8 Days Apostle Paul tour/Neapolis, Philippi, Veria,Thessaloniki,

Day 1: In the footsteps of Apostle Paul to Greece (Meteora Rocks - Overnight)

1. Campo della battaglia delle Termopili
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   Thermopylae is world-famous for the battle that took place there between the Greek forces (notably the Spartans) and the invading Persian forces, commemorated by Simonides in the famous epitaph, "Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, That here obedient to their laws we lie. This passage from north to south along the east coast of Greek peninsula requires use of the pass and for this reason Thermopylae has been the site of several battles.
   Next to the monument of Leonidas, in the historic Thermopylae, lies the interactive museum, dedicated to the 480 BC battle that changed the course of Greek history. Ticket 3€ / 1€
2. Old City of Trikala
   1h
   Located in central Greece 330 km north of Athens.
   
   The city of Trikala is built on the ancient city of Trikka, which was founded around the 3rd millennium BC and took its name from the nymph Trikke, daughter of Penaeus, or according to others, daughter of the river god Asopus. The ancient city was built at a defensive location in between the local hill and the river Lithaios.
   Ten bridges cross the river, the central one made of metal having been constructed by the French in 1886.
   
   The city became an important center in antiquity and it was considered to be the birthplace and main residence of the healing god Asclepius. The city exhibited one of the most important and ancient of Asclepius' healing temples, called asclepieia. The city is mentioned in Homer's Iliad as having participated in the Trojan War with thirty ships under Asclepius' sons Machaon and Podalirius.
   
   In 352 BC it was united with the Macedonia of Philip II.
3. Great Meteoron Monastery
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six (of an original twenty four) monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area. It is located near the town of Kalambaka at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains.
   
   Meteora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List under criteria I, II, IV, V, and VII.
   The name means "lofty", "elevated", and is etymologically related to meteor.
   Drive around Meteora Rocks, visit at least 2 of the Orthodox monasteries.
   General ticket: 3€ per monastery
4. Meteora
   12h
   Overnight in Kastraki (meaning ‘small castle’) a small, peaceful village which from a distance looks like an eagle’s nest at the bottom of two gigantic rocks. We will take a sunset / photography tour. Our drivers will take you to the best and hidden spots of these unique rocks.
   Overnight at additional cost ( dependence period )

Day 2: In the footsteps of Apostle Paul to Greece (Aegae & Macedonia Royal Tombs- Veria / Apostle Paul Vema - Overnight)

1. Meteora
   1h
   The Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six (of an original twenty four) monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area. It is located near the town of Kalambaka at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains.
   
   Meteora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List under criteria I, II, IV, V, and VII.
   The name means "lofty", "elevated", and is etymologically related to meteor.
   Drive around Meteora Rocks, early in morning with different light and less crowded .
2. Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina)
   1h 15m · Admission ticket not included
   Vergina is best known as the site of ancient Aigai /Aegae), the first capital of Macedon. In 336 BC Philip II was assassinated in Aigai's theatre and his son, Alexander the Great, was proclaimed king.
   
   The most important recent finds were made in 1977 when the burial sites of several kings of Macedon were found, including the tomb of Philip II which had not been disturbed or looted, unlike so many of the other tombs there.
   
   It is also the site of an extensive royal palace. The archaeological museum of Vergina was built to house all the artifacts found at the site and is one of the most important museums in Greece.
   
   Aigai has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status as "an exceptional testimony to a significant development in European civilization, at the transition from classical city-state to the imperial structure of the Hellenistic and Roman periods".
   
   Winter 6€ / Summer 12€
3. Vima Apostolou Pavlou
   20m
   Apostle Paul, after leaving Thessaloniki, and his companion Silas preached to the Jewish and Greek communities of the city Veroia/ Berea in AD 50/51 or 54/55. The Bible records:
4. School of Aristotle
   1h
   Mieza, "shrine of the Nymphs", was a town in ancient Macedonia, where Aristotle taught the boy Alexander the Great between 343 and 340 BCE. The site where Mieza once stood is the modern village Kopanos, near the modern town Náousa in Central Macedonia, Greece, and has been the subject of archeological excavations since 1954.
   
   Mieza was named for Mieza, in ancient Macedonian mythology, the daughter of Beres and sister of Olganos and Beroia. It was the home of Alexander's companion Peucestas. Aristotle was hired by Alexander's father, Philip II of Macedon, to teach his son, and was given the Temple of the Nymphs as a classroom. In return, Philip re-built and freed the citizens of Stagira, Aristotle's hometown, which he had razed in a previous conquest across Greece and Macedon.
   
