Footsteps of the Apostles in Greece & Turkey Tour with 4 Night Greek Island Cruise

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 1 DAY PRE ARRIVAL IN ATHENS FRIDAY – U.S. DEPARTURE/SATURDAY ARRIVAL (EXTRA PRE-TOUR NIGHT)

Due to the length of this journey, we recommend arriving in Athens 1 day before the tour starts, with a Friday Departure to arrive Saturday. This will allow you to rest and adjust to the time difference so you will be refreshed for the beginning of the tour.  Ask your Travel Specialist at America Greece Tours about our excellent rates for a pre tour hotel night.*

*Subject to availability

DEPART FROM THE U.S. 

• Our journey begins today as we depart on our flight to Athens.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight while you prepare yourself for a life-changing experience.

• Meals: On Board
•    Accommodation: On Board

WELCOME TO GREECE

• Upon arrival in Athens international airport, make your own way to your Athens hotel where you can settle in and relax for the day. Enjoy a leisurely evening to absorb the atmosphere of this ancient city before a welcoming dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Athens

• Meals: Dinner at Local Restaurant
• Accommodation:  Athens, Royal Olympic Hotel or Athens Marriott Hotel or Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel

CRUISE: MYKONOS: FREE TIME TO EXPLORE THE ISLAND ON YOUR OWN: RECOMMENDED SITES TO SEE: CHURCH OF PARAPORTIANI / LITTLE VENICE / WINDMILLS

• At 8:30 in the morning we will transfer to the port of Lavrion to embark on a cruise. We will start a 4-night trip to the Greek Islands and Turkey, departing to the island of Mykonos at 11:30 AM. We will arrive at 6:00 PM.
• Known for its stunning whitewashed architecture and iconic windmills, Mykonos is also a lively center of cosmopolitan culture. But beyond its beauty, the island has connections to early Christian history, and your time here will serve as a beautiful beginning to your pilgrimage.
• Embark on your cruise at 11:00pm and we will sail to Kusadasi in Turkey.

**There are no guided shore excursions included in Mykonos.

EPHESUS GUIDED TOUR INCLUDED: GREAT THEATER / BATHS OF SCHOLASTICA / TEMPLE OF DIANA OF THE EPHESIANS / PATMOS ISLAND GUIDED TOUR INCLUDED

• Arriving in Kusadasi, Turkey, you have the option to visit the ancient city of Ephesus, where the apostle Paul spent three years of his ministry. Walk through the remains of this incredible city, which include the magnificent Theater, the Library of Celsius, and the ruins of the Temple of Diana—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Reflect on the deep Christian history tied to this location as Paul’s letters to the Ephesians were pivotal in the early Church.
• Later, sail to the holy island of Patmos, where St. John received the apocalyptic visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. Visit the Monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where St. John received God’s word, forever shaping Christian eschatology.

• Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation:  On Board – Celestyal Cruises

• On the island of Rhodes, you’ll explore the medieval city where Christianity played a key role in shaping the island’s history. 
• Visit the Palace of the Grand Master, built by the Knights of St. John, who played an important role in defending Christian Europe. You’ll also have the option to visit Lindos, home to the Acropolis and a place of rich Christian and pre-Christian heritage. The serene Bay of the Apostle Paul, located in Lindos, is a fitting spot to reflect on the apostles’ travels.

• • Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 
  • Accommodation:  On Board – Celestyal Cruises

• Optional Shore Excursions:                                                                                     

  Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights – $80 per passenger

• Arrive in Heraklion, Crete, where you’ll have the chance to visit the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos, linked to the myth of the Minotaur. However, it’s the Christian significance of Crete that truly connects with the early Church—St. Paul wrote his letter to Titus, which speaks of the Christian virtues essential to the life of the early Cretan Church.

• Arrive in Santorini, one of the most breathtaking islands in Greece, known for its whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, and dramatic volcanic cliffs.  Guests will disembark by tender and reach the base of the island at the Old Port.  You have two main options to reach the town of Fira (Thera), located at the top of the cliffs:

            – Cable Car (Recommended): Quick and scenic ride to the top (15 Euro each way)
          – Walking Path: Steep uphill path (not recommended for most travelers)

     Once in Fira, enjoy free time to explore the shops, cafés, and panoramic views overlooking the caldera.

• We will then sail to Piraeus at 9:30pm.

• • Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 
  • Accommodation:  On Board – Celestyal Cruises

     

  • Optional Shore Excursions:                                                                                     

    • • Optional tour of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, Crete (Approximately $100 per passenger-paid in Euros On Board)  

        Village of Oia, Santorini (Recommended):  Approx. $97 per person (paid onboard in Euros):  Enhance your visit with a shore excursion to the iconic village of Oia, famous for its postcard-perfect views and blue-domed churches.  This organized tour includes transportation and guaranteed return to the ship, avoiding long waits for the cable car and potential delays with local transportation.

