8-day Greece self drive Tour - Following the Steps of Saint Paul

As you step onto Athenian soil, you're walking into a city where legends were born. A Greca representative will be waiting to take you comfortably to your hotel, where you can settle in and begin soaking up the Hellenic spirit.

Later in the afternoon, one of our team members will meet with you to give a personalized presentation of your upcoming journey and answer any questions you may have.

The rest of the day is yours. Stroll through timeless streets, enjoy local delicacies, and let the pulse of this lively capital introduce itself in its own unique rhythm.

Greca Tip: Enhance your experience by easily extending your stay. Add more nights during the booking process!

After breakfast, you will have a free day to enjoy Athens at your own pace. You can visit the main museums or archaeological sites of the city, take a guided city tour or drive to Corinth, collecting your rental car the day before.

At first, you will reach the famous Corinth canal, called Isthmus in Greek, where you can take panoramic pictures of the point, where the Peloponnese peninsula and Central Greece meet as well as where the Aegean connects with the Ionian Sea. 

Saint Paul also arrived at Corinth after a three-day arduous sea journey from Thessaloniki. He stayed here for two years and established one of the most flourishing Christian communities.

You can also visit Ancient Corinth with its amazing artifacts, some of which date back to 6000 BC. The remains of the city, which include the Agora (marketplace) and Apollo's Temple, clearly show how rich and important Corinth was in antiquity.

In the middle of the central row of the shops in the Agora, there is a bema, a marble podium, where Roman officials, and also St. Paul, addressed the people from. The Romans rebuilt the city in 44 BC and later made it the provincial capital of Greece.

Greca Tip: Visit the on-site excellent museum, where you can see two kouros statues, fine Greek and Roman mosaics, figurines, reliefs, and friezes as well as the pretty courtyard with its fine reliefs.

After a fantastic breakfast, you will drive to Delphi in your rental car. After about 140 kilometers, you will have the chance to make a stop at Livadia, a city famous in ancient mythology for the Oracle of Trophonious, who lived in a cave. Just a few miles away, you can visit the monastery of Hosios Loukas, which has been declared a World Heritage Site.

This monastery is of important cultural value since its history spans more than 1000 years of uninterrupted monastic life and boasts the best Byzantine frescoes in the country. Your next destination will be Delphi, a World Heritage site and the center or navel of the ancient world.  It was here where the renowned Temple of the Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi, a counselor of kings and pilgrims, were to be found.

At the end of this day, you will enjoy a well-deserved rest at your hotel!

Total distance: 210 kilometers

Greca Tip: In the evening, we suggest a leisurely walk in the neighboring and picturesque village of Arachova.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, your next destination will be the Delphi archaeological site and the Temple of Apollo.

Once you have posed all your questions to the Oracle, you will leave Mount Parnassus behind and make your way to the plains of Thessaly, where the city of Kalambaka awaits.

Kalambaka is home to Meteora, a place that gained recognition as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Here, the natural beauty of the region merges with the awe-inspiring monasteries known as "Meteora," which hang from the cliffs. The first monastery, called "the Great Meteoron," was constructed by Athanasius, who sought refuge from his pursuers after being expelled from Mount Athos. Presently, there are six active monasteries in use by the monastic community, five for male monks and one for female nuns.

It's important to note the dress code for visiting these monasteries. Wearing over-the-knee shorts or skirts is prohibited, and men are not allowed to wear sleeveless shirts. For women, sarongs are available at the entrance if necessary.

Total distance: 237 kilometers

Greca Tip: While exploring the charming old center of Kalambaka, be sure to wander through its maze-like cobblestone streets and take the opportunity to browse for locally crafted items such as handmade embroidery, leather sandals, and intricately carved wooden handicrafts.

After a delightful breakfast, you will leave Meteora and head north, passing through the fertile plain of Thessaly and the Valley of Tempi. Along the way, you will be able to admire Mount Olympos, Greece's highest mountain and the mythical dwelling place of the twelve Gods.

Your next stop will be Vergina (ancient Aigai), where you can visit the impressive Museum situated within the Great Tumba. This museum showcases the royal tombs of Macedonian royalty, including the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, which is considered one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century.

