• Steve Dodson

Biblelands 2025 Paul in Greece

We bus, fly and ferry our way around many parts of this exceptional country Greece exploring the natural beauty and wonders of the past, with a particular focus on the cities that Paul visited. Read more
  • Trip start
    September 22, 2025

    Off we go

    September 20 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Our trip started on Saturday September 20, 2025, so we could meet in Thessaloniki on Monday but many were in Europe for a pre-trip.

  • Not on the plan

    September 22 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    In our merry band of budget adventurers, a few brave souls chose the noble path of Airbnb, heroically dodging the wallet-crushing tyranny of the Holiday Inn. In fact we were literally opposite the Holiday Inn. Fast forward through one earthquake, at about 3.30am we had the pleasure of being awoken by a fire alarm. Finding ourselves huddled at a corner café at 5 a.m., sipping Greek coffee to the bemusement of local early birds.
    The forecast? Windy—with a chance of regret.
    Meanwhile, the high rollers of our group are snuggled up in their Holiday Inn suites, ignored our cries for help. Snuggled down and enjoyed another few hours of shut eye. In retrospect we were the winners because at about 7am we went down to the water and enjoyed a magnificent breakfast at a local bakery and then surprised the attendant at the White Tower who had never seen tourists on her doorstep at opening. It is Greece after all!
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  • Thessaloniki – Official Start

    September 22 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We rolled into Thessaloniki, dropped our bags at the hotel, and were swiftly swept into the city’s heartbeat by our guide, Emily. With a mix of bus rides and footwork, we began our journey through the layers of history that make this city so captivating.
    Our first stop: the ruins of the ancient Agora, nestled beside the Jewish quarter. Thessaloniki’s Jewish heritage is both rich and deeply tragic—once home to over 70,000 Jews before the Holocaust reshaped its story forever.
    Just steps away stands the Church of Saint Demetrius, built shortly after the Edict of Milan. It marks the site where Demetrius was martyred, and today it quietly watches over the Agora, a solemn reminder of faith and resilience.
    We traced the ancient city walls, dating back to the 4th century AD, all the way to the upper city. From there, the view was nothing short of breathtaking, Mount Olympus loomed in the distance, rising over 3,000 meters and casting its mythic shadow over the port city below.
    From our vantage point, we could see the legendary Via Egnatia, the very road Paul walked into Thessaloniki. Nearby, the Vlatadon Monastery stood quietly, believed by tradition to be the site of Jason’s house.
    Descending into the lower city, we followed the path of the Via Egnatia, now marked by the Arch of Galerius. Built in 300 AD to celebrate Rome’s victory over Narseh, the seventh ruler of the Sassanid Empire, the arch still stands as a proud monument to ancient triumph.
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  • The agora

    September 22 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We talked about the Politarch Inscription of Thessalonica, removed from a Roman gateway of the city. now housed in the British Museum. The Politarch Inscription from Thessalonica serves as a "greatest archaeological defense" for the Book of Acts, specifically validating Luke's description of city officials. The inscription, nearly six feet long and found etched into the Vardar Arch in Thessalonica, lists city officials using the Greek term Polyaru a tone, meaning "those serving as polyarks". This term appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in Acts chapter 17, where Luke recounts a mob dragging Jason before the *polyarks*. Luke uses the word “politarch” (πολιτάρχης). For years, critics used the apparent lack of evidence for this specific title to question Luke's historical accuracy, but the discovery of this inscription and subsequently over 60 known inscriptions*using the term, with approximately half found in Thessalonica itself proved that Luke "got it precisely right". This finding affirms the historicity and reliability of the Bible, demonstrating that Luke's writings were "rooted in first century reality" with the goal of strengthening faith through historical truth.Read more

