Fr. Bala — St. Paul & Greek Islands Cruise

Your pilgrimage begins as you depart from your local airport for an overnight flight to Greece. While on board, relax and enjoy meals served as you prepare for the spiritual journey ahead.

Upon arrival at Makedonia Thessaloniki Airport, proceed through baggage claim and meet your tour guide/driver. Board your motor coach for a transfer to the hotel. After check-in, enjoy some free time to rest from the journey. In the evening, gather with your group for a welcome dinner and overnight stay in Thessaloniki.

Philippi: Visit the archaeological site where St. Paul preached his first sermon in Europe and baptized Lydia, the first Christian convert (Acts 16:12–18). See the ruins of the prison of Paul and Silas, and walk through the Roman Forum.

Kavala (ancient Neapolis): Explore the port where St. Paul first arrived in Europe with Silas, Timothy, and Luke. See the mosaic of St. Paul, the aqueduct, and ruins of the Acropolis. Imagine the early Christian community flourishing here as the city later became Christoupolis (City of Christ).

Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

Thessaloniki: Tour sites linked to St. Paul, including the Arch of Galerius, St. Demetrios Church, the Roman Agora, and Monastery of Vlatadon, believed to be the site of Jason’s house where Paul stayed.

Veria (Berea): Visit the site where Paul preached to the Jews and Greeks. See the Triptych Monument, with mosaics depicting Paul’s vision and preaching.

Continue to Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.

Visit the world-famous Meteora Monasteries, perched high on rock pillars. Learn how monks built these monasteries during Turkish occupation, preserving both their faith and priceless Byzantine art. After touring Meteora, continue through central Greece to Delphi for dinner and overnight.

Delphi: Known as the “navel of the world,” Delphi was a key religious site of the ancient Greeks. Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, theatre, and museum, where artifacts like the Gallio inscription (a key link to Paul’s ministry) are preserved.

Reflect on Paul’s preaching about the “unknown God” (Acts 17).

Continue to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Athens City Tour: Visit the Acropolis (Parthenon, Erectheum, Propylene), Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his famous sermon, and the Ancient Agora. Drive through Athens to see Parliament, the University of Athens, the National Library, and the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games.

Corinth: Travel to Corinth, where Paul ministered for 18 months. Visit the ruins of the ancient city, including the Temple of Apollo, Fountain of Peirene, and Bema (judgment seat) where Paul was tried.

Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

Board your cruise ship in Piraeus.

Mykonos: Discover this cosmopolitan island. Walk through narrow whitewashed streets, see “Little Venice” with its waterfront houses, and enjoy the island’s lively atmosphere.

Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

Kusadasi & Ephesus: Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, and then continue into Ephesus. Explore the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Library of Celsus, and Great Theatre, where Paul preached to the Ephesians.

Patmos: Visit the Monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where John received visions recorded in Revelation. See manuscripts, icons, and relics in the monastery’s museum.

Return to ship for dinner and overnight.

Heraklion, Crete: Visit the Palace of Knossos, linked with King Minos and early Christian encounters.

Santorini: Explore Thira, with its iconic blue-domed churches, whitewashed houses, and breathtaking caldera views. Enjoy shopping, cafes, and free time before returning to the ship.

Disembark in Athens. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Carry with you the spiritual blessings and memories of your pilgrimage through biblical Greece and the Greek Isles.