Religious Tour of Apostle Paul 5 Days
Day 1: Athens
Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities, is the capital and largest city of Greece, dominating the Attica region. Arrival at the airport which is named Elefthérios Venizélos, started operating in 2001 and it is located about 30 km from Athens. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: Patmos
The Athens Christian tour begins with a visit to Acropolis hill. Stroll around the ancient citadel while your experienced tour guide relates to you the fascinating history of such monuments as the Temple of Athena Nike, the Theatre of Dionysus, the majestic Parthenon and the Mars Hill (Acts 17:22), where Apostle Paul preached the word of the Christian God to the Athenians. After a short walk, passing by the picturesque Monastiraki area, you will visit the Ancient Agora. The Agora was the heart of Athens in ancient times and the meeting point of St. Paul with the first followers of Christianity. The Church of the Holy Apostles, a medieval orthodox church from the 10th century, is also located here.
Our next stop will be the Panathinaikon Stadium where the first Modern Olympic Games took place in 1896. Continuing, we will pass by Zappeion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Next, we will see the National Garden, Hadrian’s Arch, St. Paul’s Church, the Parliament and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), the Catholic Cathedral, the Old Parliament, Constitution (Syntagma) Square and the Russian Orthodox Church. In the afternoon, we will transfer you at the port of Piraeus to get the ferry for Patmos Island, which departs at 19:00 pm and arrives at 03:15 am. When you arrive at the port of Patmos’ Skala, we will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Patmos.
Day 3: Piraeus Port (on board)
After your breakfast, you will visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse. The frescoes to the left of the entrance portray the miracles and travels of St. John the Evangelist, as written by Prochorus, an alleged disciple. The fresco to the right of the entrance portrays St. John’s battle with the priest of Apollo at Patmos, whom according the story was called Kynops. St. John threw Kynops into the water of the harbor at Skala, and Kynops turned to stone. The rock is still pointed out as a local landmark in the harbor.
The next visit is the Monastery of St. John and the Chapel of Virgin Mary: 12th century frescoes were uncovered by 1956 earthquake that shattered the 17th century coverings. The treasury of the monastery includes jewels of Catherine the Great of Russia. Transfer you at Patmos Port to take the ferry that departs from Patmos islands at 23.55 and arrives at Piraeus Port at 08.05. Overnight on board.
Day 4: Athens
We will meet you at Piraeus port drive you along the coast line with a short stop at the breathtaking Canal of Corinth (6 km length and 80m height!). After 20 minutes we will arrive at city of Corinth. Corinth was an important city in ancient Greece that it played a major role in the missionary work of the Apostle Paul. He was expelled from Athens and visited Corinth which came to be one of his beloved cities. Paul lived in Corinth for 18 months working as a tentmaker and converting as many Jews and pagans as he could. We will have the chance to visit the Cathedral of St. Paul, the Market, and walk at the same paths that the Apostle of Nations walked and preached hundreds of years ago. The Acts of the Apostles inform us that at some point Corinthian Jews united against Paul. They dragged him to the court accusing him that he was illegally trying to persuade people to follow his preaching. Few weeks later he decided to leave Corinth. He had to go to Ephesus. He said goodbye to his friends and he left Corinth accompanied by Silas, Timothy, Akylas and Priskilla. Apostle Paul is the patron saint of Corinth and Corinthians built an impressive church in his honor. Overnight in Athens.
Day 5
After your breakfast we will transfer you to the Athens airport.
Included:
- 2 nights Athens hotel 3* BB
- 1 night Patmos hotel 3*
- City tour / religious tours
- Transfers from / to airport
- Transfer from / to hotel