   Students educated at Mieza include Hephaestion, Ptolemy I Soter, Cassander, and Cleitus the Black.
5. Pozar Thermal Baths
   12h
   Overnight on slopes of Mount Kaimaktsalan
   
   The Pozar Baths which means fire, fire or heat. Loutra Arideas or simply Loutra, are thermal baths, located near Loutraki, prefecture of Pella, 13 km west of Aridea. These are metal springs, which gush at a temperature of 37 ° C, with remarkable chemical composition. The hot water has a healing effect and is drinkable.
   
   According to ancient tradition, the baths were considered a place of relaxation and restoration of the Macedonian kings after battles and many years of war. There are indications that they operated in the years of Alexander the Great, as well as in Roman and Byzantine times. It is also rumored that the saris (spears) of the Macedonian Phalanx were "boiled" in warm waters, in order to become more durable and to increase their hardness and endurance.
   
   Overnight at additional charge (cost dependence period)

Day 3: In the footsteps of Apostle Paul to Greece (Pella/ Alexanser's Birth City - Thessaloniki / Catacombs- Overnight)

1. Archaeological Museum of Pella
   1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
   Pella: The capital of ancient Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander the Great. A number of archaeological findings are housed in the Palace and the New Museum
   
   Archaeological Museum: It is situated near the archaeological site under the ancient Macedonian palace. The building has a rectangular atrium, as a reference to the central peristyle courtyard of ancient houses in Pella.
   
   The information section provides texts, photographs, maps, drawings a model of the archaeological site and a short video about Pella. In the entrance there are two important exhibits: A head considered a portrait of Alexander the Great and a statue with the characteristic attributes of the god Pan.
   
   Museum & Site: Entrance fees 8€ Reduced 4€
2. Holy Church of Saint Demetrius, Patron Saint of Thessalonica
   1h
   The Church of Saint Demetrius, is dedicated to Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of Thessaloniki. It's on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO since 1988.
   
   Underneath the Church of St Demetrios is the place where St Demetrios, Thessaloniki's patron saint, along with other Christians of the early Roman period, were martyred.
   
   As the level of the ground gradually rose over the centuries, this area acquired the form of a crypt. According both to tradition and to archaeological findings, it was an old bathhouse, in which Demetrios was imprisoned and eventually martyred in 303 AD. In the 5th century, when the first Church of St Demetrios was built, the site of his martyrdom was incorporated into the church and the fountain was converted into a source of holy water. In the years that followed, the fountain acquired basins, from which the faithful could collect myron, the sweet-smelling oil produced by the saint's relics. The crypt was not rediscovered until after the fire of 1917.
3. White Tower of Thessaloniki
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The White Tower of Thessaloniki is a monument and museum on the waterfront. The present tower replaced an old Byzantine fortification, known to have been mentioned around the 12th century, that the Ottoman Empire reconstructed to fortify the city's fortress after Sultan Murad II captured Thessaloniki in 1430.
   During the period of Ottoman rule, White tower became a notorious prison and scene of mass executions.
   
   In 1912, Greece took again into custody the city of Thessaloniki and the White Tower was substantially remodeled and its exterior was whitewashed. White Tower has been adopted as the symbol of the city.
   From the top you will have a 360 panoramic view of the city
   
   Entrance fee 6€
4. INSPOT Rotonda
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The Rotunda is a 4th AD vaulted circular building in Thessaloniki, similar to the Pantheon in Rome.
   
   It was built during the years of the emperor Galerius around 304, while it was intended as the Mausoleum of Galerius. However, due to Galerius death in 311, the Rotunda was left unused.
   
   At the end of the 4th century, during the reign of Theodosius I and after Christianity had prevailed in Thessaloniki, the Rotunda was converted into a Christian church and then some alterations were made to the monument, which were necessary for the new worship. Thus, the eastern niche was opened and the sanctuary was added, while the corresponding western niche was opened and a new entrance was created. Finally, the famous mosaics of the monument were made, which adorn the arches of niches, arched openings of skylights and the large dome. It is considered that the original purpose was to use it as a baptistery of the faithful Christians of Thessaloniki.
   
