Footsteps of Saint Paul in Greece: Thessaloniki to Athens

From $2,709

Follow Apostle Paul’s missionary journey through ancient Greek cities.

During the 1st century A.D., Paul the Apostle embarked on a mission to spread Christianity throughout Greece. On this comprehensive tour of the Mediterranean country, you'll follow in his footsteps, revisiting significant locations such as Thessaloniki's Vlatadon Monastery, where he preached, and Athens' Areopagus, where he delivered one of his renowned sermons.

Self Drive Tour Package

  • 9 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 9 breakfasts
  • 4 dinners with beer or wine
  • 6 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
  • Private deluxe motor coach
  • Vlatadon Monastery
  • Royal Tombs at Vergina
  • Meteora monasteries
  • Temple of Apollo
  • Ancient Corinth
  • Acropolis
  • Parthenon
  • Areopagus
  • Thessaloniki | 3 nights
  • Meteora Region | 1 night
  • Delphi | 1 night
  • Nafplio | 2 nights
  • Athens | 2 nights
  • Greek Islands Cruise & Athens Extension | 4 nights

Price Guarantee

Fill out this form and we will send you info on your dream tour!

No Hidden Charges

With GoIrishTours, what you see is what you get.

Customized Tours

Our tours are tailor-made to suit our costumers.

12 Years Experience

We’ve been up and running for over a decade.

Overnight Flight | 1 night

Start your journey as you embark on an overnight flight to Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki | 3 nights

Included meal: Welcome dinner 

 

Arrive in Greece and join your Tour Director and fellow group members for a warm welcome dinner this evening.

Included meal: Breakfast 

 

Embark on a guided tour of Thessaloniki, where you'll explore significant sites associated with Paul the Apostle's life and preaching, as well as other historical landmarks in the city.

 

  • Discover the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda, neighboring monuments commissioned by Roman Emperor Galerius in the 4th century, forming part of an imperial complex.
  • Admire the protective walls constructed around the city during the early 3rd century.
  • Follow the seaside promenade to the iconic White Tower of Thessaloniki, symbolizing the city's history as a defensive fort, prison, and WWI communication center, now housing a museum.
  • Enter the Vlatadon Monastery, where Paul the Apostle preached the divine word to the Thessalonians.
  • Visit the Brotherhood of Men of Thessaloniki Park, a pilgrimage site believed to be where Paul the Apostle stopped for a drink from a spring, now known as Apostle Paul's Holy water.

 

Enjoy a free afternoon in the city or opt for an optional excursion to enhance your experience.

 

Included meal: Breakfast 

 

Today, take advantage of a day at your leisure in Thessaloniki, where you can explore the city independently or choose to join an optional excursion.

Meteora Region | 1 night

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

This morning, journey to the ancient cities of Veria and Vergina.

 

  • Begin your exploration in Veria, where you'll visit Saint Paul's Tribune, a site where he preached Christianity at least twice during his lifetime. 
  • Observe the captivating murals up close and gain insights into its significance as a universal monument of religious and cultural heritage. 
  • Witness the remains of the Jewish Quarter on the terraced foothills of Mount Vernon. 
  • Next, visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai and delve into the archaeological museum of Vergina to explore the remnants of the royal palace. 

 

Conclude the day by heading to the Meteora region and enjoy an included dinner.

Delphi | 1 night

Included meal: Breakfast 

 

Today, embark on a guided walking tour of the remarkable Meteora monasteries.

 

  • Visit two monasteries, such as the Monastery of Roussanou, the Monastery of Agios Stefanos, or the Monastery of Varlaam. 
  • Hike up to the monasteries and relish the awe-inspiring views from the 1,000-foot-high pinnacle rocks. 
  • Engage in a meaningful conversation with local nuns, learning about the traditions and faith of the Eastern Orthodox Church, as well as gaining insights into their lives and work at the monasteries. 
  • In the afternoon, travel through picturesque mountain terrain to Delphi. 

 

Enjoy a free evening to explore at your leisure or opt for an optional excursion.

Nafplio | 2 nights

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Today, venture to the slopes of Mount Parnassus and explore the Archaeological Site of Delphi, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and a revered spiritual center for ancient Greeks.

 

  • Embark on a guided tour that includes the Temple of Apollo, where the legendary god Apollo was believed to communicate prophecies through the oracle and high priestess Pythia. 
  • Discover the ancient treasures at the Delphi Museum, featuring notable artifacts like the life-size bronze statue known as the Charioteer of Delphi. 

 

Please note: This excursion involves some walking on uneven terrain and hills.

