Footsteps of Apostle Paul - Faith-Based Travel

Footsteps of Apostle Paul - Faith-Based Travel

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10 Days From

$3548

$3359

Footsteps of Apostle Paul - Faith-Based Travel

10 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Athens, Meteora, Thessalonika, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Heraklion, Europe

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

TP-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Cruise

From: $3548 $3359 Barrhead discount: -$189

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a spiritual journey through Greece and Turkey with the "Footsteps of Apostle Paul - Faith-Based Travel" tour. Begin in Athens, exploring its ancient wonders before heading to the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora. Discover Thessalonika's historic sites, including the White Tower and Aristotelous Square, and visit Lydia’s Baptistery and the ruins of Philippi. Experience the legendary battle site of Thermopylae and the idyllic island of Mykonos. Sail to Turkey for a guided tour of the Ephesus Archaeological site, then return to Greece to explore the Minoan Palace of Knossos in Crete. Conclude your journey with a visit to the Acropolis and other iconic landmarks in Athens. This tour combines scenic drives, a Mediterranean cruise, and guided visits to significant historical and religious sites, offering a profound and enriching travel experience.

Highlights

  • Arrive in Athens, Greece

  • Visit two monasteries including the Holy Monastery of Varlaam in Meteora

  • See Thessalonika's White Tower and Aristotelous Square

  • Visit Lydia’s Baptistery and the ruins of the Basilicas in Philippi

  • Stop at the historic battle site of Thermopylae

  • Explore the whitewashed paradise of Mykonos

  • Take a guided visit to the Ephesus Archaeological site in Turkey

  • Visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos in Heraklion, Crete

Places You'll See

Zafolia

Amalia Kalambaka

Grand Hotel Palace

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Athens,Greece

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Zafolia

Meals Included: Dinner

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

ATHENS-STREET-SCENE.jpg

Day 2: Athens,Meteora,Kalambaka

Location: Meteora

Accommodation Name: Amalia Kalambaka

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


ATHENS–METEORA–KALAMBAKA The Miracles of Greece Depart Athens for a scenic drive to Kalambaka.
METEORA Visit two monasteries including the Holy Monastery of Varlaam. Enjoy a scenic drive en route to Kalambaka. (B,D)
229mi /368km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Visit the magnificent natural setting in Meteora where stratospheric rock formations surround the ancient monasteries perched on the clifftops. Here, gigantic rocky outcrops reach 600 meters high above the plains of Thessaly where you’ll visit the stunning, red-roofed monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen.


METEORA.jpg

Day 3: Kalambaka,Veria,Thessalonika

Location: Thessalonika

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


KALAMBAKA–VERIA–THESSALONIKA Greek Tragedies & Grand Treasures VERIA Visit the Bema of Apostle Paul.
THESSALONIKA An orientation drive includes the White Tower and Aristotelous Square. Visit Ag. Dimitros Basilika. (B,D)
145 mi / 234 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS See Thessalonika's iconic 15th-century prison tower, standing 34-meters high. Hear the history of the Ottoman Empire and tragic ends of those who were imprisoned here. Pass Aristotelous Square, the Jewel of Thessalonika on the sea front.


THESSALONIKA.jpg

Day 4: Thessalonika,Excursion To Philippi & Kavala

Location: Thessaloniki

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


THESSALONIKA–EXCURSION TO PHILIPPI & KAVALA A Disciple's Destiny PHILIPPI Visit Lydia’s Baptistery, the forum, ruins of the Basilicas, and the theatre.
KAVALA An orientation drive includes Neapolis of the Acts and St. Paul’s mosaic. Free time for lunch before returning to Athens Thessalonika. (B,D)
219mi/350km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Follow the path of St. Paul the Apostle where the disciple traveled in 49-50 CE to spread the Word of Christ. Visit the Greek Orthodox church and Baptistry of Saint Lydia, the first Greek and European woman baptized by the Apostle Paul. Visit the amazing ancient ruins of the Philippi’s Roman Forum, the Basilicas, and Theater in the city that became the center of Christian faith following the visit of the Apostle Paul.


PHILIPPI-BASIILICAS.jpg

Day 5: Thessalonika,Thermopylae,Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Zafolia

Meals Included: Breakfast


THESSALONIKA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS Warriors & The Ancient World THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site.
ATHENS Free time this evening. (B)
314 mi / 503 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Travel through the coastal floodplain of the Spercheios river, surrounded by sloping forested limestone mountains and the thermal springs of Thermopylae. Greek Spartans, Thebans, and Thespians fought Persian invaders during the historic Battle of Thermopylae in this narrow coastal passage.


THERMOPYLAE.jpg

Day 6: Athens (Embarkation),Mykonos

Location: Mykonos

Accommodation Name: Celestyal Olympia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


ATHENS (EMBARKATION)–MYKONOS Sun-Kissed Beauty
ATHENS Embark on your Mediterranean cruise through the Greek Islands and Turkey.
MYKONOS Free time this afternoon and evening. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Explore the whitewashed paradise of Mykonos with its iconic windmills. Named after Apollo’s grandson, Mykonos offers a wealth of treasures to discover in its cafes, shops, and picturesque lanes.


