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North Macedonia Religious Tour

Tour details.

A 7 days Religious tour through North Macedonia, visiting the most interesting monasteries, churches and mosques in the country. The program will be combined with cultural visits to the main sites of Macedonia, relaxing stay by the shores of Lake Ohrid, and degustation of Macedonian wines and culinary.

Departure & Return Location

Skopje International Airport

Destination Location

Skopje, Matka Valley, St Andrea Monastery, City tour of Skopje, Veljeusa monastery, Vodoca monastery in Strumica, Demir Kapija, Archangel Michael, Ohrid, Sveti Naum, National Park of Mavrovo, The Monastery of Saint Jovan, Skopje

Availability

Skopje International Airport – Skopje Arrival at Skopje International Airport. Transfer at the hotel and overnight in Skopje.

Skopje – Boat tour in Matka Valley – St Andrea Monastery – City tour of Skopje After breakfast we depart toward Matka Valley, A gorge in which a rich complex of mediaeval building survives, including churches, monasteries and remnants of a fortress (the mediaeval town of Matka). The Canyon covers an area of around 5.000ha and is located 15km south-west of Skopje. We visit the Monastery of St Andrea, built in 1388. Later we have the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip in the lake, and further lunch with traditional menu in the local restaurant. In the afternoon return to Skopje, where we start the city tour, inhabited since at least 4000 BC. We visit the city center, the old bazaar, Kale Fortress, and the memorial house of Mother Tereza. We enter the Church of Sveti Spas, and also the Mustafa Pasha Mosque , a mosque from the 14th century. Dinner and overnight in Skopje.

Skopje – Veljeusa monastery – Vodoca monastery in Strumica – Demir Kapija This morning we transfer towards the small town of Strumica, where are located 2 interesting monasteries. We visit Veljusa Monastery, in Veljusa Village, one of the most valuable symbols of the orthodoxy in North Macedonia. The church is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God Eleusa. Veljusa Monastery has remarkable frescos from the 1080 and from the 12th century. Once, it used to be a home of monks, but since 1996 and with the renewal of the monastic life it became a female monastery. Today, there is a sisterhood of around ten nuns living in the monastery. Inside the seamstress workshop they work to prepare hand-decorated cassocks for the Orthodox clergy. Further we visit Vodoca Monastery, a magnetic medieval center with a Byzantine style church dedicated to Saint Leontius. More than 1.000 medieval tombs were discovered alongside with jewelry and ceramics from the 14th century – making it one of the richest archaeological sites in Macedonia. Our next stop is Demir Kapija, a region where various vineries are located. Stop for wine tasting and visit of the vineyards in a local winery. Overnight in Demir Kapija.

Demir Kapija – monastery of the Archangel Michael – The ancient Greek city of Heraclea Lyncestis – Bitola – Ohrid This morning we transfer to Prilep, where we visit the monastery of the Archangel Michael, created on a rock, similar to the Meteora monasteries in Greece. Recent studies show that the church dates from the XII century and it was enlarged in the XIII and XIV century. The monastery shelters were built in 1861. After the monastery visit, we stop to an archeological site; Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient Greek city in Macedonia, ruled later by the Romans. It was founded by Philip II of Macedonia in the middle of the 4th century BC Famous for its dazzling mosaics, ancient theater and Roman baths, Heraclea is the most vividly preserved city from the surviving Ancient Macedonian Empire in the country. Also, the main Roman road in the area, Via Egnatia went through Heraclea, and Heraclea was an important stop. We stop for refreshments in the city of Bitola, where we can also visit the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart In the evening we arrive in Ohrid, an old town located in the shores of Ohrid Lake –the biggest lake in the region, and one of the oldest lakes in the world. Overnight in Ohrid.

Ohrid – Boat tour to the Monastery of Sveti Naum – Guided tour of Ohrid old town Today we take a boat tour from Ohrid old town towards the Monastery of Sveti Naum, After about 75 minutes panoramic boat tour, we reach and visit the Monastery. Set amidst lush verdure where the River Crna Drin tumbles into the lake, the monastery of St. Naum is a refuge of tranquility at the very southwestern corner of the Macedonian Republic. As with most Byzantine churches, St. Naum was chosen primarily for its location – on a high, rocky outcropping over the lake, above deep forests and life-giving springs of the river Crn Drim.The monastic complex and church of St. Naum were built originally at the turn of the tenth century by the monk that beard the same name; Macedonians believe you can still hear the saint’s heartbeat by pressing an ear to his stone coffin inside the church. In the afternoon we turn to Ohrid. Guided tour of the old town. In it’s narrow alleys lies history dating back over 3.000 years. Both the city and the lake are inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage list. We walk through the streets of Ohrid to reach the highest point – Samuil’s Fortress, which offers wonderful landscapes of the city and Lake. We will visit the cathedral Church of St. Sofia, the Ancient theatre, and from the medieval church St. John the Evangelist. Dinner by the lake with fresh trout menu, and overnight.

Ohrid – National Park of Mavrovo – The Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski – The painted mosque in Tetovo – Skopje This morning we return towards Skopje. First we pass through the panoramic mountain road in Mavrovo National Park.While in Mavrovo we visit the Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski. Hidden away on the side of a mountain just off the main road between Debar and Gostivar and dedicated to John the Baptist, it’s said that the history of this masterpiece of a monastery dates back 1,000 years. Destroyed by the Ottomans in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1743 with further expansions taking place the following century, the complex was seriously damaged by fire in 2009 and much of what you see today is a modern imitation. Thankfully however most of the important artefacts, including some outstanding gold-encrusted icons, one of which is said to date from the 11th century, and the church’s gorgeous carved wooden iconostasis, survive. Further, we stop at the small town of Tetovo for a short sightseeing and entrance to the mosque, called Šarena Džamija- meaning the decorated mosque. Afternoon arrival in Skopje and overnight.

Return flight Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning in Skopje. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

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10 Day Tour - Follow The Footsteps Of Apostle Paul

• 10 Day Tour

• Tour Title: The Footsteps of Ap. Paul
• Itinerary: Kavala Thessaloniki Pella Vergina Katerini Kalambaka Delphi Athens Corinth
• Request a Quote

What to expect

What's included, arrival in thessaloniki.

