PROGRAM Greece
From the first Christian community in Europe
to the Areopagus and Corinth –
along the path of St. Paul.
Discover the journey of St. Paul through Greece – from the place where he first set foot in Europe to the communities he founded in Philippi and Thessaloniki. Follow his path through Berea, Athens and Corinth, while discovering the monasteries of Meteora, Byzantine heritage and the living culture of Greece. experience Japan’s ancient traditions, vibrant cities and unique culture.
Thessaloniki – Kavala – Philippi – Berea – Meteora – Delphi – Galaxidi – Hosios Loukas – Athens – Corinth – Cenchreae
Day 1
Thessaloniki
Arrival in Greece
Arrival in Thessaloniki and time to settle in. Opening Mass at the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, subject to flight schedule and confirmation. Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 2
Kavala – Philippi – Thessaloniki
Morning – St. Paul Arrives in Europe
Visit Kavala, ancient Neapolis – the port where St. Paul first set foot in Europe. Continue to Philippi, where he founded the first Christian community on European soil.
Afternoon – Philippi & Lydia
Visit the traditional Prison of St. Paul and the Baptism Site of Lydia, where St. Paul baptized Lydia, traditionally regarded as the first Christian convert in Europe. Mass at Lydia’s Baptistery, subject to confirmation. Return to Thessaloniki. Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 3
Thessaloniki – Berea – Meteora
Morning – St. Paul in Thessaloniki
Visit Vlatadon Monastery, traditionally associated with the place where St. Paul preached, and St. Paul’s Holy Spring, linked by local tradition with his departure for Berea.
Afternoon – Berea
Continue to Berea (Veria) and the Bema of St. Paul, commemorating his preaching in the city described in the Acts of the Apostles. Continue to Meteora. Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 4
Meteora
Morning – Monasteries of Meteora
Visit Great Meteoron and St. Stephen’s Monastery, discovering their churches, icons and centuries-old spiritual heritage. Set high among the rock pillars, they remain part of the living tradition of Orthodox monasticism.
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Afternoon – Living Monastic Tradition
Take in the remarkable landscape of Meteora at a quieter pace. Where arrangements allow, an encounter with a member of the monastic community offers a closer look at monastic life today. Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 5
Delphi – Galaxidi
Morning – Delphi
Walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo, heart of the ancient sanctuary, and continue to the ancient theatre overlooking the valley. Optional visit to the Archaeological Museum, whose collection includes material connected with the Gallio Inscription, an important reference for dating St. Paul’s time in Corinth.
Afternoon – Galaxidi
Continue to Galaxidi, a traditional maritime town of old captains’ houses and a picturesque harbour. Visit St. Nicholas Church and enjoy time along the waterfront.
Evening – A Taste of Greece
Dinner in a traditional local taverna, with Greek food and, where possible, live local music. Overnight in Galaxidi.
Day 6
Galaxidi – Hosios Loukas – Athens
Morning – Byzantine Greece
Visit the Monastery of Hosios Loukas, one of Greece’s great Byzantine monasteries and a living place of prayer. Its remarkable 11th-century gold-background mosaics reveal another chapter of Greek Christianity – centuries after St. Paul, yet part of the same enduring Christian heritage.
Afternoon – Athens
Continue to Athens and explore Plaka, the historic neighbourhood beneath the Acropolis – a first encounter with the character and everyday life of the Greek capital. Overnight in Athens.
Day 7
Athens
Morning – Athens & the Areopagus
Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon, the defining landmarks of classical Athens. Continue to the Areopagus (Mars Hill), where St. Paul addressed the Athenians and spoke of the “Unknown God.”
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Afternoon – Historic Athens
Discover Plaka, the historic neighbourhood beneath the Acropolis, with time to experience the streets and atmosphere of the Greek capital.
Evening – Athens from Above
Dinner at a carefully selected restaurant or rooftop terrace overlooking the illuminated Acropolis. Overnight in Athens.
Day 8
Corinth – Cenchreae – Athens
Morning – St. Paul in Corinth
Visit Ancient Corinth, where St. Paul lived and preached for about eighteen months. Stand before the Bema, the Roman tribunal traditionally associated with Paul being brought before Gallio, proconsul of Achaia – the same Gallio whose name appears in the inscription connected with Delphi.
Afternoon – From Corinth toward Ephesus
Continue to Cenchreae, the eastern port of Corinth from which St. Paul sailed toward Ephesus. Mass in the Corinth area, subject to confirmation. Return to Athens. Overnight in Athens.
Day 9
Athens
Morning – Departure
Final Mass, where flight schedule allows, and departure from Athens.