Journeys of Paul & The Greek Islands with Rev. Mark Fischer

Footsteps of Paul: Greece & Greek Islands

September 12–22, 2026

Day 1: Saturday, September 12 – Depart the USA

Your journey in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul begins as you depart the United States on your overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece. Prepare your heart and mind for a pilgrimage through sacred history, stunning landscapes, and the very places where the gospel first took root in Europe.

Day 2: Sunday, September 13 – Thessaloniki: Arrival & Welcome

Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, you’ll step into the world of the New Testament—where Paul preached, taught, and built the early Church. Our local team will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is for settling in and enjoying your first taste of Greek hospitality. This evening, we gather for dinner and fellowship. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 3: Monday, September 14 – Kavala & Philippi: Paul’s First Steps in Europe

Today we journey to the port of Kavala, known in ancient times as Neapolis, where Paul first set foot on European soil alongside Silas and Timothy. We explore the coastal city’s Byzantine castle, Roman aqueduct, and acropolis before following the ancient Via Egnatia to the biblical city of Philippi. Here, Paul preached his first sermon in Europe and baptized Lydia, the first Christian convert on the continent. We visit the baptismal site, the ancient theater, and the prison believed to have held Paul and Silas. In the afternoon, we return to Thessaloniki to explore key biblical landmarks, including the Basilica of St. Demetrius, the triumphal Arch of Galerius, and the iconic White Tower. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 4: Tuesday, September 15 – Veria, King Philip’s Tomb & Meteora Monasteries

Leaving Thessaloniki, we visit the ancient royal tomb of King Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. From there, we continue to Veria (biblical Berea), a city known for its early Christian roots and dozens of surviving Byzantine churches. We then journey into the mountains to one of Greece’s most awe-inspiring landscapes—Meteora. Here, centuries-old monasteries cling to towering rock formations, as if suspended between earth and heaven. We visit two of these breathtaking monasteries and admire the beauty, devotion, and history preserved within. Overnight in the charming mountain town of Kalambaka.

Day 5: Wednesday, September 16 – Delphi to Athens

After breakfast, we drive through the scenic Greek countryside to the ancient sanctuary of Delphi, once considered the spiritual center of the classical world. Here, pilgrims once sought wisdom from the Oracle of Apollo. The ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the theater, and the treasuries set against the mountainside offer a glimpse into the sacred rituals of ancient Greece. After our visit, we continue to Athens, where we check into our hotel and enjoy a restful evening. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Day 6: Thursday, September 17 – Acropolis, Mars Hill & Ancient Athens

Our day begins with a panoramic city tour of Athens, revealing the layers of history and contrast that define this great capital. At the Acropolis, we visit the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the crown jewel— the Parthenon. We walk to nearby Mars Hill (Areopagus), where Paul delivered his powerful sermon about the “Unknown God” (Acts 17). We also pass the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games. After a morning filled with history and Scripture, we return to the hotel. The afternoon is free for rest, exploration, or shopping. Overnight in Athens.

Day 7: Friday, September 18 – Cruise Begins: Mykonos

We depart Athens and travel to the port of Lavrio to embark on a 3-night Greek Islands cruise aboard The Olympia. Our first stop is the dazzling island of Mykonos, famous for its whitewashed buildings, iconic windmills, and lively seaside charm. You’ll have time to wander through narrow alleys, explore local shops, or simply relax by the sea. In the evening, return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Saturday, September 19 – Ephesus & Patmos

This morning, we dock in Kusadasi, Turkey, and travel to the biblical city of Ephesus—one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. Walk the marble streets where Paul preached, visit the massive theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis. In the afternoon, we cruise to the serene island of Patmos, where the Apostle John received the vision recorded in Revelation. We visit the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse. Afterward, we return to the ship for dinner and continue our journey.

Day 9: Sunday, September 20 – Crete & Santorini

We begin the day on the island of Crete, where Paul stopped on his journey to Rome and where Titus served as bishop. We visit the Church of St. Titus in Heraklion before sailing on to Santorini. This postcard-perfect island is perched on the rim of a submerged volcanic caldera. In the late afternoon, we ascend to the clifftop village of Oia, famous for its spectacular views and unforgettable sunsets. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 10: Monday, September 21 – Ancient Corinth & Return to Athens

After disembarking in Lavrio, we travel to Ancient Corinth, where Paul lived and ministered for 18 months. We stop at the Corinth Canal before exploring the ruins of the agora, the Temple of Apollo, and the ancient port of Cenchreae. Corinth is rich with both biblical and Roman history and is the recipient of two of Paul’s epistles. We return to Athens for our final night. Overnight in Athens.

Day 11: Tuesday, September 22 – Return to the USA

After breakfast, we transfer to Athens International Airport for our flight home. As we journey back, we carry with us memories of sacred places, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of Paul’s ministry and the foundations of our faith.