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