Welcome to Thessaloniki! You will be met at the airport, on arrival, and transferred to your hotel. Take the remaining time of the day to discover Thessaloniki! A vibrant city rich with history and mythology, enlivened by bustling outdoor cafes, pedestrian streets that wind through the city's numerous stores and its fair share of urban eccentrics, a city full of contrasts. Overnight in Thessaloniki

go to Day 1

Day 1 - Thessaloniki to Kavala

(Acts 16:9-11)"Come over into Macedonia and help us..." Apostle Paul was praying, asking for the direction of the holy spirit as to which city he should travel to. He arrived in Troas and there he had a dream, sent by the spirit of God. Therefore his trip to Europe began and the first country he visited was Greece. He arrived at Neapolis (Modern city of Kavala) which was situated in Philippi . Neapolis was the city port of Philippi which was named after Phillip II, father of Alexander the Great, and became a very important Roman colony. There, Ap. Paul established the very first Christian church in Europe. One of the highlights of the first day of the tour will be our visit to the river of Lydia , otherwise known as the "Jordan river of Greece". At this place, where Ap. Paul met Lydia and where his so-called prison is situated (Acts 16:40) , we will have the possibility of placing a prayer. We will also visit the "Agora" , the city square forum which was one of the most important places in the city, during Paul's time, and is mentioned in Acts. Return to Thessaloniki for overnight

go to Day 2

Day 2 - Thessaloniki sightseeing, Thessaloniki to Pella, Pella to Vergina

(Acts 17:1)"Now, when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica..." One of the most spiritual churches of the New Testament was in Thessalonica. The tour will start with sightseeing of the city of Thessaloniki. Driving to the old city, we will be able to admire the Byzantine city walls , the white tower , the triumph arch of Galerius and the Rotunda . We will visit the Roman forum , the church of St.Demetrius , who is the patron saint of the city, and the Archaeological museum . After that, we will go to Pella , the new capital of the Macedonian kingdom and the birthplace of Phillip II and Alexander the Great. Our next stop will be at Vergina , the first Capital of the Macedonians, where we can see the amazing artworks of the tomb of Phillip II, father of Alexander the Great. Return to Thessaloniki for overnight

go to Day 3

Day 3 - Thessaloniki to Dion, Dion to Kalambaka

(Acts 17:14-15)"And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea..." We will visit Dion , which was the sacred city of the ancient Macedonians. It was from the port of Dion that Ap. Paul possibly sailed to Athens. Dion is an extensive archaeological park. Its museum houses some of the rarest and most unique statues, reliefs and inscriptions. We will also see some of the most well preserved ancient roads and walls, two early Christian basilicas and finally a few Christian houses and shops of the time of Ap. Paul. Afterwards our trip will take us to Kalambaka , at the base of "Meteora", which has been characterized by Unesco as a "unique phenomenon of cultural heritage". These rocky formations are littered with Byzantine monasteries (14th - 16th century A.D.) Overnight stay in Kalambaka.

go to Day 4

Day 4 - Meteora sightseeing, Kalambaka to Delphi

Our morning will begin with a brief sightseeing of Meteora and a visit to one of the oldest monasteries this beautiful place has to offer. In the afternoon, our trip will take us to Delphi , passing by Thermopylae which was famous for its 480 B.C. battle between the ancient Spartans and the Persians. Delphi is situated on the slopes of Mt. Parnassos and was considered the center of the ancient world (the omphalos of the earth). It was a sanctuary for all and a home to the oracle of god Apollo, Pythia, famous for her prophecies. (Acts 16:16)"...a certain damsel, possessed with a spirit of divination, met with us..." Overnight stay in Delphi

go to Day 5

Day 5 - Delphi sightseeing, Delphi to Athens

In the morning we will commence our tour of Delphi, visiting the archaeological site of the temple of Apollo , its treasuries , the ancient theatre and the stadium , as well as its wonderful museum. There, among many wonders, we'll be able to admire the superb bronze charioteer and the Gallio inscription. In the afternoon we will depart for Athens. Overnight stay in Athens.

go to Day 6

Day 6 - Athens sightseeing

(Acts 17:16-34)"Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry..." In the morning we will begin our sightseeing tour of Athens, which includes the house of parliament , the ancient olympic stadium (a.k.a. Kallimarmaron, Panathenaic Stadium), the temple of Zeus and the Hellenic Academy . We will then go to the Acropolis hill and visit the world famous Parthenon and the Erechtheion . We will continue to the nearby Ares Rock (Areopagus - Mars Hill) where Ap. Paul gave his well known sermon (Acts 17:16-34) . On this historic place, having a very good view of the modern city of Athens, we will have the possibility of prayer for Greece. Afterwards, we will go to the Athenian Agora which was the center of the ancient city where Ap. Paul met with the Epicurean and the Stoic philosophers. Our day's tour will end with a visit to the new Acropolis museum, one of the best worldwide. Free afternoon. Overnight stay in Athens.

go to Day 7

Day 7 - Athens to Corinth

We will leave Athens for Corinth early in the morning  (Acts 18:1-8) . Once there, we will begin our tour with the "Canal" and explain, in detail, why Corinth was such a wealthy center in the days of Ap. Paul. We will then visit the archaeological site and walk through the Roman forum where the "Bema" , otherwise known as the judgement seat of Gallio, is situated. We will talk about head covering, women in the church, and "the fountain of living waters", presenting you with details and little known facts. Afterwards we will see the "Erastus" inscription and talk about its meaning, its background story and its role in the history of Ap. Paul in Corinth (Romans 16:23) . We will then visit "acro-Corinth" , where we will talk in depth about its history and its meaning for the ancient world. Moving on, we will go to Kechries (Cenchreae), the eastern port of ancient Corinth at the church of which Phoebe was the deaconess (Romans 16:1) . After that, we will visit the Isthmia area where we're going to find out why Ap. Paul was using athletic language in his letters to the Corinthians. Return to Athens. Overnight stay in Athens.

go to Day 8

Day 8 - Free day in Athens

Take your time shopping and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the city! Overnight stay in Athens

go to Departure Day

Departure from Eleftherios Venizelos (Airport of Athens)

• 4 overnights in Athens on Half board basis
• 3 overnights in Thessaloniki on Half board basis
• 1 overnight in Kalambaka on Half board basis
• 1 overnight in Delphi on Half board basis
• Sightseeing in Thessaloniki, Kavala, Philippi, Pella, Vergina, Dion, Kalambaka (Meteora), Delphi, Athens, Corinth
• Arrival transfer service from Thessaloniki Airport to your hotel in Thessaloniki
• Departure transfer service from Athens hotel to Eleftherios Venizelos airport
• All ground based transfers
• All entrance fees (archaeological sites, museums etc)
• All local taxes
• Local Christian guide
• Travel Insurance (see faq for details)

What's Not Included

• Air tickets
• Personal expenses (shopping etc)
• Meals outside your hotel's package

Sightseeing

Tour guides, accommodation, transportation, the sights you'll be seeing.

• Visit to Philippi, outside the port town of Kavala
• Tour of Thessaloniki's archaeological sites and museum
• Visit to Pella, birthplace of Great Alexander
• Visit to Vergina, first capital of the Macedonians
• Visit to Dion, sacred city of the Macedonians
• Visit Meteora. An Unesco World Heritage site.
• Tour of the archaeological site of Delphi
• Visit to Thermopylae, famous site of the battle of the 300 spartans against the Persian army
• Tour of the archaeological sites and museum of Athens
• Tour of the archaeological site and museum of ancient Corinth
• Visit to Kechries, ancient port near Corinth
• Visit to Isthmia, near Corinth

Your dedicated tour Guides

All of our tour Guides are fully licensed, fully qualified born again Christian professionals of the highest standards. Their knowledge is unparalleled, as far as archaeology is concerned, however they stand out from the majority due to their specialization in the history of early Christians. They will present to you the ancient world of Christianity in a way that no one else can and they will render you speechless, that's a promise!!!

