Depart the USA

Overnight Arrival at Thessaloniki Airport. Transfer to our hotel for check-in and dinner. (D)

After breakfast, we start with the landmarks of the city: the Walls of the Byzantine Acropolis, the Roman Arch of Galerius, and the Rotonda. We visit two of the city’s oldest and most admired Christian churches, the Basilicas of St. Demetrius and St. Sophia. Later, we will visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. In the evening, we will have free time to explore the city. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will follow the route of the Via Egnatia and visit, like Paul and his companions, the area of Amphipolis to see the famous funerary Lion of Amphipolis. Then we travel to the Philippi. We visit the Baptistery of Lydia near the river, where Paul baptized her. Lydia was the first convert of Paul on European soil, followed by the jailer. Also, we visit the ruins of the Forum of Philippi, the Christian Basilicas, the “Prison of Paul,” and the Theater. Then we drive to (Neapolis), Paul’s first step in bringing the Gospel to present-day Europe. A picturesque port, we view the Byzantine Castle and the Roman Aqueduct. We return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will start our day by visiting the Byzantine Archaeological Museum. This renowned museum showcases an impressive collection of artifacts, including exquisite mosaics, intricate frescoes, and stunning icons that highlight the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Byzantine Empire. We continue with a boat ride in Thermaikos Gulf to relax and enjoy the serenity of the waters. We will have a short drive from Thessaloniki to Mountain Hortiatis in the evening. We will enjoy hiking in this beautiful mountain, which offers lush forests, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Thermaikos Gulf. Depart for Kalambaka for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we see the world-famous Byzantine monasteries perched on summits of gray rock peaks of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliff-side caves and then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, which were later transformed into monasteries. We will visit two of the six monasteries. Afterwards, we continue to Delphi for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will depart for the Archaeological Site of Delphi and learn how the city was considered the “Center of the World” in ancient Greece and today one of Greece's most famous archaeological sites. We will walk around the evocative ruins with our guide and see famous monuments like the monument of the Argive Kings, the treasury of the Athenians, the Athenian Stoa, the Polygonal Wall, the monument of Platea, and the Temple of Apollo, famous for its oracle. The second stop is Delphi Museum, with its spectacular exhibits, including the frieze of the Treasury of the Sifnians, the Naxian Sphinx, the Statue of Antinoos, the metopes of the Athenian treasury, the famous bronze Charioteer, created to commemorate a victory during the 476 B.C. Pythian Games, and many other artifacts. Departure for Athens. We will have a short stop to the architectural marvel of Boeotia. This UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled in the picturesque Greek countryside, is a stunning example of Byzantine art and architecture. Renowned for its intricate mosaics, beautiful frescoes, and impressive domes, Osios Loukas Church offers visitors a serene and inspiring atmosphere. Late in the evening, we will check in to our hotel in Athens for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will depart for a Guided Tour starting from Panathenaic Stadium, known as Kallimarmaro. Antiquity was used to celebrate Panathenea in honor of Goddess Athena. You will have free time to take photos. Boarding on the coach and departure to see the Zappeion Hall, the Greek Parliament, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the symbolic monument in the memory of the Soldiers who died for their country. Then, along Panepistimiou Street, one of the most central streets of Athens, we will see the triad of neoclassical buildings: The Library, the Academy, and the University. The next most important visit is the Acropolis, with magnificent monuments such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, the Ancient Agora, the Theatre of Dionysus, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. We will have the chance to walk around the Parthenon Monument, built in the 5th century BC by the architects Ictinus and Kallikrates. We will also visit Mars Hill, known as Aeropagus, where Apostle Paul delivered his famous speech to the Athenians. Afterward, we will visit the Acropolis Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of artifacts from the Acropolis, including the Parthenon sculptures, intricate friezes, and ancient statues. In the evening, we will visit Lycabettus Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Athens. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will depart for Peloponnese. Our first stop will be the Isthmus of Corinth. It is a narrow strip of land 6 kilometers long, joining Central Greece with Peloponnese. We will have free time to take photos. Then, we begin with Ancient Corinth, an important city-state in Ancient Greece that dates back from the Neolithic Period (5.000-3.000). We will visit one of the largest museums in Greece regarding the wealth and quality of the findings (Acts 18:1-18, 19:22). We will see the bema of Gallio and the Erastus inscription. Also, we will visit Acro Corinth and Cenchreae (Acts 18:18) and have lunch in a local restaurant. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will have a transfer to Athens Airport for our return flight. (B)