Footsteps of Paul & Seven Churches of Revelation with Aegean Cruise

Arrive in Thessaloniki, where your Biblical journey begins. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy time to relax before dinner.

Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Today you begin your exploration of the Footsteps of Apostle Paul in Greece.

In Thessaloniki, visit the ancient Agora, where Paul is believed to have preached, and reflect on Acts 17:1–9. You will also visit the House of Jason, where Paul stayed, and see the impressive Arch of Galerius and the historic Basilica of St. Demetrius.

Continue to Berea (Veria), where Paul and Silas were welcomed by the Jews who eagerly examined the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:10–15). Visit Paul’s Bema, where he preached to the local community.

Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

Today you travel to one of the most significant Biblical sites in Europe, Philippi, where Paul first brought the Gospel to the continent (Acts 16).

Visit the Roman Forum, the remains of the ancient city, and the prison of Paul and Silas, where they were miraculously freed after an earthquake. Continue to Lydia’s Baptistry, where the first European convert to Christianity was baptized.

Stop in Kavala (ancient Neapolis), the port where Paul first landed in Europe. Take in views of the harbor, aqueduct, and historic city.

Continue along the scenic coastline to Alexandroupolis.

Dinner and overnight in Alexandroupolis.

After breakfast, cross the border into Turkey and travel to Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, once the capital of the Byzantine Empire and a major center of Christianity.

Begin exploring this fascinating city where East meets West. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and one of the most important churches in Christian history. Continue to the Blue Mosque and explore the historic heart of the city.

Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Continue your exploration of Istanbul with additional sightseeing and free time to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

In the afternoon, depart for Canakkale, crossing the historic Dardanelles Strait, which connects Europe and Asia and has played a key role in both ancient and modern history.

Dinner and overnight in Canakkale.

This morning visit Troas (Troy), where Paul received the vision of the man of Macedonia calling him to Europe (Acts 16:8–10), marking a pivotal moment in the spread of Christianity.

Continue to Pergamum (Bergama), one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Revelation 2:12–17). Explore the impressive Acropolis, the steep ancient theatre, and the remains of temples that once made this city a center of pagan worship.

Visit the Red Basilica, associated with early Christian worship.

Dinner and overnight in Izmir.

After breakfast, enjoy a brief visit to ancient Smyrna in modern-day Izmir, reflecting on the message to the church praised for its faithfulness amid suffering and persecution (Revelation 2:8–11). Afterwards, depart for Thyatira and continue your journey through the Churches of Revelation.

In Thyatira, visit the hometown of Lydia, the seller of purple cloth who welcomed Paul in Philippi (Acts 16:14). Continue to Sardis, where the call to “wake up” invites reflection on spiritual renewal (Revelation 3:1–6). Explore its impressive archaeological remains, including the Temple of Artemis, gymnasium and ancient synagogue.

Proceed to Philadelphia, whose church was commended for keeping Christ’s word and remaining faithful despite its limited strength (Revelation 3:7–13). View the surviving pillars of the Byzantine Church of St. John before continuing to Laodicea, the prosperous ancient city whose congregation received the warning against being “lukewarm” in faith (Revelation 3:14–22). Walk among its remarkable ruins and reflect on the message of repentance and renewed fellowship with Christ. Afterwards, continue to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.

Visit Ephesus, one of the most important cities of early Christianity and a key highlight of any Seven Churches of Revelation tour.

Walk through the marble streets and see the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Agora, where Paul preached during his missionary journeys (Acts 19).

After your visit, embark on your Aegean cruise from Kusadasi, beginning a unique Biblical sailing experience.

In the afternoon, arrive at Patmos, the island where the Apostle John received the vision recorded in the Book of Revelation. Visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of St. John.

Return to the ship and sail overnight.

Today dock in Rhodes, an island rich in history where ancient Greek culture meets medieval heritage.

Optional excursion to Lindos, including the Acropolis of Lindos and St. Paul’s Bay, where Paul is believed to have landed during his travels.

Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

Arrive in Crete, where Paul traveled with Titus and helped establish the early Church.

Optional visit to the Palace of Knossos, associated with the Minoan civilization.

Continue to Santorini, one of the most stunning Greek islands. Explore the whitewashed villages perched on cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea, with breathtaking views of the caldera.

Return to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.

Disembark in Athens and begin your journey through one of the most significant cities of the ancient world, both culturally and biblically. Athens, the birthplace of democracy and philosophy, is also where the Apostle Paul delivered one of his most profound sermons.

Your tour begins with a panoramic drive through the city center, passing Syntagma Square, the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace, and the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held. Continue past the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, monuments that reflect the grandeur of ancient Athens.

Ascend to the Acropolis, the sacred hill that dominates the city skyline, where you will explore the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

A highlight of your visit is Mars Hill (Areopagus), where the Apostle Paul stood and proclaimed the message of the “Unknown God” to the philosophers of Athens (Acts 17:16–34). As you stand on this historic rock, reflect on Paul’s powerful sermon and his call to know the one true God.

Continue to the Ancient Agora, the center of public life in ancient Athens, where Paul engaged with the citizens and debated with the philosophers of his time.

In the afternoon, depart for Ancient Corinth, one of the most important cities of the New Testament. It was here that Paul lived and preached for over a year and a half (Acts 18), establishing a vibrant Christian community to whom he later wrote his Epistles.

Walk through the archaeological site and visit the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, and the Roman Forum. Stand at the Bema, where Paul was brought before the Roman proconsul Gallio and defended his faith. As you explore the ruins, you can reflect on Paul’s ministry, his teachings to the Corinthians, and the challenges faced by the early Church.

Corinth was a major commercial and cultural hub of the ancient world, making it a strategic location for the spread of Christianity. Here, Paul worked alongside Aquila and Priscilla, strengthening the early Christian movement.

Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

End of programme.