   Overnight at additional cost (depends period)

Day 4: In the footsteps of Apostle Paul to Greece (Philippi / Lydia - Kavala/ Neapolis - Overnight)

1. The Archaeological Museum of Philippi
   1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
   In Roman times, Philippi was the most important city in eastern Macedonia, built in a very strategic position and in the middle of a region rich in goods. After the battle of Philippi (42 BC) it was transformed into a Roman colony and colonized by Roman veteran soldiers, twice. The first colonization took place, immediately after the battle, by order of Antonios and was taken by veterans of the Roman army. The second colonization, in which Italian citizens also participated, took place after the naval battle of Aktio (31 BC) by order of Octavian Augustus, who was considered the second inhabitant of the city, after Philip II and for this reason the colony henceforth bore his genus name: colonia Iulia Augusta Philippensis.
   
   A very important date was the year 49 or 50 AD, when the Apostle Paul visited Philippi and founded the first Christian Church in Europe. This event made the city a metropolis of Christianity.
2. Baptistry of St. Lydia
   1h
   Lydia of Thyatira is a woman mentioned in the New Testament who is regarded as the first documented convert to Christianity in Europe. Several Christian denominations have designated her a saint.
   Lydia insisted on giving hospitality to Apostle Paul and his companions in Philippi. They stayed with her until their departure, through Amphipolis and Apollonia, to Thessalonica (Acts 16:40–17:1).
   
   Paul, Silas and Timothy were traveling through the region of Philippi when they encounter “a reputable businesswoman and possibly a widow… [who] was a righteous Gentile or ‘God-fearer’ attracted to Judaism”. “She was one of a large group [considered]…sympathizers with Judaism, believers in the one God, but who had not yet become ‘proselytes’ or taken the final step to conversion to Judaism”.
   
   Because these encounters and events take place “in what is now Europe,” Lydia is considered “the first ‘European’ Christian convert”
3. Palea Kavala
   12h
   The history of the city dates back to prehistoric times and extends to the present day. References to it on the one hand are lost in the Homeric narratives and on the other are recorded in the archives of the Athenian Alliance. On the one hand the city became world famous for the arrival of the democratic troops of the Roman Empire in view of the historic battle of Philippi and on the other for the arrival of the Apostle Paul in 49 AD, making Neapolis (today's Kavala) the first European city who accepted Christianity.
   
   There is today the monument of the Apostle Paul, outside the Church of Agios Nikolaos in the center of Kavala, in memory of the arrival of the Apostle Paul.
   It is famous for the majestic works of the Byzantines and Turks (such as the Castle, Kamares) as well as for being the birthplace of Mehmet Ali, regent of Egypt.
   
   Accommodation for you in selected Boutique Hotels A'class or 3/4* Hotels with breakfast (additional cost 160€ per double room / weekend-holidays 190€ )

Day 5: In the footsteps of Apostle Paul to Greece (Amfipolis - Mount Olympus- Dion/ Overnight)

1. 1h · Admission ticket not included
   Amphipolis, an Athenian colony, was the seat of the battle between the Spartans and Athenians in 422 BC, and also the place where Alexander the Great prepared for campaigns leading to his invasion of Asia. Alexander's three finest admirals, Nearchus, Androsthenes and Laomedon, resided in Amphipolis. It is also the place where, after Alexander's death, his wife Roxana and their son Alexander IV were imprisoned and murdered in 311 BC.
   
   According to the Acts of the Apostles, the apostles Paul and Silas passed through Amphipolis in the early AD 50s, on their journey between Philippi and Thessalonica; where hence they proselytized to the Greeks, including aporetic Epicurean and Stoic philosophers.
   
   Entrance fee 6€
2. Dion Archaeological Park
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   It is best known for its great ancient Macedonian sanctuary of Zeus and the ancient city, much of which is visible in the Archaeological Park of Dion and the Archaeological Museum of Dion.
   
   Philip II and Alexander the Great celebrated victories here, and Alexander assembled his armies and performed magnificent sacrifices here on the eve of his campaign to Asia in 334 B
   
   Entrance fees to site & Museum/ Winter 6€ / Summer 12 €
3. 12h
   Overnight on slopes of Mount Olympus
   
   Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece. Mount Olympus has 52 peaks and deep gorges. The highest peak, Mytikas (Μύτικας Mýtikas), meaning "nose", rises to 2,917 metres (9,570 ft). It is one of the highest peaks in Europe in terms of topographic prominence.[9]
   
   Olympus is notable in Greek mythology as the home of the Greek gods, on Mytikas peak. It is also noted for its exceptional biodiversity and rich flora. It has been a National Park, the first in Greece, since 1938. It is also a World Biosphere Reserve
   
   We can arrange accommodation for you in selected Boutique Hotels A'class or 3/4* Hotels with breakfast (additional cost 160€ per double room / weekend-holidays 190€ per double room - if more than 2 rooms 10% less. Driver's room complimentary). If you wish to do do your own hotel reservation, you need to reserve an extra room for your driver.
   
