ITINERARY
SITES WE'LL SEE WHILE ON TOUR | GREECE - FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL
Day 1 -October 04th, 2025 (Arrive at JFK International Airport)
We will all meet at the JFK International Airport prior to our departure to Athens, Greece.
Day 2 -October 05th, 2025 (Arrival ATHENS AIRPORT - ATHENS Overnight)
Upon arrival to Athens Airport, we will visit the Greek Bible College in Athens to get informed about their mission in Greece. Then, transfer to our hotel for check-in. Free time in the city. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3 - October 06th, 2025 (ATHENS - ANCIENT CORINTH - ATHENS Overnight)
After breakfast, we depart for Peloponnese. Our first stop will be the Isthmus of Corinth. It is a narrow strip of land 6 kilometers in length joining Central Greece with Peloponnese. We will have free time to take photos. Then, we begin with the guided tour in Ancient Corinth, which was an important city-state in Ancient Greece and dates back from the Neolithic Period (5.000-3.000). We will visit one of the largest museums in Greece, in terms of wealth and quality of the findings (Acts 18:1-18, 19:22). We will see the bema of Gallio and the Erastus inscription. Afterwards, we will visit Cenchreae (Acts 18:18). Our next stop is at a local olive oil farm for lunch, before returning to Athens. Arrival to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 - October 07th, 2025 (ATHENS - DELPHI - KALAMBAKA Overnight)
Drive to Mt. Parnassus: visit the Holy Monastery of Jerusalem which architecture is inspired by the New Jerusalem (John 21:13). Short nature walks in the cedars forest to a hermit’s cave, panoramic view of Valley of Boeotia. Drive to Arachova, the famous shepherd’s village and enjoy the panoramic view of the Ionian Sea. Proceed to Delphi: visit the archeological museum: the Gallio inscription, on which the dating of the life of Paul is based (Acts 18:12), the Sphinx of Thebes, Temple of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom (the philosophical background of Paul, the Hellenized Jew). Departure for Kalambaka. Arrival to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 - October 08th, 2025 (KALAMBAKA - VERIA - VERGINA -THESSALONIKI Overnight)
Drive to Meteora - one of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes with its six monasteries. Short nature walk in Agios Athanasios. Panoramic view of the ‘stone mushroom’ of Agia Triada. Visit Veria: walk along the Barbouta river into the old Jewish quarter. Visit the ancient synagogue and see the Step where Paul spoke to the Verians (Acts 17). Visit Vergina - the golden treasures of the ancient kings of Macedonia. Drive along the Aegean
coast to Thessaloniki. Visit the Jewish quarter: the Synagogue, the Ancient Jewish Bath House and the Modiano market (Acts 17, 1 Thessalonians 1). Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6 - October 09th, 2025 (THESSALONIKI - PHILIPPI – KAVALA - THESSALONIKI Overnight)
Drive east to Philippi: visit Paul’s Jail (Acts 16), the Christian Basilica, the Greco-Roman round theatre. Visit the Lydia baptismal site at Zigakti river (Acts 16:15). Next, we proceed to Kavala for a panoramic view of Port of Neapolis first place where Paul put his feet in Europe (Acts 16 7-11). A short walk along Via Egnatia, where Paul walked on his way to Thessaloniki. Then, we return back and we will have a City Tour of Thessaloniki, starting from Saint Dimitrius, where we will pilgrimage the relics of the Saint, admire the mosaics of the Church and also see the spot where the Saint martyred. Following that, we will visit the White Tower and the Upper Town, where we will have a panoramic view of Thessaloniki. Return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7 - October 10th, 2025 (ΤHESSALONIKI - MT. OLYMPUS - LARISSA Overnight)
Drive across the Macedonian rivers’ delta to Mt Olympus. Visit the panoramic village of Litochoro and proceed to Greece’s biggest nature reserve- Mt Olympus: nature walk near Stavros, enjoy panoramic views of Mytikas, traditional place of Palace of the Gods, visit Agios Dionysius - ancient monastery named after the first Athenian converted by Paul (Acts 17:34). Departure for Larissa. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8 - October 11th, 2025 (LARISSA - MT. METAMORPHOSIS - ATHENS Overnight)
Larissa: Visit the Ancient Roman Theatre, the Byzantine Acropolis. Drive up to Mt. Metamorphosis and enjoy the panoramic view of the Gulf of Kamena Vourla. A short walk will bring us to the Monastery commemorating Jesus Transfiguration. Visit the monastic garden and the church with the famous description of Jesus Transfiguration. Departure for Athens. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9 - October 12th, 2025 (ATHENS - ATHENS Overnight)
Upon disembarkation, we will depart for a full day Guided Tour starting from Panathenaic Stadium known as Kallimarmaro. In Antiquity was used for the celebration of Panathenea in honour of Goddess Athena. You will have free time to take photos. Boarding on the coach and departure to see the Zappeion Hall, the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the symbolic monument in the memory of the Soldiers who died for their country. Then, along Panepistimiou Street, one of the most central streets of Athens, we will see the triad of neoclassical buildings: The Library, the Academy and the University. Next most important visit is the Acropolis with magnificent monuments such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, the Ancient Agora, the theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. We will have the chance to walk around the Parthenon Monument, which was built in the 5th century BC by the architects Ictinus and Kallikrates. Free time at the city center and the traditional settlement of Plaka. Return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10 - October 13th, 2025 (ATHENS - LAVRION PORT - CRUISE EMBARKATION - MYKONOS - Overnight on board Day)
After breakfast, we will have free leisure time. Then, we will depart for the Port of Lavrion. Early in the morning, embarkation and a range of activities are available. Relax and soak up the glorious Mediterranean sun. Then, the ship will arrive in Mykonos. The evening is ours to enjoy this beautiful iconic Cycladic Island.