Prepaid Dining

• Nine breakfasts at the hotels are included.
• Nine dinners at the hotels are included

Hotels you'll be staying

All of the Hotels included in this trip are 4 or 5 star properties. You can choose the quality of the hotels through the "apply for a tour" form or by sending us an email requesting a quote. You'll have access to their full information once your tour calendar is posted on your dashboard (see faq for details)

If, for any reason, you want us to change one or more of your trip's hotels, after you've been able to review them through your tour calendar, then please let us know. We'll do our best to accommodate you. However keep in mind that depending on the new hotels, the final payment (see faq for details on payments) may be higher or lower than what was initially arranged.

Included Transportation

Our staff will be waiting for you at the airport to pick you up on arrival.

On the last day you will be transferred from your hotel to the Airport.

All transfers between the tour's destinations will be made using new high quality buses, with air conditioning and on-board toilets, driven by highly professional and responsible drivers.

This tour package can be combined with :

• 3 day cruise to Patmos & Ephesus (3 extra days added)
• Visit to Olympia (1 extra day added)
• Visit to Mycenae (1 extra day added)
• Visit to Eleusis (1 extra day added)

You can choose any/all of the above when you request a quote through our APPLY page. If you instead choose to send us an email requesting a quote, please do not forget to mention the tour combination you may be interested in.

Pastor Memos Sakellariou

Several years ago, while I and my wife Effie stepped out of the darkness of depression, a very tough experience for us as well as our three children, we decided to help our fellow human beings who...

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Paul's Missionary Journey Cruise & Tour: 16 Day Package 2024, 2025

Experience early Christian history with Paul’s missionary journey cruise offered by Pilgrim Tours. Our tour traces the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul to give you a firsthand look at the religious sites that played a key role as the early church in the first century. You’ll get to visit ancient Corinth and Cenchreae, as well as the church of Pergamum and the ancient site of Ephesus. Join us as we follow the footsteps of Paul and embark on an enlightening journey through beautiful Turkey and Greece.

Many departure dates year round.

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Price per person double occupancy.

Click here for "Frequently Asked Questions"

Category Prices - Cruise Ship Info Shore Excursion Info - Click Here

Price Includes: Land Portion - first class (4 Star) lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, modern transportation, sightseeing as listed. Cruise Portion - Inside cabin (category IA), 2 port tours (Patmos & Crete), onboard gratuities, non-alcoholic beverage package, all meals.

Not Included: Land Portion - travel/cancellation insurance, gratuities to guides and drivers. Cruise Portion - Port taxes & service charges. ($180 will be added to your final invoice to prepay this cruise charge) Flight Departures - Special fares are available nationwide including transfers. (transfers not included unless airfare is purchased from Pilgrim Tours)

Please Note: As of December 23, 2023, US Passport holders are no longer required to obtain a Turkey E-Visa for entry. If traveling from another country, please review entry requirements as Turkey Entry Visas must be completed prior to arrival. Visas can be obtained in advance online using this link: Click Here

Airport transfers are included only when airfare is purchased from Pilgrim Tours. Taxi service is available for those purchasing their airfare elsewhere.

Deposit Required: A $500 per person US Dollar deposit (which includes a $100 non-refundable service fee) is required to secure a reservation.

Footsteps of Paul: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Journey of Paul?

The Journey of Paul refers to the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul during the early days of Christianity. In fact, Paul took four missionary journeys over several years that played an important role in early Christian history. Paul traveled more than 10,000 miles during his journeys to spread the gospel of Christ. Our Journeys of Paul tour and cruise allows you to retrace the steps of Paul during his journey through Turkey and Greece. The tour begins in Istanbul, taking you west to the Sea of Marmara and the church of Pergamum. Like our tours in Jordan , there will be a dress code at times during your Journey of Paul tour. Certain regions and religious sites have specific dress codes and it is important to dress modestly while in Turkey. Following a modest dress code is an important part of respecting local standards and beliefs.

What countries will I visit during the Journey of Paul cruise?

During our Footsteps of Paul cruise, you’ll get to visit several places in Turkey and Greece that Paul visited during his journeys. Paul’s missionary journey cruise includes port stops in Patmos, Crete and Santorini. The tour begins in Turkey where you’ll spend two nights at your hotel in Istanbul. From Istanbul, we’ll travel west to Troas, where Paul spent time during his second missionary journey. Other stops in Turkey include the church of Pergamum, Thyatira and Izmir. You’ll even get to stay in Izmir for an evening. The next portion of the tour is where you get to experience ancient cities in Turkey that can be found in the book of Revelation, also known as the Churches of Revelation. These cities include Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Laodicea and Collossae. Next, our journey to Greece involves three beautiful islands that provide stunning scenery during your cruise. While in Greece, you’ll visit the Isle of Patmos, Crete and Santorini. Crete and the Isle of Patmos are a little more rugged, so you’ll love them if you enjoyed our Ireland Christian tours . Santorini, however, is a popular vacation destination with lots of stuff to see and do and many opportunities to take the perfect picture. These islands aren’t the only places you’ll visit in Greece. Continuing our effort to retrace Paul’s journeys, we’ll visit some of the most important historical cities in Greece. We’ll disembark from the Greek islands on day 11, taking you to ancient Corinth and Cenchreae. Corinth is one of the most important cities on our tour because it inspired many of the letters that Paul wrote. You’ll also get a chance to visit Athens and see where Paul stood while preaching to the Gentile nation. While our Journey of Paul tour is enlightening and educational, you also get a chance to relax and enjoy your vacation. Like our Costa Rica tours , our cruises are comfortable and luxurious.

Are there other tours that trace the Journey of Paul?

Pilgrim Tours offers several tour packages for people who want to see and experience the Biblical sites found in the New Testament. In addition to Paul’s missionary journey cruise, we offer several tours that trace the Journeys of Paul. Our Footsteps of Paul tours take between 8 and 11 days, allowing you to experience early Christian history in a shorter time. You can also choose a Journey of Paul tour that includes other destinations like Italy. If you want to see and experience as much as possible while you’re in Europe, booking a comprehensive tour might be the best solution. If you want to experience Christian history in other parts of the world, we offer several Christian tours throughout the world. Our fellowship tours in the United States highlight the history of Christianity in the United States, starting with the introduction of Christianity by the Europeans. We also offer fellowship tours in Germany and other parts of Europe.

What is the best time of year to do the Journeys of Paul tour?

