PATHS OF PAUL
ITINERARY
GREECE & GREEK ISLES TOUR
BIBLICAL JOURNEY--NATURAL BEAUTY--MAGNIFICENT ANTIQUITIES--SPELLBINDING CITIES
DAY 1 – NEW YORK
Tour members meet at New York’s JFK airport where we board our nonstop flight to Athens, Greece.
Dinner and breakfast on the flight, and we have time to rest.
DAY 2 –4 ATHENS / THESSALONIKI
THE HYATT REGENCY IN THESSALONIKI – 3 NIGHTS
We arrive at the beautiful new Athens Airport in the morning and continue on a short flight to Thessaloniki. We are met by our
English-speaking Greek guide and waiting motor coach for transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
DAY 3 –4 THESSALONIKI / PHILIPPI / KAVALA / VERIA
We travel through the colorful Greek country-side to Kavala (known in Paul’s day as Neapolis) with its delightful harbor where
Paul, Timothy and Silas first landed. Then we visit Philippi, where the Apostle Paul ministered to Lydia, the first Christian convert
in Europe. We will stop at the Spring of Lydia, the Orthodox Chapel (49 AD, Acts 20), the “Citadel” – a dungeon where Paul
is thought to have been imprisoned, and the impressive Agora. (ancient market place)
While in Thessaloniki we experience superb Byzantine architecture and visit one of the earliest Christian buildings still in
use and the splendid Cathedral of St. Theodosius.
We travel to Veria where Paul remained for several days on his way to Athens. While there, you may stand on the same bema
(podium) from which Paul preached.
DAY 5 –7 THESSALONIKI / ATHENS /CORINTH
THE DIVANI CARAVEL IN ATHENS – 3 NIGHTS
Morning flight to Athens. We experience a panoramic ancient Athens city tour with an extended visit to the Acropolis, site of
the famed Parthenon and its fascinating Museum. Athens was the most important city-state in ancient Greece and has been
the capital of modern Greece since 1834. In the New Testament times Athens was the intellectual capital of the Mediterranean
World. We’ll spend time at Mars Hill where Paul pointed to the Parthenon and said, “Our God dwells in a temple not made with
hands!” This is the site of his address to “the men of Athens” about their “unknown God.” (Acts 17)
Sightseeing in modern Athens includes Constitution square and the changing of the Royal Guards, the old Olympic Stadium
as well as the new 2004 Olympic complex. A free afternoon could include lunch in a sidewalk café`, shopping and strolling in the
Plaka, Athens charming Old Town. The adventuresome may even wish to make a return trip to the Acropolis.
We travel to Corinth along the beautiful Saronic Coast and Bay of Salamis, and the Corinthian Canal (an amazing engineering
fete). We will remember the congregation in this ancient city founded by Paul during his eighteen month stay. A special time of
teaching and worship will be a treasured memory before returning to Athens.
CRUISE: THE AEGEAN 1 – 4 NIGHTS
DAY 8 – ATHENS / MYKONOS
This morning we board our beautiful cruise ship at the Port of Piraeus and check into our outside cabins. We enjoy our first
day on the blue-green Aegean Sea with meals on board. Our first port-of-call will be Mykonos, with its cubic white-washed houses,
narrow streets, charming shops and world-famous windmills.
Evening sailing with dinner on board ship
DAY 9 – EPHESUS / PATMOS
Today our first port is Kusadassi, Turkey and the amazing ancient city of Ephesus. This Greek colony was already 2000 years
old when Paul preached here for three years. Ephesus is a marvelous site and was the base for much of Paul’s missionary work.
(Acts 19 and Letter to the Ephesians) Our visit includes time for devotion and teaching in the 25000 seat Roman Theatre.
Our afternoon sail will take us to the tiny island of Patmos where Apostle John was exiled. The included shore excursion visits the
famous Monastery of Apostle John on a hilltop overlooking a landscape of striding beauty. We will stand atop the hill where
God tore back the curtain of the universe to give the John the heavenly apocalyptic vision contained in the Book of
Revelation. Teaching and communion will celebrate this uniquely beautiful and meaningful site.
(Both shore excursions are included in the tour cost for a $115 value) Meals on board
DAY 10 – RHODES
Our port for today is the cosmopolitan Greek Island of Rhodes (the island of Roses) where Paul landed in
51 AD on his way to Rome. (Acts 21:1) View the site of the ancient Colossus of Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Masters and
walk through the cobblestone streets of the medieval port town. The optional shore excursion visits the Acropolis of Lindos
where you will view the beautiful blue Aegean Sea harbor Paul used in his journeys. Take time for shopping or a stroll around the
medieval walled city. Enjoy a leisurely lunch or coffee at a sidewalk café. Late afternoon sailing and dinner on board ship
DAY 11 – CRETE / SANTORINI
This morning we arrive at Herakllon, Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands. Crete is the legendary birthplace of Zeus
and the Minoan civilization. Optional tours available. This afternoon we arrive at the unique panoramic island of Santorini.
Some consider this to be the lost continent of Atlantis. Take a donkey ride or cable car to the white-washed village on the top
of this volcanic island for shipping or a stop at an outdoor cafe. Delight in the view of the white buildings, blue sea and
distant islands. Late afternoon sailing and dinner on board ship
DAY 12 – ATHENS / NEW YORK
This morning we transfer to the Athens Airport to check in for our nonstop flight to New York’s JFK Airport. We arrive the
same day with fond memories of our marvelous and inspiring tour.
Due to local conditions, the sightseeing sequence may be changed, but all sites will be included.