   Overnight at additional cost ( depends period)

Day 6: In the footsteps of Apostle Paul to Greece (Delphi/ Apollo Oracle - Mount Parnassus/ Overnight)

1. Temple of Apollo
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Delphi is the ancient sanctuary that grew rich as the seat of Pythia, the oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. The ancient Greeks considered the center of the world to be in Delphi, marked by the stone monument known as the omphalos (navel).
   
   It is now an extensive archaeological site with a small modern town of the same name nearby. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in having had a great influence in the ancient world, as evidenced by the various monuments built there by most of the important ancient Greek city-states, demonstrating their fundamental Hellenic unity.
   Combined ticket with Museum. Summer admission: 12 € - Reduced/ winter admission: 6 €
   Up to 6 y is free / Up to 25y reduced
2. Delphi Archaeological Museum
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The Archaeological Museum of Delphi, one of the most important in Greece, exhibits the history of the Delphic sanctuary, site of the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections are comprised primarily of architectural sculpture, statues and minor objects donated to the sanctuary.
   These reflect its religious, political and artistic activities from its early years in the eight century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.
   
   Archaeological site & Museum Combined ticket:
   Summer admission: 12 € - Reduced/ winter admission: 6 €
   Up to 6 y is free / Up to 25y reduced
3. Tholos of Athena Pronaia
   30m
   The Tholos of Delphi is among the ancient structures of the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia in Delphi.
   The circular temple, a tholos, shares the immediate site with other ancient foundations of the Temple of Athena Pronaia, all located less than a mile east of the main ruins at Delphi,
   
   The tholos is part of the Delphi UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Mount Parnassus
   12h
   Drive via Mount Parnassus in central Greece that towers above Delphi, north of the Gulf of Corinth, and offers scenic views of the surrounding olive groves and countryside. According to Greek mythology, this mountain was sacred to Dionysus and the Dionysian mysteries. It was also sacred to Apollo and the Corycian nymphs, and it was the home of the Muses. Parnassus is one of the largest mountainous regions of Mainland Greece and one of the highest Greek mountains. Overnight on the slopes of this amazing mountain, in a traditional village
   
   We can arrange accommodation for you in selected Boutique Hotels A'class or 3/4* Hotels with breakfast (additional cost 160€ per double room / weekend-holidays 190€ per double room - if more than 2 rooms 10% less. Driver's room complimentary). If you wish to do do your own hotel reservation, you need to reserve an extra room for your driver.

Day 7: In the footsteps of Apostle Paul to Greece (Levadia - Mount Kithaeron - Ancient Corinth, Nafplion/ overnight)

1. 1h
   Drives through the fertile plain of Boeotia, driving by the town of Thebes. Proceed to Levadia, a busy town and an important junction in the road network. Also an industrial center where its textile mills treat the cotton grown in the Copais valley. The upper town is graced by white houses with jutting wooden balconies dating from the 18th C. We'll stop for a drink by the beautiful river Karya over the spot where the water springs out. In ancient times, Karya was said to be the location of the Oracle of Trofonios Zeus which included the springs of Mnemosyne (Remembrance) and the spring of Lethe (oblivion). The oracle was used as a stage before visiting the oracle of Delphi and as such, through the times, it acquired great power and riches.
2. Pass by
   Drive via Mount Kithaeron, Eleutherai, on the old Athens-Thebes National Road, north of the Villia junction, encompasses part of the lowland and rocky hill, where the ancient fortress, known as Gyftokastro, stands. Eleutherai was allegedly the birthplace of Dionysus, who founded the homonym city and was thus called Dionysus Eleuthereus. Originally a Boeotian city, Eleutherai went over to Athens in the sixth century BC. The cult statue of Dionysus Eleuthereus was reportedly moved from Eleutherai to Athens on Peisistratus' orders, leading to the establishment of the homonym sanctuary on the south slope of the Acropolis. Strategically located on the borderline of the Athenian territory, with control over the narrow passage between Athens and Thebes and overlooking the plain of Oinoe, Eleutherai was part of the Athenian defense network in the fourth century BC. Next we pass by Elefsina (seaside) and follow the coastal road to Ancient Corinth
3. Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos)
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Here are the remains of Ancient Corinth, one of the largest cities in Ancient Greece. Walking in the ancient City of Corinth is like to walk back in time.
   For Christians, Corinth is well known from the two letters of Saint Paul in the New Testament, First and Second Corinthians. Corinth is also mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as part of the Paul the Apostle's missionary travels.
   
