Footsteps of St. Paul Christian Tours Greece, Turkey Tour Package Cruises Greece to Turkey Cruise (Kusadasi) and the Greek Islands

These unique Christian Tour packages combine the footsteps of St. Paul with cruising in Greece and Turkey. Participants have the opportunity to thoroughly explore a vast part of continental Greece, as well as get a glimpse of some characteristic Greek islands while on our 3-day cruise.

English speaking guidance in provided.

Program 1 | Program 2

Program 1

Day 1: Arrival in Thessaloniki, the second largest and most significant city in the country, after the capital Athens. You will be met at ‘Macedonia’ Thessaloniki Airport and taken to your hotel for dinner. In the evening, you have free leisure time to rest and to prepare for your Christian tour.
Overnight stay in Thessaloniki

Day 2: Today, we visit the town of Kavala, a wealthy region of Greece, with a large natural port. Next, on our Christian tour itinerary is the ancient city of Neapolis, which was visited by Saints Paul, Timothy, Silas and Luke. Ancient Neapolis was renamed Chrisoupolis and was the first city in Europe to accept Christianity. After visiting the marvellous Roman aqueduct and the ruins of the Medieval Castle-Acropolis, we head for the town of Philippi, which was established by King Philip II in 358 B.C. Philippi was the location where St. Paul gave his fist sermon, as well as baptized the first Christians on European soil. Later, St. Paul was held captive in a Roman crypt. We then visit the Ancient Site of Philippi, admiring the acropolis, the agora, the basilicas and the ancient theatre. Return to Thessaloniki for overnight stay.

Day 3: Archives of correspondence between St. Paul and the Christian community of Thessaloniki can be found in area’s Books of the New Testament. We continue our Christian tour, visiting the ancient city walls, the Archaeological Museum, Agios Georgios Church, the ancient Roman Rotunda, and the Arch of Triumph of Emperor Galerius, which was built in 303 B.C. We also visit the city’s beautiful churches: the five-aisled basilica of Agios Dimitrios that is built over the tomb of the saint, and the basilica of Agia Sophia that is celebrated for its splendid mosaics. Departure for Kalambaka, the small town built on the ancient city of Aeginion, beneath the majestic rocks of Meteora. Overnight stay in Kalambaka.

Day 4: Today, we visit two of the renowned Byzantine monasteries that are located in Kalambaka in Western Thessalia. Both monasteries are perched on giant, dramatic boulders, which reach the height of 100 to 150 meters. The Meteora was a flourishing community in the 14th century, having no less than 24 working monasteries. It was a place where monks sought isolation, refuge and spiritual salvation. Departure for Athens, for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Transport to Piraeus Port, where we set off on a 3-day cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. Departure for Mykonos Island. Arrival in Mykonos in the afternoon. The island of Mykonos is a marvellous cosmopolitan holiday hotspot that combines an international jet-set atmosphere and stimulating nightlife. We recommend a nonchalant stroll in Mykonos Town to admire the whitewashed houses and flowered balconies, and to visit the beautiful church of Panagia Paraportiani. Other attractions in Mykonos Town include the island’s trademark windmills and the charming area of Alefkandra, Mykonos’ Little Venice. Departure for Rhodes Island.

Day 6: We arrive in Rhodes in the morning. This part of our Christian tour includes and optional half-day excursion to the Temple of Athena, which is situated on the impressive rocky Acropolis of Lindos, overlooking the elegant, whitewashed artists' colony and the Aegean Sea.
Boat trip to Kusadasi, Turkey

Day 7: We reach Kusadasi, Turkey in the morning. Our optional excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus sets off from here. In the afternoon, we arrive in Patmos, the tranquil island where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelations. During the Patmos leg of our Christian tour, you can participate in our optional excursion to the monastery of St. John the Theologian and to the Holy Grotto of the Revelation. Departure for Piraeus

Day 8: Today, you will be informed of the fantastic cruise to areas in the Peloponnese and begin our tour in Corinth, where we visit the ruins of the ancient city, which are perched on a hill above the modern town of Corinth. Our next destination is Mycenae, where we visit the Archaeological Museum, the sanctuary and the temples, as well as the impressive citadel of Agamemnon, the ancient acropolis, and the famous Lion’s Gate, which is said to symbolize the strength of the kings of Mycenae. Homer wrote that Mycenae is a "city rich in gold". Return to Athens. Dinner and overnight stay in Athens.

Day 9: Our day of sightseeing in Athens, one of the most magnificent ancient cities in the world, starts with a visit to the world-famous Athens Acropolis. On this sacred hill, you will see exquisite monuments, such as the Propylae Gates, the breathtaking Parthenon and the Erechtheion. We also visit the Areios Pagos Hill, the Ancient Agora, the Parliament Building, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace. After our Athens sightseeing tour, participants have the afternoon free to explore this captivating city. Dinner and overnight stay in Athens.

Day 10: Transfer to Athens Airport for departure.

For individual participants, the Christian tour is offered on a monthly basis, from April to October. The tour must commence on a Monday.
For groups with a minimum of 15 participants, the Christian tour can be modified, upon request. Please contact us for further details.

