The Steps of St. Paul in Greece

Byzantine & Paleochristian Thessaloniki City Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through the Byzantine and Paleochristian history of Thessaloniki, a city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you wander through its enchanting streets, you’ll be immersed in a living museum that unfolds the layers of ancient memories, Roman influences, and Byzantine splendor. Thessaloniki boasts 15 early Christian and Byzantine monuments recognized for their historical significance, solidifying its place as a key contributor to the global historical narrative.

The tour invites you to explore the architectural wonders that stand as testaments to the city’s rich past, including the Saint Demetrius Church, Panagia Chalkeon Church, Acheiropoietos Church, Hagia Sophia, and the Metamorphosis Sotiros Church. Each site unravels a unique chapter in Thessaloniki’s enduring history, offering a profound and immersive experience for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Inclusions

• 3-hour private experience
• Hotel pick up and drop off (vehicle)
• Bottled water and coffee during the ride
• Commemorative photos and small video of the tour

Exclusions

• Entrance fees

Useful information

• You are encouraged to bring a camera along. But if you don’t… we have a camera for you!

Philippi and Kavala Excursion

The ancient city of Philippi, now the most important archaeological site in Eastern Macedonia, lies at the boundary of the marshes that cover the southeast part of the plain of Drama. The site was originally colonized by the people of Thasos, who established the city of Krinides in 360 BC. Soon after its establishment, however, Krinides was threatened by the Thracians (365 BC) and turned to King Philip II of Macedon for help. Realizing its economic and strategic potential, Philip conquered, fortified, and renamed the city after himself.

Hellenistic Philippi had a fortification wall, a theatre, several public buildings, and private houses. The construction of the Via Egnatia through the city in the second century BC made Philippi an important regional centre. The dramatic battle of Philippi, which took place outside the west city walls in 42 BC, was a turning point in the city’s history. The city was conquered by Octavian and renamed Colonia Augusta Julia Philippensis. The new Roman colony developed into a financial, administrative, and artistic centre.

However, Philippi is more famous due to another important event that marked the city’s history a century later. Saint Paul founded the first Christian Church on European soil at Philippi in 49/50 AD. The establishment of the new religion and the city’s proximity to Constantinople, the Roman Empire’s new capital, brought new splendour. Three magnificent basilicas and the Octagon complex, the cathedral dedicated to Saint Paul, were erected in the city centre in the fourth-sixth centuries AD. After a series of earthquakes and Slavic raids, the lower city was gradually abandoned early in the seventh century. Philippi survived into the Byzantine period as a fortress, until its final demise in the late fourteenth century, after the Turkish conquest.

After exploring the ancient ruins of Philippi your journey continues to the charming coastal city of Kavala. Known as the “Blue City” for its stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Kavala blends ancient history with modern elegance. As you wander through its picturesque streets, you’ll discover remnants of its past, from Ottoman architecture to Byzantine fortifications.

Inclusions

• 8-hours private excursion
• Hotel pick up and drop off (Vehicle)
• 2-hours private guided tour at Philippi
• Private service of a state-licensed Guide
• Entrance fees

Vergina Guided Tour

Your private tour begins with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel in the heart of Thessaloniki traveling by private vehicle, set out on the journey to famous Vergina, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Macedon, known in antiquity as Aigai. This site offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of the Macedonian dynasty, a dynasty that shaped the course of history.

Upon arrival, your expert guide will lead you on a fascinating walking tour through the ruins. You’ll explore the monumental Palace of Aigai, once adorned with intricate mosaics and stuccos, and the vast burial grounds, where hundreds of ancient tumuli—some dating as far back as the 11th century B.C.—are scattered across the landscape. A highlight of the tour is the Tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, a breathtaking mausoleum that has preserved treasures from the ancient world. You’ll also visit the tomb believed to belong to Alexander IV, the son of Alexander the Great, adding another layer of intrigue to your experience.

Throughout the tour, you’ll have ample time to explore at your own pace, with or without the guide, depending on your preferences. As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to Thessaloniki, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, carrying with you a deeper connection to the rich history of Macedonia.

Inclusions

• 4-hours private excursion
• Hotel pick up and drop off (Vehicle)
• 2-hours private guided tour at Vergina
• Private service of a state-licensed Guide
• Entrance fees

Meteora Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

Explore the essence of Meteora with our Half-day Sightseeing Tour, visiting three main monasteries while delving into the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this unique area. Journey back to the origins of Meteora, uncovering the stories of the hermits and monks who laid the foundation for this monastic community.