Day 11 - October 14th, 2025 (KUSADASI (Turkey) - PATMOS (Greece) - Overnight on board)
Early morning the ship arrives at the Port of Kusadasi. Our Ancient Ephesus Bus Tour is a journey through the golden ages which shaped a pivotal center of commerce and spirituality. Built 3,000 years ago, Ephesus shaped the history of Greek, Turkish and Christian civilizations from its privileged location, chosen (according to legend) by the oracle of Delphi. A site of pilgrimage, due to its proximity to the Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 Wonders of the World) and the presence of major Christian figures (the apostles Paul and John and the Virgin Mary) within the city walls, Ephesus is currently one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The splendour of its golden age is visible throughout its streets and exceptionally well-preserved ruins. (B, L, D) As we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will have the opportunity to breathe in the centuries of cultural effervescence, visible in the Ephesus Agora, Odeon, the Houses of the Patricians, the beautiful Temple of Hadrian and the astonishing Library of Celsus. We will also have the opportunity to bargain and shop local merchandise such as carpets, leather goods, souvenirs etc. Return to the ship at noon and we will sail for Patmos. We will explore the Monastery of St. John and the Grotto of Revelation. Late evening return to the ship and sail for Santorini.
Day 12 - October 15th, 2025 (RHODES (Greece) - Overnight on board)
Early morning the ship arrives in Rhodes, where we will participate in an optional tour to explore yet another incomparable island. Centuries of culture and layer upon layer of extraordinary civilizations await to be discovered during the tour by bus tour through impressive Lindos and within the awe-inspiring structure of the Acropolis of Lindos. We will follow the footsteps of heroes as we walk along the Knight's Street in the heart of historical Rhodes. The seven lodges of the Order, still bearing their original coats of arms, are displayed along the cobblestone street where Rhodes’ history was written for over two centuries. Sitting at the top of Knights Street, the Grand Master’s Palace is well worth its name. You will be awed by the fort’s imposing Gothic architecture and strength displayed throughout its court structures, as you get a glimpse into the fascinating era of the Knights. We will end our tour of historical Rhodes with free time so that you may fortify your memories of Rhodes at your own pace. Early evening return to the ship and we will sail for Heraklion.
Day 13 - October 16th, 2025 (HERAKLION (Crete) - SANTORINI - Overnight on board)
In the morning, we arrive at Heraklion, Crete and disembark. Excursion Not Included: During this excursion, we take a short ride through the town of Heraklion and then arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Paul left Titus in Crete and gave instructions on appointing church leaders in the towns (Titus 1:5ff). In the afternoon, we cruise to
the isle of Santorini and disembark. Excursion Not included: Santorini is often referred to as the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. The exquisite, whitewashed villages, including the town of Fira, or Thira, cling to volcanic cliffs, accessible by cable-car, or mule.
Day 14 - October 17th, 2025 (Disembarkation LAVRION PORT - ATHENS AIRPORT Departure)
After disembarkation, we will depart for the Athens Airport. Return back with the best memories.
Hotels - Greece - Following in the Footsteps of Paul 2025 Tour
Royal Olympic Hotel
Hotel in Athens, Greece
We are a family run five star property in the center of Athens. The hotel lays just in front of the famous Temple of Zeus and National Garden. We are underneath the Acropolis and only 2 minutes walk to the new Acropolis Museum.
After our recent complete renovation, the Royal Olympic was transformed to an art hotel very elegantly decorated and more important very well looked after in every detail. One of the aspects given particular attention to, was to create a very personal hotel and as much environmentally friendly as possible. Our Roof Garden Restaurant - Bar is at your disposal offering the ultimate dinning and wining experience in front of the most spectacular view in Athens. Our famous chef will be delighted to guide you through the secret paths of Greek cuisine while enjoying the unforgettable view.
Divani Meteora Hotel
Hotel in Kalambaka, Greece
Divani Meteora Hotel offers guests the opportunity to enjoy traditional Greek hospitality in a contemporary setting.
Our fully renovated hotel in Meteora is surrounded by immense natural beauty, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to come and escape. The hotel offers a stunning locale from which, one can experience one of the natural wonders of the world, the religious rocks of Meteora, practically in front of their room window.
Porto Palace Hotel
Hotel in Ein Thessaloniki, Greece
Celestyal Cruises - four nights will be spent on this cruise ship
Porto Palace Hotel Thessaloniki hosts the largest business events, local or international congresses as well as social events (wedding or baptism receptions, anniversary dinners etc.). It features 5 fully equipped meeting rooms and 5 large conference halls. Porto Palace Hotel is the only one in Thessaloniki which can host a 2500 participants meeting. The historical Grand Pietra Hall is the biggest conference hall in Northern Greece.
Porto Palace Hotel serves the best Greek breakfast in Thessaloniki and its menus are an experience you must taste!
Grecotel Imperial Larissa
Hotel in Larissa, Greece
Welcome to Grecotel, the leading Hospitality Group in Greece. Identified with iconic Luxury Hotels & Resorts in spectacular locations – a collection unique in the world. Intertwined with Greece’s history and heritage, carrying soul, emotion and character. Explore our enthralling spectrum of 40 properties sprawling across the most coveted spots in 15 Greek destinations, and we will curate your perfect escape with a true and warm sense of belonging.
A STAR IS BORN. CELESTYAL JOURNEY.
Every constellation has a brightest star. And the planets have aligned to reveal ours, as we officially welcome the starry-eyed Celestyal Journey — our brand-new ship that’s destined to light up the seas.