| Day 1 - Monday 7 Oct 2024 |
| Welcome To Thessaloniki! |
On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Discover vibrant Thessaloniki, a city at a unique crossroads of civilizations, where East meets West, and where cultures and religions have mixed for thousands of years. Take the afternoon to soak up the thriving culture of Greece's beloved Northern capital with its idyllic sea views, tree-lined streets and colorful bazaars. In the afternoon meet your fully-trained and professional Tour Director for a meeting.
Kick off the tour in style with a lovely welcome dinner.
Overnight in Thessaloniki.
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Dinner |
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| Day 2 - Tuesday |
Thessaloniki To Kavala
sightseeing Kavala |
Today your journey takes you to the biblical port city of Neapolis,
now known as Kavala, where St. Paul first set foot in Europe in 45
AD, Paul disembarked and began his mission in Greece.
Following in his footsteps travel, just as St. Paul and his companions
did, from Kavala to Philippi.
Saint Paul founded the first Christian Church on European soil at
Philippi in 49/50 AD. The establishment of the new religion and the
city's proximity to Constantinople, the Roman Empire's new capital,
brought new splendour. Three magnificent basilicas and the
Octagon complex, the cathedral dedicated to Saint Paul, were
erected in the city centre in the fourth-sixth centuries AD.
St.Paul preached his first sermon and baptized the first Christians on
European soil. Your expert guide will take you through the
monumental ruins, including the site where Lydia was baptized and
where St. Paul was imprisoned. You will visit the Acropolis, the
theater and the remains of the first Christian Basilica.
Continue your journey in chronological order, stopping in Ancient
Amphipolis, before returning to beautiful Thessaloniki.
Ovenight in Thessaloniki
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Breakfast and Dinner |
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| Day 3 - Wednesday |
Thessaloniki
[ sightseeing Thessaloniki ] |
The prolific words from Paul's letters to the Thessalonians will play
through our minds as we are led through the very places where he
lived, preached and wrote about.
Starting from the upper city you will see the city from above! First
stop is the trigonion tower. From this vantage point you will be able to
have an overview of all the city. This overview will allow for a good
understanding of the city layout and the main focal point structures.
Walking along the northern walls, follow the downhill path towards
the city. You have the opportunity to view and discuss with your guide
the evolution of the city through the ages.
Visit the church of Vlatadon, a beautiful monastery of the 14th
century which now is open to public as a church. Walking towards
the center of the city, next stop is a visit to the Rotunda, a Unesco
world heritage site, which through the centuries has served as a
temple, church, mosque. The Rotunda houses few early Christian
mosaics and is a spectacular sight. Continue to the church of St.
Demetrius, patron Saint of Thessaloniki, an early Christian basilica of
the 5th a.D. with a crypt under the altar of the church which exist
since the beginning of the city, 4th B.C.
Walking towards the waterfront, you will pass the open air market
and feel the vibe of this majestic city. Thessaloniki promenade
waterfront is a favourite for the locals. Walk along the promenade with your guide and enjoy the slower pace of life that Thessaloniki offers
Ovenight in Thessaloniki
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Breakfast and Dinner |
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| Day 4 - Thursday |
Thessaloniki to Kalambaka
[ sightseeing on route Veria / Vergina ] |
Enjoy a nice breakfast at the hotel before setting off, as Paul did,
to the town of Veria.
The Book of Acts Chapter 17:10 describes how the Apostle Paul
left Thessaloniki and visited the nearby town of Berea (Veria).The
town of Veroia has built a small park and altar to mark the
traditional location the Apostle Paul spoke from during his visit.
Continue to the nearby amazing sight of Vergina. See the burial
site of the kings of Macedon, including the tomb of Philip II,
father of Alexander the Great. A spectacular site of great
historical significance and exquisitely presented.
After an enlightening day continue the trip on to Kalambaka. Kalambaka is home to the breathtaking Meteora Monasteries. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight Kastraki area
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Breakfast and Dinner |
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| Day 5 - Friday |
Kalambaka to Athens
sightseeing Meteora |
When you awaken to see the awe-inspiring rock formations unfold before your eyes, you will easily understand why we call this place Meteora, which means “suspended in the heavens above.” Today we will climb above the charming mountain villages of Kastraki and Kalambaka to visit two of the six surviving Monasteries of Meteora, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the world.
Though Paul passed through Greece long before hermits began cave-dwelling here in the 9th century, one cannot deny that the message of his mission is alive and is exceptionally well-preserved here.
Take the opportunity to see how the monks live today and enter some of the most captivating Byzantine basilicas in Greece.
In the afternoon head south to the world-famous capital city of Athens for dinner and your overnight stay.
Overnight Athens
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Breakfast and Dinner |
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| Day 6 - Saturday |
Athens
sightseeing Athens and the Plaka |
Today we will explore the fascinating city of Athens, a city whose deeply spiritual citizens have
dedicated themselves to Gods for over 4,500 years, leaving behind countless places of worship to visit.
We will begin our morning climbing up the rock of the Acropolis,
while our experienced guide uncovers the stories behind the Temple of Athena Nike,
the Erectheum, the Propylae, and perhaps the most perfect piece of architecture ever built, the majestic Parthenon.
Afterward, we will ascend the Areopagus, Mars Hill, where Paul spoke to the Athenians who were gathered in the Ancient Agora below.
We’ll continue on to the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of the Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. To follow we will see the National Gardens, the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square, the University of Athens, and finally the National Library.
