Arrival to Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG). Private transfers from the airport to the hotel can be arranged on request. Check-in the hotel. Rest. Welcome dinner.

Alternatively, if you'd choose to arrive a day earlier, we are happy to offer you the following extension (pretour):

In the morning, visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. This museum boasts a remarkable collection of artifacts from Macedonia’s ancient past, providing a fascinating window into the world of one of Greece’s most powerful and influential regions. Highlights include exquisite jewelry, pottery, sculptures, and everyday items that bring ancient Macedonian life to vivid detail. Notably, the museum features objects linked to Alexander the Great, the legendary king whose empire once spanned much of the known world.

After lunch (own arrangement) continue to Philippi, an ancient city of profound historical and biblical importance, located in Eastern Macedonia. Founded in 356 BC by King Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, Philippi quickly grew into a strategic military and commercial center due to its position near the Via Egnatia, the major Roman road connecting the Adriatic Sea to Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul).

Biblically, Philippi holds a special place as the first European city where the Apostle Paul preached the Gospel during his second missionary journey, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 16:12-40). It was here that Paul established the first Christian community in Europe, marking the spread of Christianity beyond Asia Minor. The Epistle to the Philippians, one of Paul’s most cherished letters, was addressed to this community, encouraging faith, unity, and joy amidst trials.

Visitors to Philippi can explore impressive archaeological remains, including the ancient theater, the forum, a basilica, Roman baths, etc. The Baptistery of Saint Lydia in Krinides, near the ancient city of Philippi, marks the traditional site where the Apostle Paul baptized Lydia, as described in Acts 16—making her the first Christian convert in Europe. Although the current baptistery is a modern structure, built in 1974, it stands on ground long venerated as the location of this pivotal moment in early Christian history.

Return to Thessaloniki to meet the rest of the group for a welcome dinner and an overnight.

We will begin our exploration of Thessaloniki with the morning visits to several significant spiritual sites in Thessaloniki. First, the Cathedral of St. Paul, dedicated to the Apostle Paul, who preached and established one of the earliest Christian communities here. This cathedral stands as a testament to Thessaloniki’s profound early Christian heritage.

Next, we visit the nearby Church of Hosios David, renowned for its famous late 5th-century apse mosaic depicting the Vision of Ezekiel (Theophany). This unique composition shows Christ in a mandorla on a rainbow, surrounded by the symbols of the four Evangelists and the prophets Ezekiel and Habakkuk. Known as the Icon of Christ of Latomos, it is a masterpiece of Late Antique Christian art portraying Christ as youthful and beardless, with a cruciform halo, holding a scroll inscribed with a verse from Isaiah.

Following this, we will visit the Church of St. Gregory Palamas, which houses the relics of this revered 14th-century saint and theologian, and the Church of the Transfiguration, an important ecclesiastical site that continues Thessaloniki’s rich religious tradition.

After this enriching morning tour of the city’s sacred sites, you will have free time for lunch (own arrangements).

In the afternoon we will visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian in Suroti, founded in 1967 with the spiritual guidance of St. Paisios himself, who offered ongoing counsel and support to the sisterhood during its formative years. Although he spent most of his monastic life on Mount Athos, St. Paisios chose to be buried at Suroti, outside of the Holy Mountain, so that women—who are not permitted to enter Mount Athos—could venerate his grave.

St. Paisios the Athonite (1924–1994) was a monk of Mount Athos, known for his profound humility, spiritual wisdom, ascetic life, and deep love for all people. Born Arsenios Eznepidis in Cappadocian Asia Minor (now Turkey), his family was part of the Greek population forcibly relocated to Greece after the 1923 population exchange. He became a monk on Mount Athos, where he lived an austere life of prayer, fasting, and service to others. Many people—monastics and laypersons alike—came to him for spiritual guidance. He was canonized a saint by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in 2015, and his feast day is celebrated on July 12. St. Paisios is regarded today as one of the most influential modern elders of the Orthodox Church, and his writings and teachings continue to inspire faithful Christians around the world.