Later, head to the picturesque town of Nafplio and enjoy a leisurely exploration of its captivating surroundings alongside your Tour Director.

 

  • Take a leisurely stroll through Syntagma Square. 
  • Admire the scenic views of the port and the hilltop Palamidi Fortress. 

 

In the evening, savor an included dinner with your fellow travelers.

Athens | 1 night

Included meal: Breakfast 

 

Today, enjoy a day of freedom in Nafplio, where you can explore the town at your own pace or opt for an optional excursion to enhance your experience.

Athens | 2 nights

Included meal: Breakfast 

 

Head to the vibrant Greek capital, Athens, with a stop to explore Ancient Corinth during a guided tour.

 

  • Discover the Agora, where Paul's trial by Gallio took place, and the Bema, where Paul appeared before the tribunal, as documented in the Acts of the Apostles. 
  • Capture a photo of the impressive Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese peninsula from mainland Greece. 

 

Continue your journey to Athens.

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner 

 

Join your local guide to uncover the highlights of this bustling ancient capital, renowned as the birthplace of the world's first democracy.

 

  • Visit significant sites such as the Olympic Stadium, Syntagma Square, and the Arch of Hadrian. 
  • Admire the sixth-century Temple of Zeus. 
  • Witness the classically inspired Old Royal Palace, housing the Hellenic Parliament, and drive through the charming Plaka district. 
  • Embark on a walking tour around the iconic Acropolis, home to the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion. 
  • Travel to Areopagus Hill, situated just northwest of the Acropolis. 
  • You may choose to climb to the hilltop, where Paul the Apostle delivered his sermon in 51 A.D., while enjoying panoramic views of the city. 

 

Later, celebrate your remarkable journey with a farewell dinner alongside your fellow travelers.

Flight Home

Included meal: Breakfast (not applicable for early morning departures) 

 

Prepare for your journey back home as you are transferred to the airport, or opt to extend your adventure and explore the Greek Islands and Turkey further.

Explore Saint Paul's route further with a captivating cruise to historical and picturesque destinations in the Aegean Sea. Embark on your cruise in Athens, then set sail to the enchanting island of Mykonos, basking in the sun. The journey continues to the ancient Turkish city of Ephesus, once a home to Saint Paul. Next, visit the Greek island of Patmos, where you can explore the Cave of the Apocalypse, believed to be where St. John wrote the Book of Revelations. 

 

Discover fascinating archaeological sites and charming villages on Crete and Santorini, the final two ports of call. Conclude your tour in Athens, where you can spend one last afternoon immersing yourself in the city's ancient archaeological treasures before heading back home.

Greek Islands Cruise | 3 nights

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

 

Board the ship, settle into your stateroom, and relish an included lunch while sailing to the iconic island of Mykonos.

 

  • Disembark in Mykonos and join your Tour Director for a stroll through the charming Old Town. 
  • Witness the island's renowned windmills, Little Venice neighborhood, and the Church of Panagia Paraportiani. 
  • Explore the labyrinthine alleys at your leisure during free time. 
  • Return to the ship for an included dinner in the evening.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

 

Today, visit Kusadasi, Turkey, and Patmos, Greece.

 

  • Disembark in Kusadasi and embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Ephesus, a well-preserved ancient city. 
  • Learn about the early Christian congregation established by Saint John and expanded by Saint Paul in Ephesus. 
  • Discover UNESCO-listed sites, including the Library of Celsus, the Odeon Theater, and the House of the Virgin Mary. 
  • Return to the ship for an included lunch as you sail to Patmos, Greece. 
  • Spend free time on the island, where it's believed that St. John wrote the Book of Revelations while in exile. 
  • Visit the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and explore the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John had visions documented in the Book of Revelations. 
  • Return to the ship for an included dinner in the evening.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

 

Continue sailing through the Aegean Sea and visit two ports of call today.

 

  • Disembark on Crete for free time or opt for an excursion to explore the ruins of Knossos, where myth tells of King Minos imprisoning the Minotaur in a labyrinth. 
  • Return to the ship for an included lunch before proceeding to Santorini. 
  • Enjoy free time to visit the iconic hilltop villages of Thira and Oia. 
  • Return to the ship for an included dinner in the evening.

Athens | 1 night

Included meal: Breakfast 

 

Arrive in Athens as your cruise journey concludes. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the city, exploring at your own pace, or opt for an optional excursion to make the most of your time in Athens.

Flight Home

Included meal: Breakfast (not applicable for early morning departures) 

Get ready to bid farewell as you are transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

A Week in Ancient Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia

Self Drive Tour Package

Fill out this form and we will send you info on your dream tour!

100% Free Quote