Take a walk through the enchanting Plaka and pass by some of the city's most precious Byzantine churches afterward.
The evening is at your leisure in lively Athens, until our group dinner at a lovely local restaurant.
Overnight in Athens.
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Breakfast and Dinner |
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| Day 7 - Sunday |
Corinth and Epidaurus day trip from Athens
sightseeing Corinth, Epidaurus and Kechries |
After Athens, St.Paul went to Corinth. At the foothills of the Corinthian Acropolis, he lived, worked as a tent maker and taught the word of God for 18 months. You will visit the ruins of the ancient city, walking in the same paths that he walked thousands of years before while your guide reveals the ruins of the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Peirene, the Agora where Paul's trial by Gallio took place and where the famous Bema stands. Afterward drive past (brief stop) the ancient port of Kechries, where Paul departed from for Ephesus.
From Corinth you will continue on to the majestic site of Epidaurus. The site of Epidaurus, which is listed as a world heritage site by Unesco, is vast. With ruins of temples and ancient hospital buildings devoted to the healing gods; it is considered to be the birthplace of Asklepios. The site monuments, particularly the temple of Asklepios, the Tholos and the Theatre are considered some of
the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture and date from the 4th century BC. For most travelers Epidaurus is known for the magnificent theater that still stands there – and is still used for plays and other performances. Walk the grounds leading up to the theater and there check the famous acoustics. The theater is considered a marvel of engineering as the acoustics are unrivaled even by today’s standards.
Return to Athens for the special last evening of the tour; tonight enjoy a special highlight farewell dinner!
Overnight in Athens.
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Breakfast and Dinner |
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| Day 8 - Monday |
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As your footsteps of St.Paul tour ends, say farewell to the vibrant city of Athens.
Enjoy a nice breakfast at the hotel.
Time at leisure until your flight.
Depending on the time of your flight we shall arrange a transfer for you to the Athens airport.
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Breakfast |
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Alternatively you may continue the tour taking advantage of the very special offer for a four day cruise.
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Show more about the cruise
| Day 8 (Optional Cruise Extension to the tour) |
Monday
Sailing to Mykonos |
After breakfast at the hotel we will transfer to the port to embark the four day Aegean cruise.
Welcome on board!
After embarkation this morning, on board, a range of activities are available to you:; sip a cocktail by the pool, try your luck in the casino, work-out in the fitness center or just relax and soak up the glorious Mediterranean sun. You will be wined and dined with an array of enticing international and Greek cuisine.
At 18:00 the ship will dock in Mykonos; an island that needs little introduction! A summer holiday meeting point for jet setters worldwide, this glittering, glamorous island has everything you expect: fantastic beaches with crystal clear water, whitewashed sugar-cube houses with blue wooden shutters, narrow streets to stroll around, and last, but not least an incredible nightlife!
The evening is yours to enjoy this beautiful iconic Cycladic Island.
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| Day 9 (Optional Cruise Extension to the tour) |
Tuesday
Sailing to Kusadasi & Patmos |
Dock at Kusadasi in Turkey, and find yourself surrounded by all sorts of merchandise: Clothes, carpets, souvenirs, pottery, watches, anything and everything under the sun.
Furthermore, from there you can also visit the archaeological site of Ephesus, an ancient city which has withstood the ravages of time and much is still standing. Famous in antiquity as the sight where the temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world, once stood. St.Paul's epistles to the Ephesians are part of the new Testament.
We depart from Kusadasi to set sail to Patmos. In the island of Patmos you can visit the venerable monastery of St.John where it is said that the 'Book of Revelation' was written. The visit to the cave were St.John wrote the book is a truly mystical experience.
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| Day 10 (Optional Cruise Extension to the tour) |
Wednesday
Sailing to Rhodes |
Rhodes full day
Early morning breakfast will be served onboard as you arrive in the Port of Rhodes. As the cruise ship will remain in Rhodes all day, we suggest taking part in one of the many optional tours onboard which allow you to either visit Lindos and its Acropolis, the Medieval Town of Rhodes with its cobblestoned pathways or the archeaological site of Filerimos. After the excursions we return to the ship for lunch.
The afternoon can be spent wandering around or taking a swim at one of the nearby beaches.
Late afternoon, return to your ship. Dinner will be served onboard as you sail for Crete.
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| Day 11 (Optional Cruise Extension to the tour) |
Thursday
Sailing to Heraklion & Santorini |
Crete (Heraklion) and Santorini
Early morning breakfast will be served onboard as the ship docks at the port of Heraklio.
In Heraklion passengers have the opportunity to participate in a marvellous excursion Knossos and see the ruins of the Palace of King Minos. Or alternatively explore the town of Heraklion and enjoy a coffee in one of the outdoor cafes.
In the afternoon marvel at the captivating views of this magnficient island as you arrive and anchor in Santorini.
Passengers participating in the optional tour to Oia and Thira will disembark first via tender boats to Athenios Port where motorcoaches will await. All other passengers will disembark via tender boats to Santorini`s small port where you can experience a fantastic journey up the caldera by cable car or donkey or foot. Early evening return to the ship via cable car and tender boat for dinner onboard as you depart Santorini and sail back to Lavrion.
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| Day 12 (Optional Cruise Extension to the tour) |
Friday
Return to Athens |
Enjoy your breakfast on board the cruise ship and disembark this morning.
As your footsteps of St. Paul tour has come to an end. Transfer to Athens International Airport for your flight home.
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