We have several dates available for our Steps of Paul cruise, so you can choose a date that fits your schedule. Whether you’re booking one of our tours of Scotland or a cruise, you should consider the weather, tourism and travel costs. While many people prefer visiting Greece and Turkey during the summer, that’s also the busiest time of year. Visiting during the spring or fall gives you the best combination of pleasant weather and smaller crowds. If weather is your biggest concern, we offer several summer cruise dates. If you have any questions about tour dates, itineraries or when to book your Journeys of Paul cruise, you can contact us to learn more before booking a cruise.

Day 1: Departure from US

Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Turkey. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!

Day 2: Arrival Istanbul

We transfer to our hotel in Istanbul, Turkey for the next two evenings.

Day 3: Bustling Istanbul, Archaeological Museum

The tour today will be an unusual combination of Greek Orthodox, Roman, Ottoman and modern day Islam including entrance into the famed Blue Mosque and St. Sophia Church. After lunch we visit the fascinating Topkapi Palace housing the many priceless treasures and colorful stories of Ottoman Sultans. This afternoon our guide will walk us through the wonderful exhibits at the Archaeological Museum. Treasures include the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great, mosaic remnants depicting the times of Nebuchadnezzar, tablets of the Treaty of Kadesh known to be between Ramses II and the Hittites during the 13th century BC and many other wonderful items. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Sea of Marmara, Ancient Troy

Departing Istanbul, we travel west across "Trace," the European portion of Turkey. The summer homes along the Sea of Marmara will provide the scenery as we travel. Our bus boards a large ferry to cross the Dardanelles Strait giving us views of the bunkers on the hillside and the ocean going vessels. During our journey, we hear the commentary of the British major losses and World War I defeat in the Dardanelles Strait. Disembarking in Canakkale, we travel a short distance south to the area known as Troas, where Paul had a vision during his second missionary journey and was called to Macedonia (Acts 16:8-13). Paul later spent a week in Troas preaching here and Eutychus was resurrected (Acts 20:6-12). We will visit ancient Troy, which was excavated in 1873 by Heinrich Schliemann. Don't forget to have your picture taken from the top of the Trojan Horse. We travel to our nearby lodging for the evening.

Day 5: Pergamum, Thyatira & Izmir

Our first visit of the day is Pergamum. The church of Pergamum was praised for its forbearance; (Rev. 2:12-17) it was here that the first Christians were executed by Rome. We'll visit the fabled Acropolis, pass through the Royal Gates, view the foundations of the Altar of Zeus and visit the ruins of the library (which once held 200,000 volumes). Next we travel east to Thyatira viewing the ancient roadway and period columns. Thyatira was once a busy trading center and famous as a "seller of purple," the most favored of the Seven Churches. We continue south to Izmir, which is the third largest city in Turkey and a long time center for Jews and Christians. In Paul's day, Izmir was known as Smyrna and was another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11). Our lodging this evening will be in Izmir.

Day 6: Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale

Departing our Hotel in Izmir, we'll see Polycarp's Church and visit the ancient roman agora. Then, we travel to Sardis, which was berated by John for its facade of strength when, in reality, it was weak (Rev. 3:1-6). Here coins were minted and the dyeing of wool originated. We'll visit the gymnasium and synagogue. Our next stop is nearby Philadelphia from where we are challenged to “hold fast” and look forward to the coming of the "new Jerusalem" (Rev. 3:7-13) in the Book of Revelation. Not much is left of the city except for the ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica in the modern city of Alasehir. Our lodging this evening will be in a lovely spa hotel in Pamukkale.

Day 7: Hierapolis, Laodicea & Colossae

Hierapolis, meaning "Sacred City," was an ancient center for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian center in the first century. According to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was martyred in Hierapolis. It was likely the hot springs of Hierapolis (in contrast to the cold mountain springs near Colossae) that combined to bring application to the "lukewarm" Laodiceans (Rev 3:14-22). This connection between the cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:13). Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. Nearby Colossae is well-known throughout Christian circles as the receiver of Paul's letter to the Colossians. Today, the town has fallen into obscurity and nothing remains. We spend the remainder of the day traveling through the Turkish countryside arriving in the port city of Kusadasi where we spend two nights. The day will not be complete without a visit to a local Turkish Rug cooperative.

Day 8: Ephesus

We travel to the nearby town of Selcuk for a visit of ancient Ephesus. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city. We view the Library, Agora, theatre, colorful mosaics in the aristocratic Terrace Houses, and a panoramic outlook of the surrounding ancient port area (including a wealth of church history and cultural insight). Then we continue with a visit to the Basilica Church of St. John, which houses an immersion baptismal and is believed to be resting place of John. From here we have an excellent overview of the Ephesus harbor, the Mosque of Jesus, and see the site of the Temple of Artemis, which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Day 9: Isle of Patmos

This morning, we embark our cruise ship and sail for a visit to the beautiful Isle of Patmos, which is under statutory protection as a historic monument. Here we have a tour to see the fortified monastery of St. John and the cave claimed to be where John received the Revelation. Back on the ship, enjoy dinner before settling in to your cabin for the night.

Day 10: Crete, Santorini

Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. Take a tour to Heraklion and the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. This afternoon visit the island of Santorini which is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. You may choose to take an optional panoramic bus tour viewing some of the most spectacular scenery of the Aegean. Travel through countless villages and settlements with delicate architecture and beauties eventually arriving in Oia. During your time in Oia, visit the many narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques. Upon returning to the ship, we view the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea, & Nea Kameni. We arrive at the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.

Day 11: Disembark Cruise – Ancient Corinth & Cenchreae

We disembark the cruise this morning and travel west with a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal. Next, we visit ancient Corinth, the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters and is a highlight for the New Testament scholar. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love for the Bible. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. We travel on to the top of the nearby Acropolis where our guide will speak on the worship practices and point out the bird’s eye view of what was a bustling city of around 800,000 during Paul’s stay. Another important stop is a visit to Diolkos where we view the paved trackway which enabled boats to be moved overland across the Isthmus of Corinth and served as a life line for Corinth. This shortcut allowed ancient vessels to avoid the long and dangerous circumnavigation of the Peloponnese peninsula. Before returning to Athens, we will visit Cenchreae, the ancient port region of Corinth. Acts 18:18 states the Apostle Paul stopped at Cenchreae during his second missionary journey, where he had his hair cut to fulfill a vow.

Day 12: Athens

Following breakfast this morning we tour Athens, the foundation of democracy. We visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. From atop Mars Hill we view the Agora below, the ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life. Additional sites viewed during our panoramic bus tour are, the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace. An option later this afternoon is a visit to the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes.

Day 13: Meteora Monastery

Please prepare for a dress code today. In Meteora, women are required to wear skirts below the knee and men, pants. From Athens, our tour travels northward past Thermopylae where we learn of the famous Spartan battle of 300. We continue through the mountains to Meteora. Here we see the world famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched precariously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. Our lodging this evening will be in Meteora.

