Voces Pacis Greece Itinerary 2026

Day 3 (June 6) – Veria and Vergina

When Paul arrived in Verea (Berea), he went immediately to the Jewish synagogue and shared the message of the Messiah with them, proving that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies (Acts 17). We visit the traditional rostrum where Paul delivered his sermons and the remnants of the Jewish quarter housing the synagogue. 

  Then we are off to Vergina, one of the most fascinating sites of recent discovery. In 1977, the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, was discovered containing silver vessels and golden crowns. The Royal tombs also house one of the few remaining paintings from the Macedonian period. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 4 (June 7) – Thessaloniki*

Paul addressed two New Testament letters to the Thessalonians. We join the Greek protestant church for morning worship and anthem (TBD).  In this city, we see the old city ramparts, the landmark White Tower proudly adorning the harbor, and the Arch of Galerius that rises over the Via Egnatia. We visit the fourth-century basilica of St. Demetrius, built over the site of his martyrdom under the persecution of the Roman Emperor Galerius. *Rehearsal in the afternoon for an evening concert.  (B, L, D)

Day 6 (June 9) – Athens

Morning flight to Athens as we begin our exploration of the capitol of Greece.  The architectural splendors of this ancient city are magnificent. In the afternoon, we begin with the Acropolis Museum, where we peruse the many splendid pieces found on or around the Acropolis. We make our way to the Areopagus (Mars Hill) and read the sermon that Paul addressed to the Athenians of his day. Next we visit the world-renowned Acropolis with its Propylaea entrance. As we stand before the Parthenon, we can still hear the hammers striking stones of marble as reconstruction continues to maintain the wonder of this monument to man’s achievement. (B, L, D)

Day 7 (June 10) – Athens*

Morning walking tour to the historic Plaka area, with Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Enjoy this afternoon by ambling through the historical district of the Plaka, noted for its shops, cafes, taverns, and colorful people. Explore one of the many museums of Athens. Relax and soak up the sites and sounds. Find a quaint café for lunch on your own and enjoy a quite dinner in a nearby taverna. (B) *[Possibility of evening concert if the Protestant Church has a mid-week service].

Day 8 (June 11) – Corinth

On our way to Corinth, we visit the isthmus that boasted two major ports and controlled the flow of goods in ancient times, one reason that Corinth was the leading commercial city of the Greek mainland. Paul spent a year and a half in this community and later wrote letters to them, the first of which contains his famous “love” chapter (I Cor. 13). We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, Bema, and Temple of Apollo. As did Christians 2,000 years ago, we celebrate communion among the ruins of this great city. In the evening, we return to Athens for a celebratory dinner for our last night on the mainland. (B, L, D)

Day 9 (June 12) – Mykonos

On Mykonos, we find beautiful beaches, chic boutiques, and elegant nightclubs. Beneath its sophisticated surface lies a quite essential Greek island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and white-washed island with its beautiful windmills. Find a table on the waterfront and bask in the serenity of sunset over its picturesque harbor. (B, L, D)

Day 10 (June 13) – Ephesus, Turkey and Patmos, Greece

Ephesus, Turkey

A tour to nearby Ephesus should not be missed for here history truly comes to life. Walking towards the ancient harbor, down a marble road rutted by the wheels of countless chariots, we pass architectural masterpieces such as the Library of Celsus before arriving at the Great Amphitheater where the Ephesians shouted their praises to Artemis in reaction to the Gospel proclamation of Paul (Acts 19).

Patmos, Greece

This island is known as the site of the apocalyptic Revelation of John written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is now an Orthodox chapel that captures a glimpse of the vision of the heavens. We sing songs of worship as we remember the great words of the heavenly chorus, "Hallelujah!" (B,L,D)

Day 11 (June 14) – Heraklion (Crete) and Santorini

Heraklion, Crete

In the morning, we visit the city of Heraklion on the island of Crete. Paul ministered on this island with his traveling companion, Titus, who became the first overseer of the Christian community founded here. We will visit the Church of Titus as we begin to wrap up our journey in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. 

Santorini

Our cruise concludes at the beautiful island of Santorini, the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. The town of Fira boasts beautiful, white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques clinging to steep cliffs. Lying on the upper rim of a dormant volcano, Fira is only accessible by either cable-car or mule ride. (B, L, D)

Day 12 (June 15) – Piraeus (Athens)

Board our bus for transfer to airport and return trip to USA filled with wonderful memories of Greece! (B)