Discover the first monastery established and the monks’ motivations for ascending the steep rocks of Meteora to construct these remarkable sanctuaries. Gain a comprehensive understanding of this awe-inspiring site through the perspectives of locals. Enjoy breathtaking views and capture memorable photos.

Inclusions

• 4-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle, from Kalampaka or Kastraki)
• Private services of local guides
• Bottle of water
• Entrance fees

Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

You will be welcomed by your expert licensed guide, who will lead you on a captivating historical journey to Greece’s most iconic landmark, the Acropolis, as well as the intriguing Acropolis Museum.

As you ascend to the summit of the sacred rock of the Acropolis, you will be greeted by the breathtaking sight of the Parthenon, one of the most significant architectural masterpieces in history. At this remarkable site, your guide will provide an insightful tour that illuminates the grandeur of Athens, showcasing its profound heritage and the remarkable cultural achievements of Greek civilization during the Golden Age.

Following your exploration of the Acropolis, you will proceed to the New Acropolis Museum, a celebrated global attraction that houses an extraordinary collection. Each floor is filled with exquisite artifacts, sculptures, and antiquities, offering a fascinating glimpse into the artistic and historical legacy of ancient Athens. Prepare to be inspired by the wealth of history that surrounds you at every turn!

If you wish to continue exploring the city, feel free to ask your guide for recommendations to perfect your day in Athens. Athens is an ancient city that has evolved into a contemporary metropolitan, continuously keeping up with the new trends of the modern world. However, Greece’s capital is immensely proud of its important heritage; it has successfully integrated the ancient sections into the contemporary scene, creating a unique blend.

Inclusions

• 4-hour private guided tour
• Hotel pick-up (walking)
• 2-hour visit to the Acropolis Site
• 2-hour visit to the New Acropolis Museum
• Private services of a state-licensed guide
• Entrance fees

Ancient Corinth Guided Excursion

Just a stone’s throw away from Athens, you will find yourself at the ancient site of Corinth.

Your Ancient Corinth experience consists of geographical wonders, ancient history, and mythology with a landscape that offers a sense of serenity.

Start your day from Athens and head to the Corinth Canal, a narrow neck of land that connects the Peloponnese peninsula with mainland Greece. The manmade Isthmus of Corinth is a great mechanical achievement. Your expert guide will explain to you how the ambitious proposition of the ruler of Corinth, Periander, conceived the initial idea 2600 years ago, however, its construction began in 1882.

Drive for 15 minutes and you will reach the Ancient City of Corinth. Ancient Corinth was once more flourishing by the 1st century CE and became an important administrative and trade center. The Doric-style Temple of Apollo dominates the site, and you will want to capture its glory from all angles.

Visit the Church of Apostle Paul, the patron saint of the Corinthians who spent 2 years in Corinth, and in his honor, they built him an impressive church. Also witness the ‘Bema’, a large elevated rostrum where according to tradition it was where Paul’s trial was held. Although Apostle Paul was not one of the original twelve disciples, he certainly spread the word of Christianity all over Ancient Greece and wrote the famous Epistles addressed to the Corinthians that are part of the New Testament.

Inclusions

• 6-hour private guided tour
• Hotel pick up and drop off (Vehicle)
• Private services of a state-licensed guide
• Entrance fees

Welcome to Patmos

Patmos is a popular destination for nature lovers, thanks to its lace-like coastline, sheer cliffs, and volcanic soil. It is also known as a sacred island because it is where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation.

Patmos was used as a place of exile by the Romans due to its steep morphology and was designated as “Holy Island” by the Greek Parliament in 1981 and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Exiled by Emperor Domitian, St. John found a haven here in the first century A.D.

Three Monasteries Private Tour

This tour offers a unique look into monastic life and the most significant Orthodox sites on Patmos, blending spirituality, history, and breathtaking scenery.

Begin with a scenic drive along the coastal road to the Convent of Evangelismos, set amidst lush gardens overlooking the serene Bay of Kipi. Founded in 1937, the Convent also houses the historic Chapel of St. Luke, dating back to 1613. Admire the exquisite frescoes painted by the late nun Olympia and explore the convent’s exhibition, where you can purchase handcrafted items created by the nuns.

