Sojourn to
Biblical/Classical Greece
Follow the footsteps of Paul and the members of the first-century church in a journey throughout Greece. This experience will lead Sojourners on a journey toward becoming conversant in ancient paradigms that predated Christianity and were deeply entrenched during Paul’s ministry (and for centuries afterward). The divinely inspired writings of Luke, Paul, Peter, James, John, and Jude will acquire new intellectual and spiritual relevance as travelers read them, perhaps for the first time, through the eyes of a first-century audience.
Our ideal itinerary traces the Apostle Paul’s missionary team’s route from Kavala and Philippi to Thessaloniki, ancient Berea, Athens, and Corinth. Along the way we’ll seize opportunities to understand important classical touchstones, such as the Oracle at Delphi, the conquerors Philip and Alexander, and Mycenae (of Homeric fame).
Our prayer is that through our journey you will experience the intellectual validation and fortification of your faith; growth as a disciple of Jesus; the Scriptures coming alive to you as never before, connecting the words on the page to the earth beneath your feet; recognition of our brother Paul not only as a missionary but also as a worldview warrior; the discovery of your own duty and ability to assert and defend your Christian worldview in the marketplace (“forum”) of ideas; and a sweet renewal of your relationship with Christ through your adventures in Greece.
Key Sites & Storylines
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Experience the places where Christianity first took root in Europe:
Philippi and Paul's prison site
Lydia Springs (where the first convert in Europe was baptized!)
Kavala (ancient Neapolis), Paul's landing site
Thessaloniki City Tour
Verea (ancient Berea)
Athens' Areopagus (Mars Hill)
Corinth and the ancient forum
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Explore the rich Orthodox tradition that has preserved Christianity through the centuries:
Agios Demetrius
Agia Sophia
The "Floating Monasteries" of Meteora
Monastery of the Holy Trinity
Monastery of St. Stephen
Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas
Monastery of Varlaam
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Encounter the intellectual and cultural world that preceded and influenced early Christianity:
Archaeological site of Aigai (Philip of Macedon's tomb)
Delphic Theatre
Oracle at Delphi
Thermopylae (of 300 fame; opposed by Xerxes, husband to Esther)
Acropolis and Parthenon
Mycenae (of Homeric fame)
Epidaurus Theater
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Experience the beauty of the Greek Islands that have inspired travelers for millennia:
Aegina
Poros
Hydra
Saronic Gulf waters
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Keep your passport close, because US Customs may think you're a Greek national by the end of this trip, thanks to:
Authentic Greek cooking class
Old-world Greek dancing lessons
Greek cuisine beyond imagination
The Sojourn to Biblical/Classical Greece Difference
This program goes beyond typical religious tourism to provide a theologically informed understanding of Christianity’s European development. By exploring the complex interplay between faith and culture across pivotal locations and thousands of years, participants gain insights that deepen their appreciation of Western civilization’s Christian foundations.
Purposeful Pairings
The Sojourn to Biblical/Classical Greece pairs perfectly with our Christ in Western Europe program, which offers an unparalleled exploration of Christianity’s emergence, flourishing, and enduring impact across Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Together, these complementary journeys reveal how the Christian faith has shaped and been shaped by the civilizations, cultures, and landscapes of Europe from ancient times to the present day.
Christ in Western Europe >>
Other Purposeful Pairings:
Similarly Themed Destinations:
Sojourn in Style
To “Sojourn on Purpose” is to “Sojourn in Style.” Here’s what you can expect out of every Sojourn:
DISCOVER BY DAY
Seize the day with an itinerary knowledgeably and efficiently crafted around your priorities.
RECHARGE IN LUXURY
Sample a wide variety of cultural cuisine, then kick back in comfort.
DEEPEN FELLOWSHIP
As iron sharpens iron, so one Sojourner sharpens another.
CONNECT IT ALL
We’ll help you relate each day's important discoveries to your learning and fellowship goals.
DAILY BRIEFINGS
& RECAPS
We’ll make you a custom daily briefing book/journal. We’ll email you nightly recaps.
Ask a Sojourn Expert
The possibilities are endless. Tell us your dreams, and we’ll help you narrow them down to the perfect pairings.
“The World was all before them where to choose . . .”
— John Milton, Paradise Lost