We recommend having lunch here before continuing to Veria. Previously known as Berea, this city holds historical significance as mentioned by Saint Luke in the Bible. You can trace the footsteps of Apostle Paul and visit the Byzantine mosaic that commemorates his missionary work (Acts 17:10-11).

Finally, your journey will lead you to Thessaloniki, the second-largest and most important center in the region. With a rich cultural and economic heritage, Thessaloniki was once a significant city during the Byzantine era, only second in population and prestige to Constantinople (now Istanbul). Saint Paul himself preached in the synagogue here, engaging both the Jewish and Greek residents with Old Testament prophecies (Acts 17:1).

Total distance: 227 kilometers

As a suggestion, explore the historic quarter of Ladadika and enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront from Aristotelous Square to the White Tower, a prominent landmark of the city.

After enjoying a hearty Greek breakfast, you will spend the entire day exploring one of the most stunning and impressive cities in northern Greece. Your destination is Kavala, located approximately 150 km away from Thessaloniki.

Founded in the late 7th century BC by settlers from Thassos Island, the city was originally known as Neopolis. It experienced a period of great prosperity when it was conquered by Philip II of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great. However, the decline of the Macedonian State in 49 AD marked a turning point in its history.

Kavala is distinguished by its iconic aqueduct, which serves as a symbol of the city. Despite its Roman appearance, the aqueduct was constructed by Suleiman the Magnificent to supply water to the Turkish baths.

You can also explore the Archaeological Museum of Kavala, which houses collections from Ancient Neapolis, as well as the Municipal Museum of Folklore, where you can discover exhibits showcasing traditional costumes, jewelry, and handicrafts.

Just outside the city, you'll find the Archaeological site of Philippi, featuring Roman and Byzantine ruins. In the 2nd century BC, the renowned Via Egnatia, a major military and commercial road of the ancient world, passed through Philippi, making it a significant hub in the region. The Philippi Festival, held during the summer, offers theatrical performances, music, and dance at the ancient theater.

Philippi holds religious significance as well, as Saint Paul arrived there in 50 AD and established the first Christian Church on European soil. It was here that he wrote his second "Epistle to the Corinthians."

You can explore the archaeological complex, the amphitheater, the baths, the basilica, Saint Paul's prison, and the Forum. Adjacent to the Ancient City of Philippi, you'll find the remarkable Baptistery of St. Lydia, a modern architectural monument marking the place where Apostle Paul baptized Lydia, the first Christian in Europe.

After you visit this beautiful city in northern Greece, you will return to Thessaloniki for a well-deserved rest.

Total distance: 153 kilometers

Greca Tip: Be sure to indulge in the famous kourambiedes, butter cookies with almonds—a delightful treat to savor.

After a tasty breakfast, you will travel to the beautiful seaside city, close to the border with Turkey: Alexandroupolis. This city has seen the presence of the Ottomans and Russians, who settled in the city after the Russo-Turkish wars.

Alexandroupolis has several places worth visiting, such as its picturesque lighthouse of Alexandroupoli, which was constructed in 1880. We suggest taking a stroll along the port and visiting one of the small tavernas to enjoy the local cuisine with strong Eastern and Western influences.

After a full day taking in the sights of this unique city, at the edge of Greece and the Balkan peninsula, you will return to your hotel for a nice rest.

Total distance: 150 kilometers

Greca Tip: You should try the homemade tahini and couscous pasta dishes, the local kavourmas meat preserve, and the dessert itself, made of several fruits.

After a generous breakfast, you will depart for Thessaloniki to return to your rental car and end your tour following Saint Paul's footsteps.

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the unique monuments of Thessaloniki, such as the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda, and the Museum of Byzantine Culture, awarded with the Council of Europe's Museum Prize for the year 2005.

From all of us at Greca Travel, we hope to see you again soon to create new and extraordinary moments that will be lovingly etched in your memory forever.

Have a nice trip! Or, as Greeks say, "Kalo taksidi!"

Greca Tip: As a going away gift you can choose a genuine silk product (clothes or embroidery) from Soufli, as well as trigona panoramatos, custard-filled phyllo triangle pastries, in Thessaloniki.