Christian tour to Greece and 7- day cruise to the Greek islands
Duration: 10 Days
Program only valid for private groups of 20 or more people
DAY 1: Friday, Arrival in Greece
Arrive at Athens International Airport, meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel 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! Temples, churches and museums blend with neoclassical buildings, quaint shops and cafes, in a vibrant cosmopolitan bustle that will stimulate your senses and inspire your mind! Dinner and overnight at hotel in Athens. (D).
1
DAY 2: Saturday, Athens – Embarkation on 7-day “Idyllic Cruise”
Breakfast at hotel and check-out. Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis, as well as a panoramic tour of the highlights of the city. From the Acropolis we will walk down to Mars’ Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where the Apostle Paul delivered his soul-stirring sermon to philosophers of the time. After the visit transfer to the port for embarkation on the 7-day cruise. Sail at 5:00 p.m. to Thessaloniki. Overnight onboard. (B,D).
2
DAY 3: Sunday - Thessaloniki, Greece
At 10:00 a.m. our cruise-ship docks at Thessaloniki (Acts 17:1) port, a gorgeous and cosmopolitan seaside city and the second largest in Greece. Centuries of cultural commingling has also made Thessaloniki a culinary nirvana, with almost too many great restaurants and little eateries to count. Enjoy one of the optional shore excursions or explore the city on your own. At 7:00 p.m., we sail to Kusadasi, Turkey. All meals and overnight on board. (B,L,D).
3
DAY 4: Monday - Kusadasi, Turkey
At 1:00 pm we arrive at Kusadasi in Turkey, the starting point for the guided excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul preached and lived for three years (Acts 18:19-21). Free time for souvenir shopping in Kusadasi before we set sail at 7:00 p.m. for Heraklion (Crete), Greece. All meals and overnight on board. (B,L,D)
4
DAY 5: Tuesday - Heraklion (Crete), Greece
At 8:00 a.m. we arrive in Heraklion Crete (Acts 27:7-13). Enjoy the calm of the stunning waterfront, explore the Cretan countryside or discover Minoan Palace of Knossos, first European civilization and the legendary home of the Minotaur (half bull and half man). We sail to Santorini, Greece at 7:00 p.m. All meals and overnight on board. (B,L,D)
5
DAY 6: Wednesday – Santorini, Greece
At 7:00 a.m. we arrive in Santorini (disembarkation by tender-boats, sea & weather permitting). The romantic island of Santorini is remarkably the remnants of a devastating volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC. The picture-perfect scenery features clustered traditional whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches set against a brilliant blue backdrop. Sail to Mykonos at 00:30 a.m. All meals and overnight on board. (B,L,D).
6
DAY 7: Thursday - Mykonos, Greece
At 8:00 a.m. we dock in Mykonos. The sun-drenched island of Mykonos is affectionately known as the “Island of the Winds”. Easily recognized by its iconic 16th century windmills perched high on the hill, the vibrant Mykonos town is an alluring landscape of smooth sandy beaches dotted along a dramatic coastline. Enjoy the day walking and exploring the pebbled streets of cosmopolitan Chora and have a coffee in “Little Venice”. Sail to Milos at 2:00 a.m.
All meals and overnight on board. (B,L,D).
7
DAY 8: Friday - Milos, Greece
At 9:00 a.m. we arrive in Milos. This island is a geological marvel and home to the biggest selection of diverse and beautiful beaches in the Cyclades, some of them formed by ancient volcanoes. Here you have the opportunity to explore the dramatically surreal and sculptured looming rock formations that rise out of the crystalline waters and create the stunning coastline. Optional tour available to join a local expert and explore the many beautiful spots or charming fishing villages. Sail to Athens at 7:00 p.m. All meals and overnight on board. (B,L,D).
8
DAY 9: Saturday - Athens Disembarkation - Corinth
At 7:00 a.m. we arrive at the port of Athens. Disembarkation after breakfast and meet our local guide for our excursion to Ancient Corinth. We drive by the Saronic Gulf via the historic Corinthian Canal (quick stop for photos) and arrive at Ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18). It was to this megalopolis where the Apostle Paul came, worked and established a thriving church. We see all the sites associated with his ministry: the agora, the Bema, Erasmus inscription and the small archaeological museum. On our return to Athens, we pass by the ancient port of Cenchreae, to see the remains of the 5th century basilica. Check-in at the hotel in Athens, followed by dinner and overnight stay. (B,D)
9
DAY 10: Sunday - Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your departure flight home. (B).
10