Footsteps of Paul the Apostle

From $4,449.00 CAD

About Piraeus, Greece

Paul the Apostle, the prolific writer of the New Testament letters, was one of the first Christian missionaries. Trace his journey through the ancient cities and pastoral country sides of Greece and Turkey.

Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle

featuring a 3-night Greek Islands & Turkey cruise

Follow the path of Paul the Apostle as you discover bucolic beauty and ancient history on this Grecian sojourn. Enjoy a 3-night cruise of the magical Greek islands of Mykonos, Patmos and Santorini. Visit the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, Turkey. Explore the Acropolis in Athens and seek ancient wisdom at the ruins of Delphi. Discover the biblical town of Corinth and see the Agora and the Bema, where Paul was brought before the tribunal. Stop in Philippi, where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe and baptized Lydia, the first Christian. On your journey, feel the spirit of the New Testament as you visit the places where the great apostle lived and preached.

Number of Days: 10 Days
Transportation: Bus & Cruise Ship
Meals: 20 Meals / 9 Breakfasts / 3 Lunches / 8 Dinners (Cruise portion includes all meals on-board)
Travel Dates:
Sept 15 - 25, 2021
And various Dates in March, April and May 2022 (call your Travel Agent for availability)


Pre Night: Crowne Plaza Athens City Center

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The Crowne Plaza Hotel Athens City Center is situated in the heart of Athens, very close to the historical sites of Athens such as the Acropolis, the traditional Plaka area (old town) and Syntagma (Constitution) square. All guestrooms at the 5-star Crowne Plaza Athens City Center have modern interior design, with state-of-the-art technology and support, making them ideal for a pleasant stay in a relaxing environment.

Day 1: Overnight Flight -

Fly from Toronto to Athens to begin tour, flight is not included in price.


Day 2: Athens, Greece - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in Athens, Greece’s lively capital. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the Plaka, Athens’ historic district nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. Feast on local cuisine and enjoy fine wine in a traditional taverna while Greek entertainment creates a wonderful ambiance around you.

Day 3: Athens - Piraeus* (Embarkation) - Mykonos

Embark on a 3-night cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily while on board. The island of Mykonos is your first stop. This charming, mountainous island is known for the hundreds of tiny chapels, whitewashed buildings, and beautiful windmills that dot its landscape. Don’t miss Mykonos Town, following the mazes of narrow streets full of bustling activity. Enjoy free time to explore this island paradise.

Day 4: Kusadasi, Turkey - Patmos, Greece

Visit the Turkish port of Kusadasi for an excursion to the ruins of Ephesus (UNESCO), where Paul the Apostle lived 3 years during his ministry. You’ll also visit the Agora, the great theater, and the stadium where chariot races and gladiatorial combats took place. Legend claims that Paul fought here against wild beasts. Visit the House of Mary, where the Virgin Mother spent her last days. Continue your cruise to Patmos. Visit the Monastery of John and the Cave of the Apocalypse where John the Evangelist wrote the Book of Revelation during his exile.

Day 5: Heraklion (Crete)** - Santorini

Enjoy an excursion to the incredible open-air museum of the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Then, during free time in Crete’s largest city, enjoy a variety of museums, shopping, or visit a nearby winery to sample traditional Greek wine. Later, arrive on the fabled island of Santorini, known as the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Enjoy time at leisure to independently explore this lovely port or purchase a ship excursion from the cruise line.

Day 6: Piraeus* - Disembark Cruise Ship - Thessaloniki

After an early morning disembarkation, travel north. Pause at Thermopylae, famous for its heroic defense by Leonidas against the Persian army. Your day ends in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city. Founded in 315 B.C., Thessaloniki was an early center for Christianity. Paul visited and preached here during the winters of A.D. 49-50 and wrote 2 epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. Visit the Church of Saint Demetrius (UNESCO), dedicated to the patron saint of Thessaloniki and set on the location of the saint's martyrdom.

Day 7: Thessaloniki - Kavala - Philippi - Thessaloniki

Travel to the coastal town of Kavala where Paul, accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot on European soil. In nearby Philippi, Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, planting the seeds of Christianity. Join a local expert for a guided tour of this historic town featuring the archaeological site and monuments spanning the Ancient Roman and Byzantine eras. See the dungeon where Paul was held prisoner and the site where he baptized Lydia, the first Christian in Europe.

Day 8: Thessaloniki - Meteora - Kalambaka

Proceed through the fertile Thessalian Valley to Meteora (UNESCO). These dark, sandstone pinnacles rise abruptly from the plain of Thessaly, with 6 historic monasteries perched upon their peaks. Beginning in the 10th century, hermits, monks, and ascetics sought solitude and spiritual solace in these dramatic crags. Visit two amazing Meteora monasteries*** which are renowned for their intricate construction and exquisite Byzantine art. Overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 9: Kalambaka - Delphi

Travel through scenic mountain terrain to Delphi. One of the most moving sites of the ancient world, Delphi is nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus in a landscape of unparalleled beauty. Pilgrims once came from all over the ancient world to consult its mysterious oracle. A guided tour takes you along the Sacred Way to see the Doric Temple and the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasuries, and the intriguing Archaeological Museum with its collection of ancient artifacts.

Day 10: Delphi - Corinth - Athens

Travel to Corinth where Paul lived and preached for two years and also wrote 2 epistles. Explore ancient Corinth on a guided tour featuring the Agora, where Paul’s trial by Gallio took place, and the Bema, where Paul was brought before the tribunal, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. In Athens, see the hill of Areopagus (Mars Hill) – where Paul delivered his famous “Men of Athens” speech – and visit the incomparable Acropolis. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a marvelous trip.

Day 11: Athens - Tour Ends

Return home inspired by the incredible, soothing landscapes and the words and deeds of Paul the Apostle.

The activity level for this tour:

You’re an on-the-go traveller. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (1-2 hours) isn’t a big deal. You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb into various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.), and could possibly anticipate changes in elevation. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure.

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Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

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