Footsteps of Apostle Paul

Description

Footsteps of Apostle Paul with Fr. John Thomas, Spiritual Leader”

Itinerary:

DAY 1: DEPARTURE
Let the journey begin! We will meet at the departure gate to board our overnight flight to Athens.

DAY 2: ATHENS, GREECE
Welcome to Athens! After checking in to your hotel it is time for a welcome dinner to celebrate your arrival in Greece. Overnight, Athens. (D)

DAY 2 : THESSALONIKA
Travel to Thessalonika this morning for guided sightseeing. After Saul experienced a powerful vision, he converted to Christianity and was baptized with the name of Paul. St. Paul preached in Thessaloniki during the winters of 49-50 AD and wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. Overnight, Thessalonika. (BD)

DAY 3:  THESSALONIKA
Today travel along Paul’s path via Amphipolis, a significant city in ancient Macedonia and Philippi, where he established the first church in Europe and converted. Here St. Paul baptized a certain woman named Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe. Finally, stop in Kavala, ancient port of Neapolis. Overnight, Thessalonika. (B)

DAY 4: KALAMBAKA
Today, see where Paul & Silas fled to the city of Berea, now known as Veria, after being accused of treason. Next, visit the Bema of Apostle Paul. The Apostle Paul was brought to the Bema by the elders of Corinth’s synagogue, who accused him of subversive teaching against the Mosaic law.Continue to Kalambaka to see the amazing Meteora monasteries. Overnight, Kalambaka. (BD)

DAY 5: ATHENS
Today is crowned with visiting the Holy Monastery of Varlaam and the Holy Monastery of St. Stephen situated against one of the most beautiful backdrops in all of Greece. Return to Athens. Overnight, Athens. (B)

DAY 6 : CRUISING/MYKONOS
Awaken ready to begin your 3-night CRUISE around the Greek Isles and Turkey. First cruise to the iconic island of Mykonos with it’s breathtaking white houses and windmills. Take your time as you breath in the wonder of the Greek isles. (BLD)

DAY 7: CRUISING/TURKEY
Today you will visit Ephesus, the second biggest open-air museum in the world after Pompeii. You will explore several important sights of the area while your guide will help you immerse yourself in Greco-Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. You will also get to see the House where Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last years in life.Continue your cruise to the island of Patmos, the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” where you can join an optional excursion to see the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse; here John the Evangelist received the visions that he recorded in the Book of the Revelation during his exile. (BLD)

DAY 8: CRUISING/CRETE–SANTORINI
First port of call today is Heraklion on Crete. Strolling around the picturesque town of Heraklion Crete, you’ll see a beautiful Venetian harbor, a fortress, several fountains, a busy shopping center, and many squares.Continue on to Santorini, the“Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Visit the cliff-top village of Oia, a very photogenic town, with a maze of small shops, restaurants and cafes, all with spectacular views. (BLD)

DAY 9: DISEMBARKATION/CORINTH/ATHENS
Disembark and travel to Corinth to visit the excavations where Apostle Paul worked for 18 months. Corinth is well known to readers of the Bible because of its importance in the missionary activity of the apostle Paul: he visited Corinth at least three times, founded Christian assemblies there, and wrote at least four letters to Christians in CorinthReturn to Athens to tour the Acropolis with the Parthenon and Areopagus. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner to recount all the memories made. Overnight, Athens. (BD)

DAY 10: ATHENS
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)