A Historic Path

In the Footsteps of the Apostle Paul

This itinerary is designed not just for Christians but for anyone interested in a major chapter of early Western history. The Apostle Paul visited a number of Greek sites linked to the New Testament and the earliest years of Christianity. Paul visited territories belonging to modern Greece on at least three different journeys -- and most of the places still bear the same names. These visits are accounted for in the Book of Acts in the Bible; we recommend reading the section beforehand -- perhaps even taking along a copy of the New Testament. Due to the exigencies of modern travel and time, we can't plot a trip that follows Paul's exact itinerary, just highlights.

Days 1 & 2: Athens

Spend as in Day 1 and the Athens part of Day 2 in "Greece in 1 Week." Include a walk to the hill opposite the Acropolis known as the Pnyx; this was the meeting place of the Areopagus (the Athenian Assembly), which Paul addressed on his first journey to Greece. Also, when you visit the Ancient Agora, imagine Paul conversing with the people of Athens here.

Days 3 & 4: Thessaloniki & Paul's Sites

Head next to Thessaloniki. Although there are no remains with any specific link to Paul, visit at least one or two of the earliest Christian churches (both 5th c.) -- Panagia Acheiropoietos and Ayios Dimitrios. Those dedicated to tracking Paul's footsteps should arrange with a travel agency to visit nearby locales he visited -- Philippi, Apollonia, or Verria (Berea).

Days 5 & 6: Rhodes & Lindos

Fly from Thessaloniki to Rhodes. You may have to go via Athens. For local color, try the S. Nikolis Hotel. The Old Town of Rhodes is the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe. Don't miss the Street of the Knights, a 600m-long (1,968-ft.) cobblestone street from the early 16th century. Take up Paul's journey by spending the day at picturesque Lindos, where Paul is said to have landed. Explore the Acropolis and the Byzantine Church of the Panagia. Have lunch at Mavrikos for a French twist on Greek food. Back in Rhodes Town, try for a garden table at the Romeo restaurant.

Days 7 & 8: Patmos

On Day 7, set out for Patmos, either by ferry direct from Rhodes or by plane to Kos, and take the ferry from there to Patmos. If you arrive at Kos at lunchtime, try the Platanos; if already on Patmos, go to Pantelis in the port town, Skala. Check in at either Skala Hotel or Blue Bay. After dinner at Grigoris Grill, you can wander through town. Patmos has 30-plus churches. Nothing remains on Patmos to testify to Paul's visit, but a must-see for Christians is the Cave of the Apocalypse, where John the Divine is said to have written the Book of Revelation. Everyone will want to visit the nearby Monastery of St. John, built to withstand pirates (around 1090). It contains frescoes from the 12th century. While at the monastery, lunch at the Vagelis and take in the view. In the evening, dine at the restaurant in the Skala Hotel.

Day 9: Patmos to Crete

You'll spend most of the day returning to Rhodes by ferry and then flying on to Iraklion, Crete. You can't go wrong with the Lato Boutique Hotel or at the Loukoulos, with its delicious Greek/Italian fare. Try to get a patio table. Paul never made it to Iraklion, of course, but you can visit the Church of Ayios Titos, patron saint of the island because Paul named him leader of the first Christian community.

Day 10: Iraklion

Take a day off from Paul in recognition of this island's unique heritage. To fully explore Crete would take many weeks, what with its Minoan, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Turkish, and 19th-century remains. Your hotel can arrange for you to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, one of the great archaeological sites of the world. And don't miss the Archaeological Museum. You can lunch at one of the many tavernas across from the entrance to Knossos or return to town and try the Ippocampus. After a siesta, take the walking tour of Iraklion before treating yourself to a gourmet dinner at the Brillant.

Day 11: Gortyna

Travelers focused on following Paul will definitely want to rent a car and take a day trip to visit Gortyna. There you'll see the ruins of the Basilica of Ayios Titos; in the New Testament, this is the "Titus" appointed by Paul to head the Christian community of Crete (and still the patron saint of the island). The palace of Phaestos and the caves and beach at Matala are definitely worth detours. You can lunch at Phaestos itself or at one of the many restaurants at Matala. In the evening, back in Iraklion, dine outdoors at the Pantheon in "Dirty Alley" -- no longer "dirty" but still atmospheric.

Day 12: Fair Havens or Chania

Those truly dedicated to tracking down Paul could ask a travel agency to arrange for a trip to Kaloi Limines on the south coast, said to be the "Fair Havens" where Paul put in to escape a storm. Others may decide to visit Chania, Crete's second city. After checking into your hotel and exploring some of the old town, take lunch at the Amphora on the harbor. Be sure to set aside time for a visit to the Archaeological Museum. That evening, take dinner at The Well of the Turk before driving back to your hotel in Iraklion (although you could overnight in Chania and fly out of its airport; make such arrangements well in advance).

Days 13 & 14: Athens & Ancient Corinth

Fly back to the Athens airport in time to rent a car to drive to Corinth. Ancient Corinth is one of the major sites of ancient Greece, with numerous Roman remains that date from the time of Paul's visit. In particular, ask to see the Roman bema, or rostrum, said to be on the site where the Roman governor Gallio defended Paul. In addition to the link to Paul, the area stands on its own with a 6th-century Temple of Apollo and wide, marble-paved roads. It's easiest to eat lunch at one of the many restaurants adjacent to the site. Back in Athens, in the evening, treat yourself to dinner and people-watching at Aegli, in the Zappeion Gardens.

Day 15: Flight Home

Take a taxi to the airport and fly home.