Day 14: Vergina, Berea, Thessalonica

Traveling northward into Macedonia we visit King Phillip's (Alexander's father) tomb in Vergina, one of the most outstanding finds in all of Greece. A stop will be made in Berea to view the ancient synagogue where Paul spoke and the Bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the "more noble" church. The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today as we arrive in the delightful harbor city of Thessalonica. En route to the hotel we will view the old city ramparts; the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. We spend two nights here.

Day 15: Thessalonica/Philippi/Kavala

We begin the day by following the massive battlement Byzantine wall to the citadel for a panoramic view of the city. Next, we will visit Philippi and Kavala. Kavala is Greece's prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala. Continue on to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will view the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ and visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. We return to Thessalonica and visit St. Demetrius Basilica, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert, before returning to the hotel for our final night.

Day 16: Homeward Bound

We transfer to the Thessalonica airport for our flight home.

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Where Paul Planted Seeds of Faith

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Home / Tours / Greece / 5 Days Pilgrimage Tour to Central Macedonia

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5 Days Pilgrimage Tour to Central Macedonia

Central Macedonia is a place with inexhaustible beauty and all the traits that make it an unforgettable destination!

Central macedonia is a place of unsurpassed natural beauty and a unique land with a long history and continuous human presence from prehistoric times; it was here, where the twelve olympian gods encountered the ancient macedonian civilization and the glory of alexander the great ; it was here, where the byzantine grandeur encountered the rise of the christian faith. here you can discover the purity of faith in the steps of st. paul , the numerous churches and the unique monastic state of mount athos ..

• Tour Package
• Delphi, Kalabaka Day 1
• Meteora, Thessaloniki Day 2
• Thessaloniki Day 3
• Edessa, Naoussa, Vergina, Veria Day 4
• Pella, Athens Day 5

A journey to the “navel of the Earth”!

Drive through the fertile plain of beotia region, pass by the towns of thebes, levadia and via the picturesque village of arachova, arrive in delphi and visit the archaeological site. depart for kalambaka , a small town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of the meteora, those gigantic rocks that rise steep from the plain of thessaly. (dinner and overnight).

A worldwide cultural heritage

Visit meteora : perched on top of huge rocks, which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless monasteries , where you can see exquisite specimens of byzantine art. meteora is the most important and biggest group of monasteries in greece after those on mount athos and the first traces of its history date to the 11th century a.d, when the first hermits settled there., entrance to the monasteries: appropriate clothing is required. ladies should not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves. men are not allowed to wear shorts., meet parts of the greek countryside, depart from kalambaka, drive through the striking plain of thessaly and the valley of tempi, and admire the gigantic figure of mount olympos , the highest mountain in greece and home of the 12 gods in greek mythology. arrival at thessaloniki , the second largest and the most vibrant city in greece. (dinner and overnight).

The bright city of Thessaloniki

In the morning we visit the city of thessaloniki that throughout the era of the byzantine empire was the “co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige only to constantinople. visit unique monuments and feel the glorious byzantine past in some of the oldest and most characteristic churches of the christian world as well as in the museum of byzantine culture ..

Enjoy the rest of the day in the lively center of the city. Walk on the seaside promenade where you can see the White Tower , the city’s famous landmark, and head to Aristotelous square that overlooks the Thermaic Gulf. You will be welcome to a number of cozy cafes, bars and shops to relax and have a wonderful time. (Dinner and Overnight)

Aristotle’s school, depart in the morning for a unique approach to historical macedonia. first stop at picturesque edessa where we see the town’s famous landmark, the waterfalls. then proceed to naoussa, to a site of exceptional beauty and importance: aristotle’s school , the picturesque site where the great philosopher taught ‘the doctrines of morals and politics’ to alexander the great and the macedonian youth..

Royal Tombs

Then drive to vergina (ancient aigai), to live the experience of a visit to the unique museum, created in the great tumulus covering the royal tombs of macedonia. see the astonishing findings from the tomb of king phillip ii, alexander’s father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century. in only a few miles away is veria (biblical beroea) to visit saint paul’s bema , and then stroll through the old jewish neighborhood and the colourful market area. a walk in a city where past is present and around. return to thessaloniki. (dinner and overnight), the birthplace of alexander the great, drive to pella , the capital of alexander the great. see the exquisite floor mosaics of the 4th century b.c. villas, in situ as well as in the new museum. then proceed and visit the archaeological park of dion (sacred city of the macedonians, at the foot of mountain olympos). after the visit we shall start driving south and through thessaly, lamia, thermopylae (see the leonidas’ monument) and thebes, arrive in athens late in the afternoon..

• Certain dates between May and September 2023 Contact us for more information
• Half board First class 810.00€ per person
• Child price 620.00€ per person
• Supplement for Single First class 165.00€
• The above rates do not include the New “City TAX” for overnights in hotels. The accommodation Tax will be payable by the guests prior to their check-out as following: 5* hotel: 4,00 € per overnight per room, 4* hotel: 3,00 € per overnight per room, 3* hotel: 1,50 € per overnight per room.
• Transport in a luxury air-conditioned bus of our office
• Tour Guide/Pilgrimage Expert
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• Breakfasts & dinners
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Little Known Balkans - Bulgaria, N. Macedonia, Albania, Greece

Explorer the historic heritage and cultural diversity of the lands, once ruled by the Macedonian King Alexander the Great. On this tour we’ll discover the beauty and the vast Greek, Roman and Ottoman legacy of Northern Macedonia, while enjoying a walk in the capital Skopje or along the shores of Lake Ohrid. Our journey will take us to the post-communist, busy and eclectic Tirana, the capital of Albania and the Ottoman-era town of Gjirokaster. Once we’ve gained deeper understanding of Albanian rich history, we will cross the border to Greece to admire the natural beauty of Pindus Mountains in Zagoria region. We’ll take the meandering roads through the mountains, which are passing by small, charming villages and dramatic gorges. We will explorer multicultural Ioanina, visit the famous Meteora monasteries and spend our last night relaxing by the magnificent coast of the Aegean Sea in Thessaloniki.

Tour highlights: ♦ Balkan Capitals - Experience the contrasting architecture and cultures of Sofia, Skopje and Tirana ♦ Ohrid – a medieval literary center and the last capital of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. Together with the Ohrid Lake the town is under UNESCOs protection ♦ Gjirokastra - UNESCO-Listed town ♦ Vikos Gorge and the Zagori arch stone bridges ♦ The spectacular Meteora Monasteries built on immense natural pillars

Day 1. Sofia (Bulgaria) Arrive Sofia, transfer to our hotel for overnight.

Day 2. Sofia- Skopje – Ohrid (N. Macedonia) After breakfast we head to the West, covering the 250 km to the Macedonian capital Skopje. Walking tour in the capital of Macedonia. Visit Old Bazaar, which is the largest and best preserved Turksih bazaar in south-east Europe. We will also explore the architecture and curious and controversial statues around Macedonia Square. After lunch, we countinue to Lake Ohrid. Founded over 2400 years ago, For century, up to modern time, Ohrid has always been an important cultural and spiritual centre. In order to preserve the unique legacy of the town, in 1980 it’s been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight hotel in Ohrid.

