14-Day Tour in Greece and Turkey to Christian and Historical Landmarks

Day 1: Arrival in Athens

• Upon arrival at Athens airport El. Venizelos, our driver will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. You will spend the night in Athens.

Day 2: Athens - Vlatades Monastery of St. Paul - Thessaloniki:

• After breakfast, our driver will pick you up from your hotel at 08:30. We will first visit Thermopylae to see the statue of Leonidas, commemorating the famous Battle of the 300. Continuing our journey, we will reach Thessaloniki. Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel and have some time to rest. Later, we will visit the Vlatades Monastery, where it is believed that Apostle Paul once stopped to drink water. This site is also known as "Apostle Paul’s Holy Water," revered by believers worldwide. Nearby is the Orthodox Church of St. Paul. Afterwards, you can explore the city of Thessaloniki or indulge in delicious Greek cuisine. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 3: Thessaloniki - Nea Fokea - Philippi

• After a hearty breakfast, leave Thessaloniki to the quaint town of Nea Fokea. Here, we will explore the 'Agiasma of St. Paul,' an underground passage where the Apostle Paul sought refuge from the people of Thessaloniki chased him. This sacred site holds the echoes of Paul's trials and his unwavering faith. We will see the  the crypt where Paul endured imprisonment for his steadfast beliefs. Then we will reach at Kavala (Neapolis) was the port of Philippi. Paul passed through with Silas on his way from Asia Minor to Philippi. The city of Philippi was visited by the Apostle Paul. From the Acts of the Apostles and the letter to the Philippians, early Christians concluded that Paul had founded their community. We will explore the ruins of the ancient sites such as the forum, market, basilica and theatre. In Philippi, Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians in Europe. Our pilgrimage continues to Philippoi, where St. Paul delivered his inaugural sermon, marking the dawn of Christianity in Europe. We'll stand at the 'Baptismal' site, where Lydia, the pioneering European convert, received the sacrament of baptism. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 4: Tour in Thessaloniki - Veria - Meteora

• Start the day with a private tour of Thessaloniki, a city with deep roots in Christianity dating back to the Roman Empire. We will have a churches tour in Thessaloniki and other Christianity points, Rotonda, St. Demetrius Basilica, Acheiropoietos and the ancient city wall. Witness iconic landmarks including the White Tower and the triumphal Arch of Galerius along the historic Via Egnatia. Then, travel to Veria, also known as Berea, where the church of Apostle Paul stands, believed to be where Paul preached after leaving Thessaloniki. Veria, a bustling city with a flourishing synagogue, played a significant role in Paul's journey. Discover the rich history of Veria and the impact of Paul's teachings as you explore its cultural heritage. Don't miss the "Apostle Paul's Podium," a revered monument commemorating Paul's presence in Veria. Overnight in Meteora. 

Day 5: Meteora - Athens

• Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Meteora, home to ancient rock tower monasteries dating back to the 11th century. Marvel at the Great Meteoron Monastery of Varlaam, perched atop a towering 1,224-foot cliff and founded in the 16th century.  Then we will visit the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro which is the biggest and 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.  This wonderful tour will be completed at the picturesque village of Kalambaka, where you will have a traditional Greek lunch! Afterwards, we will return to Athens. Overnight in Athens

Day 6: Lavrio Port (Greece) to Mykonos port (18.00 - 23.00)

• Our driver will transfer you to Lavrio port for check-in between 09:00 and 12:00. Then you will depart to Mykonos
  (optional) shore excursion in Mykonos as our driver greets you at the port (or your hotel). Begin with a captivating walking tour of Mykonos Town, visiting iconic landmarks like the church of Panayia Paraportiani, the Town hall, and the majestic castle overlooking the harbor. Admire the famed windmills, a symbol of the island's charm, and explore the enchanting "Little Venice" district with its picturesque waterfront cafés. Afterward, journey by bus to discover the serene inner landscape of Mykonos, including the historic village of Áno Merá and its iconic monastery. Conclude with a leisurely stop at one of the cosmopolitan beaches along the southern coast for a refreshing coffee break. After a delightful walking tour exploring the charming streets, we will return to the cruise ship for dinner and overnight. 

Day 7: Kusadassi Port (Turkey 07.00 - 13.00) - Patmos Port (Greece 16.00 - 21.30)

• We will arrive at the vibrant Turkish port of Kusadasi. 
  (optional) Tour at Ephesus and Visrgin Maru's House: From there, we will transfer to the small village of Mt. Koressos, where you will visit the small stone chapel situated on the site where the Virgin Mary spent her last days following Christ’s crucifixion. After this visit, your group will embark on a walking tour of the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. Highlights of the tour include the Great Theater, where Saint Paul once preached, and the Basilica of Saint John. Following the tour, you will have free time to explore Kusadasi before returning to the ship.  
  (optional) shore excursion Patmos: We will transfer to the village of Chora, the island’s capital. Here, you will visit the monastery of Saint John the Theologian, a marvelous structure built nine hundred years ago. The monastery contains outstanding frescoes, a beautiful courtyard dining room, and a bakery. Your tour will continue to the Monastery and Grotto of the Apocalypse, where you will have the opportunity to view the site where the book of Revelations was written. Afterward, you will have free time to explore the picturesque harbor of Scala before returning to the ship. 

