Feasts of Faith Land Tour
Nourishing the Body and Soul on a Biblical Quest
9 Days & 8 Nights Land Tour
Thessaloniki-Kavala-Philippi-Berea-Meteora-Athens-Corinth
Embark on a transformative journey to the cradle of ancient civilizations and Christian heritage with our meticulously curated pilgrimage tour. Set the stage for an unforgettable adventure with an overnight flight to Greece. Arriving in Thessalonica, indulge in a welcome wine reception before delving into the city’s vibrant streets. Traverse through biblical history as we explore Philippi and Kavala, where St. Paul and his disciples once walked. Savor the rich culinary traditions of Northern Greece before continuing our journey to Berea and Naoussa for enriching experiences including a wine tasting session. Immerse yourself in the charm of Metsovo with cheese tastings and a visit to a renowned winery. Witness the awe-inspiring Meteora Monasteries and engage in a truffle hunting session, followed by a visit to ancient Corinth and an olive oil tasting. Explore Athens’ iconic landmarks before enjoying a rooftop dinner overlooking the city. Discover Athens’ vibrant markets and museums, culminating in a farewell dinner. Finally, bid farewell to Greece as we depart, preparing for a pilgrimage of a lifetime filled with spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories.
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Destination
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Included
Our Deluxe MotorcoachesOur Experienced Tour DirectorOur Expert GuidesOur Unsurpassed Service
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Day 1: Arrival Thessaloniki
We arrive in Thessalonica and check into our hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax or take a stroll along the streets of Thessalonica and enjoy the flavor of the city. This evening our group will get together for a welcome wine reception and taste the first of many delectable European-style dinners.
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Day 2: Philippi & Kavala & Thessaloniki Food Market
We begin the day by visiting Philippi and Kavala. Kavala is Greece’s prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. St. 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. We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis. Continue on to Philippi, where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We 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 been Paul’s prison. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, the Basilica, and the Theatre. Here we celebrate Mass.
We return to Thessalonica and visit St. Demetrius Basilica, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert. We stop at a local market to learn about the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Northern Greece, an area called Greek Macedonia. Dinner tonight is at a local taverna.
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Day 3: Berea & Wine Tasting in Naousa
Before we leave Thessaloniki, we celebrate Mass and see the old city ramparts, including the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, and the Galerius Arch. Then continue to Berea to view the ancient synagogue where Paul spoke and the Bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul, including the plaque of scripture regarding the “more noble” church. Continue to Naoussa, famous for the Xinomavro wine, a red grape variety. Enjoy a visit and a wine-tasting session at Kir Yiannis Winery (wine tasting is accompanied by Greek cheese). Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka
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Day 4: Metsovo Wine Tour
Today we visit a a town unlike any other in Greece. Metsovo feels like a Greek mountain village, rich with traditions, unique architecture, and woven textiles. The delicious aroma of traditional cheeses greets us as we enjoy a cheese tasting. We have a visit to the Tositsa Folk Art Museum and the gallery, where we get a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Metsovo. Next, we visit one of the best-known wine producers in Greece, the renowned winery Katogi Averoff. We have the opportunity to sample some of the most excellent wines produced in Metsovo while learning about the wine-making process from the experts. Finally, we conclude our journey with a tasting of the traditional foods of Metsovo, prepared with locally sourced ingredients. We return to Kalambaka and have dinner and an overnight at the hotel.
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Day 5: Meteora Monasteris & Truffle Hunting
Following breakfast this morning, we begin with our tour of the Meteora Monasteries. Here we see the world-famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched on top of steep gray rock formations. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves. We stop at an icon-making facility to learn about the art of written icons. Later we continue with a visit to the travel museum and a truffle hunting session. Enjoy a mushroom product tasting with 5-6 kinds of mushrooms and traditional mushroom spoon sweet accompanied by a glass of local wine. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
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Day 6: Ancient Corinth & Olive oil Tasting
After breakfast, we travel to the Peloponnese with a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal. Then continue on to the ancient city of Corinth, the city that inspired many of Paul’s most familiar letters. In Corinth, we see the Archaeological Museum, the marketplace, the Bema, and the Temples. After our tour in Corinth, we stop for lunch in a local restaurant and to visit a local olive oil farm to learn about olive oil production in Greece. We return to Athens for an evening at leisure. Overnight in Athens.
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Day 7: Ancient Corinth & Olive oil Tasting
This morning enjoy a walking tour of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill, where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. Additional sites include the Agora (ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Olympic Stadium, and the Presidential Palace. We enjoy drinks and dinner in one of the many Athenian rooftop restaurants tonight. Overnight in Athens.
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Day 8: Athens at Leisure
Our morning starts with a visit to the Varvakios Market, the city's largest and most popular fish, meat, and vegetable market. You'll sample olive oils, honey, cheeses from around the country, cured meats, olives, and more. We sample and shop for spices along the spice road ending up in the Plaka district, one of Athens' oldest neighborhoods, where souvenir shops balance with local life. You may want to cap off the experience with lunch in a traditional taverna at the foot of the Acropolis. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Plaka the old section of Athens, and visit the world-famous Archeological Museum, the Benaki Museum, or the Icon Museum. Enjoy our farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Athens.
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Day 9: Departure