Biblical Tour Letters To The Corinthians: Apostle Paul’s Missionary Journeys in Athens & Ancient Corinth

Athens - Our skilled English-speaking tour drivers will meet you at your hotel lobby or the entrance of your Airbnb, apartment, or villa. We guarantee timely pickups and drop-offs at your chosen location. If you’re arriving at the airport or port, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area, holding a sign with your name for easy identification.

Areopagus Hill - Visit the Holy Rock of the Acropolis, specifically Areopagus Hill, where Apostle Paul delivered one of his most powerful speeches to the Athenians about the Unknown God.

Roman Agora - Explore the Ancient Agora, where St. Paul preached to the Athenians, and the Roman Agora.

Price: €8 per person

Ancient Agora of Athens, Adrianou 24, Athens 105 55 Greece

Instead of visiting the new Acropolis Museum, consider visiting the Ancient Greek Agora, known as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and free speech.

Flisvos Marina - Explore the Ancient Agora, where St. Paul preached to the Athenians, and the Roman Agora.

Price: €8 per person

Ancient Agora of Athens, Adrianou 24, Athens 105 55 Greece

Instead of visiting the new Acropolis Museum, consider visiting the Ancient Greek Agora, known as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and free speech.

Corinth Canal - The Corinth Canal is a waterway that traverses the narrow isthmus of Corinth, connecting the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf. This canal separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese, effectively turning it into an island. Although completed in the late 19th century, the canal was a dream for over 2000 years. Before its construction, ships in the Aegean Sea had to circle the Peloponnese to reach the Adriatic or anchor in Corinth, adding an extra 185 nautical miles to their journey. It is believed that Periander, the tyrant of Corinth (602 BC), first envisioned the Corinth Canal. Due to the complexity of the project and limited technical capabilities of the time, Periander constructed the diolkos, a stone road that allowed ships to be transferred on wheeled platforms.

The Diolkos - Discover the ancient limestone roads where boat trailers, slaves, oxen, and other animals were used to transport boats from the Corinthian Gulf to the Saronic Sea, controlling over 270 Greek colonies. All coastal Mediterranean cities today were once Greek. This geographical and geopolitical dominance of Corinth played a crucial role in why Apostle Paul chose to stay for 18 months in Corinth and why he was determined to establish his ministry there.

Archaeological Site of Isthmia - A short distance from the Corinth Canal, the largest technical project in our country in the 19th century, lies a place with a glorious history. The second most important sports competitions, the Isthmians, were held here, not only in Greece but throughout the ancient world. It is located at a strategic point where the Peloponnese joins Central Greece.

Apostle Paul’s presence in the Isthmian region is considered significant, and the Bible’s reference to his presence at the Isthmian games is important as it marks the first official presence of a Christian at the games. Apostle Paul worked at the Isthmian games as a tent maker, providing accommodation for athletes and visitors. These games were the second most important after the Olympic games in Ancient Olympia. Apostle Paul proclaimed the son of Christ to the visitors and athletes, and his actions helped.

Archaeological Museum of Isthmia - Conference and Meeting Space
Isthmia, due to its geographical position, was a place of conferences and gatherings. Notable events include:

• 481 and 480 BC: Gathering of Greek cities to confront the Persians
• 337 BC: Philip II is proclaimed commander-in-chief of the Greeks
• 336 BC: Alexander the Great is proclaimed commander-in-chief of all Greeks
• 302 BC: Dimitrios Poliorkites is proclaimed ruler of Greece
• 196 BC: Roman ruler Titus Quinctius Flamininus declares the self-governing and free states of Corinthia, Phocia, Lokra, Evia, Magnesia, Thessaly, Peraiva, while Corinthia becomes the seat of the Achaean Commonwealth.
  The monuments are numerous:

Ancient Port of Kenchreai - Visit the ancient port of Kenchreai or Cenchreae by the Saronic Sea, one of the two ports of the inland city-state of Corinth. Trace the footsteps of Apostle Paul and his departure from Corinth in 53 AD, sailing to Ephesus with Aquila and Priscilla. Discuss the Nazarite vow - the cutting of the hair (Acts 18:18).