Day 3. Ohrid – Tirana (Albania) Our day will start, along the tranquil blue waters of Lake Ohris. We will enjoy a walking tour, through the narrow streets of the Old Town and climb up to the view point and the Tsar Samuel's Fortress, passing by Saint Sophia's Church and the Roman amphitheatre. We will visit the small, secluded Church of Saint John at Kaneo, overlooking the blue Ohrid Lake. In the afternoon we head to the Albanian capital Tirana (130 km/2.5 hours).

Day 4. Tirana - Gjirokaster After breakfast we will have a walking tour of Tirana, exploring the main areas of interest – the government buildings, the vast renovated Skanderbeg Square, the ex-residence of Enver Hoxha. After lunch, we’ll travel back in time as we are heading to the town of Gjirokaster, famous for its picturesque streets and Ottoman houses, which are also under the protection of UNESCO. Gjirokaster is the birth place of the communist ruller Enver Hodxha. 230 km/3.5 hours

Day 5. Gjirokaster – Monodendri (Greece) Today we will cross the border to Greece. On our way to Monderi we will enjoy the splendid nature of Zagoria - a magical region in the Pindus Mountains, famous with its picturesque villages and arched stone bridges. We will have a panorama stop over Vikos Gorge – spectacularly deep canyon, also listed on the Guiness Book. Hotel in Monodendri.

Day 6. Monodendri – Kipi – Ioannina Today we spend the morning exploring another typical Zagori village – Kipi, famous for its arched bridges (Kontodimos, Milos, Petsonis) and its well persevered folklore heritage. We are heading to Ioanina, the capital of Epirus Region. Ioannina has always been a meeting point for different cultures and religions. Its Christian, Islamic and Jewish legacy has been preserved over the centuries and we will have the chance to explore it on our afternoon walk through the historic center of the town. We will admire the architectural beauty of buildings like the House Matei Hussein and the Ottoman mosque of Veli Pasha.

Day 7. Ioannina – Meteora – Thessaloniki Our morning will start with 2 hours drive to the word famous Meteora monasteries. This is one of the most photogenic and spectacular places to visit in Greece. The 14th century monasteries are rising 1,000 ft above us, surrealistically hanging on the steep rock cliffs. These monasteries provided safe ground for the Christian population in Greece for centuries of Ottoman rule. After lunch, we will continue our journey to Thessaloniki, situated on the coast of the Aegean Sea. Overnight

Day 8. Departure

Balkan Village Trek (8 days progressive ride in Teteven Balkan area)

Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures

Roundtrip Iran - Classical Persia

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This year is a special one for Penguin Travel as we celebrate our 35th anniversary. Over the past 35 years, we have been dedicated to organizing adventure travel tours, taking our clients to some of the most exciting and off-the-beaten-path destinations around the world. Since our start in 1989, Penguin Travel has grown from a small team of passionate explorers to a leading name in adventure...

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Echoes of the Caucasus: The Vibrant World of Georgian Folklore Dance

Georgia, located between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, is known for its rich culture and tradition. One of the most captivating expressions of its heritage is Georgian folklore dance. This vibrant and dynamic art form has mesmerized audiences for centuries. From the spirited leaps of warriors to the graceful movements of women, Georgian dance encapsulates the nation's soul,...

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Macedonia

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Macedonia. There are 18 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 12 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit Macedonia.

18 Fully Guided tour packages in Macedonia with 9 reviews

In-depth Cultural Explorer Christmas & New Year Wine tasting +2

Macedonia wine tour

"All the time Daniel kept a gentle eye on us and let us know all about the dramatic and tragic history of the lands." Jeremy, traveled in October 2023

• 10% deposit on some dates

In-depth Cultural Family Sightseeing Christmas & New Year +2

Best of North Macedonia tour in eight days

"Overall good trip. There were too many below average stays." judy, traveled in May 2021

Scenic Macedonia in 8 days

• €60 deposit on some dates

Explore the capital of North Macedonia

• In-depth Cultural

North Macedonia 2025

Timeless Ohrid: A Journey in Four Days

Food & Culinary Explorer

The Balkans Real Food Adventure

In-depth Cultural Family Christmas & New Year +1

Tour of North Macedonia; Ohrid & Struga from Tirana

"I had an excellent day tour with Choose Balkans, they gave us a great overview of the area." Katrina, traveled in May 2024

Balkan Explorer

Explorer Family Mountain Hikes Sightseeing Historical +3

Macedonian Explorer

Macedonian rhapsody

In-depth Cultural Cultural Photography +1

Photo tour of unrevealed Macedonia

7 Days adventure tour around Galichica National Park

Skopje city break 5 days

Food & Culinary

Macedonia real food adventure

What people love about fully guided tours in macedonia.

A wonderful holiday.. comfortable hotels, a range of nice wines and good food, an introduction to the long history of the region, and an excellent guide in Daniel.

I honestly had the best experience. Choose Balkans had everything planned and it was easy to follow so many activities and they literally help you with everything. Choose Balkans travels is the best youth travelling company. And I’m looking forward to doing more trips with Intro in the future. I have made some life time memories

I had an excellent day tour with guide Erik through Choose Balkans, he was professional and gave us a great overview of the area. Thank you for the fun day and showing me more of your country!

Top operators

"A wonderful holiday.. comfortable hotels, a range of nice wines and good food, an introduction to the long history of the region, and an excellent guide in Daniel.

Experience Balkan is an expert in:

"Great tour. Covered a huge amount of the Balkans in a short space of time. This means a lot of driving to get from one place to another but if you are short of time this tour is perfect for seeing the highlights. One downside was the use of an electric car, which although was a noble attempt to be environmentally friendly, led to us having to stop a couple of times to charge. The places visited were very good. Our guide, Amarlido, was excellent - knowledgeable, good chat, and had great recommendations for things to see and places to eat. I had never prayed with a tour leader in a mosque before and this was an amazing experience for us! Overall, I would definitely recommend this tour group and itinerary.