  • Neapolis Philippi Amphipolis Apollonia

    September 23 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We headed northeast along the (relatively) new Highway Egnatia, bound for Philippi. As we cruised through the Macedonian countryside, we passed the ancient town of Apollonia, once a bustling stop along the historic Via Egnatia, midway between Thessaloniki and Amphipolis. Paul himself would have walked this route as he headed south.
    Apollonia had long been lost to history, its existence questioned by skeptics. But in the summer of 2000, a farmer digging a trench in Central Macedonia struck gold - literally. He unearthed a solid-gold wreath, which led archaeologists to rediscover the ancient city of Apollonia of Mygdonia. The guide described him as a good man - im not sure what I would have done with a gold wreath! Excavations revealed fortification walls, towers, pottery kilns, graves, and statues, including a possible Nike of Samothrace. Founded by Philip II around 432 BCE, Apollonia’s legacy was revived, confirming its role as a major Macedonian hub.
    We continued past ancient Amphipolis and arrived at Neapolis, the stunning port city on the Aegean Sea. Today it’s known as Kavala, nestled on the Bay of Kavala and facing the island of Thasos. It was here that Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke first stepped onto European soil. Just inland, as the harbour has silted up overt eh years and the coast moved a few hundred meters a modest church marks the location of the ancient docks from the 1st century.
    Twenty kilometers inland, we reached the awe-inspiring ruins of Philippi. We celebrated Steve C’s birthday with a chorus of “Happy Birthday” in the ancient arena, possibly the most historic birthday venue ever. We wandered through the partially excavated city, tracing the path of the Via Egnatia as it entered through the gates and exited across the river, where massive stone pavers still lie in place.
    The highlight? Standing in the Agora, mentioned in Acts 16:19, where the white statue of Fortuna marks the site of the ancient council. Just uphill in the upper city, the prison looms, visible from the public square. This is where Christian prisoners were held, and on one extraordinary night, the city would have echoed with the sound of hymn singing. Everyone in Philippi would have known what was happening, paving the way for the first ecclesia in Europe.
    After lunch, we visited the river. In Paul’s time, ten Jewish men were required to form a synagogue, but with fewer in Philippi, they gathered by the river. It was here that Lydia became the first to be baptized. In this serene, shaded spot, we could almost hear the gentle murmur of Sabbath prayers and the joy of believers sharing time together.
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  • Berea, modern day Veria

    September 24 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We journeyed to Veria, known in ancient times as Berea. Once the second most important city in the flourishing Macedonian kingdom after Aigai. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Vermion and crossed by the River Tripotamo, Veria’s natural beauty is matched only by its historical depth.
    From the 11th to the 14th century, Veria rose to prominence again, becoming the third most significant city in the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople and Thessaloniki. Its abundance of Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches earned it the nickname “Little Jerusalem.”
    Apostle Paul visited Berea at least twice between 50 and 57 A.D., where he was warmly received by both the citizens and the Jewish community, a rare welcome in his missionary travels.
    We explored the remains of the ancient town square, where but three stone steps are believed to mark the very spot where Paul preached. The authenticity of the site is reinforced by the remnants of the Via Egnatia, which still threads through the town’s main road.
    Next, we wandered through the Jewish quarter, home to the oldest synagogue in Greece. While it doesn’t date back to Paul’s time, it likely stands on the same sacred ground.
    As we traveled, we speculated on the movements of Paul, Silas, and Timothy after their expulsion from Thessalonica, a historical puzzle pieced together from Acts and Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians.
    Our final destination was Vergina, where we stood in awe before one of archaeology’s greatest finds: the royal tombs of King Philip II and his grandson, Alexander IV, son of Alexander the Great.
    This UNESCO World Heritage site lies on the grounds of ancient Aigai, the first capital of the Macedonian kingdom and the cradle of Greek civilization for over three centuries. It was here that we read from Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8, and 12, reflecting on the prophecy:
    “And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity…” — Daniel 11:4
    Alexander IV, along with his mother, was tragically murdered by Cassander in 309 BC to secure his rule, bringing an end to the Argead dynasty, the founding family of ancient Greece’s most legendary kingdom.
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  • Mount Athos

    September 25 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Discipline disappeared immediately with Steve’s absence and it was a 6 minute late start for the bus trip.

