Day 1
New York, NY
We depart from our local International Airport for our
journey to Greece. Dinner and breakfast will be served on flight.
Day 2
Thessaloniki
Upon our arrival in Thessalonika; a city that is over
2300 years old. It was built in 316 BC by Kassandros, the Macedonian King, and
was named after his wife, Thessalonika the sister of Alexander the Great. It was
here that Paul wrote his letter to the Thessalonians. Later the city flourished
under the Byzantine Empire. Our tour includes the Roman Market, theatre and
baths, Arch of Galerius, the City walls, Chain Tower and Citadel, the white
tower, Byzantine churches, the cave and well of the Apostle Paul, House of
Jason, Monastery of Vlattadon, Aristotle's Square, and statue of Alexander the
Great. We also visit the archaeological museum with the treasures of Vergina.
Dinner and overnight in Thessalonika. D
Day 3
Thessaloniki
Today we visit the beautiful town of Kavala, called
Neapolis in the days of Paul (Acts 16: 11). From here continue to the site of
ancient Philippi where Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians, started to
preach the word of God to the nations, and baptized the first Christian on
European soil. We see the Baptistry of Lydia, the ancient theater and visit the
place where Paul was flogged and imprisoned. Dinner and overnight in
Thessalonika. B,D
Day 4
Kalambaka
We drive to Veria (ancient Berea), where the Christian
congregations were devoted to Paul's works. We stop for a visit at the monument
dedicated to the Apostle. Then we continue to Kalambaka to visit the famous
monasteries. Perched atop soaring cliffs, gigantic rocks have been etched by
time into a variety of shapes rooted deeply in the ground yet completely
isolated from the world around them. The Monasteries with their wooden galleries
and corniced rooftops hang precariously over the breath-taking abysses, with the
Pindus range at their back. We return to Kalambaka, for dinner and overnight.
B,D
Day 5
Athens
After breakfast we depart, through the mountainous Greek
countryside arriving in Delphi, the center of the ancient world - the "Omphalos"
("Naval - of the Earth") whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of
the Hellenic universe. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, a landscape of
unparalleled beauty and majesty lay the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo
pythios. Visit the treasury of the Athenians, the temple of Apollo and the
museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze
Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Continue to Athens for dinner and
over-night. B,D
Day 6
Athens
City sightseeing includes a visit to the world-renowned
Acropolis, with the ruins of the Parthenon, Erechteum and Propylea. Then, we
ascend Mars Hill, where Paul preached (Acts 17:16, 22). Also, view the Agora
(ancient market place, and former center of Athenian public life), the House of
Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace. We then
Depart for Corinth with a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, which separates
Peloponnese from the Greek mainland and connects the two seas (Ionian and
Aegean). Later visit Corinth which was home for Paul for eighteen months. We
visit the Archaeological Museum, the Bema, the Market Place and the Temples.
From the Bema at Corinth, Paul spoke to the Corinthians about our Lord and
Savior Christ. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight at our hotel. B,L,D
Day 7
Athens
Today we have a full day at leisure to pursue personal
interests. Perhaps a visit to the Plaka to shop or eat in one of the many fine
restaurants. B,D
Day 8
New York, NY
Today our journey ends with good memories as we bid farewell to our new
Greek friends. We are transferred to Athens airport for our flight home. Arrival
the same day. B
OPTIONAL CRUISE EXTENSION
DAY 8 MYKONOS
Transfer to the port of Piraeus for embarkation on our cruise ship. Enjoy
the many shipboard activities or just relax while sailing to the Island of
Mykonos with its jet-set atmosphere, whitewashed buildings, sidewalk cafes, 360
churches and chic shops. Here we will see the Archeological Museum and Temples.
B, L,D
DAY 9 RHODES
Full day on the Island of Rhodes, famed for its historic Old Town and
great shopping. Optional tour to the Temple of Athena on the majestic Acropolis
of Lindos B,L,D
DAY 10 KUSADASI
This morning we arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey site of the "Seven Wonders of
the Ancient World," Ephesus. Continue to the island of Patmos and the Monastery
of St. John the Divine, who received the Revelation here that forms the Last
Book of the New Testament. Visit Ephesus and The Monastery of St. John. B,L,D
DAY 11 ATHENS
Today we disembark and are transferred to the airport for our flight
home. Arrival the same day. B