14 Day Christian Tour Greece, Cruise to Greek Islands & Kusadasi / Ephesus

DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY:

• Our driver will meet you at Athens airport El. Venizelos, and transfer you at your hotel. Overnight in Athens.

DAY 2: ATHENS – THERMOPILES - VLATADES MONASTERY OF ST. PAUL - THESSALONIKI: 

• Our driver will pick you up from your hotel at 08.30 and we will have our first stop  at Thermopiles in order to admire the statue of Leonidas, as a memorial of the battle of the 300. We continue our trip to reach inThessaloniki. You will check in and after you rest, we will visit the Vlatades Monastery, where it is said that Apostle Paul stopped there to drink some water. That is why it is called “Apostle Paul’s Holy Water". Believers from all over the world worship the space of Holy Water and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view to Thermaikos Gulf. In the same area is also located the Orthodox Church of St. Paul.  Afterwards, we suggest you to taste the delicious Greek cuisine or to walk at the coast line of the city, the second bigger city of Greece! Thessaloniki for overnight

DAY 3: THESSALONIKI - NEA FOKEA - PHILIPPOI – KAVALA:

• After your breakfast, we will explore Thessaloniki, where Paul preached and wrote two epistles to the Ancient Thessalonians, during the winters of 49-50 AD. See the ramparts of the city: the triumphal Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda, one of the most imposing monuments of Thessaloniki. Visit St. Demetrius Basilica, in which is located the underground ancient “Crypt", the Acheiropoietos Church. It is one of the first churches of Christianity, founded sometime between 450 and 475 AD. We leave Thessaloniki to reach at the small town of Nea Fokea, to visit the ''Agiasma of St. Paul'', an underground corridor, which ends to a chamber, where St. Paul was hidden when the people of Thessaloniki run after him. Our next visit is at Philippoi, where St. Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians in Europe! Visit the ''Baptismal'' site, where Lydia was baptized, as the first European woman, and the secret crypt where Paul was imprisoned. Finally, we will visit the Acropolis of Filippoi.Our day finished at the city of Kavala, or "ancient Neapolis". Overnight in Kavala.

DAY 4: KAVALA – VEROIA – VERGINA- METEORA: 

• Our driver will pick you up from your hotel at 08.30 to visit the beautiful town of Veroia at Northwestern Greece. We will visit the church of Apostle Paul and the marble ''Vima of Apostle Paul'', the place Paul preached to the people of one of his beloved towns for many days. We continue to the Ancient town of Vergina, to visit the King's tombs that one of them belongs at the father of Alexander the Great and ex-king. Afterwards, we will head to Meteora. Meteora for Overnight.

DAY 5: METEORA – ATHENS:

• Our driver will pick you up from your hotel at 09.00 in order to visit the BYZANTINE MONASTERIES of Meteora, included on the UNESCO world heritage monument list. We are having our first stop at The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro, which is the biggest and the oldest one of all. It was called the monastery that was "suspended in the air" (Meteoro), because of the formation of the gigantic rock on top of which it was built. Our second visit is at the great monastery of St. Stephan. The Monastery of St. Stephan is a small church built in the 16th century and decorated in 1545. We leave from Meteora and we will reach Athens. Our driver will drop off at your hotel in Athens. Overnight in Athens.

Day 6: LAVRIO PORT (GREECE) 

• Our driver transfer you at Lavrios port, for check in 09.00 up to 12.00.the largest port in the Mediterranean and primary departure point for Greek Island cruises from Athens, Piraeus is a hubbub of activity that will bring your senses to life. With a sun-soaked promenade, al-fresco cafes and bars and countless shops, it’s a place where you can easily relax with a glass of wine and watch the world go by.

Depart: 13.00

Day 6:MYKONOS PORT (GREECE) 

• We have our first stop in Mykonos. The Island of Mykonos is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands that attracts visitors from all over the world. After docking, transfer to Hora, the islands’ capital.  Upon arrival in Hora, you will enjoy a walking tour that will take you on the narrow-cobbled streets of the city. Pass by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs, and whitewashed houses to arrive in Alexandra. This section of Mykonos is known as the Venice of Mykonos, as the homes have wooden balconies and are built on the sea. Historically these homes were of the wealthy merchants and captains. Return to the cruise ship for dinner and an overnight. 