• Meals: Breakfast on Board and Dinner at the Royal Olympic Rooftop restaurant
• Accommodation:  Athens, Royal Olympic Hotel or Athens Marriott Hotel or Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel
• ***Celestyal Cruises reserves the right to make any changes to included optional shore excursions.

• Meals: Breakfast at the hotel and Dinner at Local Restaurant
• Accommodation:  Athens, Royal Olympic Hotel or Athens Marriott Hotel or Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel

ANCIENT DELPHI / SANCTUARY OF APOLLO / BATTLEFIELD OF THERMOPYLAE / KALAMBAKA

• After breakfast, we leave Athens and make our way to the ancient site of Delphi, once regarded as the center of the ancient world, with influence that stretched far beyond Greece. Here, we explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the archaeological museum, home to remarkable ancient Greek sculptures, including the bronze Charioteer and the renowned athlete Aghias.
• Depart Delphi for a scenic drive through central Greece, traveling past forested mountains and the coastal plains near the thermal springs of Thermopylae. Stop at the historic battlefield to see the statue of King Leonidas and learn about the heroic stand of the 300 Spartans against the vast Persian army in one of history’s most legendary battles.
• Our journey continues to Kalambaka, one of Greece’s most picturesque towns. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

• Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation:  Kalambaka, Grand Meteora Hotel or Divani Meteora Hotel

METEORA MONASTERIES / VERIA (BEREA) / VERGINA / THESSALONIKI

• After early breakfast we will visit Meteora, a region renowned for its awe-inspiring 11th century monasteries, perched on towering rock formations. The history of these monasteries is closely tied to the devotion of Christian hermits and monks who sought solitude and spiritual fulfillment on these heights. We will visit some of these active monasteries, which house priceless relics, icons, and manuscripts, offering insight into the Byzantine era’s profound influence on Christianity.
• We will head to Veria (Berea), where Paul was welcomed into the synagogue and preached to the people (Acts17:10-15). See the monument marking the spot where the Apostle Paul’s was preaching and delivered his message, and the Bema where he stood to proclaim the Gospel. Continue to Vergina, where the ancient royal tombs, including that of King Philip, offer a glimpse into the history of Macedonia and its influence on early Christianity.

• We will end the day driving to the city of Thessaloniki, known as the “Queen of the North.” This vibrant city is deeply connected to early Christian history, as it was the place where Paul wrote two of his epistles to the Thessalonians. Thessaloniki was an important site for Paul’s missionary work that hold rich history of the early Christian Church. Check-in at the hotel in Thessalonica for dinner and overnight.

• From the scriptures – “The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.” (Acts 17:10-14)

  “Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace and the following day to Neapolis ” (Act 16:11)

• Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Thessaloniki, The Met Hotel or Mediterranean Palace Hotel

THESSALONIKI

• After breakfast, we will start a city tour of Thessaloniki. Built by King Cassandros and named after the sister of Alexander the Great, the city flourished under the Byzantine Empire. We will see the Old City Walls, the White Tower, Galerius Arch and the Rotunda.
• Then, visit the Aghia Sofia Church, an 8th-century Christian church modeled after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. You’ll also visit St. Demetrios Church, with its impressive mosaics and frescoes, which bear witness to the city’s deep Christian roots.
• Visit the Byzantine Museum, the site where the monastery of Vlatadon was built is believed to be the location where Jason’s house once stood and where Paul was accommodated during his visit to Thessaloniki.  Enjoy dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

From the scriptures – “Paul came to Thessaloniki with Silas and following his usual custom, he went to the Synagogue where he used the Jewish scriptures as the source for his preaching.” (Act 17:2-4)

• Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Thessaloniki, The Met Hotel or Mediterranean Palace Hotel

KAVALLA AND PHILIPPI

• Today, you will visit the historic city of Kavala (ancient Neapolis), the port where Paul and his companions first landed on European soil.
• Continue to Philippi, where the Apostle Paul established a strong church and sent his letter (Acts 16:9-33). This location is a significant site for early Christianity. It was here that Paul preached and converted Lydia, the first European Christian, marking the beginning of the spread of Christianity throughout the continent. We see the river where Lydia is said to have been baptized, the ruins of a prison where the Apostle Paul and Sylas had been kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica and the Theater.Visit the Panagia Eikosifinitsa Monastery before returning to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

From the scriptures – “Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace and the following day to Neapolis ” (Act 16:11) “And from thence to Philippi which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony; and we were in that city abiding certain days.” (Act 16:12)

• Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner 
• Accommodation: Thessaloniki, The Met Hotel or Mediterranean Palace Hotel

DEPARTURE BACK TO THE UNITED STATES

After breakfast, make your way to the Thessaloniki airport for your flight home, taking with you the many spiritual experiences and profound insights you’ve gained on this unforgettable journey through the lands that shaped early Christianity.

• Meals: Buffet Breakfast
• Accommodation: On Board flight