Greece - The Cities of Apostle Paul
6 Full Sightseeing Days - 7 Nights

Tour Includes:

• Escorted by Professional Tour Director
• Choice of Deluxe, Superior First-Class or First Class Hotels
• Comprehensive Sightseeing
• Transfers, Porterage and Entrance Fees
• Deluxe Document Case
• USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - En Route to Greece

Depart the U.S.A. on your overnight flight. Enjoy complimentary meals and beverages en route to Greece.

Day 2 - Athens International Airport - Athens

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport meet your escort and driver and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Athens.

Day 3 - City Tour - Acropolis - Mars Hill - Corinth - Temple of Apollo - Bema

Today meet your Greek guide and begin a city tour that will give you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. In the center of the city, view Constitution Square, the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. While driving down Herod Atticus Street, be sure to snap a photo of the prestigious Evzones in their colorful uniforms guarding the Presidential Palace. View the Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first Olympic games of the modern era in 1896. Nearby is the Temple of the Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. Ascend the Acropolis to visit the architectural masterpieces of the golden age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally the monument which exhibits "the harmony between matter and spirit", the Parthenon. Nearby, stand upon Mars Hill, an outcropping of the Acropolis (Acts 17). And envision, if you can, Paul the Apostle's impassioned plea to the Athenians! This afternoon, travel south across the Corinth Canal, to ancient Corinth. Since the Romans largely destroyed Corinth in 146 BC, and rebuilt it on orders of Julius Caesar, in 44 BC, most of what can be seen here today dates to the New Testament period. It's here that Paul the Apostle started the church at Corinth as well as defended himself before proconsul, Gallio (Acts 18:12). Visit the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Forum, and the famous Bema, also known as the judgment seat (II Cor. 5:10). Overnight in Athens.

Day 4 - Athens - Delphi - Temple of Apollo - Museum - Treasury of the Athenians - Kalambaka

This morning drive northwest through the wooded countryside to Delphi, known as the center of the ancient world, whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. Delphi's setting is stunning, situated on Mt. Parnassos overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. According to mythology, Zeus released two eagles at opposite ends of the world, and they met here, in Delphi. The Delphic oracle was believed to be Apollo's mouthpiece and was therefore the most powerful in all Greece. Battles were fought, marriages contracted, journeys embarked upon, and business deals closed on the strength of its guidance. And hence, it is here that Alexander the Great sought counsel of the Oracle before moving his armies eastward to Persia. Amid this magnificent landscape, visit the ancient amphitheater, the Temple of Apollo, the archaeological treasures of the Museum and the Treasury of the Atheneians. Continue northwest through the Plains of Thessaly to your hotel in Kalambaka.

Day 5 - Kalambaka - Meteora - Monastery of the Transfiguration - Dion - Thessaloniki - City Tour

Today drive to Meteora, which literally means 'suspended in air'. Dizzily perched on fingers of stone amid striking scenery is the Meteoran community of twenty-four monasteries and convents. When built, there were no steps and the main access to the monasteries was by means of a net that was hitched over a hook and hoisted up by rope and a hand cranked windlass to winch towers overhanging the chasm. Monks descended in the nets or on retractable wooden ladders to the fertile valleys below where they grew grapes, corn and potatoes. Today, only six monasteries survive as museums, yet offer a rare glimpse into the Orthodox monastic life. Visit the Grand Meteoran, also known as the Monastery of the Transfiguration, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Travel northeast to Dion, the spiritual capital of Macedonia since 700 BC, which rests at the foot of majestic Mt. Olympus - the tallest mountain in Greece. Visit the recently excavated Sanctuary of Dion and the Dion Museum. Continue to the port city of Thessaloniki, ancient Thessalonica (Acts 17). Conclude your day in the old Upper Town for a stellar panoramic view. After a brief city tour, the remainder of the day is yours to become acquainted with this beautiful seaside city. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 6 - Amphipolis - Colossal Lion - Philippi - Kavala

This morning, just as in the days of Paul and Silas, depart for Amphipolis (Acts 17:1), an ancient Macedonian city known for its great Roman military camp. Visit the Colossal Lion for a quick photo op before proceeding to Philippi, Paul's beloved community. Upon arrival visit the chapel commemorating the baptism of Lydia, "a seller of purple" who resided in Philippi and was, the first convert made by Paul in Europe. And, no visit to Philippi would be complete without touring the site of Paul's imprisonment. While jailed, Paul was inspired to write Philippians 1:7-14. After a brief stop in the beautiful harbor city of Kavala, return to your hotel. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 7 - Thessaloniki - Pella - Lefkadia - Veria - Larissa - Lamia - Athens

Early this morning travel west to Pella, the ancient capital of King Philip and the birthplace of Alexander the Great in 356 BC. Turn south and proceed to Lefkadia, for a visit to the newly discovered temple-like tombs of the 4th century BC, which are covered with perfectly preserved frescoes. Nearby is Veria, ancient Berea (Acts 17:10), where Apostle Paul taught in the synagogue and the Bereans eagerly searched the Scriptures. Continue south through the plain of Thessaly past towns of Larrissa and Lamia, known for its famous battles and the thermal springs of Thermopylae. Overnight in Athens.

Day 8 - Athens - Optional 1 Day Cruise or Leisure Time

Today is your choice! An optional 1 day cruise sails to the nearby Saronic Islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. Each island - though diverse in history and architecture - flaunts vivid colors, breath-taking scenery and an inviting ambience that welcomes the visitor. Choose an optional excursion(s) or simply explore each island by taxi or on foot browsing the many shops and cafes. Or, enjoy leisure time in Athens; re-visiting your favorite site, shopping in the Plaka or simply enjoying one of the many city cafes. Farewell overnight in Athens.

Day 9 -  Athens International Airport · En Route Home  OR  Choose An Extension

This morning transfer via motorcoach to the Athens International Airport. While en route - treasure your memories of the fellowship and Biblical sites you’ve experienced - Memories that will last a lifetime!