- 12 Days , 4 Cities
Unveil the Epic Tale! Join St. Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey – Uncharted Territories, Ancient Wonders, and Divine Encounters Await!
Explore Greece with St. Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey
Embark on a journey through Greece with St. Paul as he embarks on his momentous second missionary expedition. This historical venture unfolds, chapter by chapter, as St. Paul traverses ancient Greek landscapes, diligently sowing the seeds of Christianity. Moreover, his tireless efforts weave a tapestry of cultural exchange and spiritual awakening, transforming lives and etching his legacy onto the very fabric of Greek history.
Immerse yourself in the significant landmarks and events that shaped the early Christian movement in Greece during this pivotal missionary journey.
Discover St. Paul’s cultural and religious impact in various Greek cities as he passionately shares his message with diverse communities. Additionally, uncover the historical context, challenges faced, and the enduring legacy of St. Paul’s mission in Greece. Join us in retracing the footsteps of this influential apostle, and gain insights into the rich tapestry of early Christianity in the heart of ancient Greece.
ITINERARY
- DAY 1
Acropolis, Athens, GreeceWelcome to Athens, Greece!
Arrive at Athens airport, where you’ll receive a warm welcome, assistance, and transfer to the hotel. Afterward, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
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- DAY 2
View of Acropolis of Athens with Parthenon and Erechtheion from Filopappou hill, GreeceExplore Athens
Our St. Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey begins with a reverent immersion in the city’s rich tapestry, starting with a guided Byzantine and Christian Museum tour. Furthermore, this treasure trove, a glittering portal to the past, boasts over 25,000 artifacts spanning early Christian, Byzantine, Medieval, and post-Byzantine periods.
Acropolis
“Next, we’ll journey to the sacred rock of the Acropolis, taking in iconic sites such as the Propylaea, the Parthenon ruins, the Erechtheion, and the temple of Athena Nike. Additionally, a brief stop at Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his renowned sermon, adds historical depth to our exploration.
Continuing on foot along Apostolou Pavlou Street and Adrianou Street, we’ll reach the ancient Agora, the market where Paul once addressed the Athenians. We’ll absorb the rich history by strolling through Monastiraki Square, home to a vibrant flea market and the 10th-century church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
Church of Kapnikarea
Our walk extends to Ermou Street and the charming church of Kapnikarea, an 11th-century gem dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. Additionally, built atop a 5th-century Christian temple, which itself sits on the foundations of an ancient temple, it’s a testament to Athens’ layered history.
Continuing through Plaka and Anafiotika, we’ll approach Syntagma Square. Subsequently, here, we’ll board our coach for a panoramic tour, capturing the essence of Athens. Highlights include the Panathinaikon stadium, Zappeion, the temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, the Parliament, the tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann’s house, the Academy, the University, and the National Library.
Our journey concludes as we return to our hotel, enriched by a day immersed in Athens’ cultural tapestry.
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- DAY 3
Ancient Corinth, Peloponnese, GreeceVisit Ancient Corinth, Cenchreae, Flight to Thessaloniki
Following breakfast, we embark on the coastal road along the Saronic Gulf toward the Corinth Canal. A brief stop allows us to marvel at the Corinth Canal’s grandeur before proceeding to the Ancient Corinth site. This locale, where St. Paul resided for 18 months and authored Corinthians I and II, beckons exploration.
Corinth Acropolis
Beneath the Corinth Acropolis (Akrocorinthos), we’ll survey the ruins of the ancient city, the agora (market) where Paul underwent a trial by Gallio, and landmarks like the temple of Apollo and the Peirene fountain. Subsequently, our journey leads to Lechaion and Cenchreae, ancient ports pivotal to Paul’s departure from Corinth to Syria.
In the afternoon, we commence the return drive to Athens, directly heading to the airport for a brief flight to Thessaloniki. Upon arrival, we subsequently transferred to our hotel for the night.
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- DAY 4
Holy Church of Saint DemetriusThessaloniki - The Capital of the North
This morning, we delve into Thessaloniki, hailed as ‘the capital of the north’ and Greece’s second-largest city. Paul, who lived and preached here, also penned the epistle ‘To the Thessalonians.’ To begin our exploration, our day kicks off with a panoramic tour, starting in the ‘upper city’ defined by the imposing Theodosian walls, offering breathtaking vistas of the city and the Gulf of Thermaikos.
En route to the Saint Sofia church, our exploration encompasses iconic landmarks such as the renowned White Tower, the Roman market, and the Arch of Galerious. Additionally, the journey culminates at the church of Saint Sofia. Following this, we visit the Basilica of St. Dimitrios, the city’s patron Saint, featuring the famed crypt.
The afternoon grants leisure time for independent exploration. Additionally, wander through Aristotelous Square or stroll along the seafront promenade to absorb more of the city’s charm.
