Semester in Greece, Israel & Asia Minor
Διάρκεια: 83 Ημέρες
Το ακόλουθο πρόγραμμα πραγματοποιείται μόνο για γκρουπ άνω των 20 ατόμων. Μεμονωμένοι ταξιδιώτες δε μπορούν να συμμετέχουν.
STUDY ABROAD SEMESTER FROM GREECE WITH TRIPS TO ISRAEL, THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF THE REVELATION IN TURKEY AND AN EDUCATIONAL CRUISE TO THE GREEK ISLANDS
Study Abroad Program for Christian Universities
(83 days / 82 nights)
(83 days / 82 nights)
DAY 1: ATHENS ARRIVAL
Upon your arrival at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” our representative will meet, welcome and assist in your transfer to the hotel. Check-in. Remainder of the day is free to get settled. After dinner at the hotel, we will have an orientation meeting.
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DAY 2 -3: ATHENS: Classes
2-3
DAY 4: ATHENS: Free Day
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DAY 5: ATHENS CITY TOUR
We start our day at 8:00 in the morning with a full-day sightseeing tour of Athens. We climb up to the marble-capped Acropolis, the sacred rock of Athens and citadel of the city in antiquity. We visit the famous Parthenon and Erechtheion temples and then proceed 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 “the unknown god”.
View the ancient Agora of Athens from the Acropolis before visiting the Acropolis Museum, which was built to house every artefact found on the Acropolis, from the Greek Bronze Age to the Roman and Byzantine period. Our guided panoramic orientation bus 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, we view the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch. Return to the hotel for overnight.
View the ancient Agora of Athens from the Acropolis before visiting the Acropolis Museum, which was built to house every artefact found on the Acropolis, from the Greek Bronze Age to the Roman and Byzantine period. Our guided panoramic orientation bus 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, we view the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch. Return to the hotel for overnight.
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DAY 6-8: ATHENS: Classes
6-8
DAY 9: FULL DAY TOUR IN ATHENS
At 8:00 a.m. we depart for our visit to the ancient Agora. The Agora, now in ruins, was formerly the commercial hub of ancient Athens and birthplace of politics and philosophy. Here the Apostle Paul reasoned with the most sceptical audience he met in the course of his travels. We see the well preserved Doric Temple of Hephaestus (or Thission) and the Stoa of Attalos, an arcade built by Attalos II, king of Pergamum, used as a retail market.
Today it is used as a museum, displaying statues, pottery and many coins. Socrates is known to have discussed philosophy with friends in the Stoa of Zeus Eleftherios and was also executed in the state prison here in 399 BC. The Agora museum, housed in the Stoa of Attalos, is a reconstructed building of around 150 BC. The apostle Paul met the philosophers of the time and conversed with them here.
Lunch at a local restaurant in Monastiraki. We continue our sightseeing tour with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, which displays finds from all parts of the ancient Greek world that date from Neolithic times to the last years of the Roman Empire, and then return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Today it is used as a museum, displaying statues, pottery and many coins. Socrates is known to have discussed philosophy with friends in the Stoa of Zeus Eleftherios and was also executed in the state prison here in 399 BC. The Agora museum, housed in the Stoa of Attalos, is a reconstructed building of around 150 BC. The apostle Paul met the philosophers of the time and conversed with them here.
Lunch at a local restaurant in Monastiraki. We continue our sightseeing tour with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, which displays finds from all parts of the ancient Greek world that date from Neolithic times to the last years of the Roman Empire, and then return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
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DAY 10: ATHENS: Classes
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DAY 11: ATHENS: Free Day
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DAY 12: TOUR TO SOUNION
In the afternoon, we have our excursion towards Cape Sounion. Driving along the picturesque coastal road, we pass the beautiful beaches of Kalamaki, Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, with its countless coves and beautiful blue waters of the Saronic Gulf. A crowning feature of the tour is Cape Sounion, famous for its radiant sunsets and dominated by the Doric white marble Temple of Poseidon that overlooks the blue Aegean Sea. Following the temple, we return to the hotel in Athens for supper and overnight.
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DAY 13-17: ATHENS: Classes
13-17
DAY 18: ATHENS: Free Day
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FIELD TRIP TO ISRAEL
Day 19: FLY ATHENS TO TEL AVIV ISRAEL - TIBERIAS
Check- out and transfer to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” for departure flight to Tel Aviv, Israel. Arrive at Tel Aviv International Airport “Ben Gurion”. After meeting our local guide, we proceed to visit Caesarea Maritima “By the Sea”, where the Apostle Peter baptized Cornelius the Centurion, the first Christian Gentile. Paul was held prisoner here for two years before he was sent to Rome. After, we will visit the ancient theatre and have lunch at a local restaurant.
Following visit, drive to Mt. Carmel, “your head crowns you like Mount Carmel” (Songs 7:5). Carmel was the symbol of beauty and fertility, to be given the “splendor of Carmel” was to be blessed. Continue with drive to Cana, where Jesus’ first miracle took place and then transfer to our hotel in Tiberias for check-in, dinner & overnight stay.
Following visit, drive to Mt. Carmel, “your head crowns you like Mount Carmel” (Songs 7:5). Carmel was the symbol of beauty and fertility, to be given the “splendor of Carmel” was to be blessed. Continue with drive to Cana, where Jesus’ first miracle took place and then transfer to our hotel in Tiberias for check-in, dinner & overnight stay.