Program 2

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed by our representatives and transferred to the hotel for overnight stay. (no meals)

Day 2: We begin the day with visits to the most important sites of once imperial Constantinople. Hagia Sophia, which is particularly famous for its massive dome, is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. The Hippodrome was a horse-racing track that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople. Sultanahmet Mosque, also named "Blue Mosque" by foreign travellers, with its tiles in dominant tones of blue, turquoise and green that cover most of its interior. You will have free time to wander in the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world. After lunch, you will visit the official and primary residence in the city of the Ottoman Sultans, where you will admire 10,700 pieces of Chinese, Japanese and Turkish porcelain that are displayed in the palace kitchens which once served to 4,000 people in a day. The Imperial Treasury, a large collection exhibited in five different halls that is comprised of gifts from ambassadors, enthronement gifts, belongings of the Ottoman dynasty, and holy relics. You day will come to a close with a stroll inside the palace. After your tour, you will return to your hotel. Dinner on your own. Stay overnight in İstanbul. (breakfast & lunch)

Day 3: Today we will visit some famous World War I sites along the Marmara Sea. We start by crossing the Dardanelles and visiting Ancient Troy, where settlements from nine separate periods have been discovered. Homer’s Illiad relates the legendary story of the Trojan War of Troy. Dinner and overnight stay in Canakkale. (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Day 4: The most favored of the Seven Churches was Pergamum. Christianity reached the city very early and the church was praised for its forbearance during hard times. In Pergamum, Rome executed the first Christians. Towering 1000 feet above the town and commanding a spectacular Panorama is the fabled Acropolis. As we pass through the Royal Gates, we will enter one of the great centers of classic Greek culture. We will see the foundations of the Temple of Zeus and The Temple of Athena and the ruins of the Library, which once held 200 thousand parchment volumes. We will see the remains of the Temple of Trojan, the Grand Theatre, the Gymnasium and the Health Center (Aesclepion). We will also catch a glimpse of a 3-storey fountain built by Titus. Overnight stay in nearby Kusadasi. (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Day 5: This morning we enjoy a brief trip to Ancient Ephseus, another one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 1:11). The Apostle John was one of the early leaders of the Church of Ephesus. It is also the location where Apostle Paul worked his special miracles. The major streets of Ancient Ephesus have been excavated and highlights here include the Library, the Agora, the Temple of Artemis and the Basilica of St. John. After your tour, you will be transferred to the port, for embarkation on a cruise. The next port of call is the island of Patmos, where St. John wrote the Book of the Revelation during his exile from the Roman Empire. Our excursion takes us to the Grotto of the Revelation and the Monastery of St. John. (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Day 6: In the morning, we will reach Rhodes, also known as “The Island of Roses”. You can wander through the Old City, where you will see its
fortifications, the famous streets of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master or take a trip to Lidos to visit the Temple of Athena to enjoy the magnificent view of the Aegean. (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Day 7: Heraklion, the capital of Crete, was the center of the great Minoan Civilization, which flourished in the Bronze Age and abruptly ended with the eruption of the volcano of Santorini. Enjoy an optional excursion to the incredible ruins of the Palace of Knossos, which was discovered in 1899 by Sir Arthur Evans, who had it partially reconstructed. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion displays many of the treasures found during the excavations. (breakfast, lunch & dinner). The island of Santorini, one of the most breathtaking Greek Islands, is also known as the "Black Pearl of the Aegean”. An optional excursion is available to the town of Fira where whitewashed houses, open-air cafes and dazzling boutiques cling to steep cliffs, accessible only by cable car or donkey. (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Day 8: We will disembark very early this morning and begin our tour of Corinth, the city that inspired many of St. Paul’s most familiar letters. We will visit the Market Place, the Bema and the Temples. Next, we will head to Athens, where we will have lunch at a typical tavern in Plaka (the old quarter of the city). After lunch, we will follow the guide on a journey to the world-renowned Acropolis, with the Propylaea Entrance and the ruins of the Parthenon and Erectheum. We will Arios Pagos Hill, the Agora (the ancient market place and center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Athens. (breakfast & dinner)

Day 9: After breakfast, we will depart for Delphi via Thebes, Livadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Once we arrive, we will visit the archaeological site. We will head towards Kalambaka in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Kalambaka. (breakfast & dinner)

Day 10: In the morning, we will drive up the steep narrow roads to reach the incredible architectural built over seven hundred years ago, suspended above the huge rocks of Meteora. One of the highlights of our trip will be visiting two Monasteries containing priceless historical and religious treasures. From there, we will head further north, towards Thessaloniki. Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, the city where St. Paul wrote to Thessalonians, we will visit the Museum, the Church of St. Demetrius, and the Church of St. Sophia, and also see the Arch of Galerius, the White Tower, The Rotonda, and the Fortress of Yedikule. Dinner and overnight stay in Thessaloniki. (breakfast & dinner)

Day 11: Day trip to Philippi and Kavala. Arrival in Philippi, where we visit the Roman Forum, the Christian Basilica, the Theatre, and the Prison of St. Paul, where the jailer was converted to Christianity. Lydia, a lady from Thyatira and seller of purple fabrics, was also converted here and baptized in the river. Next we will visit of the Baptistery of St. Lydia and then drive to the pretty port of Kavala where St. Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Return to Thessaloniki in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay. (breakfast & dinner)

Day 12: Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Athens, from where you can either connect to your international flight, or to a later flight Athens/Istanbul (whichever the case may be). (breakfast)

For individual participants, it is imperative that the program described above begins on Friday !
For groups of a minimum of 15 participants, the itinerary can be modified upon request. Please contact us for further details.

Are you interested in exploring tropic paradises and exotic destinations?

At Boutros Tours travel agency, we provide vacation packages to magical destinations throughout the world, e.g. Cuba & the Dominican Republic, Mauritius & Maldives, the Seychelles Islands and Thailand & Indonesia.