Day 8: Heraklion Port, Crete (07.00 - 12.00) - Santorini Port (16.30 - 21.30)

• This morning, you will awaken in Crete.
  (optional) shore Excursion at Knossos: While in this administrative capital, you will have the opportunity to visit the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899, these ruins are currently partially reconstructed. The Palace of Knossos is believed to have been the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the center of ancient Minoan culture. Additionally, it is said to be the site where Saint Paul met the owner and captain of the ship who warned him against continuing his journey to spread Christianity in Rome. After this historical visit, you will embark on the ship to continue your journey to Santorini 
  (optional) shore excursion Santorini: Begin your Santorini adventure with a visit to the Three Bells of Fira, offering awe-inspiring views of the caldera and its charming villages. In Oia, stroll along the caldera rim for panoramic vistas and souvenir shopping. Explore Megalochori Village, known for its Cycladic culture and historic architecture. Conclude your tour at Perrissa Beach, where you can relax on the famous black sandy shores and savor the Greek atmosphere. After exploring Thira, you will return to the ship for dinner and overnight. 

Day 9: Lavrio Port at 06.30 - Pick-up and Ttrip to Ancient Corinth and Delphi

• Our driver will meet you at Lavrio port to start the tour. We will then drive along the mainland coast to the Peloponnese. Our first stop, about an hour later, will be at the Corinth Canal, which stretches for 6 kilometers and has an 80-meter height difference. From there, we will continue to Ancient Corinth, where the Bema of Apostle Paul is located. You'll have the opportunity to walk the same paths that the Apostle of Nations walked and preached hundreds of years earlier. We will also visit the commercial town of Corinth and the Apostolos Pavlos (Apostle Paul) metropolitan church, which was founded by Apostle Paul around 51-52 AD. After exploring Corinth, we will depart for Delphi and check in to your hotel. You will then have the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Delphi.

Day 10: Delphi– Hosios Loucas Monastery - Ancient Olympia 

• We will pick you up at 09:00 from your hotel to visit Castalia Springs and the archaeological site of Delphi. Here, you'll see the monument of the Argive Kings, the treasure of the Athenians, the Athenian Stoa, the Polygonal Wall, and the Temple of Apollo, famous for its oracle. The Delphi museum houses spectacular exhibits, including the frieze of the Treasury of the Sifnians, the Naxian Sphinx, the Statue of Antinoos, and the metopes of the Athenian treasury. Following this visit, we will proceed to the Byzantine monastery of St. Loukas, an 11th-century monastery included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. After lunch at a traditional taverna, we will head to Ancient Olympia for overnight stay.

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 first Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C. You will see the temple of Zeus, the temple of Hera, the shrine of Pelops, the Council house, the Treasury houses, the Gymnasium, and the Palestra. After sightseeing in Olympia, we will head to Kyllini Port to take the ferry departing at about 15:15 to reach Zakynthos port around 16:15. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring Zakynthos and having dinner at a traditional tavern. Overnight in Zakynthos.

Day 12: Zakynthos - Day Cruise around the Island

• Our local driver will transfer you to Zakynthos Marina to embark on a local boat cruise, one of the best ways to explore the island.  During the cruise, you will visit the Blue Caves and the Shipwreck, and have photo stops at Porto Vromi and Turtle Island. You will also have the opportunity to swim with turtles in the area of St. Nickolas, Vasilikos. After the cruise, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the "KERI" area to admire the panoramic sunset and have dinner. Then, you will be transferred back to your hotel for overnight stay in Zakynthos.

Day 13: Zakynthos - Athens - Christian Tour Athens 

• After breakfast, we will take the ferry from Zakynthos port departing at 08:00 to reach Kyllini at around 09:00. From there, we will continue our trip to Athens. Experience a transformative Christian tour through Athens, into biblical history and spirituality. Begin at Mars Hill, where Apostle Paul preached to the Athenian philosophers, inspiring timeless reflections on faith. Ascend to the Acropolis, the iconic symbol of Greece and a site steeped in religious significance. Stand in awe before the Parthenon and other architectural marvels, reflecting on the enduring legacy of faith and civilization. Finally, explore the ancient Agora, the bustling heart of ancient Athens and the meeting place of early Christians. 

Day 14: Departure day

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

 ***Travel Insurnace: 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: Rad more...