Apostolos Pavlos Church - Visit the church of St. Paul in Corinth

Apostolos Pavlos Church, Apostolou Pavlou 70 Notara, Corinth 20100 Greece

During his stay in Corinth, Apostle Paul spent one and a half years there, founding the metropolitan church in 51-52 AD. This church is well-known from the Book of Acts and the two “To Corinthians” letters of the apostle.

Apostolos Pavlos Church - A Neo-Byzantine church dedicated to Apostle Paul, analyzing the ‘Vision of Apostle Paul’ and Paul’s life in Corinth. A beautiful mosaic by Vlasis Tsotsonis depicts Saul on his way to Damascus in 34 AD to persecute Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem. Hearing the voice and blinded by the light, we discuss his transition and understand his challenges in Corinth, including his ‘judgment’ by Gallio (Acts 9:10-19, Acts 18:12-17).

Archaia Korinthos - Agora: A rectangular construction 160 m long and 70 m wide, consisting of central shops, small temples, and altars, and the renowned podium or Bema from where Apostle Paul addressed the Corinthians in 52 AD. A rectangular construction 160 m long and 70 m wide, consisting of central shops, small temples, and altars, Roman buildings, the ancient amphitheater, the Roman Odeon, the Glauke fountain, the Roman baths, the Lechaion road, the Roman forum, and the renowned podium or Bema from where Apostle Paul was ‘judged’ and presented officially for the first time to the Greeks and Romans as a Roman Citizen. It is on this platform that he preached the Belief (Acts 18:12-17).

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Tour of the ancient Corinth archaeological site

Corinth was a city-state on the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow stretch of land that connects the Peloponnese to the mainland of Greece, roughly halfway between Athens and Sparta. For Christians, Corinth is well-known from the two letters of Saint Paul in the New Testament, First and Second Corinthians. Corinth is also mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as part of Paul the Apostle’s missionary travels. Additionally, the second book of Pausanias’ Description of Greece is devoted to Corinth. Ancient Corinth was one of the largest and most important cities of Greece, with a population of 90,000 in 400 BC. The Romans demolished Corinth in 146 BC, built a new city in its place in 44 BC, and later made it the provincial capital of Greece. During Paul’s stay in Corinth, he was brought for judgment before the proconsul Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus, also known as Gallio, on the accusation of conducting illegal teachings. Gallio, however, refused.

Temple of Apollo - Temple of Apollo: One of the earliest Doric temples in the Peloponnese and the Greek mainland with Doric monolithic columns, rare in the ancient world, built around 560 BCE or 1400 BCE.

Akrokorinthos - Acrocorinth, the acropolis of ancient Corinth, a monolithic rock 1886 ft above sea level with 4.9 miles of walls - keep and three gates. One of the most impressive and dominant natural defense fortifications today. Remains of churches, mosques, houses, and cisterns, together with the temple of Aphrodite that once stood, can be appreciated. This is where Pegasus, the winged horse, grazed. From here, admire the Frankish tower, breathtaking views of the valley below, and the Corinthian and Saronic seas.

METEORA: Private Day Trip From Athens UNESCO World Heritage

Athens - In this 5-day private tour including Meteora, witness the extraordinary hanging monasteries along with the glorious Thermopylae battlefield. Enjoy a true door-to-door experience with your private tour driver and a first-class vehicle!

Kalabaka - Kalabaka is a town and seat of the municipality of Meteora in the Trikala regional unit, part of Thessaly in Greece. The population was 12,000 at the 2011 census, with 8,330 in the town proper. The Meteora monasteries are located near the town.

Meteora - On this tour, visit Meteora, a unique location rich in both landscape and Christian faith.

Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area. It is located near the town of Kalambaka at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios River and Pindus Mountains. Meteora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The name means “lofty”, “elevated”, and is etymologically related to meteor.

Varlaam Monastery - Visit the Monastery

Meteora - Arrive at Meteora and visit up to three Monasteries. Breathtaking at first sight, the Monasteries are of great cultural and natural importance. Split from earthquakes, weathered from the wind and water over millions of years, these immense rocks are an authentic masterpiece of mother nature.

Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries. The six (of an original 24) monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area.

Meteora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the name means “lofty”, “elevated”, and is etymologically related to meteor.

Please be modestly dressed. Women are suggested to wear…

Roussanou Monastery - Tour of the Rousanou Monastery at Meteora

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki - When Paul arrived in Thessaloniki, he began visiting the Jewish Synagogue over three consecutive Saturdays to converse with the attendees. He tried to explain that according to historical and prophetic books, Christ first had to suffer and then be resurrected from the dead. After listening to his words, many Greek converts, many Jewish converts to Judaism, and many of the city’s influential women embraced Christianity.

The Greek Agora and Roman Forum - After the battle of Pydna in 168 BC, Thessaloniki fell under Roman control in 146 BC and became the capital of the Roman Department of Macedonia. In 42 AD, it was proclaimed a Free City. It was exempted from taxes, could elect its own leaders, and minted its own coins. At the time Paul visited Thessaloniki and founded the homonymous Church in 50 AD, it was a Roman colony with the status of a free city. It was a rich city with developed trade, an intense cultural movement, and was a transportation hub.

Thessaloniki - Walk by the Arch of Galerius

Thessaloniki - See the Upper City, the Old City

Thessaloniki - Among the modern buildings, monuments testify to its glorious past, while archaeologists continually uncover findings dating back mainly to the Hellenistic and Roman times. The Roman Agora, dating to the 2nd-3rd century AD, with bathrooms and a conservatory, and the complex of Galerius represent the Roman era. The Roman Agora comprises two squares surrounded by arcades and connected by a staircase.

Thessaloniki - THE ROTONDA - EASTERN WALL

The Galerian complex was built around 305 AD. The Caesar Galerius palace includes the Octagon at the southwestern end of the Palace.

Thessaloniki - The Church Of Apostle Paul

Thessaloniki - Overnight stay

Amphipoli - Neapoli - Philippi

Philippi - From Neapolis, Paul and his three companions followed the Via Egnatia, arriving in Philippi after traveling 15 kilometers. The Via Egnatia, one of the most important roads of the second century BC, was started in 146 BC.

Philippi - In the winter of 49/50 AD, Apostle Paul arrived in Philippi and founded the first Christian Church in Europe. Upon the recognition of Christianity as the official religion by Constantine the Great, Philippi became the bishopric with jurisdiction over approximately five dioceses.

Philippi - Visit the Roman Forum in Philippi, where according to tradition, Paul and Silas were flogged.

Philippi - View the Roman Agora and part of the Egnatia Road, where Apostle Paul preached the Gospel.

Philippi - Visit the archaeological site of the ancient city of Philippi and the remains of the domed Basilica Church of the 6th century in Philippi.

Philippi - The fact that Paul was able to expel the girl’s evil spirit demonstrated the victory of Christians over the religion of the Gentiles. Her owners were outraged because they lost a major prophetic ability. They arrested Paul and Silas and brought them to the Agora before the city rulers. They accused them of urging the residents to follow religious customs that Roman citizens were not allowed to adopt. After their release, detailed in the Acts of the Apostles 16:13-40, Paul, Silas, and Timothy, but not Luke who remained at Philippi, greeted the Christians who had gathered in Lydia’s home and then departed for Thessaloniki, where there was a Jewish synagogue.

Ancient Amphipolis - Acts 17:1 After meeting with the believers at Lydia’s house, Paul and Silas leave Luke behind in Philippi and travel along the Via Egnatia through Amphipolis and Apollonia.

Amphipolis was an important town on the Via Egnatia in Paul’s day, although the modern highway bypasses the town. Founded in 437 BC by Athenian settlers, the city was built on a plateau a short distance inland from the Aegean Sea, overlooking the valley of the River Strymon. The city was conquered by Philip II of Macedon in 357 BC and subsequently became an important center in the Macedonian kingdom. After the Roman conquest of Macedonia in 168 BC, Amphipolis became the capital of the first meris (administrative district) of Macedonia.

Lion of Amphipolis - A range of artifacts from Roman Amphipolis – including an early Christian gravestone inscribed with a cross and the word ‘Emmanuel’ – can be seen in the modern Archaeological Museum at the far end of the village, adjacent to the site of the Roman city. The magnificent stone-carved statue known as the Lion of Amphipolis would have stood alongside the old Via Egnatia at the foot of the plateau when Paul visited, just as it does today.

Neapolis - The Holy Cathedral of the Apostle Paul was founded to honor and praise the fact that in this town – then known as Neapolis, subsequently Christoupolis and today Kavala – Paul, the Apostle to the Nations, had reached Greek territory, and Europe more generally, for the first time. The construction of the church began with a group of pious Christians at the beginning of the 20th century, and the foundation stone was laid in 1905 by the Metropolitan Bishop of Xanthi, Joachim Sgouros. The Greek Community first requested the consent of the Ottoman administration, given that the town at that time was still under Turkish rule.

Neapolis - Lydia of Thyatira and the Baptistery named after her.
When Apostle Paul visited Philippi in AD 49/50, founding the first Christian Church in Europe, the appearance of the city changed. Among those who heard Apostle Paul’s sermon was a woman called Lydia. Lydia decided to be baptized in the waters of the River Zygaktis, thus becoming the first Christian woman in history. Apostle Paul visited Philippi on another three occasions, a fact that, along with his Letter to the Philippians, shows the long and close relationship between the saint and the community of Philippi.

The modern Baptistery of St. Lydia (1974), with an octagonal design, can today be found very close to the archaeological site. On the adjacent bank of the River Zygaktis, there is an open-air baptistery within the flowing stream, similar to those that survive in the Early Christian basilicas of Philippi in the shape of a cross. On 20 May each year, the day of memory for St. Lydia of Thyatira,

Veria - Athens

Thessaloniki - After breakfast and check-out, begin the journey to Veria. After visiting Veria, start the journey back to Athens.

Veroia - After the adventure to Thessaloniki, Paul, Silas, and Timothy headed southwest to the city of Veria, knowing it had a Jewish synagogue. In 168 BC, Veria was delivered to the Romans. At the time of Paul’s visit, apart from the Macedonian population, many Romans and Jews lived in the city. It was an important commercial and cultural center of Central Macedonia and the home of many intellectuals and artists. The high cultural level was apparently the reason they responded with courtesy to Paul’s teachings. Many Jews and Greeks, including those who had converted to Judaism regardless of gender, believed in the Gospel, especially people from the upper class.

Veroia - The Jews in Thessaloniki who had persecuted Paul during his stay in the city, having learned of his travels and stay in Veria, sent some provocateurs to stir up the residents against him. So once again, Paul was forced to interrupt his stay and depart the city alone, leaving Silas and Timothy there. Friendly citizens of Veria helped him escape to a nearby port to board a ship that brought him to Athens. We have no information about the port from which Paul left Macedonia, but it was probably Pydna or Dion, which was the port’s name at that time.

• Pick-up and drop-off service from Athens Hotel, Airbnb, or Port
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
• Lunch provided
• Transportation via modern, first-class private vehicle
• Vehicles equipped with WiFi, A/C, and bottled water
• English-speaking tour driver knowledgeable in Greek history (not licensed for site accompaniment)

• Lunch, other beverages and meals
• Entrance tickets price Meteora : 6€ per a person
• Entrance tickets price Ancient site of Philippi : 10€ per a person
• Entrance tickets price Amphipoli : 10€ per a person
• Tips and gratuities
• Licensed tour guide
• Overnight Hotels are not included in the price you have to pay by your own

Trace the journey of Apostle Paul, a key figure in early Christianity and advocate for the universal message of Jesus.

Marvel at the modern engineering wonder of the Corinth Canal (Isthmus Canal).

Discover and explore the ancient route from the Corinthian to the Saronic Gulf and the submersible bridge. Enjoy a coffee or snack at a delightful café while taking in the views and watching boats navigate the canal.

Visit the expansive citadel of Acrocorinth. Enter through its grand gates to uncover the castle’s hidden treasures and experience breathtaking panoramic views that will leave you in awe.

Explore the remarkable archaeological site of ancient Corinth, featuring a fantastic museum, courtyard, Temple of Apollo, Fountain of Glauke, Sacred Spring, Peirene, Asklepieion, Odeion, Bema, Agora, and much more.

After your shopping time, you will be transported to the port of Kechries.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.