Footsteps of the Apostles: Thessaloniki, Philippi & Vergina
Greek Bible Tours is pleased to provide this free travel guide to those interested in following the footsteps of the apostles on their own. The information here will make it possible for you to personally plan a trip using insights from experts who regularly organize group travel to Greece. Please avail yourself to the audio guides for purchase and to the links for recommended hotels to round out your experience.
Day 1 Arrive in Thessaloniki
Rental car option
Tips on rental car insurance
Third party rental car booking sites often advertise insurance coverage as packaged in the rates. This is a legitimate insurance policy, but it is also typically provided by a third party company rather than the rental car company itself. Greek rental car agencies commonly take a 1000 EUR deposit from customers who are not covered by their own insurance policy. If you do experience damage or theft to your vehicle, you will be responsible for the full price and then will need to file for reimbursement from the third party insurance company. So, do not be surprised by a large deposit or an explanation that no roadside assistance is available when declining coverage from the rental agency. If you are relying on your credit card company for coverage, as is typical in the United States, note that proof of coverage may be required by your rental agency. Also note that Greek rental car companies use the term ‘excess’ to describe what Americans typically call a ‘deductible’.
Be sure to obtain an international drivers' permit before departing from the USA. This can be purchased at a AAA office.
Tips on directions
Situate your cell phone for international reception. You can purchase a sim card in Greece for very affordable rates; however, the process of obtaining that sim card at the airport may be the last thing you want to fuss with after an overnight flight from the United States. And if the sim card does not work on your phone for any reason (and there are many technical reasons that may complicate your usage of a foreign sim card), it is good to have a backup for directions. Either order a rental car with GPS, program your cell phone for reception or bring along a wi-fi hotspot. You'll want some digital assistance to help you find your locations.
Drive to Lucy Hotel in Kavala (approximately 2 hours)
Day 2: Philippi
Drive to Ancient Philippi (approximately 20 minutes)
Drive to the Grand Palace Hotel in Thessaloniki (approximately 2 hours)
Day 3: Thessaloniki
Note: Parking in Thessaloniki can be difficult to locate. You may find it more convenient to leave your rental car at the hotel and use a taxi to get to the various locations in the city.
Day 4: Vergina
Drive to Vergina (approximately 1 hour)
Drive to Veria (approximately 15 minutes).
Drive back to the Grand Palace Hotel in Thessaloniki (approximately 1 hour).
Day 5: Departure
Arrive at the airport 2.5 hours ahead of departure time for international flights. Or, continue to southern Greece by car using our free guide.
This itinerary has been designed by David Bosworth, Educational Travel Specialist for Greek Bible Tours. David has been helping believers travel to Greece in the footsteps of the apostles since 2004. Greek Bible Tours is a for-profit business which seeks to reinvest revenue in the ongoing work of Christian ministry and outreach in Greece. Thank you for your support.
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