Day 4 – Tuesday, October 7: Thessaloniki, Berea, Vergina, Meteora, Kalambaka
Today was our second full day. We enjoyed another great breakfast before we checked out of our hotel and loaded our bus at 7:30. We were welcomed by another cool morning before it warmed up into the 60s. The skies were partly cloudy, with a few breaks of sun in the afternoon. We read from 1 Thessalonians 1 as we left the hotel at 7:45.
Thessaloniki
We started the morning by driving along the shoreline of the city and to the the White Tower, a 15th century structure (although previously built during the earlier Byzantine Period). This structure was used as a prison during there Ottoman/Turkish period. We also saw an impressive statue of Alexander the Great is also in this area of the coastline of the city. From here, we drove up the hill to see the ancient Late Roman fortress walls at the Acropolis of the city. The view of the city was incredible, the second largest city in Greece today (1.2 million). We read from 1 Thessalonians 2 and 4 (about the return of Jesus as King) as well as portions of 2 Thessalonians 3.
Berea
Driving about 50 minutes south across the agricultural plain from Thessaloniki, we came to Berea. It is called Verea in Greek. While there is no archaeology here to see dating to the time of Paul, we read the Acts 17 passage in front of a small modern monument constructed in the heart of this city. We recalled about how the believers here searched the Scriptures diligently. Sopater, a believer from the city of Berea (as well as Aristarchus and Secundus from nearby Thessalonica) was a new believer who eventually became traveling companion with Paul as well towards the end of his third missionary journey (see Acts 20:4 again). God transformed and called others to join Paul in ministry!
“Today was our second full day as we drove from the north to the center part of the beautiful and mountainous country of Greece. The weather was much better as we visited Berea, Vergina, and Meteora. The unique mountain structures at Meteora were stunning to see!”
Vergina
About 20 minutes away is Vergina. We first e joyed a very Greek lunch at a classic restaurant before we walked to the archaeological ruins of the royal tombs of Macedonians. Discovered in 1977, these tombs were quite impressive! While there are actually four tombs to see here, the tombs of Philip II (the father of Alexander the Great) and Alexander IV (or the “Prince,” perhaps the son of Alexander II) are amazingly well preserved even after more than 2,300 years! These two tombs were found intact. In the museum we also saw many of the items found in these tombs, including many incredible gold pieces, armory and weaponry of Philip II, among other personal items.
Meteora/Kalambaka
Following our visit of there royal tombs, we continued our scenic drive south to Kalambaka. This is the heart of the country of Greece. We traversed up and over the Pindos mountain range. At about 5 p.m., we arrived to the area of Meteora. Six Greek monasteries are still active here (of a total of 24), the earliest dating back to the early 1,300’s. We entered the monastery of St. Stephen’s. Aliki and Sofia took us into the chapel area. Monks (and Sisters) for 100s of years have dedicated their lives in carefully building these with such precision. To see this “perched” monastery was stunning. Upon leaving the one called St. Stephen’s, we drove to another panoramic view of the these monasteries and the city of Kalambaka far below. After checking in to our hotel, we enjoyed a great buffet dinner once again (with a very nice chocolate soufflé) and a free evening!
Day 5 – Wednesday, October 8: Thermopylae, Delphi, Athens
