Daily Itinerary
The Footsteps of Paul through Greece | April 20 - May 1, 2026
Including a 5-Day Cruise to Ephesus, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete & Santorini
Hosted by Mark Terry and Barry Wilson
Day 1: Mon, April 20
Depart Houston Bush Airport for our overnight flight
Day 2: Tues, April 21
Upon our mid-day arrival into Thessaloniki, we will be met by our tour guide and motor coach and will transfer to our hotel for a welcome dinner. Overnight Thessaloniki – MonAsty Hotel (D)
Day 3: Wed, April 22
After breakfast, we will tour Thessaloniki, a city that is over 2,300 years old and the second-largest city in Greece. Our tour will include the sites visited many times by Paul – the Roman Market, theatre and baths. We will continue to the ancient colony of Philippi built in 356 B.C. by Alexander’s father, Philip II. This is where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe and baptized Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe. We will also see the Roman forum and the prison where Paul and Silas were held. We continue into the modern port city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul, accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot in Europe. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner at traditional restaurant with live music. Overnight Thessaloniki – MonAsty Hotel (B)(L)(D)
Day 4: Thurs, April 23
After breakfast, we will drive to Berea where Paul established a small church and we will view the reconstructed steps of the bema. We will visit the modern Jewish synagogue which is built over an ancient synagogue from Paul’s day. We continue on to spectacular Meteora, the famous Cenobitic Monasteries that are perched precariously on top of huge and precipitous columns of rock that rise up out of the ground thereby giving rise to the name, Meteora, which means “in the air”. Overnight Kalambaka – Divani Meteora Hotel. (B)(D)
Day 5: Fri, April 24
This morning we depart for Delphi. The oracle at Delphi is a figure of great historical importance that was, and still is, shrouded in mystery. Pythia, the priestess of the god Apollo answered questions for the Greeks and foreign inquirers about colonization, religion and power. Delphi was considered “the navel” – in Greek, “the omphalos” – οf the ancient world. After visiting the archaeological site and the museum in Delphi we will continue to Athens. Overnight Athens – Divani Palace Hotel (B)(D)
Day 6: Sat, April 25
Today is a tour of Corinth with a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, which separates Peloponnese from the Greek mainland and connects the two seas (Ionian and Aegean). Later visit Corinth which was home for Paul for eighteen months. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Bema, the Market Place and the Temples. Upon returning to Athens, dinner will be at a traditional restaurant with live music. Overnight Athens – Divani Palace Hotel (B)(L)(D)
Day 7: Sun, April 26
This morning we will enjoy a guided tour of Athens which will include Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. We will also visit the world-renowned Acropolis with the ruins of the Parthenon. We will climb Mars Hill, where Paul preached the famous sermon of the Unknown God. Following some free time in the Plaka (shopping area), we will have a guided visit to the Acropolis Museum. The remainder of the day/evening is at your leisure to enjoy Athens. Overnight Athens – Divani Palace Hotel (B)
Day 8: Mon, April 27
This morning we will transfer to the port and board our cruise ship, Celestyal Discovery, for the next 5 days. Late afternoon, we will have our first port of call, Mykonos – an island known for its jet-set atmosphere, whitewashed buildings, sidewalk cafes, 360 churches and chic shops. Overnight Cruise
Day 9: Tues, April 28
This morning we port in Ephesus to visit one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World” where Paul spent many years and wrote his Letter to the Ephesians. Afterwards, sail to the Island of Patmos and visit the Monastery of St John the Divine where John wrote the book of Revelation. Overnight Cruise
Day 10: Wed, April 29
We spend today in Rhodes which in classical times, the Colossus of Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the World with the glorious history from ancient times to Medieval times as home of the Knights. Visit the Ancient Acropolis of Lindos and the Port of St Paul, where Paul docked on the way back to Jerusalem. Overnight Cruise
Day 11: Thurs, April 30
The island of Crete where Paul and Titus visited in support of the early church is our destination for the day. There will be free time in the morning to enjoy shopping in the city center or to enjoy the ship’s amenities. In the afternoon, we cruise to Santorini, one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. Overnight cruise
Day 12: Fri, May 1
This morning we will disembark and transfer to the airport for flight home.
Meals Included: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