   Highlights:Apostle Paul Vema in middle of Ancient Agora
   
   Combined ticket for Ancient Corinth is 8€ for summer or 4€ for winter (Ticket Includes Museum)
4. Nafplio
   12h
   Procced to Nafplion for Overnight
   
   This historical town is another highlight of this tour. It was the 1st capital of Greece in modern times. We can arrange accommodation for you in selected Boutique Hotels A' class or 3/4* Hotels with breakfast (additional cost 160€ per double room / weekend-holidays 190€ per double room - if more than 3 rooms 10% less. Driver's room complimentary). If you wish to do do your own hotel reservation, you need to reserve an extra room for your driver.

Day 8: In the footsteps of Apostle Paul to Greece (Corinth Canal, Athens: Acropolis Hill/ Areios Pagos / Highlights)

1. Corinth Canal
   20m
   The marvelous man-made Corinth canal connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas, as well as the Peloponnese peninsula with the central part of Greece.
   More than 2500 workers digging 6.400m for twelve years (from 1881 to 1893). Stop for photography, walk across on a pedestrian bridge and admire the canal from 80 m high
2. Acropolis
   1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
   We continue to Athens: Visit Acropolis hill and Areios Pagos Hill . Visit the highlights of Athens
   Athens dominates and is the capital of the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years and its earliest human presence beginning somewhere between the 11th and 7th millennia BC.
   
   Classical Athens was a powerful city-state. It was a center for the arts, learning and philosophy, and the home of Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum. It is widely referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy
   
   Around 51 AD. The Apostle Paul was led to Areios Pagos, where he preached Christianity to the Athenians for the first time. From his sermon he seems to have converted two listeners, the eminent Dionysios Areopagitis, the current patron saint of Athens, who according to tradition was also the first bishop of the city, and a woman, Damari.
3. Acropolis Museum
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The Acropolis Museum, one of the most important museums in the world, houses the findings of only one archaeological site, the Athenian Acropolis and its ...
4. Athens
   1h 30m
   Visit Athens highlights . Drop off at your hotel

Pickup details

For Private Tours: Traveler pickup is offered from your hotel/ apartment in Athens center, Piraeus Port or other location (as Airport), at the arranged time of your tour departure.

Meeting times are flexible and you can adjust the time according to your needs. The tour could start on your arrival to Athens airport or Piraeus port. (if you come in morning) or from Nafplion (150 km from Athens - there is an additional charge for distance and toll roads)

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please book this tour, at least 2 weeks prior, as we need time to reserve rooms for you and your driver. Biblical tour will cost more in summer as July August or Holidays. * We can arrange accommodation for you in selected Boutique Hotels A 'class or 3/4* Hotels with breakfast (additional cost from 160€ per double room/ weekend-holidays 190€ per double room - Price varies from city to city and High season) If more than 3 rooms 10% less. Driver's room complimentary). If you wish to do your own hotel reservation, you need to reserve an extra room for your driver
• Your tour driver is not a licensed Archaeological tour guide to accompany you on your walk to archaeological sites or museums. If you require an archaeologist guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally (in prior time).
• Open hours for sites - Winter: From November until the the end of February 08:00 a.m. up to 15:30 p.m. From 1st to 31st of March 08:00 am to 16:00.From April 15th to 31st Aug. Extended 08:00 - 20:00. 1st to 15th September: 08:00-19:30, 16th to 30th September: 08:00-19:00, 1st to 15th October: 08:00-18:30, 16th to 31st October: 08:00-18:00. Nov 1st to Dec 31st 08.00 - 16.00. On Tuesday some of the archaeological sites/museums remains closed
• For Private Tours: Traveler pickup is offered from your hotel/ apartment in Athens center, Piraeus Port or other location (as Airport), at the arranged time of your tour departure. Meeting times are flexible and you can adjust the time according to your needs. The tour could start on your arrival to Athens airport or Piraeus port. (if you come in morning) or from Nafplion