Itinerary

1. Arrive in Thessaloniki; transfer to Kavala

   We fly from London to Thessaloniki. We then drive to Kavala (the ancient port of Neapolis) where Paul landed, having sailed from Troas on his way to Philippi (Acts 16:9-12).

2. Visit Phillipi; drive to Thessaloniki

   This morning we visit Philippi, the first city in Europe visited by Paul and the city where he and Silas were imprisoned (Acts 16:16-40). The church of Philippi was perhaps the most supportive of all to Paul (Philippians 4). We also visit the site known as ‘Lydia’, named after the woman whom Paul baptised in the waters of the nearby stream (Acts 16:13-15); it’s a beautiful site, giving us space to pray and worship together. In the afternoon we drive back to Thessaloniki.

3. In Thessaloniki

   This morning our visits include: the Roman Forum (mentioned in Acts 17:5); St Demetrius Basilica, the largest church in Greece; and Agia Sophia, with its 10th-century mosaics. We will also see the White Tower and drive to the highest point to view the city. We have the afternoon free in Thessaloniki before returning to our hotel for dinner.

4. Visit Verghina; drive to Kalambaka

   We drive to Vergina to see the impressive burial-place of Philip II of Macedon (the father of Alexander the Great) and then go on to the nearby town of Veria (ancient Berea, visited by Paul in Acts 17:10-14); we see the modern Bema built in memory of Paul’s visit, as well as the site of the ancient Synagogue. After lunch we drive through the spectacular countryside of central Greece towards Kalambaka for a one-night stay.

5. Visit the Meteora Monasteries; drive to Preveza

   This morning we travel to the breathtaking landscape of Meteora, where ancient monasteries rise dramatically from towering rock-formations, creating one of the most striking spiritual sites in the world. Built high atop natural stone pillars, these remote sanctuaries have served as places of prayer, solitude, and refuge for centuries. We’ll explore two of the monasteries - each offering a glimpse into the rich tradition of Orthodox monastic life. Inside, we’ll find beautiful chapels adorned with centuries-old frescoes, peaceful courtyards, and stunning views over the Thessalian plain. After this, we drive west to Preveza, a modern town on Greece’s Adriatic coast.

6. Visit the Nikopolis; drive to Delphi

   This morning we visit the archaeological site of Nikopolis (the ‘City of Victory’), founded by Emperor Augustus to commemorate his victory at the maritime battle of Actium in 31 BC. Nikopolis is mentioned by Paul in his letter to Titus (3:12) as the place where he was hoping to spend the winter on his way down from Illyricum to Corinth (see Acts 20:1-3; Rom. 15:19). We explore the ruins of the ancient city, including sections of its well-preserved theatre, its Roman walls and impressive early Christian basilicas. We also visit the nearby Archaeological Museum, where artefacts from
   the site help bring the city’s rich history to life. This visit offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of Roman imperial power and the spread of the Christian faith in Greece. We then drive to Naupactos (an ancient harbour on the Corinthian Gulf) and then travel through the vast olive-groves near Itea on our way up to the mountain-side village of Delphi.

7. In Delphi; drive to Athens

   This morning we enjoy the stunning site of Delphi. Deeply engraved on the record of Greek history, Delphi was a place of incalculable religious and political importance which attracted pilgrims from all over the Hellenic world. Here the ancient oracle was consulted by both states and individuals. All this highlights the religious background to St. Paul’s preaching of the gospel. This afternoon we leave for Athens, stopping at the Monastery of Hosios Loukas (‘holy Luke’), established by the monk Loukas, who was buried in the crypt of the monastery when he died in AD 953. The church buildings are beautifully decorated with numerous frescoes and mosaics; and the area is a beautiful location for quiet prayer and reflection.

8. Drive to Corinth

   We drive westwards out of Athens and, after an hour, find ourselves looking down into the modern Isthmus canal. We then go across to enjoy the ruins of ancient Corinth, where Paul stayed for 18 months in AD 50-52 (Acts 18:1-17); we see the Bema (or ‘tribunalseat’) where Paul was brought before the proconsul Gallio; as well as a pavement with an inscription that refers to Erastus, the ‘director of the city’s public works’ (as Paul describes him in Rom. 16:23). Before returning to Athens, we pause briefly to see the port of Cenchreae, which St Paul used on a couple of occasions (Acts 18:18; 20:3) and where Phoebe lived (Rom. 16:1). Once back in Athens we visit the new Acropolis Museum—a brilliant preparation for our visit tomorrow to the Acropolis itself.

9. In Athens

   Our final day is our opportunity to enjoy Athens—the city which for many is the cradle of civilization and democracy. We visit the Acropolis, the foremost site of classical Greece, with its impressive Parthenon temple dedicated to Athena. We walk down to the site of St Paul’s sermon on the Areopagus (‘Mars Hill’), summarised by Luke in Acts 17:22-31. We also visit the vast Agora, the market-place at the centre of public life in ancient Athens. After lunch we have free time to enjoy shopping in the ‘Plaka’ or to explore other highlights of this vibrant city.

10. Check out

    After breakfast we transfer to Athens airport for our return flight back to London.

Essential Information

Practical information

Dates