Here We Go Again! Traveling the Footsteps of Paul in Ancient Greece

There is something both exciting and humbling about returning to the lands where the early Christian story unfolded. On March 16–28, a wonderful group of travelers will set out together for an educational and inspirational journey through Greece as we follow the footsteps of Paul the Apostle.

Our group comes from a variety of places—Atlanta, Chicago, Gadsden, Pensacola, and Wichita—but we share a common desire: to walk the landscapes where the gospel first crossed into Europe and to deepen our understanding of the biblical story.

This adventure will be co-hosted by Barry Howard and Bill Shiell, and our itinerary promises a remarkable blend of history, Scripture, culture, and spiritual reflection. As with every pilgrimage, we expect meaningful learning experiences—and probably a few surprises along the way.

Where Our Journey Begins

Our journey begins in Thessaloniki, a vibrant port city that was already thriving in the first century. Paul preached here during his second missionary journey, and his ministry eventually gave rise to the letters we know as First Epistle to the Thessalonians and Second Epistle to the Thessalonians.

From there we will travel to Philippi, where Paul met Lydia of Thyatira beside the river and where the first Christian congregation in Europe was born.

The book of Acts of the Apostles describes the moment:

“The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul.”
— Acts 16:14

From Philippi we continue to Berea, where Luke records that the people were “more noble” because they examined the Scriptures daily to see if Paul’s teaching was true (Acts 17:11).

Ancient Wonders Along the Way

Our travels will also include places that illuminate the broader cultural world of the New Testament.

We will visit the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, perched high atop towering rock pillars that seem to touch the heavens.

We will explore Delphi, once considered the spiritual center of the ancient Greek world.

We will walk through Olympia, birthplace of the original Olympic Games—an image Paul himself may have had in mind when he wrote: “Run in such a way that you may win the prize.” - 1 Corinthians 9:24

Later we will stand in the ruins of Corinth, where Paul spent eighteen months teaching and building a church in a bustling and sometimes challenging environment. Corinth is also believe to be the site of the first observance of Communion. So our group will share in a time of worship and receive the elements of the Lord's Supper during this visit.

Athens: A Meeting of Faith and Philosophy

One of the highlights of our journey will be Athens, where Paul delivered his famous message on Mars Hill. We will also visit the Parthenon, which was constructed in the 5th century BC and is one of the most recognizable historic sites in the world. While in Athens we will also take a side trip to Cape Sounion to visit with Temple of Poseidon,

which was constructed under the leadership of Pericles during the Golden Age of Athens.

Standing among temples dedicated to many gods, Paul declared: “The God who made the world and everything in it… does not live in temples made by human hands.” - Acts 17:24

Athens reminds us that the gospel first entered a world filled with competing philosophies and spiritual traditions.

The ancient philosopher Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

Paul’s message invited people to examine not only their lives but their deepest beliefs about God.

The Beauty of the Greek Islands

 This remarkable journey will include visits to two stunning islands in the Aegean Sea.

Our original itinerary included an Aegean cruise with visits to Ephesus, Patmos, Rhodes, and Santorini. However, due to the military action in the Middle East, especially the risks around the Straight of Hormuz, we were notified last week that our Celestyal cruise ship is stranded in Dubai. Therefore our cruise was canceled. Upon learning this, we worked diligently with Dehoney Travel, our travel agency, to put together a revised itinerary where we will travel to Mykonos and Santorini by ferry, and then fly back to Athens for our final two nights.

On Mykonos and Santorini, we will experience the breathtaking beauty of the Mediterranean world through which the apostle once traveled.

These islands remind us that the gospel spread not only through cities and synagogues but also across the vast maritime network that connected cultures and continents.

The Spirit of the Journey

Trips like this are about far more than sightseeing. They are about seeing Scripture come alive.

Standing in these places helps us imagine the courage of Paul and the early believers who carried the Christian message across unfamiliar landscapes and cultures.

The philosopher Aristotle once observed, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”

Pilgrimage is a form of education for the soul. It invites us to learn, reflect, and grow.

An Adventure Awaits

For travelers coming from Atlanta, Chicago, Gadsden, Pensacola, and Wichita, this journey will be an opportunity to form new friendships, deepen faith, and explore one of the most historically rich regions in the world.

Every pilgrimage has its unexpected moments—missed turns, new discoveries, surprising conversations—but those are often the experiences that make the journey unforgettable.

So here we go again.

Walking ancient roads.
Standing among ancient stones.
Listening again to the ancient story.

And discovering that the message which first echoed through these cities still speaks to us today.