Footsteps of Paul in Greece
with Episcopalian Friends from Delaware and Pennsylvania
April 7-17, 2027
Footsteps of Paul in Greece
Greece has often been called the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western Civilization. It is also one of the earliest homes of Christianity outside of Israel. This 11-day pilgrimage traces the footsteps of Paul across Greece, including the well-preserved ruins of Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, and more. Enroute to Athens, enjoy time in the scenic Meteora region, with its Byzantine monasteries. In Athens and nearby Corinth you’ll take in some of the world's most ancient and fascinating historical sites, such as the Acropolis, Roman Forum, and Mars Hill, and ancient Corinth. This itinerary offers a glance at what you can expect in your 11-day pilgrimage. Schedule may be adjusted for efficiency and guide availability.
Overview
At a glance
Wednesday, April 7, 2027
Thursday, April 8, 2027
Friday, April 9, 2027
Saturday, April 10, 2027
Sunday, April 11, 2027
Monday, April 12, 2027
Tuesday, April 13, 2027
Wednesday, April 14, 2027
Thursday, April 15, 2027
Friday, April 16, 2027
Saturday, April 17, 2027
Wednesday, April 7, 2027
Depart USA
Flight to Thessaloniki
Apr 7, 2027
IAD
13:20
Washington Dulles International Airport
9h 50m
Apr 8, 2027
IST
06:10
Istanbul Airport
Thursday, April 8, 2027
Thessaloniki
Arrival and Introduction
Flight
Apr 8, 2027
IST
07:20
Istanbul Airport
1h 25m
Apr 8, 2027
SKG
08:45
Thessaloniki International Makedonia Airport
Short Walking Tour of Thessaloniki
DateThursday, Apr 8, 2027
After arriving and claiming our luggage, we start with a short walking tour, orienting ourselves to Greece and Thessaloniki before breaking for our opening lunch in Aristotle Square.
Opening Lunch and Worship
DateThursday, Apr 8, 2027
We'll have lunch together (included) in Aristotle Square before returning to the hotel for opening worship and reflections.
Explore Thessaloniki on Your Own
DateThursday, Apr 8, 2027
Following opening worship, you have the opportunity to explore Thessaloniki on your own.
Dinner at Capsis Hotel
DateThursday, Apr 8, 2027
Dinner (included) and overnight at Capsis Hotel, Thessaloniki.
Capsis Hotel, Thessaloniki
Friday, April 9, 2027
Thessaloniki
City Exploration and Byzantine Churches
Explore Thessaloniki's Historic Sites
DateFriday, Apr 9, 2027
Today we explore Thessaloniki in more detail. The city was built about 315 B.C. by the brother-in-law of Alexander the Great. It was a major commercial center in Roman times as well as the second largest and wealthiest during the Byzantine era. In 50 A.D. St Paul visited the city and wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. We’ll explore the city, coming across the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotonda, the oldest of Thessaloniki’s churches, and Aristotelous Square. We also visit the Byzantine churches of St Sophia and St. Dimitrios, an early convert to Christianity martyred by the Romans.
Lunch on Your Own
DateFriday, Apr 9, 2027
Lunch today is on your own.
Dinner on Your Own
DateFriday, Apr 9, 2027
Dinner today is on your own.
Capsis Hotel, Thessaloniki
Saturday, April 10, 2027
Philippi + Kavala
Paul and Lydia in Philippi
Kavala and Philippi Overview
In addition to scenic vistas, Kavala offers a Byzantine castle, aqueduct, and museum. Philippi, as its name implies, was established by Philip II of Macedonia in 358 B.C. It was here that Octavian and Anthony defeated Brutus and Cassius, last defenders of the Roman Republic in 42 B.C. St Paul first arrived at Philippi around 50 A.D. It was one of the first European cities to accept Christianity. Here he delivered his first sermon and baptized the first Christian convert, Lydia. We will view the baptismal site and visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. We will also see the famous Acropolis, the Marketplace, Basilica, and the Theatre.
Lunch in Kavala
DateSaturday, Apr 10, 2027
Dinner at Capsis Hotel, Thessaloniki
DateSaturday, Apr 10, 2027
Return to Thessaloniki for dinner (included).
Capsis Hotel, Thessaloniki
Sunday, April 11, 2027
Berea + Vergina
Berea, Vergina and Meteora Overview
From Thessaloniki we head west and south, stopping in Veria (ancient Berea), dubbed “Little Jerusalem” for the many churches that are built across it. Here we will visit the Bema of St Paul where the Apostle stood and preached the Gospel to the Bereans in 49 AD. We will then stop in Vergina to visit the impressive Museum of the Royal Tombs before continuing on to the hilly region of Meteora, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amongst striking scenery, perched on sheer-sided gray rock pinnacles of varied and spectacular shapes and appearing to be suspended in mid-air, stand the ageless 14th century monasteries of Meteora.
Lunch
DateSunday, Apr 11, 2027
Dinner at Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka
DateSunday, Apr 11, 2027
Dinner is included.
Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka
Monday, April 12, 2027
Meteora
Monasteries + Icon Workshop
Meteora Monasteries
The monasteries of Meteora contain beautiful Byzantine art and offer an insight into the mystic world of the monks still residing there. Those who are up for a good workout can rise early and hike to the Holy Trinity Monastery (optional). Together, the whole group will visit one or two monasteries via coach.
Lunch
DateMonday, Apr 12, 2027
Lunch is included in Meteora.
Icon Workshop Visit
After lunch, we’ll stop at a family workshop that has been writing Greek Orthodox icons for three generations.
Evening in Meteora
In the evening explore Meteora on your own and enjoy dinner in any of the local restaurants.
Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka
Tuesday, April 13, 2027
Delphi
Delphi
Today is a long travel day, so we’ll start early. We depart Kalambaka for Delphi. In antiquity Delphi was known as the center or the navel of the earth for it was believed that when Zeus released two eagles from opposite sides of the world they would meet in Delphi. It reached the height of its power in the 4th century as the sanctuary to the god Apollo. Pilgrims would gather here to seek advice from the great oracle on various matters including waging wars. We explore the sanctuary by walking up the Sacred Way to see the Treasuries, the Theater and the Temple of Apollo.
Lunch
DateTuesday, Apr 13, 2027
Dinner at V Hotel, Delphi
DateTuesday, Apr 13, 2027
Dinner is included.
Wednesday, April 14, 2027
Athens
New Acropolis Museum
Travel from Delfi to Athens
Lunch in Athens
Lunch is included.
Visit the New Acropolis Museum
We’ll visit the New Acropolis Museum before checking into our hotel.
Dinner at The Stanley Hotel, Athens
Dinner is included.
The Stanley Hotel
Thursday, April 15, 2027
Athens
Acropolis + Ancient Sites
Athens
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world spanning a history of 3,400 years. We will walk through the Acropolis with the architectural wonders of the Golden Age of Pericles; the Propylaea, the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. We visit the Areopagus where trials were heard before the Council of Elders and where St Paul delivered his speech to the Athenians. We visit the ancient Agora where Athenians gathered not only for commercial purposes but also for political and religious ones.
Lunch on Your Own
After our touring, you have free time in Athens for lunch (on your own) and to explore and find a local restaurant to visit.
Dinner on Your Own
The Stanley Hotel
Friday, April 16, 2027
Corinth
Ancient Corinth and Corinth Canal
Today we continue exploring the wonders of ancient Greece and connect with the spread of Christianity in the first century CE with a visit to ancient Corinth. We depart Athens and stop at the Corinth Canal before continuing on to Ancient Corinth. Corinth was one of the most important trading cities of ancient Greece dating back to the 6th century BC. Visiting the archaeological site we will come across the Temple of Apollo, the agora and the Peirene fountain. Arriving back in Athens, we’ll gather for our closing worship and farewell dinner (included).
Lunch on Your Own
Lunch (on your own) after our time at the archaeological site and some free time before we depart for Athens in the late afternoon.
Farewell Dinner at The Stanley Hotel
Arriving back in Athens, we’ll gather for our closing worship and farewell dinner (included).
The Stanley Hotel
Saturday, April 17, 2027
Return to US
Flight
Apr 17, 2027
ATH
10:25
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
1h 35m
Apr 17, 2027
IST
12:00
Istanbul Airport
Flight
Apr 17, 2027
IST
15:50
Istanbul Airport
11h
Apr 17, 2027
IAD
19:50
Washington Dulles International Airport
Map
A. Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, GreeceB. Kavala
Kavala, GreeceC. Philippi Archaeological Site
Krinides 640 03, GreeceD. Veria (Berea)
Veria, GreeceE. Vergina
Vergina 590 31, GreeceF. Meteora Monasteries
Meteora, Kalabaka 422 00, GreeceG. Delphi Archaeological Site
Delphi 330 54, GreeceH. Acropolis of Athens
Acropolis, Athens 105 58, GreeceI. Corinth Canal
Corinth Canal, Isthmia 201 00, GreeceJ. Ancient Corinth
Ancient Corinth, Archea Korinthos 200 07, GreecePackages + Pricing
What's Included
What's included
Roundtrip Airfare
from Washinton Dulles (IAD)
Accommodations
in better three-star and four-star hotels
Ground Transportation
Meals:
Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Entry fees and local guides
Gratuities
Ordained Spiritual Guide
Educational Resources
What's not included
Travel Insurance
Meals not listed
Alcoholic Beverages
or other specialty beverages
Pilgrimage Expectations
Physical Demands on Every Pilgrimage
You should be able to walk, with luggage, for up to half a mile on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
On most days, you will be out of the hotel between 9am and 5pm, with breaks along the way and some free time to rest.
You should be able to walk 12,000 steps per day and stand while listening to our professional guides
You should be able to sleep in hotels located in city centers, which may have road noise. Air conditioning in Europe is less effective than in the US and may not cool your room as much as you're used to back home.
You should, after a brief orientation, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.