Detailed Itinerary

October 9- Day 1: Flight to Thessaloniki 
Today, we will take our flight to Thessaloniki, Greece. Short orientation tour of Thessaloniki viewing the major landmarks of the city. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

October 10 - Day 2: Philippi/ Kavala 
Touring the Ancient town of Filippi and the modern city of Kavala gives you the opportunity to follow St. Paul’s footsteps. On this full-day tour you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the most important archaeological sites and monuments in North-Eastern Greece such as Lydia's Baptistry, the great Amphipolis Lion statue, discover landmarks of glorious history and admire Greek nature very distinct from the well-known Aegean islands. You’ll see the Krenides River, the site of Lydia’s baptism and you’ll see the Philippian Jail where Paul and Silas were imprisoned. Continue to the church site of St. Lydia’s Baptistery where the first Christian woman of Europe was baptized and then proceed to the Archaeological site of Philippi, founded by Philip II King of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. It was here where St. Paul set foot on the European Continent during his second missionary journey, establishing a thriving Christian church. The ruins include the Forum Romano with its Basilica, St. Paul’s Prison and the Theater. The famous ancient road Egnatia, which once ran from the Adriatic Sea all the way to Constantinople (modern time Istanbul), passed by this city. The next stop is in Kavala (ancient site of Neapolis) for free time for lunch and a city tour giving you the opportunity to view the Sylas Monastery named after one of St. Paul’s companions. Kavala will be visited time permitting.  Return to Thessaloniki in the late afternoon.

October 11 - Day 3: White tower, Vlatadon Monastery 
Visits early in the morning before continuing to the town of Veroia where we will see the bema where St. Paul stood and preached to the Greeks. Then continue to Athens with rest stops along the way.

October 12 - Day 4: Athens 
A full day tour where you will view many significant historical and archaeological monuments that date back to the Golden Age of Pericles, in the 5th century BC. During that time, the wealthy, newly democratic and invigorated city-state decided to rebuild the Temples on top of the Acropolis in great splendor. Visit the Parthenon, dedicated to the Goddess Athena, a unique masterpiece of Greek Architecture. This monument is recognized as the culmination of Greek architecture and sculpture. Examine the Propylea, which blends Doric and Ionic building principles. Continue to the Temple of the Athena Nike (Wingless Victory) and the Erechtheum Temple, which was formerly used for cult worship and consists of three basic parts: the main Temple, the north extension, and the famous Porch of Maidens. Next will be Mars Hill, where St. Paul preached Christianity. You will have a chance to see the Ancient Agora, Tower of the Winds, Herodes Atticus Theater, Theater of Dionysus, Temple of Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the former Royal Palace which is now the House of Parliament. Continue by bus to the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, the National Library and then to the “Panathenian” Olympic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Then you will have the chance to stroll at the Plaka which is the historic heart of Athens. Blending with the adjacent Monastiaki district, the Plaka area seems to have a little of everything, from the ancient ruins of a Roman forum, the Greek Agora, and Byzantine-influenced churches, to restored 19th-century neoclassical homes and modern-day stores, boutiques and cafes sprinkled throughout. Enjoy some free time in the Plaka district.

October 13 - Day 5: Ancient Corinth 
Corinth is a city blessed with a superb location, fertile plains and virtually impregnable refuge. Excavations reveal that the ancient city was huge and wealthy; a survivor of the numerous invasions but devastated by earthquakes. St. Paul lived and worked in Corinth for 18 months, making converts where he could. The Bema (platform) where the Roman governor tried him is still visible. See one of Corinth’s most striking ancient buildings – the Temple of Apollo, seven of whose original columns still stand. Walk through the remains of the Market Place, a colonnaded square once surrounded by many small shops. See the celebrated Fountain of Priene, which has produced water from earliest times, and the Lechaion Road, formerly the main thoroughfare to the port of Lechaion. You will then visit the incredible Corinth Canal. The concept of cutting a canal through the Isthmus of Corinth to link the Ionian and Aegean seas was first proposed by the tyrant Periander, founder of Ancient Corinth. The magnitude of the task defeated him, so he opted instead to build a paved slipway across which sailors dragged small ships on rollers, a method used until the 13th century. Nero, Rome’s most infamous emperor, inaugurated one attempt in 67 AD with his golden spade, but it was finally completed in 1893. Then return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

October 14 - Day 6: Flight to Rome 
Arrive in Rome and go to the Via Appia one of the oldest and most important roads in ancient Rome, often referred to as the "Queen of Roads.". We will then visit the catacombs. These underground burial sites date back to the early Christian period. The Christian catacombs are extremely important for the art history of early Christians. At first they were used both for burial and the memorial services and celebrations of the anniversaries of Christian martyrs. Many modern depictions of the catacombs show them as hiding places for Christian populations during times of persecution. Check in to our hotel in Rome for dinner and overnight.

October 15 - Day 7: In Rome 
We start our day at The Basilica of St. Clement, one of Rome's most fascinating and lesser-known churches, with a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. It offers a unique glimpse into Rome's religious and architectural evolution. We will then visit the Coliseum, everlasting symbol of the greatness of Rome and the stage for the historical fights of the gladiators. We will continue to the Forum, the biggest and most splendid of all, whose markets are true forerunners of the modern commercial centers. Next will be the Mamertine Prison, the site of Paul’s Incarceration. After a late lunch, we will visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, a Benedictine Abbey which shares its name, origins and centuries of history, both joyful and sorrowful, with the adjoining basilica. Return to the hotel, for dinner and overnight.

October 16 - Day 8: In Rome 
Today, we will enjoy a walking tour through Baroque Rome's monuments: from the Trevi Fountain, passing by the Pantheon till Navona Square. After a lunch break we ill visit the Spanish Steps. They consist of 135 steps and lead from the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square) at the base to the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. The steps are one of the most well-known landmarks in Rome and offer beautiful views of the city. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

October 17 - Day 9: In Rome 
Today, we will start with The Vatican first thing in the morning to see the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and St. Peter’s Basilica with the Necropolis. After lunch, we will have some free time.  Dinner and overnight in Rome.

October 18 - Day 10: Fly Rome to Houston 

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