In the Footsteps of Saint Paul
In the Footsteps of Saint Paul
Tour with the Reverend Dr. Michael Jensen
Join us for a 12 Day Pilgrimage to Greece – Malta
Email: info@faithjourneys.co.nz for more details
Experience In the Footsteps of Saint Paul with a Believer, not just a Guide
DAY 01: THESSALONIKI
Welcome to Greece and the vibrant city of Thessaloniki. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and take time to settle in before meeting your fellow travellers at a tour briefing. This introduction provides an overview of the journey ahead and a chance to connect with the group. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Greek Welcome Dinner, sampling local cuisine while beginning what promises to be an inspiring and memorable pilgrimage through some of the most significant sites in early Christian history.
DAY 02: THESSALONIKI
After breakfast, explore Thessaloniki's rich history and Christian heritage on a guided city tour. Highlights include the Upper City, the Monastery of Vlatadon, the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda and Aristotelous Square. Visit the historic Church of Agios Pavlos, where tradition says St Paul once drank from a nearby spring while preaching in the region. Following an enriching day of sightseeing, return to the hotel before gathering for dinner and sharing reflections on the day's discoveries.
DAY 03: PHILIPPI AND KAVALA
Depart Thessaloniki and travel to Philippi, one of the most important sites in early Christianity. It was here that St Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe and baptised Lydia, the continent's first Christian convert. Explore the archaeological remains, including the ancient prison, Acropolis, Basilica, Theatre and Market Place. Continue to the coastal city of Kavala, believed to be the location of St Paul's arrival in Europe. After checking into your hotel, enjoy an evening at leisure before gathering for dinner with the group.
DAY 04: CAPPADOCIA - IZMIR
This morning, visit Veria (Berea), where St Paul preached and established an early Christian community. Continue to the Bema of St Paul before travelling to nearby Vergina, home to the Royal Tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. Explore this remarkable archaeological site and its priceless treasures. Later, journey through the scenic Greek countryside to Meteora, renowned for its dramatic rock formations and monasteries. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.
DAY 05: METEORA AND DELPHI
Begin the day with a visit to the spectacular Meteora Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched high atop towering sandstone pillars. Admire the breathtaking views while learning about the rich spiritual and monastic traditions that have flourished here for centuries. Following your visit, continue south to Delphi, regarded by the ancient Greeks as the centre of the world. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy an evening to relax before dinner with the group.
DAY 06: DELPHI AND ATHENS
After breakfast, explore the remarkable archaeological site of Delphi, once regarded by the ancient Greeks as the centre of the world. Discover the sanctuary of Apollo, home to the famous Oracle of Delphi, and visit the Delphi Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient artefacts. Following your visit, continue to Athens, Greece's historic capital. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy time to relax before gathering with the group for dinner and an evening of fellowship.
DAY 07: ATHENS AND CORINTH
Today begins with a visit to the iconic Acropolis, where you'll explore some of ancient Greece's most celebrated monuments, including the Parthenon, Propylaea and Erechtheion. Continue to Mars Hill, where St Paul delivered his famous sermon to the Athenians. Later, travel to Corinth to visit the Archaeological Museum, the ancient Market Place and the Bema, where Paul stood before local authorities. Return to Athens in the evening for dinner and another night in this fascinating city.
DAY 08: CORINTH DAY EXCURSION
This morning, return to Corinth for a deeper exploration of one of the most important cities of the New Testament. Walk among the ruins of the ancient Agora and admire the Temple of Apollo while learning about Corinth's role as a major commercial and cultural centre in the Roman world. Reflect on St Paul's ministry here, where he established a thriving Christian community and wrote his letters to the Corinthians. Return to Athens in the afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
DAY 9: ATHENS TO MALTA
After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your flight to Malta, an island deeply connected to the story of St Paul's missionary journeys. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed and transferred to your accommodation in Valletta. Spend the afternoon settling in and exploring your surroundings before joining the group for dinner. Malta's rich Christian heritage and Mediterranean charm provide a wonderful new chapter in your pilgrimage experience.
DAY 10: MDINA AND ST PAUL’S CATACOMBS
Today, discover some of Malta's most significant Christian and historical landmarks. Begin with a visit to Mdina, the island's ancient walled city, renowned for its medieval character and remarkable architecture. Continue to St Paul's Catacombs, one of the most important early Christian burial sites in Malta. Later, explore the magnificent St John's Co-Cathedral and the historic Grand Master's Palace, both reflecting Malta's rich religious heritage. Return to Valletta for dinner and an evening at leisure.
DAY 11: ST PAULS’ BAY AND RABAT
This morning, visit St Paul's Bay, traditionally recognised as the location where St Paul was shipwrecked during his journey to Rome. View St Paul's Island and the monument commemorating this pivotal event in Christian history. In the afternoon, travel to nearby Rabat to visit St Paul's Grotto, where tradition holds that the Apostle found refuge during his time on Malta. Return to Valletta and enjoy a final evening reflecting on the remarkable faith, history and culture experienced throughout your journey.
DAY 12: DEPARTURE DAY OR BEGIN ROME ADD-ON
After breakfast, those returning home will transfer to the airport for their onward journey, taking with them memories of an inspiring pilgrimage in the footsteps of St Paul.
DAY 12: ROME ADD-ON
For travellers joining the Rome extension, transfer to the airport for your flight to Italy. Upon arrival in Rome, transfer to your accommodation and enjoy time to settle in before gathering for a traditional Italian dinner. As the heart of the Roman Empire and early Christianity, Rome provides a fitting conclusion to this remarkable journey of faith and discovery.
DAY 13: ROME ADD-ON
Today, explore some of Rome's most significant Christian landmarks. Begin with a visit to the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, one of the four major papal basilicas and an important place of pilgrimage. Continue to the Vatican Museums, home to one of the world's finest collections of art and history, including the magnificent Sistine Chapel. This afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic heart of Rome, including the iconic Pantheon. Conclude the day with a group dinner featuring authentic Italian cuisine.
DAY 14: ROME ADD-ON
This morning, visit the Abbey of the Three Fountains, traditionally recognised as the site of St Paul's martyrdom. Continue to the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, built near the Apostle's burial place and one of the most important churches in Christendom. Later, explore the ancient Mamertine Prison, where tradition holds that both St Peter and St Paul were imprisoned before their deaths. This evening, gather for a special Farewell Dinner as you reflect on the profound experiences of your pilgrimage.
DAY 15: ROME ADD-ON DEPARTURE DAY
Enjoy a final breakfast before checking out. Depending on your flight time, you may wish to take a last stroll through Rome's charming streets or simply relax with a coffee while soaking up the atmosphere. Transfer to the airport for your flight home, bringing to a close your journey through the lands where the story of early Christianity unfolded.
