Journeys of Paul & The Greek Islands - Lutheran Saints in Ministry Collaborative

Depart from the US for an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece.

With our arrival in Thessaloniki, we have entered into the world of the New Testament where St Paul and his companions established the first Christian communities throughout his four missionary journeys. On arrival, we will be met at the airport for a transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Begin the day in the port of Kavala where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas.  This port was also a destination for Luke the evangelist when he sailed from Troas. See a Byzantine castle, the Roman Aqueduct, and the ruins of an acropolis. Follow the Via Egnatia, a remnant of Rome’s highway system, viewing Roman and Greek tombs and ruts of ancient chariot wheels. Next, stop in Philippi, where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the very first Christian convert on European soil. Among the ruins located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road is the prison into which Paul and Silas were thrown. It was in Philippi that Octavian and Anthony defeated Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC. Return to Thessaloniki to explore the ancient city where Paul planted a church that would later receive two New Testament epistles. View one of the most beautiful basilicas in the city, St. Demetrius. Continue along the waterfront to the massive White Tower and nearby triumphal Arch of Galerius.  Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

We will start our day by visiting King Philip II of Macedon's tomb, he was the king of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia from 359 BC until his death in 336 BC. He was a member of the Argead dynasty, the founder of the ancient kingdom, and the father of Alexander the Great. Then to Veria, known for its numerous Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches (about 48 surviving today) and 72 originally, resulting in the name of a 'Small Jerusalem', as well as unique collections of Byzantine icons. Particularly famous is the Church of the Resurrection. Then We spend some time today marveling at this unique phenomenon of nature – 24 perpendicular rocks where 600 years ago Byzantine monks chose to worship God and build their cave-like Monastic community of Meteora. Take in the striking monasteries that crown the summits of these pinnacles with their wooden galleries and corniced rooftops. Hanging over the stunning abysses, these primitive dwellings compose one of the most fascinating sites on earth. A special treat awaits with a visit to two of these timeless monasteries to see the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art on display. Overnight in Kalambaka.

Breakfast at the hotel and we begin our exploration of the ancient site of Delphi. The pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo spoke, was the site of the omphalos, the 'navel of the world'. Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century B.C. was indeed the religious center and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. We then travel directly to the center of Athens for free time for the rest of the day. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Whether you choose to relax and recharge, wander through local neighborhoods, discover hidden cafés, or revisit a favorite spot, this day is yours to shape.

This morning, accompanied by your English-speaking Tour Director, we will transfer to the port to board a ferry bound for the world-famous island of Santorini. Enjoy the scenic journey across the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the breathtaking sight of the island's towering caldera cliffs. We will transfer you directly to your beautiful hotel to check in and enjoy a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, your Tour Director will lead a guided walking tour to introduce you to the island's spectacular views and local charm. Afterward, we will gather for an included group dinner.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Santorini’s highlights. Visit Profitis Ilias, the island’s highest point with panoramic views, the capital Fira, the traditional village of Pyrgos, and the famous village of Oia, known for its spectacular views and iconic architecture. Return to the hotel and overnight in Santorini.

Today is at your leisure to fully enjoy the beauty and charm of Santorini at your own pace. You may choose to relax at your hotel, take in the breathtaking caldera views, or explore more of the island independently. Consider revisiting the scenic village of Oia for more stunning photo opportunities, or spend time wandering through the lively streets of Fira, where you can browse local shops, enjoy a coffee, or simply soak in the atmosphere. For those seeking relaxation, the island’s unique  volcanic beaches offer the perfect setting to unwind by the Aegean Sea. Alternatively, you may opt for a casual lunch at a seaside taverna or enjoy the amenities of your hotel. In the evening, dinner will be served at the hotel. 

Breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a free morning. After that we will transfer back to the port to catch our return ferry to the mainland. We will arrive at the Port of Piraeus in Athens, where a private transfer will be waiting to take the group to your hotel. After checking in, enjoy dinner at the hotel. 

Arrival at the Port and after breakfast, disembarkation. Depart for a full-day tour to Ancient Corinth. Departure to Ancient Corinth, the city, which was the center of trade for many centuries. To begin, we will stop at the famous channel, called the Isthmus in Greek, the place where the Peloponnese and central Greece meet, as well as the Aegean and Ionian seas. The canal was completed at the end of the 19th century by the government of Charilaos Trikoupis and saves ships the more than 400 km it takes to go around the Peloponnese peninsula. We will visit Ancient Corinth with its amazing artifacts, some of which date back to 6000 B.C. The remains of the city, which include the agora (market) and the temple of Apollo (6th century BC) clearly show how rich and important Corinth was in antiquity. The Romans rebuilt the city in 44 B.C. to later make it the provincial capital of Greece. On our way back to Athens, we will make a brief stop at the site of the ancient port of Cehries, where Saint Paul disembarked from Thessaloniki. For Christians, Corinth is mentioned in the New Testament, when Saint Paul addressed the residents of the city in his two epistles, First and Second Corinthians. It is mentioned again in the Acts of the Apostles during the evangelical work of Saint Paul. At the end of the tour, return to Athens. Overnight in Athens.

Breakfast at the hotel and we travel directly to the center of Athens to start our halfday panoramic city tour of Athens, which gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens. Then to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. Continue and pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, rising some 377 feet above the land  below and not far from the Acropolis and Agora (marketplace), Mars Hill served as the meeting place for the Areopagus Court, the highest court in Greece. Mars Hill is the location of one of Paul’s most important gospel presentations at the time of his visit to Athens during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:16–34). It was where he addressed the religious idolatry of the Greeks who even had an altar to the “Unknown God». On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts the order in the mind”, the Parthenon. return to the hotel. Free Afternoon in Athens. Overnight in Athens.

Following breakfast at our hotel, we are met by our English-speaking concierge for our private transfer to Athens Airport (ATH). We fly home and arrive the same day. 

NOTE: The schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour guide’s discretion.