Day 1: Overnight flight from US to Athens
Day 2: Athens
Upon arriving, we will be met by our Greek driver and assistant. We will transfer to our hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight at Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens or similar.
Day 3: Athens
First, we enjoy a bus tour of the Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium and the Neoclassical Buildings of Athens. We then go to the world-renowned Acropolis to see the Propylaea, the Erechtheum and the incredible Parthenon. We also visit Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his ingenious speech on the “Unknown God” (Acts 17). From here we view the Agora, the ancient center of the economic and public life of the city, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians. We head back to our hotel. Overnight at the Royal Olympic Hotel (or similar) and dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Lavrion, Mykonos
We sail this morning from Athens to the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. We arrive at Mykonos, where we disembark and have time to experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes. We stroll the charming walkways through a maze of white-washed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening activities. No excursions are included today, as we will visit the island at our leisure.
Day 5: Kusadasi, Ephesus, Patmos
In the morning, we arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey. Excursion Included: A short drive takes us to Ephesus, where Paul spent three years during his ministry. The impressive remains of Ephesus include the Agora, the Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsus, the ruins of the Temple of Diana (one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”) and many more. Later, we sail for the island of Patmos. Excursion Included: Here we visit the Monastery of St. John, on one of the island’s highest points. From there, we walk down to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St. John the Divine.
Day 6: Crete-Heraklion, Santorini
In the morning, we arrive at Heraklion, Crete and disembark. Excursion Not Included: We can always take the shuttle bus from the port to downtown and our tour escort can provide a short walking tour of the area. In the afternoon, we cruise to the isle of Santorini and disembark. Excursion not included: Santorini is often referred to as the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. The exquisite, whitewashed villages, including the town of Fira, or Thira, cling to volcanic cliffs, accessible by cable-car, or mule.
Day 7: Corinth, Mycenae, Athens
This morning we disembark from the 3-day cruise. We start the day by visiting the site of ancient Corinth. We will cross the famous Corinthian Canal to get there. Located in the Peloponnese of Greece, this was the once glorious city near the Isthmus where Paul met Aquila and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the Word of God. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman forum and the famous Bema where Paul stood before Gallio, accused by the Jews of Corinth. About 30 minutes away is the site of Mycenae, the legendary city rival of Troy, and described by Homer as “Mycenae rich in Gold.” This city dates back to the late Bronze Age, and is famous for the “beehive” Tomb of Agamemnon (Treasury of Atreus) and the gold masks. On the way back to Athens, we will pass by Cenchreae, the little harbor from which Paul sailed back to Asia, thus ending his second missionary journey. We arrive back at our hotel in Athens for dinner and overnight. Dinner and overnight at Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens.
Day 8: Flight to Rome
Flight to Rome Today we will be transferred to Athens Airport and board our flight to Rome. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel. Dinner at Twenty-One hotel (or similar) or local restaurant.
Day 9: Rome
Tour of Basilicas with Mamertine Prisons,Catacombs, St. John Basilica, Catacombs (Domitilla or San Sebastiano), Old Appian Way and St. Paul outside the Wall and Colosseum. Dinner at Twenty-One Hotel or local restaurant.
Day 10: Rome
This is the tour to visit the Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel and the San Peter Basilica. The program is a walk inside the Vatican Museums, including Sistine Chapel. Upon exiting the Sistine Chapel, the tour continues to St Peter Basilica. In the afternoon, a walking tour to Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Navona Sq. Dinner at Twenty-One Hotel or local restaurant.
Day 11: Transfer to FCO Airport - Departure - Today we will be transferred to Rome Airport and board our departure flight.
