We depart the U.S.A. on our international flight to Thessaloniki, Greece—ready to walk in the footsteps of Paul and the early Church.

Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, we are met by our local guide and begin our journey in the land of Paul’s second missionary journey. Time permitting, we’ll enjoy an orientation tour of the city including the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, and the ancient Roman Agora. We then check in to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Today, we visit Vergina and see the golden treasures of the ancient kings of Macedonia. We then head to Veria where we will walk along the Barbouta River into the old Jewish quarter. Next, we visit the ancient synagogue and see the Step where Paul spoke to the Bereans (Acts 17). Afterwards, we drive along the Aegean coast to Thessaloniki where we will visit the Jewish Quarter, the Synagogue, the Ancient Jewish Bath House and the Modiano Market (Acts 17, 1 Thessalonians 1). This is the city where Paul was received by Jason. Paul was preaching the Word of God here until he was rushed out of the city. Dinner and overnight are in Thessaloniki.

After breakfast, we drive east to Philippi to visit Paul’s Jail (Acts 16), the Christian Basilica, and the Greco-Roman round theatre. Then we head to the Zigakti River to visit Lydia’s baptismal site (Acts 16:15). Next, we proceed to Kavala for a gorgeous panoramic view of the port of Neapolis, the first place where Paul stood when he arrived in Europe (Acts 16:7–11). We then take a short walk along Via Egnatia, where Paul walked on his way to Thessaloniki. Before returning to our hotel, we will stop in Ladadika for Taverna Night and enjoy the modern night life of Thessaloniki. Overnight is in Thessaloniki.

We depart today for a journey to the mystical region of Meteora, renowned for its Byzantine monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. Dating back to the 14th century, these monasteries offer a glimpse into a history of spiritual refuge and survival against the backdrop of stunning natural landscapes. We then depart for Delphi, where we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Today we will have a special visit to Delphi, this mountainous city which today is both an archaeological site and a modern town. For the ancient Greeks, Delphi was labeled the “omphalos” (navel) of the earth, and it is here that the eternal flame burned in the Temple of Apollo. Delphi was the site of the Delphic oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world. It was also here beginning in 586 B.C. that athletes from all over the Greek world competed in the Pythian Games, one of the precursors to the modern Olympics. Afterwards, we depart for Athens and check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

We begin our day with the Acropolis and Mars Hill, where Paul talked to the Athenians near the altar to the Unknown God (Acts 17) converting Dionysius and Damaris. We drive along the city sites from the King’s Palace to the first Olympic Stadium and enjoy some free time at the Plaka Market. In the afternoon, we drive along the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Canal. We will visit ancient Corinth and the Roman sites associated with Paul’s ministry: the Agora, the Bema, Temple of Apollo, and Gallio Seat. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning, we have an early transfer to the Athens Airport for our flight to Rome. Upon arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, we meet our tour escort and begin our journey along the western coast of Italy to visit the spectacular ruins of Ostia Antica, the ancient port city of Rome during New Testament times. The excavations offer incredible insight into what Roman cities were like in the 1st century. On our way into the city, we stop to walk along the Appian Way, where Paul traveled on his way to Rome. We conclude the day at St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, a magnificent basilica built near the site where tradition holds the Apostle Paul was buried. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Today, we begin with a visit to the Catacombs of San Callixtus, where early Christians worshiped in secret and carved symbols of their faith along the walls. We then visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest church in the Western world, and walk the nearby “Sacred Steps”, which Martin Luther famously ascended on his knees seeking forgiveness. After a break for lunch (not included), we explore the incredible Vatican Museums, home to centuries of art and Christian history. Inside, we view Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, followed by a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. On our return, we stop in Trastevere, where Paul is believed to have lived for two years during his time in Rome (Acts 28). Dinner and overnight in Rome.

This morning, we begin with a walking tour of Rome, starting at St. Peter in Chains, which houses Michelangelo’s statue of Moses. We continue to the iconic Colosseum, a lasting symbol of the Roman Empire, followed by the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezia, dominated by the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II. From there, we make our way to the Trevi Fountain, where we follow the Roman tradition of tossing a coin to ensure our return to the Eternal City. After our walking tour, we transfer back to the hotel for the evening. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

After breakfast, we transfer to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport for our return flight to the U.S.A.—bringing home unforgettable memories of walking in the footsteps of Paul.