believers, but Paul's ministry was cut short. While you are in Berea, you will see St. Paul's Bema, where he preached to the local Jews in 54 AD. Afterward, you will drive back to Thessaloniki. Apostle Paul came to Thessaloniki and went straight to the Synagogue. As described in your Bible in Acts 17:1-9, Paul preached in the Synagogue for three consecutive Sabbaths, and he gained many followers who believed. A couple of the Jews who were not persuaded created an uproar and attacked the House of Jason, one of the believers Paul was staying with during his visit. During your tour, you will have the Biblical Experience of those verses as you will see the agora in Thessaloniki, where Paul preached to the local Jews, as well as the House of Jason, where he lived! You will also have the opportunity to visit St. Demetrius Basilica, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert, and see the Galerius Arch rising over the famous via Egnatia. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

This morning you are leaving Thessaloniki and make your way to Athens, taking the same direction as Paul did, after the uproar in Thessaloniki were the believers sent him to Berea and then to Athens. You will spend most of your day onboard our deluxe motorcoach, giving you plenty of time to reflect on your trip so far and prepare spiritually for the coming days. Upon arrival in Athens you will head to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

In 51 AD, Apostle Paul traveled from Berea to Athens by boat. His boat anchored at Faliron that used to be the main port serving Athens. Apostle Paul traveled from port to Athens. While waiting for Silas & Timothy to come from Macedonia, he spent most of his time talking with citizens at the Synagogues and the Agora. The Athenians took an interest in his teachings and invited him to present it more analytical at the Aeropagus, the hill west of Acropolis. Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and gave his famous Aeropagus Sermon, emphasizing the need to known God rather than worship the unknown as described in Acts 17:16-34. Follow your guide on a journey to the ancient Acropolis where you will seethe Propylaea, the Parthenon and the Erectheum. View Mars Hill where Paul preached the gospel to the intellectual Athenian community of his day (Acts 17: 15-34). View the ruins of the Agora, ancient market place and center of Athenian public life, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians. You will view the Olympic Stadium, where the modern Olympics began and where the games returned in 2004. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Visit Corinth (Acts 18: 1-18), a city that inspired of St. Paul's most familiar letter. You will visit the Archeological Museum, the Market Place, and Temples. Walk among the ruins and stand on the Bema where Paul stood. Read Paul's letter to the Corinthians and visualize his address to the Gentiles as he began the task of building Corinth's church. Imagine where Aquila and Priscilla lived and where they had their tent making business. Acts 18:9-11 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;  for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. During our Tour we also visit the port of Cechreae. Continue to the Airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival meet you rguide and driver and transfer to Kusadasi for Dinner and overnight.

Journey to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities. Begin with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, then explore the ancient ruins, including the Great Theater, where Paul once preached to the Ephesians. The message to the church in Ephesus is found in Revelation 2:1-7, where they are commended for their perseverance but warned to return to their first love: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” The day concludes with a visit to the Basilica of St. John and the Temple of Artemis. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Today you will enjoy a full-day excursion from Kusadasi to Patmos, the revered “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” known for the Grotto where St. John received his divine revelations. Departing early in the morning, sail across the tranquil Aegean waters while your guide sets the tone with reflections on St. John’s life and ministry. After arriving in the port of Skala, meet your local Christian guide and travel into the hills to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here, step inside the sacred cave where the Book of Revelation was inspired, pause for prayerful reflection, and witness the fissure in the rock believed to be where God’s voice resounded. You will also visit the 11th-century Monastery of St. John and admire its ancient chapels, icons, and panoramic views of the azure sea before descending to Skala. Enjoy time to explore the harbor’s shops and take in the peaceful island ambiance before boarding the afternoon ferry.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule. Reflect on your unforgettable journey through the footsteps of Apostle Paul and the early Christian world.
You will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your return flight home, carrying spiritual insights, powerful memories, and a deeper connection to the New Testament.

Safe travels and blessings on your journey home!