Days 3 – Tuesday, September 7 – Amphipolis, Philippi, Neapolis/Kevala
Today was our first full day here in Greece. The weather was perfect, with partly cloudy skies and temps around 75. Following a hearty breakfast we left Thessaloniki at 7:40. We read Philippians 1:1-11 as we began our drive to the north.
Amphipolis
Our first stop was Amphipolis. Paul passed by this city (Acts 17:1) as well as Amphipolis. The lion statue we saw here dates to the 4th century BC. It was set up in honor of Laomedon of Mytilene, an important general of Alexander the Great, king of Macedonia.
Philippi
We continued northward along the Aegean Sea coastline. We enjoyed a brief coffee and pastry stop on the way to Philippi. This site has been excavation back in the late 19th century. Here we saw the theater, a few later Roman basilicas, the traditional prison used for Paul and Silas, and the agora/forum. We read from Acts 16 about Paul and Silas’ boldness. The actually prison was probably in the area in of the Praetorian at the one end of the agora, and not the traditional one (which is 2nd century AD).
“It was a great first day. I really like our visit to Philippi the best. The ruins were amazing and to think that Paul and Silas were here is special. God took care of them. Aliki is a great guide too.” -Tour member-
Kavala/Neapolis
After eating lunch on the premises of the site, we drive to the small stream that provided water for the city. It was here Lydia was baptized following her conversion to Christ (Acts 17:11-15). Nine miles away we drive to Kavala or ancient Neopolis. Paul sailed into the port following his vision to come to Asia Minor at Troas (Acts 16:11). Here we saw a memorial dedicated to Paul and the two-level Roman aqueduct.
Thessaloniki
In the late afternoon we drive back to Thessaloniki. We enjoyed a panoramic view of the city before driving back to our hotel for dinner and overnight. What a great first full day!
Day 4: Wednesday, September 8: Berea, Vergina, Meteora, Kalambaka
