Overview
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Highlights
Welcome and farewell dinners; guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis and Areopagus
THESSALONIKA Guided sightseeing, excursion to ancient Philippi and Kavala
VERIA Visit the Bema of Apostle Paul
METEORA Guided visit of Holy Monastery of Varlaam and St. Stephen
CRUISING Three-night cruise to Mykonos; Kusadasi (Turkey), with included shore excursions to Kusadasi: House of Virgin Mary and ancient Ephesus; Heraklion: Minoan Palace of Knossos.
Cruise Details:
- Gratuities to service personnel on board and port taxes are included.
- Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports with or without prior notice.
- Cabin categories: Inside cabin (category ID), Outside cabin (category XD)
- All cabins with two lower beds and private shower and toilet.
- Full entertainment program on board.
- Drink package: selection of non-alcoholic & alcoholic drinks.
- Globus Host service throughout the cruise.
CORINTH Guided visit of the excavations
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 8 dinners
ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE.
Day1
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions, then enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel to celebrate the start of your upcoming spiritual journey.
Meals included:
- Dinner
ATHENS–THESSALONIKA.
Day2
Head north to Thessalonika this morning for guided sightseeing. Named after Alexander the Great’s sister, it figures prominently in the New Testament. This city was the center of Apostle Paul’s activities in northern Greece—where he preached, founded a church, and to whom he wrote his two Thessalonian epistles. St. Paul, whose name was originally Saul, was a Roman citizen and a Pharisee. He experienced a powerful vision that caused him to convert to Christianity while on the road to Damascus, and he was baptized with the name of Paul. He then started traveling through Macedonia, Greece, Italy, the Holy Land, and Spain to spread the Word and led a very adventurous life. Paul wrote a series of letters, known as the epistles, that are an integral part of the New Testament giving advice on how Christians should live. He died in Rome, beheaded by order of Emperor Nero, in 67 AD.
Today’s Distance: 314 mi / 503 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
THESSALONIKA. EXCURSION TO PHILIPPI & KAVALA.
Day3
Today begins along Paul’s route via Amphipolis, a wealthy city in ancient Macedonia, where a large number of Christian churches were built in the 5th and 6th centuries. Next, travel to Philippi, a busy Roman colony with an impressive library and theater. It was here that Paul preached and established the first church in Europe, and to whom he wrote his Philippians epistle while imprisoned in Rome, in which he expressed great fondness for that community. Continue to Kavala, ancient port of Neapolis.
Today’s Distance: 219 mi / 350 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
THESSALONIKA–VERIA–KALAMBAKA
Day4
This morning, stop in Veria (called Berea in the New Testament), where Paul and Silas were sent by friends after being accused of treason in Thessalonika. Visit the BEMA OF APOSTLE PAUL, where he preached the gospel to the local community, then continue to Kalambaka, home to the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries.
Today’s Distance: 137 mi / 220 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
KALAMBAKA–METEORA–ATHENS
Day5
A real highlight is in store today. Situated atop soaring cliffs and rock faces, the Meteora monasteries create one of the most inspirational sites in the world. Visit the HOLY MONASTERY OF VARLAAM, the second-largest of the monasteries, and the HOLY MONASTERY OF ST. STEPHEN, which was bombed by the Nazis during WWII but later was reconstructed by nuns. Here, you will be introduced to the many historical and religious treasures. Return to Athens for an overnight.
Today’s Distance: 230 mi / 370 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ATHENS–LAVRION/PIRAEUS (EMBARKATION)–MYKONOS
Day6
Awaken refreshed this morning and ready to begin your 3-night CRUISE around the Greek Isles and Turkey. Head first to mountainous Mykonos with its iconic windmills and brilliant whitewashed houses. Wander through the narrow winding streets, do a little shopping, or sit in a café to people watch.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY–EXCURSION TO EPHESUS–PATMOS, GREECE.
Day7
Visit the Turkish port of Kusadasi for an included excursion to the EPHESUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE, the former capital of the Roman province of Asia. Walk in the footsteps of Apostle Paul, who lived and preached here, and meditate on what life must have been like for the early Ephesian Christians in this pagan society. Also, see the HOUSE OF MARY, where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her last days. Continue your cruise to the island of Patmos, the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” where you can join an optional excursion to see the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse. Here, John the Evangelist received the visions that he recorded in the Book of the Revelation during his exile.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE–SANTORINI.
Day8
First port of call today is Heraklion on Crete. Enjoy an excursion to nearby KNOSSOS, the center of the 3000 BC Minoan civilization and historic site of mythology’s tales about the Minotaur and the labyrinth. Afternoon call (weather permitting) at Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” An optional excursion, that will take you to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world’s most glorious panoramic views, is available.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
PIRAEUS (DISEMBARKATION)–CORINTH–ATHENS.
Day9
Disembark and travel to Corinth to visit the EXCAVATIONS, where Apostle Paul worked for 18 months and where he met his faithful followers Aquila and Priscilla. Learn about this ancient city-state and its early church community, which was the recipient of Paul’s two Corinthians epistles. Return to Athens for sightseeing that visits the ACROPOLIS with the Parthenon and AREOPAGUS, where Paul delivered his famous sermon about the identity of the “Unknown God.” Tonight, join your traveling companions for a final evening of fellowship and celebration at a farewell dinner at your hotel.
Today’s Distance: 101 mi / 163 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
ATHENS
Day10
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
- While there are some shore excursions that are faith-related, the cruise itself is not faith-themed.
- Departure April 5 cruise itinerary will have slight changes due to Easter.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Zafolia
First-Class
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport.
Location
87-89 Alexandras Avenue, Athens, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Fitness Room
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Gift Shop
- Spa Services
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Smoking Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Television
- Hair Dryer
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Phone
Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre
Superior First-Class
The Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre is a modern 193 room property, in the heart of Athens' commercial district offering Free Wi-Fi access. The hotel has a choice of dining options including the roof garden restaurant where during summer months, guests can dine under starry skies whilst enjoying a spectacular view of Lycabettus hill. The perfect place to unwind is at the roof-top bar where snacks and drinks can be taken al-fresco in the summer by the refreshing outdoor dipping pool. The lively lobby bar serves drinks and fruity cocktails year round and other leisure facilities include a gym and sauna.
Location
Michalacopoulou Street 50, Athens, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Fitness Room
- Ice Machine
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- ATM
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
- Laundry Available
- Concierge desk
- Pool
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Mini-bar
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Climate Control
- Pay Movies
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Smoking Rooms
- Phone
- Voicemail
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
- Room Service
- Wake-Up Calls
- In-Room Safe
- Window Opens
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Desk
- Television
Capsis
First-Class
Latest technology designs and recent renovation have made Capsis one of the best-known and foremost central hotels in Thessaloniki, being an ideal option for business meetings, conference receptions and tours around the city of great religious and cultural significance.
Location
18 Monastiriou Street, Thessaloniki, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Fitness Room
- ATM
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Climate Control
- Electronic/Magnetic Keys
- Phone
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Daily Housekeeping
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Mini-bar
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
Amalia Kalambaka
First-Class
Amalia Hotel is a beautiful setting just minutes away from the town of Kalambaka. The hotel is embedded on 14 acres of greenery and has been built with traditional materials to match its surroundings.
Location
National Road, Kalambaka, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Gift Shop
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Alarm Clock
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Desk
- Internet Access