    A generally quiet ride down to Ouranoupoli but Rob and Phil did discuss some big issues and eventually agreed a bed divider was the answer to a good night’s sleep ensuring both parties “stayed in their own lane”.

    Boarded the Athos Sea Cruises boat and headed off, down the west coast of the Mount Athos peninsula (always at least 500 metres off the coast as it was banned for women to be within that limit of the various monasteries we passed).

    There was a learned discussion amongst the brethren that concluded that in the event of the boat sinking the women would have to tread water 500m from shore until a rescue vehicle could be organised.

    Apparently, heavy church taxes in the 15th century reduced significantly the number of monasteries. Currently there are 20 monasteries on the peninsula

    One of the highlights of the cruise was David’s special anniversary present purchased for Annie. - Greg Della
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  • Meteora

    September 26 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We bid farewell to Thessaloniki, a city that truly captured our hearts and set off for our next destination: Meteora (pronounced [meˈteora]).
    Meteora is not just a place, it’s a spectacle and as it turns out a film location. Towering rock formations rise dramatically from the valley floor, crowned by one of the largest and most gravity-defying complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the world. Originally, twenty-four monasteries clung to these cliffs; today, six remain, still perched like ancient sentinels on immense natural pillars and rounded boulders that dominate the landscape.
    Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, these monasteries were designed to be unreachable, both physically and spiritually They offered solitude and sanctuary to those who sought it.
    And while Meteora looks stunning in photographs, nothing prepares you for the real thing. The sheer scale, the silence, the surreal beauty - it’s one of those rare places where reality outshines every postcard.
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  • Delphi

    September 27 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We set off toward Mount Metamorphosis, winding our way through a sea of olive trees and past the legendary site of the Battle of Thermopylae. It was here in 480 BCE that 300 Spartans, led by King Leonidas, made their heroic stand against the vast Persian army of Xerxes. Against overwhelming odds, their courage became the stuff of legend.
    Our next stop was the ancient city of Delphi, home to a magnificent museum and one of the most spiritually significant sites in the ancient world. As we explored the ruins, we were reminded of the mysterious Pythōn, the spirit of divination said to possess the legendary oracle. The name “Pythōn” comes from the Greek “Pythώ,” referring to the region where Delphi, considered the “navel of the world”, was located. The word is used by Luke in Acts 16:16 "a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination", once a confusing word, now made clear.
    Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi offers breathtaking views and a rich tapestry of history. We visited the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre, and the museum, which houses remarkable artefacts, including an inscription of a letter from Emperor Claudius to the proconsul of Achaia, dated 52 AD. In this letter, Claudius expresses his interest in Delphi and references Lucius Junius Gallio, brother of Seneca, who was proconsul during Paul’s time in Corinth (Acts 18:12). This inscription is a powerful piece of evidence supporting the historical accuracy of Luke’s account, once questioned, now affirmed.
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  • Corinth

    September 28 in Greece ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    We descended from the mountains toward Corinth, passing through a patchwork of cotton fields and vineyards that stretched across the landscape like a quilt of Mediterranean abundance. Along the way, we paused at the iconic Corinthian Canal, a dramatic photo opportunity. Completed in 1893, this engineering marvel slices through the Isthmus of Corinth, linking the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.
    We watched with fascination as a bungy jumping opportunity was taken, not by one of us but another fear hardy tourist.
    Our route took us through Thebes, a city steeped in myth and history. Known for its connection to figures like Pindar, Crates of Thebes, and the tragic tale of Oedipus, Thebes is also tied to the mythological search for Europa. Tradition holds that Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts, died here at the age of 84 as a martyr. His relics were later transferred from his tomb in Thebes to Constantinople in 357 AD and are now believed to be housed in various locations.
    As we approached Corinth, we read Acts 18, which recounts Paul’s first visit to the city. Arriving at the archaeological site of ancient Corinth was nothing short of thrilling. We explored the ruins, identifying the synagogue, marketplace, and judgement seat, all places where Paul’s story unfolded.
    Towering above the city is the Acrocorinth, crowned by the Temple of Aphrodite, once a center of worship and influence. It reframes 1 Corinthians 8-10 and the challenge of the new Christian lifestyle. After snapping some photos along the road to Cenchrea, the eastern port mentioned in Acts, we bid farewell to this remarkable site.
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  • Nafplio to Mycenae and onto Athens

