Rome & Greece – Footsteps of Paul & Greek Isles
DAY 1 – DEPART USA We begin our tour today as we depart the U.S. from our gateway airport for a flight to Rome, Italy.
DAY 2 – ARRIVE ROME Arrive at Fiumicino Airport, where we are met by our tour director. Continue to central Rome, time for lunch (on own), then begin a walking tour starting from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon continuing to Mamertine Prison and the Colosseum. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3 – CHRISTIAN ROME After breakfast, meet our guide, and leave for a tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter’s Basilica. After lunch (on own), visit the Catacombs, and then motor back to central Rome to visit the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Enjoy free time for shopping and coffee at an open-air café. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 4 – ROME A relaxing free day in the Eternal City to explore, shop or revisit a site. Dinner on your own. Overnight at our hotel.
DAY 5 – ATHENS Morning flight to Athens. Arrive by noon and continue for an Athens panoramic tour. Then visit the Acropolis and Mars Hill. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6 – CORINTH We journey by deluxe coach to ancient Corinth with a stop at the fascinating Corinth Canal. We view the Apostle Paul’s bema (podium), visit the museum and tour the extensive remains of ancient Corinth. Travel back to Athens for dinner and overnight.
DAY 7 – BEGIN CRUISE Transfer to the Port of Piraeus or Lavrion to embark on a 4-night cruise of the Greek Isles. Our first port-of-call is Mykonos where we take a shuttle to the downtown area. Stroll the fascinating narrow streets, visit the shops, cafes, and view white-washed homes and the iconic windmills. Lunch and dinner on board ship.
DAY 8 – EPHESUS, PATMOS – Morning sailing to Kusadasi, Turkey to tour amazing ancient Ephesus. Afternoon sailing to Patmos, the “Holy Island” where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation. Visit the Grotto and Monastery of Saint John. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner aboard ship.
DAY 9 – RHODES We dock all day at Rhodes (Rodos). Our walking tour takes us to the medieval town where the Palace of the Knights is located. Walk the short distance back to the ship for included lunch or eat at a charming cafe in the Old Town.
DAY 10 – CRETE, SANTORINI Dock in the early morning in Heraklion, Crete, and tour the Minoan Palace of Knossos. This afternoon we arrive at the amazing Island of Santorini and take tender boats to go ashore. Ride the cable car or the donkeys to the top of the Caldera and explore the spectacular town of Fira. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.
DAY 11 – ATHENS Morning docking at Piraeus or Lavrion, transfer to our Athens hotel to drop off luggage (check-in may not be available until later). The afternoon is free to enjoy visiting the Plaka (the Old Town) of Athens! Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 12 – DEPART ATHENS to the USA. We arrive in the U.S. this afternoon with fantastic memories of this spiritual vacation adventure!
Note: Ed Hill Tours does not have pre-packaged Rome/Greece tour departures on specific dates. We develop and produce Custom Tours for groups based on a tour leader’s desired dates of travel, specific itinerary, level of accommodations, and other tour details. Due to the cruise schedule, this tour operates only from early March through early November