8 Days Apostle Paul tour/Neapolis, Philippi, Veria,Thessaloniki, Athens,Corinth

The 8 Days Apostle Paul tour offered by GREECE TAXI provides a comprehensive voyage through Greece’s most significant biblical and historical landmarks. Priced at $2,961.45 per person, this approximately 8-day tour combines scenic drives, archaeological sites, and religious landmarks, making it ideal for travelers interested in history, religion, and Greece’s landscape. The tour features private transportation, air-conditioned vehicles, and pickup/drop-off service from your Athens hotel, with group discounts available.

This tour stands out for its flexible schedule, allowing stops wherever desired, and an emphasis on local gastronomy and wines. The expert guides do not just narrate history but also share the landscape’s significance, making it a well-rounded experience. While the tour involves some walking at archaeological sites, most stops are accessible by vehicle, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers. The reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and delicious regional food, though the cost may be a factor for some.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 8-day itinerary covering major biblical and classical sites across Greece.
• Visits include Neapolis, Philippi, Thessaloniki, Athens, Corinth, and Mount Olympus.
• Flexible schedule with stops wherever you desire during scenic drives.
• Includes transportation, but entrance fees to sites are not included.
• Expert guides provide engaging historical and landscape insights.
• Perfect for those interested in religious history, archaeology, and Greek landscapes.

Exploring Greece as a Biblical and Historical Destination

This 8-day tour emphasizes visiting key sites related to Apostle Paul and Greece’s ancient history. Starting with a visit to Thermopylae, the tour sets the tone with a site famous for its ancient battlefield. From there, the itinerary weaves through central Greece and Macedonia, including Vergina with its royal tombs and Philip II’s burial site. The journey then moves to Neapolis (Kavala), Philippi, and Thessaloniki, where biblical accounts of Paul’s travels are brought to life through stops like Lydia’s church and the School of Aristotle.

The tour then ventures into the rich landscape of Mount Olympus and Delphi, with stops at the Temple of Apollo, museum, and the Tholos of Athena Pronaia. Each location contributes a layer to Greece’s archaeological and mythological heritage, complemented by scenic drives through mountainous terrain and olive groves.

From the Battlefield of Thermopylae to the Monasteries of Meteora

The journey begins at Thermopylae, where the famous 480 BC battle between Greek forces and Persia is commemorated. A visit to the associated interactive museum offers insights into this turning point in Greek history. The tour then proceeds to Old Trikala, a city built on ancient foundations, known historically for its healing temples of Asclepius.

Next, the Great Meteoron Monastery and the Meteora rocks dominate the landscape. On a sunset or photography tour, travelers get the chance to capture breathtaking views of the towering monastic complexes built on natural pillars. The UNESCO-listed Meteora offers a glimpse into Eastern Orthodox monastic life and stunning geological formations.

Delving into Macedonia: Vergina, Pella, and Philippi

Macedonian history takes center stage with visits to Vergina, the site of ancient Aigai, where King Philip II’s tomb was discovered intact. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides artifacts and ruins that testify to Macedonian royalty and Hellenistic culture.

The tour continues to Pella, the capital of ancient Macedonia and birth of Alexander the Great. Here, the archaeological museum showcases exquisite mosaics and artifacts from Macedonia’s regal past. The Baptistery of Lydia in Philippi highlights early Christian history, as Lydia’s church is believed to be the first Christian church in Europe.

A visit to Loutra Pozar thermal baths near Pella offers a relaxing pause, where warm springs with a healing effect have been used since ancient times. This stop is optional and can be enjoyed at additional cost, depending on your preference for relaxation.

Sites of Biblical Significance on the Greek Coast and in Thessaloniki

Traveling along Paul’s second missionary journey, the tour stops at Veroia, where Paul and Silas preached, and at the School of Aristotle, where Alexander the Great received his education. The Archaeological Museum of Philippi houses excavated relics from Roman and Greek periods, emphasizing Philippi’s importance during early Christianity.

Further north, Thessaloniki’s highlights include Saint Demetrius Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the White Tower, a symbol of the city. The Rotunda—originally built as a mausoleum—has been a Christian church since the 4th century, reflecting the city’s medieval religious history.