    September 29 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We began our day with a gentle descent by bus from the hotel to Nafplio, a charming coastal city with roots stretching back to antiquity. Once a vital seaport during the Middle Ages, Nafplio flourished under the Republic of Venice and later the Ottoman Empire. It even served as the second capital of the First Hellenic Republic and the Kingdom of Greece from 1827 to 1834.
    Often dubbed the “Venice of the East,” Nafplio’s Venetian influence is unmistakable in its architecture and the quaint charm of its old town. A few leisurely hours spent wandering through boutique shops and indulging in coffee and cakes quickly slipped by in this picturesque setting.
    From there, we journeyed to Mycenae, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece. Dating back to 1600 BCE, Mycenae was a powerful military stronghold and a major center of ancient Greek civilization. It once dominated southern Greece, Crete, the Cyclades, and even parts of southwest Anatolia.
    Walking among its ruins, we were transported to a time of kings and warriors, myth and legend. The scale and age of the site are awe-inspiring, standing among the remnants of a city that shaped the course of history more than three millennia ago.
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  • Athens

    September 30 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We opted for an early start and headed straight for the iconic Acropolis, the crown jewel of Athens. Towering above the modern city, the Parthenon and its surrounding structures dominate the skyline like a timeless sentinel. Some joked that we’d saved the “main event” till last! Standing on this extraordinary platform home to three temples and a public building felt like stepping into the pages of history.
    From there, we walked to the Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill, where we paused to read and reflect on Paul’s time in Athens. It was here that he addressed the philosophers, the Epicureans, Stoics, and members of the Jewish community. His message of the uniqueness of the true God who is a creator and father and the concept of the resurrection, however, didn’t quite land, likely clashing with the prevailing pagan beliefs about the afterlife. Still, it was thrilling to stand on the very spot where Paul once stood and spoke.
    In the afternoon, we embarked on a city tour of Athens, soaking in the vibrant energy of a city that seamlessly blends ancient grandeur with modern life.
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  • In Athens

    October 1 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Today was a well-earned “free day” in Athens, and everyone embraced it in their own way. Some dove into food tours, bike tours, and shopping sprees, while others opted for the more refined art of poolside lounging.
    A dozen of us teamed up with Greece’s honorary Melburnian, Steven Murie, who graciously led us through the Athenian and Roman Agora. As we wandered the ancient stones, it was impossible not to imagine Apostle Paul walking the Panathenaic Way, preaching the gospel to curious passersby and skeptical philosophers.
    Standing in the heart of ancient Athens, surrounded by history and guided by a local legend, it was a memorable way to spend our “day off.”
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  • Crete - Heraklion

    October 2 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    The first challenge of the day was meeting at 3:45 am for a transfer to the airport. After check-in, our flight from Athens to Heraklion, Crete went smoothly.
    As the troopers we are, we quickly moved on to our next activity: visiting the Knossos Palace.
    Located on the island of Crete, Greece, the Knossos Palace is the largest and most important archaeological site of the Minoan civilisation. It’s renowned for its labyrinthine layout, advanced plumbing, vibrant frescoes, and its association with the legend of King Minos and the Labyrinth. These ruins date back to 2000 years BC.
    Interestingly, a replica of Minos’ throne from Knossos Palace is located at the International Court of Justice, Peace Palace in The Hague. It’s considered to be the first seat of justice still in existence.
    Lunch followed a city tour of Heraklion, the main city which would have been visited by Paul and traditional has Titus here. We of course visited the church of Titus.
    Sandy purchased some gold jewelry - The Phaistos Disc: an artifact of fired clay discovered on July 3, 1908 in the Minoan palace of Phaistos on Crete. Dating to approximately 1700 BCE, Minoan Bronze Age, the disc measures about 16 cm in diameter and features 241 stamped symbols. It's undeciphered script and unknown language. This is ~ 500 years older than Moses, archaeology debunking another old but still heard myth - there was no written word at the time of Moses.

