Itinerary

1. 

   To Greece

   Early flight from Newcastle to Thessaloniki.  We then make the two and a half hour transfer to Kavala (previously the ancient port of Neapolis) where Paul landed on arriving from Troas on his way to Philippi – for a two night stay at the Airotel Galaxy. Dinner in the hotel (flight from London can also be arranged on request).

2. 

   Philippi (ACTS 16:11-40)

   We drive to the site by the stream where Lydia (she of the purple cloth) was baptised and take the opportunity to reflect on our own baptismal vows.  We then visit the site of ancient Philippi, the first city in Europe reached by Paul and the city where he and Silas were imprisoned.  We take time to wander round the sizeable archaeological remains and impressive museum.  On our return to Kavala we stop to take a walk along an excellently-preserved section of the Via Egnatia, the road where Paul would have journey. There will also be some free time to wander around Kavala, its picturesque harbour and climb up for an impressive view from the castle.

3. 

   Thessalonika (ACTS 17:1-9)

   We drive along the coast to Thessalonika, the next stop on Paul's travels. En route we pause to view the Lion of Amphipolis. In Thessalonika, the archaeological remains are not as extensive but we will use a visit to the ancient forum to reflect on Paul's troubling visit to the city and its impact.  After visiting the magnificent Roman rotunda, we then have some free time, either to visit some of Thessaloniki’s fine churches or excellent museums.  After assembling at the White Tower, we continue to Berea (Veria) for our overnight stay at the Aiges Malathron Hotel.

4. 

   Berea and Beyond (ACTS 17:10-15)

   After breakfast, we visit Berea, a place of encouragement for Paul, where the people were more open to the gospel than they had been in Thessalonica.  After reflecting on this through a visit to the main square in Berea, we continue our day at Vergina and the stunning tomb of Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great.  After lunch (at own cost) we travel for two nights in Meteora at the Divani Hotel.  There is the chance for an early evening walk to soak up the atmosphere of this special place.

5. 

   Meteora Monasteries

   Today we take a break from the journey of the apostle Paul to visit some physical reminders of the impact the gospel had on Greece. The extraordinary Meteora Monasteries, perched high on gigantic rocks, date back to the 11th century and the monasteries themselves date back to the 14th. We will visit two of the monasteries in the morning and the afternoon will be free for more monastery visits or a guided walk in the dramatic countryside.

6. 

   Delphi

   We follow in the steps of the apostle Paul as we set out for Athens.  On the way we visit Delphi, clinging to the lower slopes of Mount Parnassos.  Deeply engraved on the record of Greek history, it was a place of incalculable religious and political importance and highlights excellently the religious background to Paul’s preaching of the gospel. Our visit includes the superb museum as well as the excavations and ruins of the site. We continue to Athens for a four night stay at the Zafolia Hotel.

7. 

   Athens (ACTS 17:1-34)

   A full day tour of Athens, a vital stop on Paul’s missionary journey.  We see some of the sights that would have dominated the city of Paul’s day, including the Acropolis and the stunning Parthenon. We then visit the Areopagus where Paul preached a sermon that is an example of sensitive cultural engagement.  We then visit the Agora, the centre of public life in Athens at the time of Paul and have free time for visiting some of the excellent museums or shopping.

8. 

   Corinth (ACTS 18:1-17)

   Today we spend in Corinth, at the time of Paul one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in the ancient world, and where Paul planted a church and lived for eighteen months.  We reach there after a beautiful drive along the coastal road, including crossing the Corinth canal.  We familiarise ourselves with the strategic geographical location of Corinth through a wonderful view from Accrocorinth, before visiting the extensive archaeological remains themselves.  The visit concludes with a Holy Communion service among the ruins of Corinth and a stop at Cenchrae, the port of Corinth and Paul’s departure point for Ephesus.

9. 

   At Sea (ACTS18:18ff)

   Paul finished his mission trip to Greece by setting out to sea, and we follow his example, albeit in slightly more luxurious fashion!  We depart from Piraeus for our full day excursion to the island of Aegina.  We will learn more about the local culture, visit the main sites of the island and enjoy an authentic Apullian lunch.

10. 

    Homeward Bound

    We have some free time in Athens before we drive to Athens Airport for our flight to Newcastle via Amsterdam.

Essential Information

Practical information

Dates