1st Day: Arrive in Athens & Half Day Tour
Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, our English-speaking chauffeur will meet you and drive you to your booked hotel in the comfort of an air-conditioned luxury Mercedes Benz car.
After check – in, experience a personalized, expertly guided walking tour of Athens with a personal guide. Make your tour unique by tailoring it to your interests and preferences.
Start off with your local guide to experience the sights of this thriving, ancient metropolis, home to the world’s first democracy. Make stops at the Olympic Stadium, Syntagma Square, and Hadrian’s Arch and explore the sixth-century Temple of Zeus. Visit the classically inspired Old Royal Palace, which houses the Hellenic Parliament, then drive through the Plaka neighborhood. Set off on a walking tour of the old Acropolis, which includes the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion. Drive to Areopagus Hill, which is located directly northwest of the Acropolis. Choose to climb to the top of the hill where Paul the Apostle preached in 51 A.D. and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Overnight in Athens.
2nd Day: Half Day Korinthos
After an early breakfast, starting from Athens, we’ll head westwards and drive coastally until we finally reach the Corinth Canal. The Corinth Canal is 6 kilometers long and connects the Gulf of Corinth to the Aegean Sea. Αfter a small stop there we will continue to drive through the picturesque villages in order to get to ancient Corinth. See the Agora, where the Acts of the Apostles records that Paul was tried by Gallio, and the Bema, where Paul was hauled before the tribunal. Take a picture of the magnificent Corinth Canal, which divides mainland Greece from the Peloponnese peninsula.
Optional activity: Mycenae – Nafplio
Our next stop will be Mycenae, with the Cyclopean masonry, the Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon and the Lion Gate. Passing through the city of Argos, we’ll get to Nafplio. A romantic city steeped in history, that served as the first capital of modern Greece. Nafplion is famous for many things, among which are the Venetian fortress called Palamidi and also Bourtzi, a water castle located in the middle of the harbor. We’ll afterwards continue to Epidaurus where we’ll visit the famous ancient theater, with its symmetrical architecture and perfect acoustics. Following the same beautiful coastal road, we will finally return to Athens.
Overnight in Athens.
3rd Day: Athens – Delphi – Kalambaka
Starting from Athens, we’ll follow the national road to Thiva, Livadia, Distomo and the village of Stiri in order to visit the monastery of Osios Loucas. The monastery is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art and has been listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. We’ll afterwards drive to picturesque Arachova, located near the Ski Center of Parnassos. After passing through valleys and mountains, we’ll finally get to the ancient city of Delphi with its famous oracle. Ancient Greeks believed Delphi to be the center of the world. Apollo, the god of light, harmony and order was worshiped there for more than five centuries. As the years passed, the sanctuary grew in size and importance. During the 8th century B.C. Delphi became internationally known for the oracular powers of Pythia, the priestess. Pythia would sit on a tripod, inhale ethylene and mutter incomprehensible words that were perceived as predictions for the future. Such faith had the ancient world in Pythia, that no major decision was made without consulting her first. Both Greek and foreign dignitaries and everyday people used to pay large amounts of money in order to receive an oracle from the priestess.
We’ll arrive at Kalambaka to spend the night late in the evening.
Overnight in Meteora.
4th Day: Kalambaka – Veria – Vergina – Thessaloniki
The day will begin with a guided walking tour of Meteora monasteries. Enter two monasteries, such as Roussanou, Agios Stefanos, and Varlaam. Hike up to the monasteries to see the views from the 1,000-foot-high pinnacle rocks. Meet with local nuns to discuss Eastern Orthodox Church customs and beliefs. Learn more about this branch of Christianity, the nuns’ lives, and the work they do in monasteries.
Continue to the historic cities of Vergina and Veria. Begin at Veria, where you will visit Saint Paul’s Tribune, where he delivered at least two sermons on Christianity in his lifetime. Discover why it is regarded as a universal monument of religious and cultural heritage by getting up close and personal with its striking murals. Gaze upon the ruins of the Jewish Quarter perched on the Mount Vernon foothills. Explore the ruins of the royal palace at the Vergina Archaeological Museum and pay a visit to the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai.
We will arrive in Thessaloniki late in the evening and spend the night there.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
5th Day: Thessaloniki Full Day Tour
After breakfast, during a guided tour of Thessaloniki, we will see the locations where Paul the Apostle lived and preached in addition to other significant historical sites in the city. See the Arch of Galerius, a monument that was commissioned as part of an imperial complex in the fourth century by the Roman Emperor Galerius. Admire the fortifications built around the city in the early third century. A museum presently stands in the White Tower of Thessaloniki, an icon of the city that was formerly a prison, a defensive fort, and a communication hub during World War I. Follow the promenade along the sea to get there. Let us enter the monastery of Vlatadon, where Paul the Apostle delivered a sermon to the Thessalonians on the word of God. Visit the Brotherhood of Men of Thessaloniki Park, a popular pilgrimage destination where it is rumored that Apostle Paul paused to sip from the spring that is now referred to as Apostle Paul’s Holy water.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
6th Day: Kavala – Philippi – Amfipolis
Travel to three historic cities where a local guide will teach you about Paul the Apostle. See the aptly named castle and magnificent aqueduct at Kavala, as well as Saint Nicholas Church, which houses an ornate mosaic depicting Saint Paul’s journey through the city. Next, proceed to the historic city of Philippi, which is home to Europe’s first Christian church and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Saint Paul founded a church in Philippi, to which he notably wrote a letter titled “Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Philippians.” You will see the Baptistery of St. Lydia, the city’s forum, and an outdoor archeological museum, among other Philippi attractions. Return back to your accommodation in Thessaloniki.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
7th Day: Departure from Thessaloniki
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