Farewell dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

We will continue our exploration of Thessaloniki with a visit to the Cathedral of St. Demetrius, dedicated to the city’s patron and protector saint. This revered basilica houses the saint’s relics and offers profound insight into the city’s Christian heritage.

Next, we will visit several important historic sites: the Roman Agora, a bustling marketplace in antiquity; the Church of Acheiropoietos, one of the oldest Byzantine churches in Thessaloniki; Agia Sofia Church, modeled after the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople; the Church of Saint George (Rotonda), a massive circular Roman building later converted into a Christian church; and the Byzantine temple of Panagia Chalkeon, known for its well-preserved frescoes.

Following this morning’s rich tour, you will have free time for lunch (own arrangements) to enjoy local flavors.

Your afternoon will be at leisure. However, if you'd like to, you can visit the Byzantine Museum of Thessaloniki, one of Greece’s most important museums dedicated to Byzantine art and culture. The museum’s extensive collection includes icons, frescoes, mosaics, sculptures, and liturgical objects spanning from early Christianity through the late Byzantine era, offering a comprehensive insight into the spiritual and artistic heritage of Thessaloniki and the wider Byzantine world.

Afterward, we will take a leisurely walk to the iconic White Tower, the city’s emblematic monument, perfect for photos and panoramic views.

Overnight in Thessaloniki. 

After breakfast, we will transfer to the archaeological park of Vergina, the ancient site of Aigai, the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedon. Here lie the Royal Tombs of Macedonian kings, including the richly decorated tomb believed to be that of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, who forged one of the most powerful empires the world has ever seen. The tombs, discovered in the late 20th century, reveal stunning frescoes, intricate gold artifacts, and weapons, offering a rare glimpse into Macedonian royalty and funerary practices.

From Vergina, we travel to the quiet town of Veria (Berea), famously mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as one of the cities Paul visited during his missionary journeys. Veria holds a special place in Christian history, where Paul’s message was received with eagerness and discernment. We will visit the impressive Metropolis (Cathedral) of Veria, an architectural gem whose interior is richly adorned with exquisite Byzantine frescoes dating back to the 12th century.

Time permitting, we will also visit the Church of the Resurrection in Veria, another important ecclesiastical monument, known for its remarkable frescoes attributed to Manuel Panselinos, a Byzantine painter and writer of the Palaeologan Renaissance, known for introducing pathos into frescos, murals and especially icons from the 13th and 14th centuries.

After exploring Veria, we continue to the town of Kalambaka, located just below the Meteora cliffs.

Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

This morning, we will explore one of the most awe-inspiring and spiritually significant sites in all of Greece: the Meteora. Rising dramatically from the plains of Thessaly, the towering rock pillars of Meteora are crowned with ancient Orthodox monasteries and convents, perched precariously like bird nests on the cliffs. These extraordinary formations were shaped by natural forces over millions of years and later became a refuge for monks seeking solitude and communion with God.

The first hermits arrived here as early as the 11th century, but it was in the 14th–16th centuries that the monasteries flourished. Once accessible only by rope ladders and winches, these monastic communities preserved Christian tradition through centuries of upheaval and continue to be active centers of prayer and asceticism today.

We will visit some of the most important monasteries, known for their architecture, sacred relics, frescoes, and breathtaking views. The Great Meteoron Monastery, the oldest and largest, and Varlaam Monastery are often highlights, though exact visits may vary based on accessibility and scheduling.

Dinner and overnight in Delphi.

We begin the day by attending the Divine Liturgy, offering our prayers in the spirit of the early monastic tradition that has shaped the spiritual landscape of Greece for centuries.

Following the liturgy, we will explore the Monastery of Hosios Loukas, one of the most significant monuments of Middle Byzantine art and architecture. Founded in the 10th century by Saint Luke the Hermit, an ascetic known for his prophecies and miracles, the monastery soon became an important place of pilgrimage. The main katholikon (church), built in the early 11th century, is adorned with some of the finest mosaics in Greece, depicting scenes from the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints. The complex is a harmonious blend of stone architecture, marble carvings, and shimmering gold mosaics, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Monasteries of Daphni and Nea Moni on Chios.

