11-DAY GREECE & TURKEY

Today: We eat breakfast and embark on a cruise through the Greek Isles. Enjoy the enrapturing scenery of Island beaches, warm sun, and the blue sea. We touch land at Mykonos in the afternoon and have time at this charming town filled with restaurants, shops, and old-world appeal. In the evening, the discos come alive. Don’t forget to set aside time to see the magnificent sunset.

Evening: We return to the ship for dinner and to retire for the night. Sail on to Ephesus.

Today: We find ourselves at Mt. Koressos. Tucked away in a small valley, the Virgin Mary is known to have spent her last days in a small house at the site of this humble chapel we visit. Moving on to Ephesus, we pass through the Magnesian Gate and enter into perhaps the most incredible excavation we will see on this trip. See the Great Theatre where St. Paul preached, which held a crowd of up to 24,000 people. Moving back, we pass along the Arcadian Way, walking in the footsteps of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra. Enjoy some time exploring the beautiful town of Kusadasi before we board the ship for lunch and head to Patmos. We arrive at Skala Harbow and quaint white houses, shopping, restaurants, and colorful flowers. Home to the cave where St. John lived and is believed to have written the book of Revelation, Patmos also offers us the chance to visit the nearby monastery, filled with precious icons and manuscripts (guided tour is optional).

Evening: We return to the ship for dinner and to retire for the night. Sail on to Crete.

Today: We visit the ruins of Knossos, a short drive from Heklion’s center. We also see the Knossos Palace, Venetian fortresses, museums, as well as fine examples of Greek aesthetic architecture. The outdoor market, teeming with life, must be seen and appreciated as all essential and not-so-essential goods are bought and sold. Back on our ship, we sail to Santorini where the stunning landscape is highlighted with the volcanic crater barely submerged in the sea. The island of Santorini is home to many shops and cafes scattered among scenic white houses where will have the chance to visit (guided tour is optional).

Evening: We return to the ship for dinner and to retire for the night.

Today: Morning arrival in Piraeus. Drive on the national highway through Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova to Delphi. Visit the Museum to see the famous Bronze Charioteer along with other statues. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre, the Athenian Treasury, and the Castalian Spring. Drive via Larissa, Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight will be at your hotel in Kalambaka.

Today: Visit Meteora to see the “Hanging Monasteries” perched on top of unusual rock formations. Drive through Kozani to Veria, then on to visit the tomb of Philip of Macedonia in Vergina. Continue via Edessa to Thessaloniki where you will see the Rotonda, Triumphal Arch of Galerius, and the seafront promenade with the White Tower.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight will be at your hotel in Thessaloniki.

Today: Drive to Amphipolis where you will see the famous Lion Statue. Continue to Philippi, where Marc Anthony defeated Brutus, and St. Paul first preached the Gospel in Europe. See the archaeological site (Forum-Romanum), the ruins of two Basilicas, the theatre, the Prison of St. Paul, and St. Lydia’s Baptistry. Visit Kavala before returning to Thessaloniki for the night.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight will be at your hotel in Thessaloniki.

Today: Return to Athens via the Valley of Tempi and Thermopylae.

Evening: Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel in Athens.

Today: After breakfast, drive along the Sacred Way of Eleusinian Mysteries, passing the Island of Salamis. Cross the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas. See the Isthmus where boats were once dragged overland from one sea to the other. Arrive Corinth, the most important city in the days of St. Paul. The vigorous and mostly Gentile Church he founded here in 50 AD caused him much grief and prompted him to write at least four letters to them. Visit the ruins of the ancient city where St. Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. See the remains of first-century shops, the agora where St. Paul’s trial by Gallio took place, the Fountain of Peirene, Temple of Apollo, and the Bema. Return to Athens and enjoy your city tour of Athens. Your visit will include the Royal Palace, the Stadium and Temple of Zeus, the Theatre of Dionysius, Mars Hill, the Acropolis with the famous Parthenon, the Agora (marketplace) where Paul spoke and Socrates’ prison. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel in Athens.