Steps of Paul - 7 Nights

Start your Aegean adventure in the sunlit ancient city of Thessaloniki. Enjoy the unique ambiance of the city’s ruins, Roman Agora, Byzantine Baths, the Rotonda and the Arch of Galerius all side-by-side. Enjoy Thessaloniki’s famous pastries and bites before you head off to start your adventure.

The seaport resort of Kavala perched on the slopes of Mt Symvolo offers spectacular panoramic views. It was here that St Paul baptised the first Greek and European Christian convert, Lydia, and gave his first sermon. Visit the open-air baptistery, the monument that honours the Saint and the prison ruins where he was held captive with St Silas or join our specialist guide for a fascinating excursion to Neapolis and Philippi.

The vibrant city of Istanbul straddles the continents of Europe and Asia via the Bosphorus Strait. Here you can visit the lavish Byzantine and Imperial mosques which pierce Istanbul’s skyline with their towering minarets. The iconic Sultanahmet (blue) mosque, the Romanesque Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the world-famous Church of Hagia Sophia are just a few of the enigmatic attractions to admire.

Snaking its way along the beautiful coastline of Turkey’s seafront city of Dikili is a lush landscape of green forestry and expansive golden sands. Sparkling crystalline turquoise waters complete the captivating scenery. Here you have the opportunity to visit the Ancient Pergamon and the ancient Acropolis. The remains of the healing temple of Asklepion is the final stop of the day.

In Turkey’s picturesque seaside resort of Kusadasi, St Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians and preached at the Great Theatre of Ephesus. The second-largest city of the Roman Empire is also the home of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis. You will learn about this and more on our tour to ancient Ephesus and the city of Miletus.

Patmos is the smallest of the Greek Dodecanese islands and also its most spiritual. The tranquil island is famously known for being the location where John the Apostle experienced the vision that inspired the Book of Revelations. The last remaining disciple was banished to Patmos by Rome. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims to St John’s Monastery and the Holy Grotto of the Apocalypse.

Known for ancient industry and silver-mining, this humble town on the tip of the Attica Peninsula is making a comeback. Lavrio’s marina, beaches and mineral museum attract groups with time to explore, but even a fleeting visit leaves an impression. Meet restauranteurs boasting locally caught octopus and stuffed squid, and taverna hosts who welcome you like a friend returning from sea.

Your cruise may be drawing to an end, but the unique ambiance of Thessaloniki’s ancient ruins is still to be explored. Rooted in the heart of the city, you’ll find a rich tapestry of roman agora and byzantine baths, and with iconic landmarks such as the Rotonda and the Arch of Galerius nearby, this is the perfect place to reflect on your journey.