From this sacred center of Orthodox spirituality, we continue our journey into the world of ancient Greece with a visit to Delphi, the most celebrated sanctuary of the classical world. Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once considered the navel (omphalos) of the ancient world and home to the Oracle of Apollo. Pilgrims and envoys from every corner of the Greek world traveled here to seek guidance from the Pythia, the high priestess of Apollo.

The archaeological site includes the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle was housed, as well as the Theater, Stadium, and the Treasury of the Athenians, all showcasing the wealth and devotion of ancient city-states. The adjacent Delphi Archaeological Museum contains a remarkable collection of artifacts discovered on-site, including the renowned Charioteer of Delphi, one of the finest bronze statues of antiquity, as well as inscriptions, friezes, and sacred offerings.

Dinner and overnight in Nafpaktos/Patra/area 

After breakfast, we will visit the Cathedral of Saint Andrew the First-Called, the largest church in all of Greece and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the Balkans. This majestic Byzantine-style cathedral, built to honor Saint Andrew the Apostle, marks the site where he is believed to have been martyred.

The cathedral houses some of the most important relics of the Apostle Andrew, including a portion of his skull and part of the X-shaped cross upon which he was crucified, according to tradition. The church, completed in the 20th century, serves as a major pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians from around the world. Its interior is adorned with beautiful iconography and mosaics that reflect the glory of the Orthodox tradition and the deep veneration of this great Apostle.

We then continue eastward, with our next stop at the ancient port of Cenchrea (Acts 18:18), the eastern port of Corinth, where Paul concluded his second missionary journey and had his hair cut due to a vow he had taken. This quiet and lesser-visited site carries deep spiritual resonance. Among its ruins is the early Christian Basilica, dating to the 5th century, a testament to the enduring presence of the early Christian community established here.

From Cenchrea, we proceed to Ancient Corinth, one of the most influential cities of the Roman Empire and the setting for Paul’s extensive ministry. It was to this vibrant and often morally complex city that Paul wrote his two epistles, First and Second Corinthians, offering both guidance and correction to the Christian converts.

Our visit includes the Agora, the central public marketplace of ancient Corinth and a focal point of civic life during Paul’s time. We will also explore the Temple of Apollo, dating to the 6th century BC, with its iconic Doric columns still standing, and the Roman Odeon, a small theater used for musical and political events. A key highlight of our visit will be the Bema, the judgment seat before which Paul was brought (Acts 18:12–17). Nearby is the site traditionally identified as Gallio’s seat, where the Roman proconsul refused to condemn Paul, setting an important legal precedent for religious tolerance under Roman rule.

The layout of the site—including pillars, stairways, and platforms for public address—brings to life the setting in which Paul preached, debated, and formed one of the earliest Christian communities. These visits provide invaluable context for understanding the theological and pastoral themes found in Corinthians I and II, written to believers facing cultural and spiritual challenges in a cosmopolitan and often morally lax society.

Following our visit to Corinth, we will arrive to Nafplion for a dinner and an overnight stay. 

After breakfast, we depart Nafplio and begin our journey to Mycenae, one of the most powerful and influential centers of the Late Bronze Age, flourishing between 1600 and 1100 BC. This ancient city gave its name to the Mycenaean civilization, the earliest advanced culture on the Greek mainland, and holds a prominent place in both archaeology and Homeric legend. According to tradition, it was the seat of King Agamemnon, leader of the Greek forces during the Trojan War.

Upon arrival, we will enter the ancient citadel through the imposing Lion Gate, a symbol of Mycenaean power and engineering, and one of the oldest surviving examples of monumental sculpture in Europe. Inside the citadel, we will explore the remains of the Royal Palace complex, once the political and administrative heart of Mycenae. Nearby are the Grave Circles, which housed the royal shaft graves filled with rich burial goods, many of which are now displayed in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

We will also visit the Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon, a massive beehive-shaped tholos tomb constructed around 1250 BC. This structure, with its corbelled dome, remained the largest uninterrupted span in architectural history for over a thousand years.

Following our exploration of this world-famous archaeological site, we continue our journey toward Athens. On the way, we will stop at the Monastery of Dafni, one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Attica.