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- DAY 5
Kavala City, GreeceThessaloniki - Amphipolis, Kavala (Neapolis), Philippi
Post breakfast, we commence our journey towards Philippi. En route, we also pass Amphipolis, a place Paul visited on his way from Philippi to Thessaloniki. A brief stop allows us to appreciate the impressive Lion statue. We explore the site upon reaching Philippi, where Paul delivered his inaugural European sermon.” Highlights include the location of Paul and Sylas’ imprisonment, the ruins of one of the largest-ever constructed churches, a stroll along Egnatia Road, and a visit to the ancient Agora. Furthermore, a short walk takes us to the creek where Lydia received her first baptism in Europe.
Our excursion proceeds to Kavala, known biblically as Neapolis and later renamed Christoupolis, the first European city to embrace Christianity. Additionally, following this historical exploration, a brief panoramic tour showcases the city, featuring the Roman aqueduct and a leisurely stroll at the charming fishing port. Afterward, we then return to Thessaloniki, arriving in the late afternoon.
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- DAY 6
Meteora, Kalambaka, GreeceKalambaka - Veria, Vergina
Departing Thessaloniki, our journey takes us southward. Furthermore, our initial destination is the captivating town of Veria, identified biblically as Berea. Notably, this town held significance for Paul, where he engaged with the ‘noble Jewish community’ and established a pivotal church. As we explore, our journey encompasses the ancient synagogue and a contemporary shrine featuring a Byzantine mosaic commemorating Paul’s preaching.
Subsequently, we proceed to Vergina, a key site in northern Greece. Here, we delve into the Royal Macedonian tombs, including the resting place of King Philip II, father to Alexander the Great. Following this historical exploration, in the afternoon, our route unfolds beneath the shadows of Mount Olympus, traversing the Tempi Valley en route to Kalambaka for our overnight stay.
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- DAY 7
Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, Athenes, GreeceAthens - Explore Meteora where awe-inspiring rock formations
This morning, our destination is Meteora, where awe-inspiring rock formations resembling sandstone towers have served as timeless sanctuaries for monks through the ages. Moreover, several concealed monasteries, like tiny aeries nestled atop Meteora, offer a breathtaking view over the plain. Furthermore, Meteora is renowned as one of mainland Greece’s most stunning regions and holds a place on UNESCO’s list of world heritage monuments. Following our exploration, we embark on the journey back to Athens, making a brief stop at Thermopylae to marvel at the statue of Leonidas, the king of Sparta, en route.
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- DAY 8
Departure to Athens Airport
Our tour of St. Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey comes to an end.
If time permits, we’ll take final strolls through Athens’ streets before transferring to the Athens airport for your return flight home.
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PRICES
Starting from $ per person
Please get in touch with info@zitango.com to get a quote!
This trip is customizable for your group travel.
Request a quote for a trip fully customized to your preferences.
HIGHLIGHT
What’s Included?
- 7 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation
2 nights in Athens
3 nights in Thessaloniki
1 night in Kalambaka
1 night in Athens - Full-board basis during the tour (breakfasts & dinners in hotels/lunches in restaurants)
- Transfers & transportation with a private luxury vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide services throughout the tour
- Entrance fees to the museums/sites (as mentioned in your program)
- Masses can be organized for your groups in private or local churches.
Sightseeing Highlights Included
- Visit Athens,
- The Byzantine and Christian Museum
- The sacred rock of the Acropolis to visit the Propylaea and the ruins of the Parthenon
- Stop at Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his well-known sermon
- Apostolou Pavlou Street towards Thisio and along Adrianou Street to the ancient Agora
- The Dormition of the Virgin Mary
- Walk through Plaka and Anafiotika streets
- Panoramic tour of the Panathinaikon stadium, the Zappeion, the temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, the Parliament, the tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann’s house, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and the old Parliament
- Visit Ancient Corinth
- Stop to admire the impressive Corinth Canal
- The site of Ancient Corinth
- Visit Cenchreae – The port where Paul sailed away from Corinth to Syria
- Visit Thessaloniki – The capital of the north
Panoramic tour of the upper city – Theodosian walls, the Gulf of Thermaikos, the White Tower, the Roman market, and the - Arch of Galerious
- The church of Saint Sofia
- The Basilica of St. Dimitrios, the patron Saint of the city with the famous crypt
- Visit Philippi – Explore the historic site where Paul delivered his inaugural sermon in Europe
- Visit Kavala – Biblical Neapolis was the first European city to embrace Christianity
- Stop in the picturesque town of Veria, where you engaged with the “noble Jewish community”
- Explore the Royal Macedonian tombs
- Explore Meteora, a site of astonishing rock formations where the monk’s sacred refuge
- Stop at Thermopylae to appreciate the statue of Leonidas, the king of Sparta
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