Day 1 – Athens Arrival
Upon arrival to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” our representative will meet, welcome and assist in your transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight. (D)
Day 2 – Athens & Corinth
We depart at 8:00 a.m. for our excursion out of Athens takes us by the Saronic Gulf, where in 480 BC history’s root was changed! The small Grecian fleet managed to defeat the enormously powerful armada of the Persians. From here, via the historic Corinthian Canal we arrive at ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18).
Here we see: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio’s Seat.
We also visit the small archaeological museum
After the visit we drive back to Athens (Acts 17:15) for an afternoon sightseeing tour.
We will climb up to the marble-capped Acropolis and visit the famous Parthenon and the Erechthion.
Then, we go to nearby Mars' Hill (or Areopagus) to take a moment to read Acts 17:22, where Paul delivered his well-known sermon and spoke about the inscription: “to an unknown god”. Our tour continues with the highlights of modern Athens: we pass by the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Parliament House, Presidential Palace, Pan Athenian Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Academy, the University and the National Library.
Return to hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 3 – Athens – Delphi - Berea – Thessalonica
At 8:00 a.m. we depart from Athens by bus, driving us through the fertile plain of Boeotia, crossing the towns of Livadia and Arachova, famous for their colorful woolen rugs and carpets.
Arrive at Delphi, the center of the Ancient world, the "omphalos" (navel) of the earth - whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the Archaeological Museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias.
From there continue on to Berea for a brief stop to see the Byzantine Mosaic in the monument commemorating Apostle Paul’s preaching. Arrive at Thessalonica in late afternoon for check-in, dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 4 – Thessalonica – Philippi – Kavala
Morning panoramic tour of the city to see via Egnatia, the Rotunda, the Arch of Galerius and the White tower. After the tour continue on to Philippi, the site where Apostle Paul came and worked, establishing a strong church. To this congregation, later he sent his Philippian letter.
Of all the churches Paul founded, probably none was as near and dear to him as the church at Philippi
(Acts 16:9-33). We see the river where Lydia is thought to have been baptized, the ruins of a Prison where Paul and Sylas had been kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica and the Theatre.
After the visit, we continue to Kavala, the ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16:11) for check-in at hotel, dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 5 – Kavala – Greek Turkish Borders - Istanbul
We depart from Kavala and drive towards Greek/Turkish Borders. We arrive at Kipi border at around noon where our Turkish bus and guide meet us to start the Turkish tour portion. Drive to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul (B.D.)
Day 6: Istanbul
Our journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul - its three names span more than 2600 years, nearly 1600 of them as the capital of two of the greatest empires the world has known, Byzantine and Ottoman. We visit St. Sophia, the Topkapi Palace including treasury section, The Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place and free time in Grand bazaar with its 3.500 shops. Overnight in İstanbul. (B.D.)
Day 7: Istanbul - Troy - Ayvalik
After breakfast drive to“Homer's Troy”, and the site of King Priam's Treasures. Probably the most famous city of classical times - who doesn't know the story of the Trojan Horse. After Troy. Continue to Ayvalik for overnight and dinner. (B.D.)
Day 8: Ayvalik - Pergamum - Smyrna
After breakfast visit the hauntingly beautiful the ancient city of Pergamon. We see the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000 volume library, The Asclepieum of Pergamon. Leaving Pergamon behind us we settle at our hotel in Izmir. (B.D.)
Day 9: Smyrna Sardis – kusadasi
Visit Ancient Smyrna, was the second one of the seven Christian churches in Asia Minor to which St. John the Divine wrote (Revelation l-11). Continue to to Sardes, another one of the Seven Churches mentioned by St. John. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B.D.)
Day 10 : Ephesus
We drive to the ancient city of Ephesus and first visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Ephesus was undoubtedly one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world. Impressive structures we will see include the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Theatre and Odeon. We also visit the House of the Virgin Mary We stay overnight in Kusadasi (B.D.)
Day 11: Kusadasi - Patmos - Overnight ferry to Athens
Morning transfer to Kusadasi port for private ferry to Patmos. Arrival and met by our guide. Tour of Patmos and evening overnight ferry to Athens . (B.)
Day 12 –Arrival Piraeus, Athens
Arrival to Pireaus port. Met by our reptresentative and transfer to our hotel for free day at leisure. (D)
Day 13 – One day cruise
We are offered the enjoyment of a cruise in just one-day to the Greek islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina, including lunch on board and round-trip transfers by bus.
Sail at 08:15am from the port of Piraeus. First stop is Poros where the first naval arsenal of independent Greece was established. Poros provides delightful scenery marked by the low pine-wooded hills.
From here we continue our voyage to Hydra, fashionable artists' colony, a retreat of intellectuals and a favorite film location. An amphitheatrical town rings the colorful harbor with well-preserved sea-merchant family mansions. Leisurely we have time for strolling, shopping or swimming (weather and sea permitting). Our last port of call is Aegina, an attractive and tranquil resort place. Here we can either join the optional excursion to the Temple of Aphaia; one of the finest and the best preserved of the Greek temples, or walk leisurely around the harbour or browse in the small gift shops.
Return back to Piraeus (the port of Athens) in the early evening around 7:00pm. (B,L,D)
Day 14 – Athens Departure
Transfer to Athens International Airport for departure flight. (B)
The above package rates include:
- 12 nights accommodation in,
- Overnight ferry from Patmos to Athens,
- Meals mentioned on the itinerary ( B. : Breakfast, D : Dinner ).
- All land transportation by fully air conditioned deluxe motor coach.
- Highway tolls.
- Sightseeing tours as specified in the program with the services of local professional English speaking guide.
- Entrance fees to all the archaeological sites and museums as specified in the itinerary.
- One day cruise to the islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina including lunch and live entertainment program aboard the ship.
- English speaking escorted group transfers between Athens Airport/Piraeus port and hotels by fully air conditioned motor coach.
- English speaking escort assistance during the 1-day cruise.
- Private ferry to Patmos,
- Local taxes and service charges
- Greek/Turkish borders crossing fees.
Not included:
- All air transportation.
- Travel and Medical Health insurance.
- Lunches and beverages. (except for lunch – set menu - on the ship)
- Tips to local drivers and guides.
- All personal expenses.
- Any other items not specifically mentioned as being included.
Individual service is not available.
Please, contact us.