Embark on a 10-day pilgrimage in Israel and Greece, retracing Jesus and Apostle Paul’s footsteps. Explore New Testament sites, from the Sea of Galilee to ancient Jerusalem, and discover the roots of early Christianity in Greece. This journey combines religious and cultural experiences, offering profound spirituality and historical insight.
Day 1: Basilica of the Annunciation and More in Nazareth
● We begin our journey in Israel, visiting Mt. Carmel, Muhraka, and the significant Basilica of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel announced Jesus’ birth to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).
● Explore Mt. Precipice, traditionally linked to a pivotal event in Nazareth (Luke 4:29), and Cana of Galilee, famous for the wedding church and Jesus’ first miracle (John 2:1-11).
Dinner and overnight: Sea of Galilee
Day 2: In the Footsteps of Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee
● Our pilgrimage takes us to the sites tied to Jesus’ ministry around the Sea of Galilee.
● Ascend the Mt. of Beatitudes, the site of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).
● Explore Capernaum, where Jesus performed miracles and taught (Mark 2:1-12),
alongside other biblical places like Bethsaida and Kursi.
● Enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.
Dinner and overnight: Sea of Galilee
Day 3: Jordan Valley, River Jordan, and Jerusalem’s Sacred Sites
● Traverse the Jordan Valley, associated with the biblical River Jordan.
● Visit the River Jordan baptismal site, believed to be where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist
(Matthew 3:13-17).
● Explore the Mt. of Olives, Dominus Flevit (where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, Luke 19:41), and Gethsemane,
where He prayed before His arrest (Matthew 26:36-46).
Dinner and overnight: Jerusalem
Day 4: Bethlehem’s Shepherd’s Fields and Sacred Jerusalem Sites
● Commence the day in the Shepherd’s fields, linked to the angelic announcement to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20).
● Proceed to the Basilica of the Nativity, St. Anne’s Church with the pools of Bethesda (John 5:1-18), the Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Garden Tomb.
Dinner and overnight: Jerusalem
Day 5: Old Jaffa and Caesarea Maritime: Paul’s Journeys
● Start in Old Jaffa, where the house of Simon the Tanner marks Peter’s vision in the Book of Acts (Acts 10:9-16).
● Emphasize Paul’s journeys to Asia Minor in Caesarea Maritime, where he was imprisoned before he voyaged to Rome (Acts 23-26).
● In the afternoon, we fly to Thessaloniki, Greece.
Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 6: Phillipi, Lydia, and Kavala
● Visit Phillipi, known for its biblical significance during the Apostle Paul’s missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40).
● Explore Lydia, traditionally associated with the conversion of a woman named Lydia by the Apostle Paul in Philippi (Acts 16:14-15).
● Discover Kavala, formerly known as Neapolis, visited by the Apostle Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 16:11).
Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 7: Thessaloniki, Veria, and Vergina
● Thessaloniki, a city with a rich Christian history, was visited by the Apostle Paul (Acts 17:1-9). Explore modern attractions during a city tour.
● Veria is believed to be where the Bereans, mentioned in the New Testament (Acts 17:10-15), were known for searching the Scriptures daily.
● Vergina, known for the Royal Tombs of Aigai, associated with the ancient Macedonian royal family, including Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great.
Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 8: Meteora
● Explore Meteora, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site home to monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. The monasteries are both a marvel of architecture and a symbol of spiritual dedication.
Dinner and overnight in Delphi.
Day 9: Delphi and Athens
● Delphi, a sanctuary dedicated to the god Apollo and considered the center of the world in ancient Greek religion. It’s also known for its archaeological significance. The Delphi Museum holds many ancient artifacts.
● Athens, the capital of Greece, offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern culture. The Acropolis, Areopagus, and Acropolis Museum are significant historical sites that provide insights into Greece’s rich heritage.
Dinner and overnight in Athens.
Day 10: Ancient Corinth
● Visit Ancient Corinth, an important ancient Greek city known for its prominent role in the New Testament, as it was visited by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys.
● Explore the Acropolis, the Areopagus where Paul preached (Acts 17:22-34), and the Corinth Canal.
The tour concludes in Athens, offering a fitting end to your journey through these historically and spiritually significant sites.
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