Holy Lands In Israel, Greece and Ephesus
Duration: 10 Days
Program only valid for private groups of 20 or more people
DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY – ARRIVE IN ATHENS
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 – ANCIENT CORINTH – CENCHREAE - ATHENS
We commence our enchanting 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, where our tour will carry on with a visit to the Acropolis with the famous temple of Parthenon. We will 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 most important sites of the city. 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 - EMBARK CRUISE – MYKONOS
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 (EPHESUS) – PATMOS
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 – CRETE – SANTORINI
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 – DISEMBARK FROM SHIP – FLY TO TEL AVIV
We disembark in the morning and transfer to Athens airport for our flight to Tel Aviv, Israel. Upon arrival, drive to Jerusalem for overnight stay.
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DAY 7 – TUESDAY – MT. OLIVES – GETHSEMANE – MOUNT ZION – BETHLEHEM
Today we start our journey of the Biblical land of Israel, with the Mount of Olives, followed by Gethsemane, where Jesus suffered the Agony and was taken prisoner. We continue on to Mount Zion, the site of the Last Supper and Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity.
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DAY 8 – WEDNESDAY - JERUSALEM
This morning we shall walk the Via Dolorosa, starting from the point where He was condemned by Pontius Pilate to the final station where He was laid in His tomb. On to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Western (Wailing) Wall, finishing of at the Israel Museum.
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DAY 9 – THURSDAY - NAZARETH – CANA – TIBERIAS
Our first visit today will be to Nazareth and then the village of Cana where the water was turned into wine. Drive to Tiberias and Tabgha where the miracle with the loaves and fishes was performed. Then on to Capernaum and Mount Beatitude before returning to Jerusalem.
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DAY 10 – FRIDAY - DEPART FROM ISRAEL
Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport for your flight home.We hope you have enjoyed this magnificent journey of the biblical landmarks and recreational areas!
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