Religious Package #4 - 9days - "Steps of St. Paul" Pilgrimage from Turkey to Greece
Package summary
Duration - 9 days / 8 nights
Countries - Greece and Turkey
Destinations - Istanbul, Kavala (Philippi), Thessaloniki, Meteora Monasteris, Delphi (Oracle), Statue of Leonidas (King of the 300 Spartans), Athens (Acropolis, Parthenon), Corinth (where St. Paul lived and preached)
This is a tailor-made package and is available for groups. Contact us for a group price quote
Available all year round. All of our packages are custom-made for groups. Contact us for more details
Day by day itinerary
Day 1
Istanbul
Arrival transfer Istanbul airport -> Istanbul hotel
Free time
Dinner
Overnight in Istanbul
Day 2
Istanbul Old City / Bosporus Cruise / Bursa
After breakfast we will visit the Old City, starting with a panoramic tour to see the city walls and Ancient Hippodrome, which was one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. Outside visit of Hagia Sophia (St. Sophia) temple.
We will continue with the famous Blue Mosque and take pictures in the plaza among the temples.
We will make a short stop where you can buy traditional Turkish Delights and Turkish Tea -- both of which make great gifts for friends and family!
After our stop we will head to the pier, to embark on a private motorboat for an exciting cruise on the Bosphorus. Bosphorus is a narrow strait between Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. Its shores offer an unparalleled view of Istanbul's beauty -- including old mansions and impressive fortresses. Tea, coffee, and snacks will be provided during the Bosphorus cruise.
Dinner
Overnight in Istanbul
day 3
Istanbul
Breakfast at your hotel
Today we will explore more of the wonders of Istanbul by visiting the famous Topkapi Palace and the magnificent underground Basilica Cistern.
End the tour by stopping at the Grand Bazaar for some great local shopping.
Dinner
Overnight in Istanbul
day 4
Istanbul / Kavala / Thessaloniki
After breakfast we will depart by bus to the Greek/Turkish border where we will cross over to the Greek side.
Our first stop in Greece will be the site of Philippi in Kavala (known as Neapolis in St. Paul's time). Explore Philippi where St. Paul established one of the first Christian Communities in Europe. Also visit the Baptistery of Lydia and the Roman Forum.
Lunch
After Kavala, we continue to Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece.
Dinner
Overnight in Thessaloniki
Day 5
Thessaloniki / Veria / Vergina
Breakfast at your hotel
Thessaloniki tour (Byzantine walls, the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda, the Roman Forum, and the Church of St. Demetrius etc.).
Lunch
Visit Veria (altar commemorating St. Paul's visit, Jewish Quater at Barbouta).
Vist Vergina (tomb of King Phillip II, father of Alexander the Great).
Dinner
Overnight in Thessaloniki
Day 6
Meteora Monasteries / Kalambaka
Breakfast at your hotel.
Today we will leave Thessaloniki and head south, to visit the famous Monasteries of Meteora which are perched atop towering rock formations. Meteora are a unique cluster of monasteries and a UNESCO world heritage site.
Lunch
Dinner
Overnight in Kalambaka (near Meteora)
day 7
Delphi / Athens
Breakfast at your hotel
After Kalambaka we will pass through Thermopylae (Hot Gates) where the famous King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans defended Greece against the Persian armies.
We will then visit Delphi, a place of great spiritual energy, where the ancient Oracle delivered prophecies that shaped the world.
After Delphi we continue south until we reach Athens, the capital of Greece.
Lunch
Dinner
Overnight in Athens
Day 8
Athens / Corinth
Breakfast at your hotel
Tour of Athens with Acropolis / Pathenon, The Olympic Stadium (where the modern Olympics started), The Temple of Zeus, and the Areopagus Hill where St. Paul preached.
Lunch
Visit Corinth, with a stop at the breathtaking Corinth Canal. We will visit Ancient Corinth where St. Paul lived and preached for two years. We will also see the Temple of Apollo and the Ancient Agora (market).
Dinner
Overnight in Athens
day 9
Athens
Breakfast at your hotel
Free morning for shopping in Plaka (old city of Athens)
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight