Description

Saint Paul’s Footsteps Private Day Trip from Thessaloniki

WHY YOU SHOULD BOOK THIS EXPERIENCE?
The journey allows for spiritual growth and contemplation, following the path of one of Christianity’s greatest missionaries. Many tours incorporate moments for prayer, worship, and group discussions about Paul’s teachings. Northern Greece is well-connected with modern infrastructure, making it easy to travel between the key locations. Guided tours include expert insights into biblical history, archaeology, and theology (Licensed Guides).
Best Time to Book: All seasons. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Saint Paul’s Footsteps Private Day Trip from Thessaloniki

What To Expect

1. Holy Church of Saint Paul the Apostle in Thessaloniki (1st Stop)
   The Holy Church of Saint Paul the Apostle in Agios Pavlos, Thessaloniki, Greece, is a prominent spiritual landmark dedicated to Saint Paul. Thessaloniki is a city with deep ties to the missionary journeys of the Apostle, as he preached and established a Christian community there, referenced in the New Testament letters to the Thessalonians.
2. The Archaeological Museum of Philippi (2nd Stop)
   Philippi is one of the most significant stops for those tracing the footsteps of Saint Paul. Located in modern-day Northern Greece near the city of Kavala, Philippi was a major city in the Roman province of Macedonia during Paul’s time. Today, the archaeological remains of Philippi allow visitors to walk in Paul’s footsteps:
   The Baptistry of Lydia, The Roman Forum, The Prison of Paul and Silas, The Octagon Church(One of the earliest Christian churches in Europe, built over the ruins of an older structure) and The Ancient Theater.
3. Saint Lydia’s Baptistery (3rd Stop)
   Saint Lydia’s Baptistery is a significant Christian pilgrimage site located near the ancient city of Philippi in Northern Greece. It commemorates Lydia of Thyatira, the first recorded European convert to Christianity, baptized by Saint Paul during his missionary journey (Acts 16:13-15).
   Biblical Significance of Lydia and Her Baptism.
   Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, was a wealthy and influential woman from Thyatira, residing in Philippi.
   She is described as a “worshiper of God,” indicating she was likely a Gentile who revered the Jewish faith.
   Her conversion to Christianity marked a pivotal moment in the spread of the faith to Europe, making her one of the most significant figures in early Christian history.
   Saint Paul baptized Lydia and her household near a river outside the city gates of Philippi. This act symbolized the beginning of the Christian church in Europe.
4. Kavala (4th Stop)
   Saint Paul’s Bema in Kavala, Greece, is a monument commemorating the arrival of Saint Paul in the city during his second missionary journey. Kavala, known as Neapolis in antiquity, was the first European city where Paul set foot after receiving a vision calling him to preach in Macedonia (Acts 16:9-11). This significant site is a must-visit for those tracing the footsteps of Saint Paul.
5. Kavala Fortress (5th Stop)
   Bastion of a blue city. At the peak of the Old Town proudly stands the fortress, a landmark of Kavala and one of its most stunning sights.
   The peak of the peninsula of Panagia is dominated by the Acropolis of Kavala, the largest part of which was built in the first quarter of the 15th century AD. It succeeded the Byzantine Acropolis of Christoupolis (an older name for Kavala), which had been destroyed in 1391, the ruins of which were incorporated into its construction. The purpose of the fortress was to control and protect the critical route of the Via Egnatia. The fortress was built on a position with excellent natural defences and in a period when wars were fought with weapons of “cold steel” and not with missile weapons of mass destruction. The Acropolis was used for the last time during the Second World War by the occupying forces. The successive repairs and intervention to its fortifications, from the Byzantines to the Venetians and the Ottomans, can be seen on this imposing building.
   The entire acropolis has been built using unworked local granite blocks, mixed in with pieces of brick and marble. Entering through its central entrance, we can see that it is divided into an inner and an outer precinct by a transverse wall. The inner precinct was the most important part of the acropolis as it contained all the essential areas for its defence.
   Today, the visitor can see:
   • The central circular tower, which was the last line of defence
   • The gunpowder and food store, which was later converted into a jail
   • The garrison, a space suitable for the quarters of the officers or guards
   • The water cistern
   • Two square and one polygonal tower can be seen in the walls of the outer precinct of the acropolis, while in its inner precinct there is an open-air theatre for cultural events and a cafe for visitors.
   • From the upper level of the central circular tower, a wonderful view over the whole of the town of Kavala can be enjoyed.

Saint Paul’s Footsteps | Indicative Itinerary 

• 09:00 > Pick-up from your location in Thessaloniki and visit The Holy Church of Saint Paul the Apostle in Agios Pavlos area of Thessaloniki
• 11:30 > Arrival at The Archaeological Museum of Philippi
• 13:00 > Arrival at Saint Lydia’s Baptistery
• 14:00 > Arrival at Kavala City (Lunch break, Optionally, Lunch Duration: 1 hour (approx.)
• 15:00 > Kavala Tour
• 17:00 > Depart Time to Thessaloniki
• 19:00 > Arrival Time to Thessaloniki

INCLUDED

• Pick up and drop off service from your hotel in Thessaloniki
• Transportation by Luxury vehicles
• Entrance fees (wherever it is required)
• Professional English-speaking Driver
• Wifi on board (free)
• Bottle of water and coffee during the route (free)
• After the trip you will receive edited photos and a small video of your trip.

NOT INCLUDED

• Gratuities (optional)
• Licensed Guide who speaks your language (out of English)
• English Speaking Licensed Guide (optional, you can choose from the list)
• Lunch or dinner cost

Saint Paul’s Footsteps Private Day Trip from Thessaloniki | Additional info

• Participants under the age of 12 must have a parent or guardian.
• There are many sights worth seeing but a day trip is not enough to visit all of them, before starting the trip we will present to you all possible sights to choose what you are more interest for.
• There are many beautiful sights. You are encouraged to bring a camera along. But if you don’t… we have a camera for you!
• Weather will not affect the operation of the tours.
• However if canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions, you will be given the option of an alternative date
• Pick up from your hotel in Thessaloniki
• Departure time: 09:00 am
• Duration: 10 hours (approx.)
• Return details: Returns to original Pick up point

Let’s discover St. Paul’s Footsteps, Private Experience from Thessaloniki

More Day Trips

Hello Thessaloniki on Instagram