Choose Balkans is an expert in:

"Overall, the "Spirit of the Balkans" tour with Nature Trips was fantastic and absolutely worth it. I should note that there were only 3 clients during our tour + our guide. We were flexible in our schedule and the pacing was just right with ample personal free time to do what we wanted to do. I imagine if it was a larger group, the tour would be more rigid in order to meet the schedule. We used a Mercedes Benz 7 passenger van for just the 3 of us. This was big enough for our luggage and we travelled comfortably. Ana was very professional about her work as tour guide cum driver. She was always prompt and was also in touch with our needs. She welcomed us with a package that included, among other things, a poncho that came in very handy during the 2 days that it rained. She also treated us like her longtime girlfriends. We chatted and talked about everything during the two weeks that we were together. She always gathered feedback from us about the hotel rooms, our local guides, the city tours, etc. for the continuous improvement of their future tours. about the places we visited, and anything Only daily breakfasts were included in the tour, so we were at liberty to try out our preferred food or cuisine. Breakfast at the hotels were adequate. We made stops during our driving days to very small cities to grab lunch/ snack instead of just stopping over at a gas station. Hotel quality vary city per city. They were always clean, but not as big or modern as others. Location wise, a majority of hotels we stayed in were within walking distance of the city centers. All hotels we stayed in had free WiFi, some more reliable than others. The only thing that deviated from our advertised itinerary were the the wine tasting and visiting the inside of the mosque in Sarajevo were stated in the itinerary, these did not happen. I was not particularly interested in these activities but it set us up for disappointmet and the nagging feeling of being short changed.

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Christian History

• Biblical Sites In Greece

Greece is very famous around the world for the unique masterpieces of Art. These masterpieces are mainly sanctuary and temples built to honor the ancient religion of the twelve Olympian Gods. You can see the ancient religion everywhere in Greece. The fact that the Ancient Greeks worshiped to many gods proves that were very faithful as according to their religious habits they had two essentials concepts: Hubris and the fear of the God. Greeks was so faithful that they have dedicated an altar to the Unknown God in case that they have forgotten someone.

The critical point in the religious history of Greece is Paul’s second missionary journey. Is a glorious and victorious journey. Is the journey which introduces the Word of God to Europe. Is the journey that is founding the first churches into European soil. Is the journey that converts a pagan but faithful country into the first Christian country in Europe. Is the fruitful soil where the seeds of Christianity planted and they are existing until nowadays. The presence of Paul is still alive in the biblical places of Greece. Below you can find the places that Paul honored and blessed with his labor and his preaching.

Apostle Paul’s visit to the historic and adorned city of Athens, city of the great poets and philosophers like Socrates, Solon and Themistocles and birthplace of the Principle of Reasonableness, marks one of the most challenging parts of his career as a missionary. He arrived alone to teach the true Word of the Lord, while Silas and Timothy remained in Macedonia. Though modern visitors are impressed with the great buildings of the Acropolis and Olympian Zeus, the Agora and the impressive Stoas, Saint Paul was stirred by the idolatry of the city.

Thessalonica

Thessalonica is the second-largest city in Greece, situated on the north. The city of Thessalonica was founded in 315 BC by Cassander of Macedon. An important metropolis by the Roman period, Thessalonica was the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire. Because of Thessalonica’s importance during the early Christian and Byzantine periods, the city is host to several paleochristian monuments that have significantly contributed to the development of Byzantine art and architecture throughout the Byzantine Empire as well as Serbia. The evolution of Imperial Byzantine architecture and the prosperity of Thessalonica go hand in hand, especially during the first years of the Empire, when the city continued to flourish. It was at that time that the Complex of Roman emperor Galerius was built, as well as the first church of Hagios Demetrios. By the 8th century, the city had become an important administrative center of the Byzantine Empire, and handled much of the Empire’s Balkan affairs. During that time, the city saw the creation of more notable Christian churches that are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Hagia Sophia of Thessalonica, the Church of the Acheiropoietos, the Church of Panagia Chalkeon. When the Ottoman Empire took control of Thessalonica in 1430, most of the city’s churches were converted into mosques, but have survived to this day. Travelers such as Paul document the city’s wealth in Christian monuments during the years of the Ottoman control of the city. A notable fact about this city is that Thessalonica has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites listed than any other city in Greece, a total of 15 monuments.

Paul stayed in Corinth, it was one of the most important cities of ancient Greece, for eighteen months in 51-52 A.D. Corinth had direct communication with Rome and the west and it was a strategic place to dissemination of Revelation. His attempts to reform the citizens’ ways were met only by rioting-tribulations recorded in his two "letters to the Corinthians".

Paul landed at Kavala and visited Philippi in 49AD and so began his mission in Europe. Characterized as "Gate of Europe and Asia", it was the first place in Europe to be disclosed of the Gospel. Despite being cast into prison in this place he retained a special affection for the Philippians, his first converts, and the congregation that he established was one of the earliest to flourish in Greece. It furnished the principal remains of the site: several impressive, although ruined, basilica churches.

The Island of the Apocalypse is a place of reference for all Christians today, also known as the "Jerusalem" of the Aegean. The Monastery of St John the Evangelist and the Cave of the Apocalypse where the Saint received the revelation constitute a major center of monastic life for the Orthodox world.

Kavala / Neapolis

Following the vision of Apostle Paul received at Troas, he journeyed to Kavala (by way of the island of Samothrace). Of the "abundance of Revelations" Apostle Paul had received, we are only privy to three in significant detail: the vision into Heaven with words he "could not utter", the Macedonian man vision at Troas and the vision of the Risen Savior on the Damascus road. It may be that Luke joins Apostle Paul here at Kavala, since the pronouns in the Book of Acts change from "them" to "we", suggesting the writer’s personal presence in the events until Philippi. The two-day journey from Troas to Neápolis on the second journey suggests the weather was good. The same journey took five days in less cooperative weather for the friends of Apostle Paul that were coming to see him in Troas from Philippi’s port, which is Neapolis (cp. Acts 20:6).

Veria (Beroea)

Paul preached in Veria (Acts 17: 1-13 of the New Testament) on two occasions, and a gaudy alcove shrine at the base of Mavromikhali marks the supposed spot of his sermons. But the town is more famous for the fifty or so small medieval churches, dating mostly from sixteen to eighteen century.

Heraklion (Fair Havens)

Paul visited the area of Fair Havens as he was being transported from Caesarea to Rome, as a Roman prisoner. Another place of interest in Herakleion is Gortyna which was the centre of Paul’s disciple, Titus.

A town in Macedonia, situated on the eastern bank of the Strymon (modern Struma or Karasu) some three miles from its mouth, near the point where it flows out of Lake Prasias or Cercinitis. The name is derived either from its being nearly surrounded by the stream or from its being conspicuous on every side, a fact to which Thucydides draws attention (in the place cited). Paul and Silas passed through it on their way from Philippi to Thessalonica, but the narrative seems to preclude a long stay (Acts 17:1).

A town in Mygdonia, a district in Macedonia. It was situated a little to the south of Lake Bolbe, on the Via Egnatia, the great Roman road leading from the coast of the Adriatic to the river Hebrus (Maritza), one of the main military and commercial highways of the empire: it lay between Amphipolis and Thessalonica, a day's journey. Paul and Silas passed through the town on their journey from Philippi to Thessalonica, but do not appear to have stayed there (Acts 17:1).