    The late afternoon was spent floating in the Mediterranean Sea until we had to convene for dinner.
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  • Island tour

    October 3 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Some early risers kicked off the day with a sunrise swim before breakfast because nothing says “Greek adventure” like a splash before coffee. After a scenic bus ride, we arrived at the charming village of Krasi, perched over 1,000 metres above sea level on the Lassithy Plateau. At first glance, it seemed like an unusual stop, but its quaint charm quickly won hearts. In fact, a few were so enchanted they had to be gently persuaded (read: threatened with abandonment) to rejoin the group on the bus.
    Nearby lies the Megali Vrysi, an aqueduct built in the 1800s that still supplies water to the village and irrigates the surrounding plateau, a quiet testament to enduring ingenuity.
    As we travelled, we read Paul’s letter to Titus, written from Nicopolis of Macedonia (where we were nearly two weeks ago) to Titus on Crete. Our discussion uncovered a few timeless lessons, Paul’s words still resonate, even from a bus seat.
    We made a stop at the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, home to a beautiful 13th century church nestled in the hills. Lunch followed at a scenic platea, where the view was as satisfying as the food.
    Our final visit was to the Omalia Olive Press, where we were treated to a fascinating walkthrough of the olive oil-making process, from traditional stone presses to sleek modern machinery. The tasting session sealed the deal: bread, olive oil, and salt proved irresistible, and many left with souvenir bottles of extra-virgin goodness in hand.
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  • Fairhavens and Matala

    October 4 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We loosed from Heraklion, heading due south across the island toward the port of Fairhavens, near the ancient city of Lasea, close to the modern town of Kaloi Limniones. It quickly became clear this wasn’t your average tourist stop, our guide confessed she hadn’t visited in 15 years, and the winding road over the hills gave us a good idea why. Locals had to move their cars so we could get through the small towns.
    But upon arrival, the charm of this quiet coastal town was undeniable. Fairhavens revealed itself as a natural harbour, peaceful and picturesque. We climbed the hill to a quaint Greek chapel and explored an ancient cave traditionally believed to be the place where Paul stayed. Reading Acts 27 in that setting gave the passage new life and meaning. Though reluctant to leave, we continued on to the second half of our day.
    Our next stop was Matala, a stunning seaside town nestled on a crescent-shaped bay along the south coast. Here, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch and swam in the gentle waters of the Mediterranean Sea, soaking in the sun and serenity.
    After dinner, we gathered for a memorial meeting, sharing reflections on the journey so far. It was a heartfelt and meaningful way to close out an extraordinary day, one filled with history, beauty, and spiritual connection.
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  • Santorini

    October 6 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 23 °C

    The post-tour started as we headed to Santorini for 3 days.
    It's not just a destination, it’s a mood, a must visit if one is 'doing' the Greek islands. From the postcard-perfect views of whitewashed buildings cascading down volcanic cliffs to the surreal sunsets that stop you in your tracks, it truly is beautiful. Some did a boat trip and others on the subsequent day a bus trip around the Island, where we wandered through charming villages like Oia and Fira. Santorini offered a perfect blend of serenity, history, and beauty. It’s a place that lingers long after you’ve left.Read more

  • Milos - Greek Island

    October 8 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    After three sun-soaked days on the island of Santorini a few had to go home, but the bulk of us headed via ferry to Milos, This Cycladic gem is completely different to Santorini, it is low key with raw simple beauty. We hired various different types of vehicles and for two days explored the Island with its dramatic coastlines, surreal rock formations, and beaches that felt like secret hideaways. From the lunar-like landscape of Sarakiniko to the colorful fishing village of Klima, every corner of Milos offered something unique. Milos may be quieter than its famous neighbours, but its charm was appreciated.

    From here a ferry to Athens saw us all depart in our various directions to home. Three weeks in the footsteps of Paul in this ancient land of Greece.
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    Trip end
    October 11, 2025