Corinth and Ancient Greece’s Architectural Marvels

The Ancient Corinth site features well-preserved ruins linked to Saint Paul’s missionary work. The Ancient Agora and Roman theater reveal Greece’s classical and Roman architectural prowess. Nearby, the Corinth Canal offers a spectacular view of the engineering marvel connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas.

The day concludes in Nafplio, Greece’s first modern capital, known for its charming streets and Venetian fortress, making it a perfect spot for an overnight stay. The city’s historic atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the ancient sites visited earlier.

From the Sanctuary of Delphi to Mount Parnassus

The tour’s spiritual focus continues at Delphi, once considered the center of the world in ancient Greece. The Temple of Apollo and oracle offer insights into Greek religious practices. The Delphi Archaeological Museum displays marble sculptures, offerings, and artifacts from the site’s long history.

Driving through Mount Parnassus provides breathtaking views of olive groves and the mountains. The region’s mythological significance as the home of the Muses and Dionysus enhances the spiritual theme of this part of the tour.

Mount Olympus and the Final Remnants of Ancient Greece

On the last full day, the tour explores Mount Olympus, the home of the Greek gods. The highest peak, Mytikas, rises to 2,917 meters, and the area is a World Biosphere Reserve with diverse flora. Accommodation can be arranged in a boutique or 3/4-star hotel on the mountain slopes, offering a peaceful retreat amid nature.

The journey wraps up with a visit to Livadia in Boeotia, a historic town with ancient ties to oracles like Trofonios. The final stop is Ancient Corinth again, where the Corinth Canal provides a dramatic view of this engineering feat.

The tour concludes in Athens, with visits to the Acropolis and Areios Pagos, where Saint Paul preached in the 1st century. The Acropolis Museum houses masterpieces of classical Greece, rounding out the historical experience.

The Practical Side: Logistics, Value, and Suitability

This tour includes private transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, with pickups from your hotel in Athens. While entrance fees are not included in the price, most major archaeological sites offer discounted or seasonal rates. The schedule is flexible, with stops at scenic or cultural points, making it suitable for travelers who prefer comfort and customization.

The reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and delicious local food and wine. The tour is especially attractive for those with an interest in biblical history or archaeology. The cost may be high for some, but the comprehensive itinerary and expert guidance justify the price. The tour is not suitable for those unable to walk at archaeological sites or with limited mobility, but most stops are accessible by vehicle.

Apostle Paul and Greece: A Unique Cultural Journey

This 8-day tour offers a rich blend of biblical history, classical archaeology, and Greek landscapes. It captures Paul’s missionary trail, from Thessaloniki to Corinth, alongside significant Hellenic sites like Vergina, Delphi, and Mount Olympus. The inclusion of local food and wines adds a flavorful touch to this historical voyage.

Travellers seeking a deep understanding of Greece’s religious and historical layers find this tour both informative and inspiring. The expert guides’ narration, combined with stunning scenery and archaeological richness, makes it a memorable experience. However, this tour requires a good level of mobility and an interest in history and religion to fully enjoy the stops and sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $2,961.45 per person.

How long does the tour last?
The 8-day tour lasts approximately 8 days, with most days involving scenic drives and site visits.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to sites and museums are not included, but they typically cost around $20 in summer or half that in winter.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, private, air-conditioned transportation is included, with pickup and drop-off at your Athens hotel.

Can I customize the schedule?
The schedule is flexible, allowing stops wherever you desire during the scenic drives.

Is accommodation included?
Accommodation is not included but can be arranged at additional cost, with various boutique and 3/4-star hotels available.

Is this tour suitable for all mobility levels?
Most sites involve some walking, but the majority of stops are accessible by vehicle, making it suitable for travelers with moderate mobility.

What kind of guide is involved?
A professional driver provides commentary during the drive, but there is no licensed archaeological guide accompanying you at sites unless specially arranged.

What makes this tour stand out?
The tour’s focus on biblical sites combined with classical Greek landmarks, scenic landscapes, and local food creates a well-rounded experience.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 54 days in advance, which is recommended to secure preferred accommodations and dates.

This 8-day Athens to Mount Olympus and Thessaloniki biblical and archaeological tour offers a detailed exploration of Greece’s past and landscape, making it a compelling choice for history enthusiasts and religious pilgrims alike.