APOSTLE PAUL FOOTSTEPS TOUR

We pick you up at the Port or Airport or your Hotel in Athens at 8:30 am

 

After your pick up from your residence,  you will head to Paul’s first destination in Athens which includes Acropolis Hill and the surrounding old city (Plaka).  Acropolis’ Hill hosts the impressive Temples of Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and the Nike Temple, all erected in the fifth century BC.

When Apostle Paul was visiting, some 500 years later, Athens was under Roman Rein.

Apostle Paul visited Acropolis and had discussions with the locals about the death of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection.  History mentions that he impressed some epicurean and stoic philosophers of the time. 

Exactly across the official exit of Acropolis Athens site, stands the Mars Hill or Areopagus Hill where Apostle Paul after being formally invited to do so, preached about Christianity.

At Acts 17:22-31 is mentioned that  Apostle Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things. For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD”.

Actually, you will see an excerpt of his sermon carved into a stone hung at the root of Mars Hill, where the stairs leading to the top begin.

From Acropolis, we will slowly descend into the most beautiful part of Athens, Plaka old city, a mixture of Neoclassical houses and archaeological sites around. You will pass by Roman Agora and Adrian’s Library on your way to Ancient Agora of Athens. 

Ancient Agora of Athens was the political and social centre of ancient Athens. Ancient Agora most prominent sites are the magnificent Temple of Hephaestus, Stoa of Attalos, the Church of the Holy Apostles, the Bouleutirion (council chamber), the Stoa of Zeus, and its many pagan shrines, including the Altar of the Twelve Gods and the Altar of Zeus.

In the Book of Acts (17:17) is said that Apostle Paul visited a synagogue in the Ancient Agora and preached about the ‘unknown god’. He also discussed with the Greek philosophers that one could meet in the Ancient Agora.

On our way to Ancient Corinth, your driver will make a stop at the Corinthian Canal, a six and a half kilometres canal separating the Aegean Sea from the Ionian sea.

If we are lucky, we will see a ship crossing the narrow canal and take many photos of the stunning view.

Twenty minutes later, you will arrive at Peloponnese, Ancient Corinth and visit the imposing archaeological site and museum. Apostle Paul stayed in Corinth for 18 months 

The site includes the famous Temple of Apollo (Dating in 585 B.C.) with the Doric style columns and the Bema, where Apostle Paul preached the word of Christian God to local Corinthians, Jewish and Romans. The  Corinthian Jewish united against Apostle Paul, dragged him to court accusing him that he was illegally trying to convert people. Soon, he left through Kechries. 

Apostle Paul is the patron saint of Corinth and Corinthians built an impressive church in his honour, the Church of Apostle Paul, which you will visit. 

The ancient port of Kechree was one of the largest in the ancient world since it was 30 acres.  Apostle Paul founded also the Church of Kechree and his first Deaconess was a woman, Saint Phebe. 

According to the Acts, he cut his hair and bid goodbye to his Corihtinas friends as he set off to Syria to continue his work on spreading Christianity in the Mediterranean. 

« Ο δε Παύλος …εξέπλει εις Συρίαν …κειράμενος την κεφαλήν εν Κεγχρεαίς, είχε γαρ ευχήν…» (Πράξ Αποστ. ΙΗ, ).

After the visit to Kechries port, your driver will transfer you to modern Corinth and we will see the modern Church of Apostle Paul.

Soon after, you will visit the seaside Corinth where you will enjoy your lunch at a traditional restaurant with fresh seafood or other local Greek food. 

When you have finished your meal, your driver will drive you back to Athens and drop you off at your residence.