From Philippi to Rome
Twelve days from Paul’s first steps in Europe at Neapolis and Philippi, through Athens, Corinth, Ephesus and Pergamum, to Rome, where his journey ended.
Churches traveling with us now. Each group travels on its own dates and its own version of the route.
Two nights in Thessaloniki, two in Athens, a flight to Izmir for three nights near Ephesus, and a flight to Rome for three.
Through Macedonia to Athens, and around Ephesus and Pergamum.
From Athens to Izmir, and from Izmir to Rome.
Two nights in Thessaloniki, two in Athens, two in Kusadasi, one in Izmir and three in Rome.
Days 2 to 4
Neapolis, Philippi, Berea and Vergina.
Kavala, Philippi, Veria
Days 5 & 6
Mars Hill and the Bema.
Athens, Corinth
Days 7 & 8
Ephesus, Pergamum and Smyrna.
Ephesus, Pergamum, Izmir
Days 9 to 11
The Forum, the Colosseum and the Mamertine Prison.
Rome
The sites on this twelve-day route.
Twelve days, day by day. Every group’s version is built around its own dates, its own pace and the places that matter most to its people.
Passports. Greece and Italy are in the Schengen area and require three months’ passport validity after you leave; Turkey requires six months. U.S. citizens do not need a visa.
Days 1 to 5
Day 1
Our journey begins as we depart the United States for our overnight flight to Thessaloniki.
Day 2
We land in Thessaloniki, meet our Christian Expedition tour director and drive to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki for two nights.
Day 3
At Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul landed after the call “Come over and help us” (Acts 16:9). At Philippi, Lydia, the first believer in Europe, and the prison where Paul and Silas sang at midnight.
Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 4
In Berea, the Bema of Paul, where the Bereans searched the Scriptures (Acts 17:11), then the royal tombs at Vergina, on our way south to Athens.
Dinner and overnight in Athens for two nights.
Day 5
The Acropolis and the Parthenon, and Mars Hill, where Paul told the Athenians about the God they did not know (Acts 17:23), with time in the Plaka.
Dinner and overnight in Athens.
Days 6 to 8
Day 6
The Corinth Canal and Ancient Corinth, where Paul stayed eighteen months and stood before Gallio (Acts 18), and Cenchreae. In the evening we fly to Izmir and drive to Kusadasi.
Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi for two nights.
Day 7
A full day in Ephesus: the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, where the silversmiths rioted against Paul (Acts 19), and the church told to return to its first love (Revelation 2:4).
Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 8
Pergamum on its acropolis, “where Satan’s seat is” (Revelation 2:13), and the Asclepion, then Smyrna in the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight in Izmir.
Days 9 to 12
Day 9
We fly from Izmir to Rome for dinner together, the city where Paul’s journey ended.
Dinner and overnight in Rome for three nights.
Day 10
The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus, and the Mamertine Prison, where tradition says Paul waited for his execution.
Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 11
The Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, with free time before our farewell dinner.
Farewell dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 12
We transfer to Rome’s airport for the flight home.
Tell us the window you have in mind and we will build the itinerary around it: the time you have, and the places that matter most to your people.
Every inclusion can be tailored to your group.
Not included unless added to your package: travel insurance, lunches, drinks at dinner, personal expenses, and the cost of meeting any national entry requirements.
Our group leader support team guides you every step of the way, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Eastern, at (877) 234-3002 or groups@christianexpedition.com.
Our 24/7 travel emergency team is there for travelers who are abroad and facing a travel-related emergency, at (877) 234-3002 ext. 9.
Start from this route, add Patmos, or take more time in Rome, and we shape the days, the pace and the sites around your people.
“Our church has absolutely enjoyed every aspect of planning travel with Christian Expedition! Their team makes the process of taking our church to see incredible locations from the Bible easy and stress free!”
Pastor Josh LuechtCalvary Chapel Palm City
“Trey and his team have done a fabulous job organizing, managing and overseeing our trips to Israel and Greece.”
Pastor Jim GallagherSenior Pastor, Calvary Chapel Vero Beach
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for Greece or Italy for tourist stays of up to 90 days; passports must be valid for at least three months after you leave Europe. Turkey also admits U.S. citizens without a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days, with at least six months’ passport validity. Passport and entry requirements remain the responsibility of each traveler.
Rome is where Paul’s journeys ended: he wrote to the church there, arrived as a prisoner, and by tradition was martyred there. Ending the trip in Rome follows the book of Acts to its close.
Yes. Every expedition is built for one group, on that group’s dates. The twelve-day route on this page is our standard, and groups often add Patmos or a day at the Vatican Museums.
A good deal, over ancient stone in Philippi, Corinth, Ephesus and the Roman Forum. Comfortable shoes and a hat make each day easier.
Travel insurance, lunches, drinks at dinner, personal expenses, and the cost of meeting any national entry requirements. Anything not listed as included can be quoted for your group on request.
Churches, ministries, schools and radio stations plan their expeditions with Christian Expedition.
Tell us about your group and we will be in touch.