Next, travel to the hilltop village of Chora to visit the iconic Monastery of St. John the Theologian, built in the 11th century. Step into its museum to discover a wealth of ecclesiastical treasures, including frescoes of its founder Christodoulos, artifacts illustrating the miracles of St. John, ancient documents, intricately designed vestments, silverware, and icons, including a masterpiece attributed to El Greco.

Continue to the nearby Cave of the Apocalypse, a sacred site where St. John received the divine visions that inspired the Book of Revelation in 95 AD. This humble cave, now a revered place of worship, holds profound historical and spiritual significance, attracting pilgrims from around the world.

Conclude your journey with a return to the port of Skala, enriched by the island’s deep spirituality and timeless beauty.

Inclusions

• Approx. 3.5-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Private services of a local guide
• Entrance fees

Useful Information

• Dress code: shoulders and knees covered
• Difficulty level: moderate

Patmos Leisure Day

Patmos Island is globally known for its religious legacy, as it is the place where John the Evangelist (aka John the Theologian) wrote the Book of Revelation. Over the recent years, it has also become a destination preferred by nature lovers and other holidaymakers who seek to experience this location’s spiritual atmosphere in a setting of beautiful land & seascapes.

Patmos’ uneven landscape includes a sinuous shoreline, steep-faced hills, and a volcanic terrain, and it is known a modest tourism growth, attracting visitors who wish to explore its rugged countryside. Much of this place’s allure is owed to its villages: their winding alleys, stone-paved squares, and traditional houses will make a lasting impression on you, as will the good food you’ll taste. The island’s beaches with the amazing waters are also a great asset that will steal your heart away! These are some of the reasons why Patmos Island should rank high on your must-visit list of destinations.

In 1981, Greece declared Patmos a “Sacred Island”, and in 1999 UNESCO included The Historic Centre (Chora) with the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse in its World Heritage Site List. Patmos is also part of the COESIMA network and is one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites in Europe.

Welcome to samos

Samos is a mythical and beautiful island. It is the island of Pythagoras, the father of mathematics, Aristarchus, the astronomer, and Epicurus, the philosopher. It is Hera’s home and the land where Herodotus and Aesop lived. It came into contact with important Mediterranean cultures as an important center of trade in the Aegean and a major naval force in antiquity.

It’s no coincidence that Herodotus, the great historian, ranked Samos first among all Greek and barbarian cities. The island, as the center of Ionian civilization, witnessed times of indescribable splendor, which still exist today.

Day Trip to Ephesus & Kusadasi

You can travel to the land of mosques and minarets, immerse yourselves in the colourful fragrant world of bazaars, enjoy the native specialities or visit the ‘witnesses’ of Pre‑Christian past, e.g. the famous archaeological site of Ephesus, the most significant monument of antiquity and the largest Greek Roman excavations in the Mediterranean Area (excellent guiding).

Before returning to Samos you still have time at leisure in the small harbour town of Kusadasi, which ‑ in spite of its increasing tourism has still preserved its oriental character with coffee‑houses, small bazaars and Turkish baths ‘Hamams’. A truly unforgettable day!

Inclusions

• 10-hour local experience
• Transportation with modern bus
• Guided tour to Ephesus with licenced English speaking guide
• Ferry tickets
• Entrance fees to the archeological site of Ephesus
• Turkish port taxes

Samos Leisure Time

Samos has an outstanding natural landscape, beautiful beaches, fine wine, and monuments of sizable cultural significance. Kings, Priests, and men of letters had the utmost respect for this island as the sanctuaries and the philosophical societies were considered the spiritual center of the Mediterranean world. Natives to Samos’ are the Mythical Goddess Hera, the philosopher Epicurus, the astronomer Aristarchus, and the great mathematician Pythagoras.

You have two UNESCO monuments to visit: the fortified ancient city of Pythagoreion and the ancient Temple of Hera, Heraion of Samos. Don’t miss the pleasant cultural events and music festivals during the summer months and get acquainted with the island’s history by wandering around the historic village of Vathy.

Today, you will have to say goodbye to beautiful Greece. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the island airport for your domestic flight back to Athens. After arriving at Athens Airport, check in to your international flight and depart Greece.

Your trip might have come to an end for now, but the magical flame of adventure and travel is always ready to re-ignite!