The Nicopolis, to which Paul urges Titus to come (Titus 3:12) is the city of that name situated on the southwest promontory of Epirus. It is true that we do not hear of his preaching at Patras, Zacynthus, Cephallonia, Corcyra (the modern Corfu), which, as a way-station to and from Sicily, always held preeminence among the Ionian islands; but there can be little doubt that, if his plan of going to Nicopolis was carried out, he desired to evangelize the province of Epirus (as well Acarnania) in Western Greece. Indeed, it was in this very city of Nicopolis, probably, that he was arrested and taken to Rome for trial during one of the winters between 64-67 AD.

Nicopolis was situated only a few miles North of the modern Prevesa. The ancient city was founded by Augustus, whose camp happened to be pitched there the night before the famous fight with Antony (31 BC). In the time of Augustus, Nicopolis was a flourishing town. The emperor concentrated here the population of Aetolia and Acarnania, and made the city a leading member of the Amphictyonic Council. There are considerable ruins of the ancient city, including two theaters, a stadium, an aqueduct, etc.

A celebrated island in the Mediterranean Sea. The city of Rhodes, its capital, was famous for its huge brazen statue of Apollo called the Colossus of Rhodes. It stood at the entrance of the harbor, and was so large that ships in full sail could pass between its legs. ED.) Rhodes is immediately opposite the high Carian and Lycian headlands at the southwest extremity of the peninsula of Asia Minor. Its position had much to do with its history. We have notice of the Jewish residents in Rhodes in 1 Macc. 15:23. Also Rhodes is mentioned once in the Old Testament (Ezek 27:15) and once in the New Testament (Acts 21:1). In Ezekiel, Rhodes is listed as one of the nations that traded with Tyre. According to local tradition, Paul’s ship landed in a small harbor at Lindos, which is known today as St. Paul’s harbor.

An island in the Aegean Sea, South of Thrace opposite the mouth of the Hebrus River, and Northwest of Troas. The island is mountainous, as the name indicates (see Samos), and towers above Imbros when viewed from the Trojan coast. The summit is about a mile high. The famous “Victory of Samothrace” (now in the Louvre) was set up here by Demetrius Poliorcetes circa 300 BC, and was discovered in 1863. Since that time (1873-75), the Austrian government carried on extensive excavations (see Conze, Hauser and Benndorf, op. cit.).

In the New Testament the island is mentioned in Acts 16:11. From Troas, Paul made a straight run to Samothrace, and the next day sailed to Neapolis (which see) on the Thracian coast, the port of Phillipi. At the northern end of Samothrace was a town where the ship could anchor for the night, and on the return journey (Acts 20:6) a landing may have been made, but no details are given. Pliny characterizes the island as being most difficult for anchorage, but because of the hazards of sailing by night, the ancient navigators always anchored somewhere if possible.

An island off the coast of Caria, Asia Minor, one of the Sporades, mountainous in the southern half, with ridges extending to a height of 2,500 ft.; identified with the modern Stanchio. It was famous in antiquity as the birthplace of Hippocrates (the father of medicine), of Ptolemy Philadelphus, and of the celebrated painter Apelles. The large plane tree in the center of the town (over 2,000 years old) is called "the tree of Hippocrates" to this day. Cos was one of the six Dorian colonies. It soon became a flourishing place of commerce and industry; later, like Corinth, it was one of the Jewish centers of the Aegean, as well as one of the financial centers of the commercial world in the eastern Mediterranean. Among the benefactors of the people of Cos was Herod the Great. It is mentioned in connection with Paul’s third missionary journey in Acts 21:1, and in its relations with the Jews in 1 Macc 15:23; Ant, XIV, vii, 2; x, 15; BJ, I, xxi. 11. For a list of works on the island see Paton-Hicks, Inscriptions of Cos, ix.

Acts 20:14-15: “And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after that we went to Miletus.” The reference in Scripture to Samos is almost certainly a reference to the city today known as Pythagorio.

Apostle Paul Life, Teaching & Theology

• Paul’s Epistles to Thessalonians: "Jesus is the Messiah"
• The Companions of Paul & Biblical Persons Related to Paul
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• Apostle Paul to Philippi: Sowing the Seeds of Christianity
• Apostle Paul & The Greek Society
• Apostolic Succession & Ordination According to The Apostle Paul (Part 1)
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Christian Philosophy & Culture

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• The Christian Church: The Symbolism (Part 1 of 4)
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Christianity & Ancient Greece

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Christian Tours For Greece

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• In The Footsteps Of Paul The Saint With Greek Cruise (11 Days)

Christian Tours For Turkey

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Christian Tours For Cyprus

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Christian Tours For Italy

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Christian Tours For Jordan

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Christian Tours For Israel

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• Holy Land & Greece Tour (9 Days)
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PRIVATE HOLIDAYS AND SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES IN NORTH MACEDONIA

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Since 2004 we create authentic, high quality tours in the Balkans. North Macedonia is our homeland, we have walked and biked every corner of the country and we make sure that the balance between the activities, the "must see" attractions and the "off-the-beaten-track" experiences gives you the true Balkan - intense, hearth warming and often life changing experience.

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Greece is a country with a profound connection to Christianity and its traditions. Athens is a fascinating pulsating Mediterranean city rich in history both ancient and Christian. Paul came to Athens from Berœa of Macedonia , coming probably by water and landing in the Peiræevs , the harbour of Athens. Visit the Acropolis with its magnificent and inspiring ruins and trace the beginnings of Christianity seeing Athens as Paul did. Tour Corinth where Paul preached the word of God. Paul stayed 18 months in Corinth working as a tentamaker with his close followers Aquila and Priscilla. An additional site you may want to visit is the island of Patmos to absorb and connect to the spiritual energy at the Cave of the Apocalypse where the Book of Revelations was written. In 1999, UNESCO declared the cave a joint World Heritage Site together with the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian .

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Atlanta Family Fun

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Best of Niagara Falls, Canada and the Amish Country

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Wizard of Oz at Barter Theatre

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Creation and The Ark Encounter

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Christian Tours has been operating escorted motorcoach tours for over 40 years. We are conveniently located in North Carolina near major cities such as Charlotte, Winston Salem, and Greensboro and just a short distance to South Carolina. Our escorted tours are fun-filled, family friendly vacations. It is easy to join us. We travel to sights all across the United States and Canada. We also offer International & Domestic Fly tours including scenic and exciting destinations.

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Christian Tours in Spain: Exploring the Spiritual Heritage of a Rich Culture

The historical significance of christianity in spain, top christian sites to visit, montserrat: where spirituality meets natural beauty, toledo: a synagogue, mosque, and cathedral coexisting, seville: exploring the moorish influence on spanish christianity, religious festivals and celebrations, semana santa: the holy week processions, el rocío: a mixture of faith and flamenco, tracing the footsteps of saints, st. james the apostle: following the camino de santiago, st. teresa of ávila: a journey through her life, the intersection of art and faith, gothic and renaissance cathedrals: testament to devotion, el greco's legacy: the artist's spiritual masterpieces, culinary and cultural experiences, sharing meals: the spiritual significance of spanish gastronomy, fandango and faith: flamenco's connection to christian culture, tours by duration.

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