Footsteps of St. Paul: A Pilgrimage Through Ancient Greece

Welcome to Athens, cradle of Western thought and the first Hellenistic city to hear the Gospel of Christ. As you settle into your hotel, imagine Paul’s footsteps echoing through these same streets nearly 2,000 years ago, preparing to preach a message that would challenge an empire.

“In Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)

Step into history at the Acropolis, where marble temples rise toward the Attic sky. Walk among the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Propylaea—monuments of divine craftsmanship and philosophical brilliance.

Descend to the rocky outcrop of Mars Hill (Areopagus), where the Apostle Paul delivered his bold sermon to the philosophers of Athens:

“What you worship as unknown, I proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:23)

Here, faith met philosophy; revelation met reason.

Travel along the Saronic Gulf to Ancient Corinth, one of Paul’s most influential ministries. Explore the Bema, where Paul stood trial (Acts 18:12–17). Wander the agora, temples, fountains, and colonnades of a city filled with both challenges and spiritual triumph.

Hear again his timeless words written to this very community:

“Love is patient, love is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Return to Athens in the afternoon, enriched by the legacy of the earliest Christian church in Greece.

Journey to Delphi, ancient seat of prophecy and sanctuary of Apollo. Walk the Sacred Way, ascend to the Temple of Apollo, and visit the museum where the Bronze Charioteer stands frozen in time.

Continue north through mountain valleys to reach Meteora, where monasteries cling to soaring rock pillars—a place where heaven and earth seem to touch. As sunset colors the cliffs, experience the quiet devotion of monks who sought closeness to God in this breathtaking landscape.

Today, ascend to several cliff-top monasteries such as Great Meteoron, Varlaam, or Rousanou, each filled with centuries-old icons, frescoes, manuscripts, and relics.

Here the Psalms feel alive:

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1)

Enjoy panoramic views of valleys shaped by wind, time, and prayer.

Meteora → Vergina → Dion → Litochoro → Thessaloniki

Leaving Meteora’s sacred cliffs behind, your path leads toward the heart of Macedonia—land of ancient kings, mythic gods, and world-shaping empires.

Your first stop is Vergina (Ancient Aigai), burial place of the Macedonian kings and home of the astonishing Royal Tombs, including that of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great.

Continue to Dion Archaeological Park, nestled in the lush foothills of Mount Olympus. Wander Roman baths, theatres, and sanctuaries.

Then relax in the charming village of Litochoro, perched beneath the shadow of Mount Olympus, mythical home of the gods. Arrive in Thessaloniki by late afternoon—city of martyrs, apostles, and saints.

Explore St. Demetrios Basilica, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, then visit the Rotunda, Acheiropoietos, and the city walls overlooking the Aegean.

Walk streets addressed in Scripture:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–17)

Thessaloniki remains one of the most vibrant Christian centers of the early church.

Begin your final day in Greece by traveling along the ancient Via Egnatia to Philippi, the first European city to ever hear the message of Christ (Acts 16). Here stand the ruins where Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, became the first recorded Christian convert in Europe.

Walk into the Philippi prison, the very place where Paul and Silas were confined before an earthquake opened the doors. The air still carries the memory of Paul’s hymn of midnight hope:

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31)

Continue to the seaside town of Kavala (ancient Neapolis)—the very port where Paul first set foot on European soil. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a waterfront taverna as gentle waves sweep the shore. In the late afternoon, return to Thessaloniki and transfer to the airport for your evening departure.