In the Footsteps of St. Paul
8th – 13th February, 2027
Itinerary Overview: Day 1 – Arrival in Thessaloniki
We meet at Malta International Airport at 08:30hrs to check in for our flight to Thessaloniki, scheduled to depart at 10:30hrs. Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, our transfer will take us to our hotel centrally located for check in. Once everyone has settled in, the tour leader will take you on a familiarization walk.
Itinerary Overview: Day 2 – City of Thessaloniki and Mediterranean Cosmos
After breakfast, we will begin our walking tour through the heart of Thessaloniki. Our first stop will be the iconic White Tower, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, where we will have time to take photographs. We will then stroll through the charming, cobblestone streets of Ladadika, a historic district known for its lively atmosphere, traditional architecture, and vibrant character.
Our walk will continue to the Church of Saint Paul the Apostle, a modern hilltop church situated in the northeastern district of Agios Pavlos. The church stands above the traditional holy water site (Agiasma), which is associated with the Apostle Paul’s passage through Thessaloniki around 50 AD.
Later, we will transfer to Mediterranean Cosmos, Thessaloniki’s largest and most popular shopping and entertainment destination, where you will have free time to explore the shops, cafés, and leisure facilities at your own pace.
Itinerary Overview: Day 3 – Kavala – Filippoi – Lydia
After an early buffet breakfast, we will set off on a full-day excursion to Philippi and Kavala, travelling along one of the most scenic routes in northern Greece. Our journey will take us from Thessaloniki through beautiful countryside and alongside picturesque lakes as we make our way to the ancient city of Philippi.
Philippi holds a special place in Christian history as the first city in Europe where St. Paul preached the message of Christianity. During our visit, we will explore some of its most significant archaeological sites, including the Ancient Theatre, Agora, Basilica, and the Baptistery of Lydia, traditionally associated with Lydia, regarded as the first recorded European convert to Christianity.
We will then continue to the beautiful coastal city of Kavala, renowned for its picturesque waterfront, historic architecture, and charming squares. Here, we will have the opportunity to admire some of the city’s notable landmarks and buildings, including the Imaret, a magnificent historic complex, and the former Lazarist Monastery, before enjoying some free time to explore Kavala at our own pace.
Itinerary Overview: Day 4 – Meteora and Kalambaka
After an early buffet breakfast, we depart for Meteora and Kalambaka on this optional full-day excursion. Meteora’s extraordinary rock formations provide a unique opportunity to combine breathtaking natural scenery with religious, historical, and archaeological interest. Perched atop these towering rocks are the six surviving monasteries, remarkable masterpieces dating from the 12th to the 18th centuries.
Inside the monasteries, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes and icons, learn about the daily life of the monastic communities, and explore small museums that offer a fascinating insight into Orthodox monastic traditions. The peaceful surroundings and spiritual atmosphere allow visitors to experience the serenity that has drawn monks here for centuries.
At the foot of the rock formations lies Kalambaka, a charming town set against the dramatic backdrop of Meteora. During our visit, we will explore two of the monasteries and enjoy views of some of the most important landmarks of the Orthodox Church.
We return to our hotel in the late evening.
Guests who do not wish to join the optional Meteora excursion will have a free day in Thessaloniki to explore the city, or relax at their own pace.
Itinerary Overview: Day 5 – Veroia – Vergina
After breakfast, we will embark on a fascinating journey through the ancient heart of Macedonia, following in the footsteps of two of the region’s most celebrated figures — Alexander the Great and his father, King Philip II.
Our journey takes us to Aigai, the first capital of the ancient Macedonian Kingdom and the birthplace of Alexander the Great. It was here that the young prince was raised and where the great philosopher Aristotle was invited by Philip II to become his tutor, shaping the mind of the future conqueror.
Steeped in centuries of history, Aigai offers a remarkable window into the grandeur of the Macedonian Kingdom. We will explore its extraordinary archaeological treasures and visit the Museum of Aigai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where magnificent royal tombs, precious artefacts, and discoveries from the Macedonian dynasty bring this glorious ancient civilisation vividly back to life.
Set against the natural beauty of the region, the site also offers sweeping views across the fertile Macedonian Plain, stretching towards the distant horizon. As we wander through the remains of Aigai, layers of Ancient Greek, Byzantine, and modern history unfold before us, revealing the lost splendour and enduring legacy of Macedonia’s first great capital.
We will then continue to Veroia, a city rich in both history and religious heritage. Here, we will visit the historic Bema of Saint Paul, the traditional site where the Apostle Paul preached Christianity during his mission in the region around 50–57 AD. The site preserves ancient Roman stone steps, traditionally believed to be where Saint Paul stood as he addressed the people, and is beautifully adorned with vivid mosaic murals. Nearby, a statue of Saint Paul commemorates his profound connection with the city.
After some free time to explore Veroia and enjoy its unique atmosphere, we will begin our return journey to Thessaloniki, concluding a memorable day immersed in the extraordinary history, culture, and spiritual heritage of Macedonia.
Itinerary Overview: Day 6 – Departure
After our final early breakfast in Thessaloniki, we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight departing at 09:40 hrs. As our memorable journey comes to an end, we bid farewell to Greece with wonderful memories and unforgettable moments shared together.
Tour Pricing and Inclusions
| Adult in a single room | €1240 |
| Adult in a twin/double room | €890 |
Price Includes:
- Ryanair flights: Malta – Thessaloniki – Malta
- All airport taxes, fuel surcharges, and service charges
- 20kg cabin baggage allowance and 1 small personal bag
- 5 nights’ accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Thessaloniki (NYX Hotel or similar)
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Return airport transfers
- Guided city tour of Thessaloniki (Day 2)
- Excursion to Kavala – Filippoi
- Excursion to Veroia – Vergina
- Services of an English-speaking local guide during excursions
- Services of a Maltese-speaking Kercem A’ Tours Tour Leader throughout the tour
- Insolvency Fund Protection Certificate
Price does not include:
- City Tax at €5 per room – per night to be paid directly at hotel
- Meteora excursion on day 5 – €65
- Entrance fee to Filippoi -€10
- Entrance fee to Vergina – €20
NB. The itinerary may be subject to slight adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances that may occur.
The booking is confirmed upon payment of €350 deposit per person.
Payments can be made with a cheque made payable to Kercem A’ Tours, via bank transfer or by cash. Card payments are also accepted over the phone. For bank transfers kindly issue the payments to the following Bank Account details: Kercem A Tours
Account Number: 50023350130
IBAN: MT68VALL22013000000050023350130
Account Currency: EUR
With bank transfers please make reference to the tour and provide your full name. Eg. In the Footsteps of St Paul – MR AND MRS VELLA