After our nonstop flight to Athens, we take a short flight to Thessaloniki which was the center of Paul’s activities in northern Greece, and where he preached and founded a church. Enjoy sightseeing in Thessaloniki then a beautiful drive to Philippi where Paul established a church and met Lydia – the first Gentile convert to Christianity. Lunch will be by the beautiful harbor of Kavala (ancient Neapolis), where Paul first landed in Greece. After our overnight in Thessaloniki, we drive to Veria to view the Bema (platform) which the Apostle Paul is believed to have preached from. We continue to Meteora, one of the most unique and spectacular landscapes on earth. Visit one of the 6 (out of the original 24) amazing monasteries still operating which are set atop monolithic granite pillars hundreds of feet high.
After an overnight near Meteora in the town of Kalambaka, we drive on to Athens for a city tour including the famous Evzones and the changing of the guard at the Presidential Mansion. Visit the Acropolis and the magnificent Parthenon, Mars Hill, and the Plaka (Old Town). A short journey north takes us to the unique Corinth Canal, then to ancient Corinth which dates back to the 8th century BC. Here Paul preached and spent considerable time – Acts 18:11.
The next morning we begin our 4-night cruise of the enchanting Greek Isles. Our first port-of-call is Mykonos with its famous windmills, narrow stone streets, and quaint harbor where you may relax at a waterfront cafe’. The next morning we dock in the port of Kusadasi, Turkey from where we will tour Ephesus, the most amazingly preserved of the Roman style cities, and where Paul preached and stayed for some time. Then sail for Patmos, the “Holy Island”, where we visit the Monastery of Saint John and the cave where he wrote the Book of Revelation. An overnight cruise takes us to Rhodes where we have a free day to explore the Crusader fortress, the new city, or take a tour to the acropolis of Lindos, where Paul landed after being shipwrecked. Another overnight sail brings us to Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands. Visit the Palace of Knossos – one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, or explore the town of Heraklion and enjoy lunch at a charming sidewalk cafe. Then sail for amazing Santorini, thought by some to be the site of the mythical city of Atlantis. The main town, Thira, sits atop the caldera and can be reached only by cable car or a donkey ride up a winding stepped road. Fantastic shopping, cafes, and amazing views such as the famous sunset from the nearby town of Oia, await us on top. Another overnight sail returns us to Piraeus, the port of Athens, for our nonstop flight back to the USA. Note: This is one of our standard itineraries.
Tour notes: Throughout your land tour, you’ll enjoy Greece’s finest Christian guides. On your cruise you’ll be accompanied by your land guide or an expert tour director who will take care of every detail of your cruise experience and shore excursions. These skilled individuals along with local guides work together to bring this amazing country to life by sharing the Bible, Greek history, stories, and insider secrets.
From the notable sites of the Apostle Paul’s ministry and early Christianity to ancient historic sights, to picturesque fishing villages, this tour of Greece and the Greek Isles is the spiritual adventure and leisure vacation of a lifetime!