Footsteps of Paul Cruise onboard MSC Sinfonia

A Coastal Journey Following the Footsteps of Apostle Paul

10 Days & 9 Nights Footsteps of Paul Tour & Cruise

Ephesus-Istanbul-Galatina-Corfu-Athens-Corinth

Embark on a transformative voyage tracing the Footsteps of Apostle Paul aboard MSC Sinfonia, a journey that takes you through the heart of Greece, Italy, and Turkey. Begin in Athens, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis and Mars Hill, significant sites where Paul once taught. From there, sail to Izmir, Turkey, to visit ancient Ephesus, where Paul made a profound impact during his missionary journey. In Istanbul, immerse yourself in the city’s rich history with visits to the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. As you sail the Ionian Sea, stop at the enchanting island of Corfu, reflecting on Paul’s journey across the Adria. In Bari, explore the town of Galatina, where Paul’s divine powers left a lasting impression. Upon disembarkation in Piraeus, journey to Ancient Corinth, a city immortalized in St. Paul’s letters, where you’ll walk in his footsteps and explore archaeological wonders. Conclude your journey in Athens or extend your adventure to Northern Greece, reflecting on the profound teachings and legacy of Apostle Paul in this unforgettable travel experience.

Greece

Biblical

Destination

Greece
Departure

Athens, Greece
Included

Our Deluxe Motorcoaches

Our Experienced Tour Director

Our Expert Guides

Our Unsurpassed Service

The Old Fortress of Corfu, Boats Moored in a Marina

Day 1: Arrival Athens

Upon arrival in Athens International Airport, meet your guide and driver. Continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Athens of Apostle Paul & Cruise Embarkation

This morning you will begin your day with a tour of Athens. Visit among other masterpieces of the “Golden Age” the Acropolis, the Agora, and the Mars Hill where Paul taught. See Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the University, the Academie, and the National Library. Drive down Herodes Atticus Street and see the Evzones in their picturesque uniforms and the Presidential Palace. On your way to the Acropolis, you will see the Panathenaic Stadium (where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896), the Temple of Olympia Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch. On the Acropolis mount, you will visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylee, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and finally the Parthenon – the monument that “puts order in the mind” and “is harmony between material and spirit.”Upon completing the city tour, you will have some time for shopping before heading to the port of Piraeus for Embarkation on board MSC Sinfonia.

Day 3: Ancient Ephesus ( Izmir )

Ancient Ephesus This morning you are docked in Kusadasi, Turkey, and start your excursion to ancient Ephesus. Ephesus was one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world and its former glory can still be appreciated today from its well- preserved streets, temples, fountains, public baths, terraced houses, and theatres. Paul went to Ephesus on his third Missionary journey, staying and preaching for a period of about two to three years, and where several certain incidents took place (Acts 19:120, 20:20). It was to this community that Paul may have written his epistle to the Ephesians. You will visit the ancient Agora and go back in time where Demetrius, the silversmith, sold his silver shrines to the Ancient Greek goddess, Artemis. See the Library of Celsius and view the Great Theatre mentioned in the Book of Acts.

Day 4: Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul. An exciting day lies ahead of you. After breakfast, you will disembark and meet your expert guide to tour the most amazing landmarks of Istanbul, including the Basilica of Hagia Sophia, a beautiful architectural example of the Byzantine era and Christian Faith. Then you continue to the Hippodrome, a venue of events in the Roman Period such as horse races, gladiator fights, and parades. Last but not least, Blue Mosque famous for its blue tiles which cover the walls of the Mosque and the marvellous architecture.

Day 5: Day At Sea

Day 6: Corfu

This afternoon we are docked in the island of Corfu at the Ionian Sea. Apostle Paul crossed the Ionian Sea ( Biblically “Adria”) on his way to Rome on his last Missionary Journey (Acts 27:27-38). Corfu, an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea, is defined by rugged mountains and a resort-studded shoreline. Its cultural heritage reflects years spent under Venetian, French and British rule before it was united with Greece in 1864. Corfu Town, flanked by 2 imposing Venetian fortresses, features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade and the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George.

Day 7: Bari, tour to Galatina

Today we wake up in Bari. Your shore Excursion will take you to the nearby town of Galatina. Apostle Paul was known to have accomplished a miracle on the island of Malta, where he was attacked by a snake while attempting to light a fire. He managed to free himself without being bitten, and a number of people were convinced about his divine powers and converted to Christianity. A few months later, the Apostle Paul stopped in Galatina on his way to Rome. He was offered board and lodging by a noble family and in return he gave them a magic well to cure maladies inflicted by poisonous animal bites.

Day 8: Day At Sea

Day 9: Disembarkation & Corinth of Apostle Paul

Upon disembarkation in Piraeus the port of Athens, you will meet your guide and drive and begin your journey towards Ancient Corinth. Visit Corinth (Acts 18: 1-18), a city that inspired one of St. Paul’s most famous letter. You will visit the Archeological Museum, the Market Place, and Temples. Walk among the ruins and stand on the Bema where Paul stood. Read Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, addressing his message to the Gentiles as he began the task of establishing his church in Corinth. Acts 18:9-11 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. Stop for Lunch at the Corinth Canal and return back to Athens. In Athens, your bus will drop you off in the Plaka area for some last-minute souvenir shopping, before you head back to your hotel for dinner and overnight.