Founded in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 11th century, Dafni Monastery is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the collective listing with Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios. Built on the ruins of an ancient sanctuary of Apollo, the monastery uniquely blends pagan and Christian architectural traditions. Its classical cross-in-square church design is crowned with stunning Middle Byzantine mosaics, including the renowned Christ Pantocrator in the dome—one of the finest examples of its kind in the Orthodox world.

After our visit to Dafni, we continue on to Athens, concluding our day in the historic capital of Greece.

Overnight in Athens.

Athens is a “must-see” for any traveler interested in history, culture, or archaeology. At its heart stands the Parthenon, the 5th-century BC temple dedicated to Athena, the city’s patron goddess. Built under the leadership of Pericles and designed by Ictinus and Callicrates, with sculptures by Phidias, it is widely considered the pinnacle of Classical Greek architecture. Once housing the monumental chryselephantine statue of Athena, the Parthenon has served as a temple, church, mosque, and gunpowder magazine over its long and complex history.

After exploring the Acropolis complex—which also includes the Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and Propylaea—we will continue to other nearby ancient sites such as the Theater of Dionysus, the birthplace of European drama, and the Areopagus, where the Apostle Paul delivered his famous sermon to the Athenians (Acts 17:22-31).

In the afternoon, we will visit the National Archaeological Museum of Greece, home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of artifacts from Greek antiquity. Highlights include the Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera Mechanism (the earliest known analog computer), Cycladic figurines, Minoan frescoes from Akrotiri, and vast collections of Classical and Hellenistic sculpture.
Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the port of Piraeus to board the ferry to Aegina, one of the Saronic Islands and a historically significant maritime power of ancient Greece.

Upon arrival at Aegina port, we will begin our bus tour with a visit to the Monastery of Saint Nektarios, founded in 1904 by Saint Nektarios himself, one of the most beloved modern Orthodox saints. The site includes his tomb, a large basilica, and the original monastery buildings where he lived and served.

We will then continue to the Temple of Aphaia, dating to around 500 BC and remarkably well preserved. This Doric temple forms one point of the so-called "Sacred Triangle" along with the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Dedicated to the local goddess Aphaia, the temple offers both historical significance and panoramic views over the Saronic Gulf.

Next, we visit the nearby Monastery of Saint Aikaterini and the Monastery of Saint Minas, both quiet spiritual retreats that reflect the island's deep Christian heritage.

Our tour continues into Aegina town, where we explore the archaeological site of Kolona, the remains of an ancient acropolis. The Temple of Apollo (circa 6th century BC), marked by a single standing column, once dominated this site, which also features walls, dwellings, and religious structures spanning several centuries. The adjacent Archaeological Museum of Aegina, founded in 1828 by Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of modern Greece, houses important finds including pottery, sculptures, and inscriptions.

Free time for lunch (on your own) and to stroll the harbor or enjoy local pistachio specialties, for which Aegina is famous.

In the afternoon, we will return to the port for our ferry back to Athens. Upon arrival at Piraeus, we will transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, we begin our city tour of Athens, a city where layers of history coexist—from Classical antiquity to the Christian Byzantine era and beyond.

Our first stop is the Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens, one of the most important museums of its kind in the world. Housed in the 19th-century Villa Ilissia, the museum features over 25,000 artifacts spanning from the 3rd to the 20th century. Its exceptional collections include icons, manuscripts, ecclesiastical textiles, mosaics, and relics from early Christian, Byzantine, post-Byzantine, and medieval Greece. Highlights include rare icons from Mount Athos, intricately carved wooden iconostases, and early Christian sarcophagi.

Following the museum visit, we continue with a walking tour through Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens, nestled under the slopes of the Acropolis. With its neoclassical architecture and winding alleys, Plaka retains the charm of an earlier era.

Free time will be given in Plaka for lunch (on your own), shopping, or further personal exploration.

In the evening, we will gather for dinner at a local restaurant, followed by transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight in Athens.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure from the  Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" [ATH]. Private transfers from the hotel to the airport can be arranged on request