Christian Greece and Italy
Duration: 11 Days
Program only valid for private groups of 20 or more people
Day 1/Wednesday: ARRIVAL TO ATHENS, Greece
Upon your arrival to Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos", our representative will meet and assist in your transfer to the hotel in Athens city center for check-in. Your journey to the Biblical land of Greece begins! Travel in time, exploring a city with a history of more than 5,000 years!
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Day 2/Thursday: ATHENS CITY TOUR
In the morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Athens. We climb up to the marble-capped Acropolis and visit the famous Parthenon and the Erechtheion. From the Acropolis we can see Mars’ Hill, or Areopagus (Acts 17:22), where the Apostle Paul delivered his well-known sermon. Our tour continues with a panoramic drive passing by the Parliament, the Presidential Palace, Panathenian Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Academy, the University and the National Library. We also visit the New Acropolis Museum. Rest of the day is free to wander through the Plaka and Monastiraki districts, where old combines with new as you discover shops and restaurants full of Greek delicacies.
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Day 3/Friday: CRUISE EMBARKATION – MYKONOS, Greece
Transfer to the port and embark on a 3-day cruise today starting with Mykonos, a popular spot with the international jet-set. Stroll at leisure through the whitewashed, flower-decked alleyways, climb to the sculpture church of Paraportiani and walk along the waterfront of what many refer to as “Little Venice”. Sail to Kusadasi, Turkey at 11:00 p.m.
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Day 4/Saturday: KUSADASI, Turkey – PATMOS, Greece
At 07:00 a.m. we dock at Kusadasi in Turkey, starting point for our excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus (Acts 18:19-21).The Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years. We tour the spectacular ruins where excavations still continue in this once great city. At 1 p.m. sail for Patmos, Greece (Rev 1:9). At 4 p.m. arrive Patmos. Enjoy a tour to the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist and the Grotto of the Revelation. Return to the ship and sail for Heraklion, Crete at 9 p.m.
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Day 5/Sunday: HERAKLION (Crete) – SANTORINI, Greece
At 7 a.m. we arrive at Heraklion, Crete (Acts 27:7-13). Join the optional excursion to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home of King Minos and the legendary Minotaur (half-bull and half-man). Sail for Santorini at 11:30 a.m., where we arrive at 4:30 p.m. Ride the cable car up to the white-washed town of Thera, perched high on the rim of the ancient volcano. Sail back to Athens at 9:30 p.m.
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Day 6/Monday: DISEMBARKATION - ANCIENT CORINTH TOUR
Disembark after breakfast and drive along the Saronic Gulf where our first stop will be at the Corinth Canal. Continue on to Ancient Corinth, home of the Apostle Paul for 1 1/2 years (Acts 18: 1-18). Here we will see all the sites associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio seat. We also pass from the ancient port of Cenchreae as we return to Athens. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure.
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Day 7/Tuesday: FLIGHT TO ROME, Italy
Today we begin our journey to Italy! Transfer to Athens Airport and fly to Rome. During your tour, you will visit Rome’s most important biblical sites and a few of the most fascinating archaeological sites!
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Day 8/Wednesday: ANCIENT ROME TOUR
Access the Palatine hill and discover the hill where Rome was founded at the beginning. Continue to the Colosseum and be amazed by this monument that is the symbol of. The Amphitheater created to entertain ancient Roman citizens with shows of gladiators, animals and cruel games, is now one of the most fascinating landmarks of the city. Walk on the original path of ancient Rome along Via Sacra and see the Temples of Vesta, Antonino and Faustina, the ancient Basilica Julia and Aemilia and dream about the glorious past of the Roman Empire.
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Day 9/Thursday: POMPEII
Seize the opportunity to visit one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, Pompeii. Enjoy a panoramic overview of Naples and reach the haunting ruins of Pompeii, traveling back in time to the tragic days in 79 AD when the silent Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, covering the prosperous Roman city in deadly volcanic ashes and poisonous gases, leaving the city crystallized until our days. Learn how people lived at that time and admire the frescoes and mosaics. In the evening, return to Rome.
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Day 10/Friday: CHRISTIAN ROME TOUR
Our day begins with a visit to Sistine Chapel, where we will have the chance to admire the powerful frescoes of the Last Judgment and the chapel’s ceiling. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, to see the most important church of the Catholic world, with masterpieces like “Pietà” by Michelangelo and other impressive works. Walk in St. Peter’s Square, where Peter was crucified (John 21:18-19). Continue with a journey through the Basilicas, Catacombs, and ancient streets of Rome! See the Holy Staircase and visit the Basilica of St. John in Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome, and St. Mary Major. Then proceed along the ancient Appian Way, passing the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis before arriving at the Catacombs, the ancient underground cemeteries and hiding places of the Christians.
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Day 11/Saturday: DEPARTURE
Transfer to Rome Airport for your departure flight back home taking with you truly memorable experiences!
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