MYKONOS-WINDMILLS.jpg

Day 7: Cruising: Kusadasi,Turkey,Excursion To Ephesus,Patmos,Greece

Location: Kusadasi

Accommodation Name: Celestyal Olympia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY–EXCURSION TO EPHESUS–PATMOS, GREECE Divine Dwellings & Digs
KUSADASI Take a guided visit to the Ephesus Archaeological site in the city where St. Paul wrote many “Letters to the Corinthians.” See the House of Mary, where the Blessed Mother spent her final days.
PATMOS Enjoy free time to explore the island. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Explore one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean with a visit to Ephesus, Turkey. Excavations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site have revealed grand monuments of the Roman Imperial era, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. See the domed cruciform House of Mary, a revered Christian pilgrimage site in this once Roman port city and sea channel.


KUSADASI-EPHESUS.jpg

Day 8: Cruising: Heraklion,Crete,Santorini

Location: Heraklion

Accommodation Name: Celestyal Olympia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE–SANTORINI The Bronze Age on the Blue Aegean
HERAKLION Take a guided visit to the Minoan Palace of Knossos.
SANTORINI Visit the island (weather permitting). Free time this afternoon. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Visit the extraordinary royal ruins of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, where Greek mythology tells the story of King Minos and a heroic prince who battled the mighty Minotaur for the hand of a princess in Heraklion.


HERAKLION-PALACE-OF-KNOSSOS.jpg

Day 9: Athens (Disembarkation),Corinth,Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Zafolia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION)–CORINTH–ATHENS A Metropolis of Mythic Proportions
ATHENS Disembark your cruise and take a scenic drive to the Corinth Canal with a photo stop.
CORINTH Enjoy a guided visit to the excavations, including Agora and St. Paul’s Bema, where the Christian missionary faced the Forum’s court.
ATHENS A guided sightseeing tour includes visits to the Areopagus and the Acropolis. Stop for a photo opportunity at the Panathenaic Stadium—site of the first Olympic Games. Enjoy free time before a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
101 mi / 163 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Athens conjures visions of Greek gods and goddesses, and robe-draped philosophers and politicians. You’ll see the iconic sites of the Acropolis in the ancient city where mythology, philosophy, and Christianity flourished in the “birthplace of civilization.” Stop at the all- marble Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place. The Olympic flame is passed to the current host nations to begin the modern games still today.


ATHENS-ACROPOLIS.jpg

Day 10: Athens

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
ATHENS Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

ATHENS-CAFE.jpg

What's Included

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfast daily; 3 lunches, 8 dinners.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided visits to various historical and religious sites including the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, Ag. Dimitros Basilika, Lydia’s Baptistery, the Minoan Palace of Knossos, and the Acropolis.

  • Cruise

    Mediterranean cruise through the Greek Islands and Turkey with stops at Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion, and Santorini.

  • Transportation

    Scenic drives and transportation between various locations including Athens, Kalambaka, Thessalonika, Philippi, Kavala, Thermopylae, and Corinth.

  • Entertainment

    Full entertainment program on board the cruise ship.

  • Drink Package

    Included drink package with a selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.

  • Globus Host Service

    Globus Host service throughout the cruise.

What's Not Included

  • Cabin Upgrades

    Cabin upgrades on the cruise are available at a supplement.

  • Personal Expenses

    Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks not included in the package.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise staff are not included.

Meals

Buffet breakfast daily; 3 lunches, 8 dinners

Notes

This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Cruise details:
Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports, with or without prior notice.
Inside cabin (category IB) - other cabins types are available for a supplement.
Included drink package: selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
Globus Host service throughout the cruise.
Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Celestyal Discovery, operated by Celestyal Cruises.

UNESCO Sites

Acropolis Athens|Ephesus|Meteora|Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika

Mode of Transport

The tour includes scenic drives between destinations, a Mediterranean cruise through the Greek Islands and Turkey, and guided visits to various historical sites.

Accommodation

Stay at Zafolia in Athens, Amalia Kalambaka in Kalambaka, and Grand Hotel Palace in Thessalonika.

Accommodation

Athens:Zafolia
Kalambaka:Amalia Kalambaka
Thessalonika:Grand Hotel Palace

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes scenic drives between destinations, a Mediterranean cruise through the Greek Islands and Turkey, and guided visits to various historical sites.

  • What types of meals are provided during the tour?

    The tour provides a buffet breakfast daily, 3 lunches, and 8 dinners.

  • Are there any guided tours included in the package?

    Yes, the package includes guided visits to various historical and religious sites such as the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, Ag. Dimitros Basilika, Lydia’s Baptistery, the Minoan Palace of Knossos, and the Acropolis.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay at Zafolia in Athens, Amalia Kalambaka in Kalambaka, and Grand Hotel Palace in Thessalonika.

  • Is there any entertainment provided during the cruise?

    Yes, there is a full entertainment program on board the cruise ship.

  • Are drinks included in the cruise package?

    Yes, the cruise package includes a selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.

  • Is there a host service available during the cruise?

    Yes, there is a Globus Host service available throughout the cruise.

  • Are cabin upgrades available on the cruise?

    Yes, cabin upgrades on the cruise are available at a supplement.

  • What personal expenses are not included in the tour package?

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks not included in the package are not covered.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Are gratuities included in the tour package?

    No, gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise staff are not included.

  • What optional excursions are available during the tour?

    Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are available but not included in the package.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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