Athens, Corinth, Thessaloniki & 7-Day cruise of the Greek isles
Duration: 10 Days
Program only valid for private groups of 20 or more people
2024 ARRIVAL DAY TO ATHENS | |
|---|---|
APRIL | 04, 11, 18, 25 |
MAY | 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 |
JUNE | 06, 13, 20, 27 |
JULY | 04, 11, 18, 25 |
AUGUST | 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 |
SEPTEMBER | 05, 12, 19, 26 |
OCTOBER | 03 |
DAY 1: THURSDAY: ATHENS - ARRIVAL
Arrival in Athens, the birthplace of Western Civilization and a vibrant city! After your transfer to the hotel, check-in and enjoy free time to explore the city. By day, the Attica light will lead you to streets filled with history and colors, and by night, stroll through the numerous restaurants and taverns and discover the rich culinary tradition.
1
DAY 2: FRIDAY: ATHENS CITY TOUR
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Athens. Climb up to the marble-capped Acropolis, the sacred rock of Athens and citadel of the city in antiquity. We become time travelers by visiting the famous Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Then, we go to the nearby Mars' Hill (Areopagus) to read Acts 17:22 where Paul gave his famous speech to the Athenian philosophers (Acts 17:18-34) and spoke about “an unknown god”. We view the ancient Agora of Athens from the Acropolis, before visiting the Acropolis museum, which was built to house every artifact found on the Acropolis, from the Greek Bronze Age to the Roman and Byzantine period.
Our tour continues with the highlights of modern Athens: we pass by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Parliament House, the Academy, the University of Athens, the National Library, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and much more. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Rest of the day is free for you to explore the city of Athens. Overnight at hotel.
2
DAY 3: SATURDAY: CORINTH TOUR / EMBARK ON CRUISE
Today we depart at 8:00 a.m. for our excursion out of Athens, which takes us by the Saronic Gulf, where in 480 BC the course of history was changed! The small Grecian fleet managed to defeat the enormously powerful armada of the Persians. From here, we arrive at ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18) via the historic Corinthian Canal. It was to this megalopolis where the Apostle Paul came and worked, establishing a thriving church, subsequently sending two of his epistles, now part of the New Testament. Here, we see all of the sites associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio’s Seat. The small archaeological museum here is an absolute must! Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to Athens via Cenchrea, an ancient port where Paul sailed for Ephesus.
Transfer directly to the port and set sail for your 7-day cruise. Dinner and overnight on board.
3
DAY 4: SUNDAY: THESSALONIKI, GREECE
At 10:00 am arrive in Thessaloniki, Greece. Thessaloniki's ancient ruins rooted in the middle of the city create a rich tapestry with the Roman Agora, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotonda, the Byzantine Baths and the Crypt of Agios Demetrios. Thessaloniki also has a reputation for its sumptuous culinary delights and delicious pastries. Sail at 7:00 pm for Kusadasi, Turkey.
4
DAY 5: MONDAY: KUSADASI, TURKEY
In the morning, our cruise-ship docks at Kusadasi, Turkey, the starting point for the optional guided excursion to visit the ancient city of Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul preached and lived for three years (Acts 18:19-21). Enjoy free time for souvenir shopping in Kusadasi and set sail at 07:00 pm to Crete, Greece. All meals and overnight on board.
5
DAY 6: TUESDAY: HERAKLION, CRETE
At 08:00 am arrival in Heraklion, Crete (Acts 27:7-13) where you can enjoy an optional excursion to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, first European civilization and home of the legendary Minotaur (half bull and half man). Lunch on board. At 07:00 pm set sail for Santorini. All meals and overnight on board.
6
DAY 7: WEDNESDAY: SANTORINI – GREECE
At 7:00 am, our cruise-ship drops anchor in Santorini. Join the optional guided excursion to visit to the beautiful and picturesque village of Oia, where you can see the famous blue domed churches, or take the cable car up to the town of Fira, perched high on the rim of the ancient volcano. Free time for taking photos, browsing, shopping and enjoying the breathtaking view of the caldera. Late at night, we set sail for Mykonos. All meals and overnight on board.
7
DAY 8: THURSDAY: MYKONOS – GREECE
Arrive at 8:00 am in Mykonos. Enjoy your morning walking and exploring the pebbled streets of the cosmopolitan Chora, and have a coffee in “Little Venice”. Late at night, departure to Milos, Greece. All meals and overnight on board.
8
DAY 9: FRIDAY: MILOS, GREECE
Arrive at 09:00 am in Milos. This island is a geological marvel and home to the biggest selection of diverse and beautiful beaches in the Cyclades, some of them formed by ancient volcanoes. Join a tour to see the unique landscape of Sarakiniko beach, the town of Plaka, the harbor of Adamas or take a tour to the mining museum and visit the Church of Panagia Thalassitra. At 07:00 pm, sail for Athens, Greece. All meals and overnight on board.
9
DAY 10: ATHENS, GREECE
Arrive at Piraeus port at 7:00 am. After breakfast on board, transfer to the Athens International Airport for departure flight home.
10
Recommended Itineraries
