Footsteps of Paul Greece Tour: The Complete Itinerary Guide

A Footsteps of Paul tour through Greece traces the missionary journeys recorded in Acts 16–18, bringing the New Testament to life across ancient cities where the gospel first took root in Europe. This guide covers the complete route, the key biblical sites at each stop, how long to spend, and practical planning advice for church groups and ministry leaders.

Key points:

• Paul made three missionary journeys through Greece between roughly AD 49–57, visiting Athens, Corinth, Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, and the island of Rhodes.
• A standard Footsteps of Paul tour runs 10–11 days and covers 6–8 biblical sites across northern and southern Greece, often with a 3-night Aegean cruise.
• Typical cost: $3,800–$6,200 per person for a fully-inclusive group tour departing the United States.
• Best months: April–June and September–October for mild weather and lighter crowds.

What is a Footsteps of Paul tour?

A Footsteps of Paul tour is a guided Christian pilgrimage that follows the route the Apostle Paul traveled through Greece during his second and third missionary journeys, as recorded in the Book of Acts. Unlike a general Greece vacation, a Paul-focused itinerary prioritizes biblical sites — ancient agoras where he preached, synagogues where he debated, and churches that mark the places where early Christian communities were planted.

Most Footsteps of Paul tours begin in Athens, travel north to Philippi and Thessaloniki, then return south through Berea, Meteora, Delphi, and Corinth before concluding back in Athens. Many itineraries add a 3-night Aegean cruise that stops at Patmos (where John wrote Revelation), Crete, and sometimes Ephesus in Turkey.

What biblical sites does the tour cover?

The core route follows Acts 16–18 and includes these major sites:

• Philippi — where Paul met Lydia, the first European convert, and was imprisoned before an earthquake opened the doors (Acts 16:11–40). The ruins include the probable site of Lydia's baptism in the river Gangites and the Roman forum where Paul was beaten.
• Thessaloniki — where Paul preached in the synagogue for three Sabbaths and sparked a riot (Acts 17:1–9). The city's ancient forum and the Arch of Galerius remain visible today.
• Berea (Veria) — where the Jews "received the word with all readiness" and examined the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:10–13). A memorial monument marks the traditional site of Paul's teaching.
• Athens — where Paul delivered his sermon on the Areopagus (Mars Hill), addressing the philosophers of the city (Acts 17:16–34). The Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the Areopagus rock are all visitable.
• Corinth — where Paul lived and worked for 18 months, making tents and preaching (Acts 18:1–18). The ruins include the temple of Apollo, the Bema (judgment seat) where Paul stood before Gallio, and the ancient city's extensive excavations.

How long should a Footsteps of Paul tour be?

The most popular format is a 10-night / 11-day itinerary that includes both the northern Greece route (Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea) and the southern sites (Athens, Corinth, Meteora). A shorter 7-day version covers Athens, Corinth, and Delphi but skips the north. A longer 14-day version adds the Aegean cruise with stops at Patmos, Crete, and Ephesus.

For first-time groups, we recommend the 11-day format. It gives enough time at each site for teaching, reflection, and worship without rushing — and it covers the full arc of Paul's Greek ministry. Groups that try to compress the route into 7 days often report feeling "bused through" rather than deeply engaged.

How much does a Footsteps of Paul tour cost?

Typical fully-inclusive pricing for a group tour departing the United States in 2026:

• 7-day land-only (Athens, Corinth, Delphi): $2,800–$3,800 per person
• 11-day with Aegean cruise: $4,200–$6,200 per person
• 14-day extended with Turkey: $5,500–$7,800 per person

These prices typically include round-trip airfare, 4-star hotels, daily breakfast and dinner, air-conditioned coach, licensed English-speaking guide, all entrance fees, and tips for guide and driver. Single supplement runs $600–$1,100 depending on the length of the tour.

What is the best time of year for a Footsteps of Paul tour?

Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best months for a Christian tour are April through June and September through October. During these windows, daytime temperatures range from 65–80°F, rainfall is minimal, and the archaeological sites are uncrowded enough for group teaching.

Avoid July and August if possible — temperatures in Athens and Corinth regularly exceed 95°F, and the marble ruins offer almost no shade. November through March is cooler (50–60°F) but brings rain and shorter site hours. May and October are the sweet spots for both weather and pricing.

What should our group expect at the archaeological sites?

Greece's biblical sites are working archaeological parks, not curated museums. Expect uneven stone paths, limited shade, and moderate walking — 1–3 miles per site. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential; marble and ancient stone can be slippery, especially when wet.

Most sites have a small entrance fee (typically included in your tour package), restrooms, and a gift shop. Some have on-site museums (Corinth's museum houses artifacts from Paul's era). Plan 60–90 minutes per site for a group with teaching time. Athens and Corinth each deserve a full half-day.

Should we add the Aegean cruise?

Most Footsteps of Paul tours include a 3-night Aegean cruise that stops at Mykonos, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Patmos, Crete, and Santorini. For Christian groups, the Patmos stop is the spiritual highlight — you can visit the Cave of the Apocalypse where John received the vision of Revelation. Ephesus (from Kusadasi) is another major biblical site where Paul spent three years (Acts 19).

The cruise adds roughly $800–$1,200 per person to the land-only price but transforms the trip from a land tour into a full Mediterranean pilgrimage. We recommend it for groups that can afford the time and budget.

If your group is ready to plan a Footsteps of Paul pilgrimage, our team will build a custom itinerary with line-item pricing within one business day.