10 Days / 8 Nights
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Journey of Hope: Walking in the Footsteps of the Apostle Paul

 
 

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Tuesday: Departure from the USA Our journey to the ancient civilization and first Christian communities in Europe where Paul preached starts with an overnight flight to Athens, Greece.

Day 2: Wednesday: Arrival in Athens (D) Arrival in Athens this morning where you will be met by a local Faith Journeys representative. The remainder of the day will be at leisure. Enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight. Time permitting, group may gather at a hotel meeting room after dinner for a Bible Study.

Day 3: Thursday: Athens & Corinth (B,D) Our day starts with exploring the city of Athens. Highlights today include a visit of the Acropolis to see the ruins of the Parthenon, Erectheum and Propylae. For twenty five centuries, the panorama of this city is dominated by the rock of the Acropolis. We will ascend Mars Hill where Paul spoke to the ancient Athenians about the one and only God. From here we have an excellent view of the ancient agora; former center of the Athenian public life. We will continue our journey across the Corinthian Canal to Corinth where Paul came after he left Athens and stayed for one and a half years (Acts 18: 1-18). Here we will visit the marketplace where Paul preached to the Corinthians. We will also see the Temple of Apollo and the Corinth Museum. Continuing back to Athens we will make a short stop at what used to be the ancient port of Cenchreae. It was from here that Paul sailed to Ephesus. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Athens.

Day 4: Friday: Greek Island Cruise – Mykonos (B,L,D) Today we’ll leave Athens early in the morning for Piraeus and at 11:00 a.m. set sail into the Aegean Sea. In the evening we arrive at our first island: Mykonos, which belongs to the group of the Cyclades. The mountainous island of Mykonos has about 400 churches. The main city consists of picturesque white houses and the island’s trademarks: the charming windmills. The place has a unique architecture of Byzantine and Western characteristics. Must “sees” in Mykonos include the Church of the Virgin Paraportiani, and the Cathedral on the main square as well as the many boutiques and taverns along tiny paved streets. Return to your ship for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Saturday: Greek Island Cruise – Ephesus & Patmos (B,L,D) This morning you will arrive at the Turkish port city of Kusadasi. From here we will explore Ephesus, where Mary lived with John in a small house on the hill behind the city. You can walk the marble roads rutted by wheels of countless chariots and pass the ruins which are architectural masterpieces. It is here that Paul preached to the Ephesians, and where he was arrested and cast out of the city. In the afternoon you will visit the island of Patmos, where John wrote the apocalyptic Book of Revelations. On our excursion we will visit the cave where he lived, now the site of a monastery housing priceless icons and manuscripts. Dinner and overnight on your cruise ship.

Day 6: Sunday: Greek Island Cruise – Santorini (B,L,D) Today on the last day of the cruise we will arrive at the volcanic island of Santorini where you can take the cable car (not included in the cost) up to the lovely town of Fira. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view! Dinner and overnight on your cruise ship.

Day 7: Monday: Athens & Thessaloniki (B,D) Today enjoy an early morning breakfast before we disembark the cruise ship. We will meet up with our guide and bus for a transfer to Thessaloniki to visit the places where Paul lived and preached, the Agora, and the Jewish quarter. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 8: Tuesday: Thessaloniki & Kavala (B,D) After breakfast leave Thessaloniki and continue the modern port city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot in Europe. It was in Philippi where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity. “And from there (He went) to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman Colony. We remained in this city some days…” Acts 16:12-18. The Roman forum, completely excavated, is from after Paul’s time. Among the ruins, located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road is the site where Paul and Silas were thrown into prison. It was in Phillipi that Paul baptized Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe (You may choose to gather for your Bible Study right at the same place where Lydia bas been baptized by Paul). In the afternoon we drive to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Wednesday: Thessaloniki, Berea & Athens (B,D) Journey back to Athens via Berea (Veria) where Paul and Silas were accused by the Jewish community. En route we will also see the legendary battle site of Thermopyles where 300 brave Leonidas fought the overwhelming Persians. Enjoy a farewell dinner in Athens before saying ‘Good-Bye’ to this magical country and having witnessed the life of the Apostle Paul.

Day 10: Thursday: Depart for Home (B) After breakfast transfer to Athens airport for our flight back home.

© Faith Journeys LLC

A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a rare and privileged event. Every person of faith should make such a trip a priority in one's life. However, great care is needed to make sure the experience reflects the intent of the traveler. Without careful planning, advanced preparation and attention to details while in the Holy Land, the pilgrimage can fall short of expectations. Faith Journey's is a trusted, experienced partner who can make sure your journey is a critical step towards a deeper communion with Our Savior and his people.
Deacon Bill Garrett, Archdiocese of Atlanta and President Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School