Arrival: 18:00
Depart: 23:00

Day 7: KUSADASI PORT (TURKEY) 

• We will arrive at the lively Turkish port of Kusadasi. Transfer to the small village of Mt. Koressos. While in this village you will visit the small stone chapel that is situated upon the site where the Virgin Mary spent her last days following Christ’s crucifixion. Following this visit, your group will walk through the Magnesian Gate to the ancient Ephesus. Begin your walking tour which will take you through the most magnificent excavations in the world. The last stop on the walking tour is the Great Theater the largest ancient theatre that had a capacity of 25.000 people and is a site where Saint Paul preached. On the return of your walking tour follow the exact route that Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession via the Arcadian Way. On your transfer back to Kusadasi, you will have the opportunity to view the Basilica of Saint John. Upon arrival in Kusadasi, enjoy free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship. 

Arrival: 07:00
Depart: 13:00

Day 7: PATMOS PORT (GREECE) 

• When you embark your journey will continue to Patmos where you will transfer to the village of Chora. While in this island’s capital, visit the monastery of Saint John the Theologian. This marvelous structure was built nine hundred years ago. In addition to the stunning main church that contains outstanding frescoes, you will have the opportunity to view the beautiful courtyard dining room and the bakery. You tour continues to the small museum where you will view priceless ecclesiastical treasures. Board the bus, which will take you to the Monastery and Grotto of the Apocalypse. In this grotto, experience at one of lifetime opportunity to view the site of where the book of Revelations was written. Additionally, view the three-fold crack made by the voice of God who emphasized the importance of honoring the Holy Trinity. Your day will continue with a transfer to the port of Scala. While in this quaint and picturesque harbor, you will enjoy free time before returning to the ship.

Arrival: 16.30
Depart: 21:30

Day 8: HERAKLION PORT (GREECE) 

• This morning you will awaken and transfer to the largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion. While in this administrative capital, visit the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos. These ruins were discovered in 1899, and the palace is currently partially reconstructed. This ancient palace is believed to hve been the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. Additionally, it is the site where Saint Paul met the owner and captain of the ship who warned him of continuing his journey to spread Christianity in Rome. Following this historical visit, you will embark the ship to reach Santorini 

Arrival: 07:00
Depart: 12:00

Day 8: SANTORINI PORT (GREECE) 

• Santorini is definitively the most breathtaking island of all of the Greek islands. Upon arrival in Santorini  visit Thira with its iconic white-washed houses, narrow streets, open air cafes, and glittering boutiques that cling to steep cliffs. This evening you will return to the ship for your last dinner and overnight on your cruise

Arrival: 16:30
Depart: 21:30

Day 9: LAVRIO PORT TO ANCIENT CORINTH - DELPHI. You will reach at Piraeus port at 06.30 

•  Our driver meet you there to start the tour driving along the mainland coast to Peloponnese, we will have our first stop, 1 hour later, at the Canal of Corinth (6 km length and 80m height). We continue to reach at Ancient and the Bema of Apostle Paul and we will walk at the same paths that Apostle of Nations walked and preached hundreds of years earlier. We will visit the commercial town of Corinth and The Apostolos Pavlos (Apostle Paul) metropolitan church, on the street of the same name, which founded by Apostle Paul around 51-52 AD . The “Apostle to the Nations” arrived in the city in the middle of the 1st century. A.D. and was hosted by the Jews of Achilles and Priscilla. He lived, taught and remained in Corinth for one and a half years. Then from Kechrias port his next journey begun. We leave from Corinth to reach in Delphi and to check in at your hotel. After that, you will have free time for yourself. Overnight in Delphi

DAY 10: DELPHI – MONASTERY OF SAINT LOUKAS – ANCIENT OLYMPIA:

• Pick you up at 09:00 from your hotel to visit Castalia Springs, visit at the archeological site and view the monument of the Argive Kings, the treasure of the Athenians, the Athenian Stoa the Polygonal Wall the monument of Platea and the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle and Delphi museum, with its spectacular exhibits include the frieze of the Trasury of the Sifnians, the Naxian Sphinx, the Statue of Antinoos the metopes of the Athenean treasury, the famous bronze Charioteed, originally created to commemorate a victory during the 476 B.C. Pythian games, and many other artifacts. The next visit will be at the wonderful Byzantine monastery of St. Loukas. The monastery of Saint Loukas is an 11th century monastery. This monastery is the epitome of the Byzantine architecture while it is also included in the UNESCO world Heritage list. You will have lunch at a traditional taverna before leaving for Ancient Olympia. Overnight in Olympia

DAY 11: ANCIENT OLYMPIA - ZAKYNTHOS ISLAND:

• Our driver will pick you up from the hotel at 09.00 to visit the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, where the place that the first ever Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C. There is the temple of Zeus the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece that houses one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient world, the gold and ivory statue, dedicated. Then visit the temple of Hera, the shrine of Pelops, the Council house where the athletes took the Olympic oath, the Treasury houses, the Gymnasium and the Palestra where they used to exercise for a month prior to the Games. Finally you will tour in the stadium, where the marble starting blocks are still in position. After sightseeing in Olympia, we will head to Kyllini Port to take the ferry departing at about 15.15 to reach Zakynthos port about 16.15 (after 1 hour). Check in at your hotel and then have the rest of the day at your leisure. You can explore the center of Zakynthos and have a dinner at a traditional tavern. . Overnight in Zakynthos

DAY 12: ZAKYNTHOS ISLAND - DAY CRUISE AROUND THE ISLAND:

• Our local driver will transfer you to Zakynthos Marina to take the local boat cruise as is one of the best ways to explore the island. The boat cruise departs at 09:00 and returns at about 17:00. We will visit the Blue Caves and the Shipwreck. Then you will have a photo stop at Porto Vromi where our boat pulls up next to the Agalas Caves and the Keri Caves. A big photo stop includes the Turtle Island. The whole gulf of Laganas and Kalamaki are full of turtles swimming in the seawater. The Turtles are huge but so friendly that if you are lucky you can swim with them. Our other major swim stop is in the area of St Nickolas, Vasilikos where the boat anchors for about an hour. At the end of the cruise tour, our driver will pick you up and transfer you at "KERI" area to admire the panoramic sunset tour and to have a delicious dinner. Then, he will transfer you back to your hotel. Overnight in Zakynthos

DAY 13: ZAKYNTHOS ISLAND – ATHENS – CHRISTIAN TOUR IN ATHENS:

• After your breakfast we will take the ferry from Zakynthos port depart at 08:00 to reach at Kyllini after 1 hour about 09:00 to continue our trip to Athens. In Athens, We will visit the ancient Agora which was the heart of Athens in antiquity and the meeting point of Saint Paul with the first followers of Christianity in Athens. The next step will be the "Mars Hill", where Apostle Paul proclaimed the word of the Christian God to the Athenian philosophers. We will then reach the coastal district of Palaio Faliro. This is the area where St Paul arrived 51 AD after his departure from Veroia and Thessaloniki. Of course, in combination with our Christian tour we will have a visit at Acropolis and a panoramic city tour in Athens (visit the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with the Caryatids) and the most important sights of the city, the Panathinaiko Stadium, Parliament, Presidential Guards and Athens Trilogy. Overnight in Athens.

DAY 14: DEPARTURE DAY:

• Our driver will pick you up from your hotel at 08:30 and transfer you at the airport according to your flight details.

 ***TRAVEL INSURANCE: We would also like to draw your attention to the importance of taking out an insurance policy in the event of an unexpected happening that may cancel or interrupt your trip.
Here is the link to see what the travel insurance covers: Click Here for Travel Insurance