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DAY 20: TIBERIAS - CAPERNAUM - SEA OF GALILEE - MT. OF BEATITUDES - TABGHA - JORDAN RIVER
Today in Tiberias, we take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, as Jesus did with His Apostles (Matthew 4:13). We will see the Synagogue and Peter’s House, the centre of Jesus’ preaching ministry. We will also see “Jesus Boat” recovered from the shore of the Sea of Galilee in 1986.
After having lunch at a local restaurant, we will drive to Mount of Beatitudes where the “Sermon on the Mount” was preached (Matthew 5-7), visit Tabgha and the ancient mosaic of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish (Luke 9:10-17). Then we will drive to the Jordan River and visit the traditional baptismal site Yardenit. Here we can baptize those ready for baptism. We return to our hotel in Tiberias for dinner & overnight stay.
After having lunch at a local restaurant, we will drive to Mount of Beatitudes where the “Sermon on the Mount” was preached (Matthew 5-7), visit Tabgha and the ancient mosaic of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish (Luke 9:10-17). Then we will drive to the Jordan River and visit the traditional baptismal site Yardenit. Here we can baptize those ready for baptism. We return to our hotel in Tiberias for dinner & overnight stay.
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DAY 21: TIBERIAS - JERICHO - DEAD SEA - QUMRAN - JERUSALEM
Today we will visit Jericho and see the excavations of the oldest city in the world. We will view from a distance the Mount of Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). We continue to the Dead Sea, which is a salt lake 430 m (1,410 ft.) below sea level making it the lowest point in the world on dry land. Here you can take a dip and experience first-hand its famous hyper-saline waters that make floating easy.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to visit Qumran, where the “Dead Sea Scrolls” were discovered and where the Essene community lived. Continue to Jerusalem to check-in at our hotel for dinner & overnight stay.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to visit Qumran, where the “Dead Sea Scrolls” were discovered and where the Essene community lived. Continue to Jerusalem to check-in at our hotel for dinner & overnight stay.
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DAY 22: JERUSALEM – BETHLEHEM - JERUSALEM
In the morning we visit the Wailing (or Western) Wall and view from a distance the Temple Mount, where Solomon’s temple was built and overlooks the Al-Aksa Mosque, the site where the sacrifice of Isaac was to take place.
Passing the Stations of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) we will come to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again. Lunch at a local restaurant in Jerusalem. In the afternoon, we will visit Bethlehem to see the Church of the Nativity. (Matthew 1:8-25, Luke 2:1-7). We return to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner & overnight.
Passing the Stations of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) we will come to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again. Lunch at a local restaurant in Jerusalem. In the afternoon, we will visit Bethlehem to see the Church of the Nativity. (Matthew 1:8-25, Luke 2:1-7). We return to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner & overnight.
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DAY 23: JERUSALEM
Today we drive to Jerusalem to visit the Mount of Olives where we will enjoy the wonderful view overlooking Jerusalem. We will see the site of Ascension (Acts 1:9-12), the Pater Noster Church, and walk the Palm Sunday road. At the foot of the hill, we will see the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-44) with the ancient olive-trees and the Church of All Nations.
We then drive along the Kidron Valley to the church of the Apostle Peter in Gallicantu, built over the palace of the High Priest Caiaphas. After lunch at a local restaurant, we climb Mount Zion to visit the Tomb of David and the Upper Room, the traditional scene of Jesus’ last Passover feast (Mark 14:12-26). We return to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner & overnight.
We then drive along the Kidron Valley to the church of the Apostle Peter in Gallicantu, built over the palace of the High Priest Caiaphas. After lunch at a local restaurant, we climb Mount Zion to visit the Tomb of David and the Upper Room, the traditional scene of Jesus’ last Passover feast (Mark 14:12-26). We return to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner & overnight.
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DAY 24: DEPARTURE FROM JERUSALEM - TEL AVIV - FLY TO ATHENS
Today is our last day in Israel and we will visit the Israel Museum to see the model city of Jerusalem in the late Second Temple period, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Garden rock-cut Tomb, unearthed in 1867. The Garden Tomb is adjacent to a rocky escarpment, which since the 19th century is considered by various scholars to be Golgotha. Finally, we transfer to Tel Aviv International Airport “Ben Gurion” for our departure flight back to Athens.
Arrive at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel for check-in, dinner & overnight stay.
Arrive at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel for check-in, dinner & overnight stay.
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DAY 25: ATHENS: Free Day
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DAY 26-31: ATHENS: Classes
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DAY 32: ATHENS: Free Day
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NORTHERN GREECE FIELD TRIP “In the steps of the Apostle Paul”
DAY 33: ATHENS - DELPHI – KALAMBAKA
Depart at 8.00 am by motor-coach and drive to Delphi through the fertile plain of Boeotia, crossing the towns of Thebes (connected with the tragedy of king Oedipus). Next are the towns of Levadia and Arachova, famous for their colourful woollen rugs and carpets. Arrive at Delphi, the centre of the Ancient world, the "omphalos" (navel) of the earth - whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world.
On the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, in a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty and majesty, lies the archaeological site of Delphi. We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the Museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. We will have lunch in a nice local restaurant. Depart for Kalambaka. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
On the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, in a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty and majesty, lies the archaeological site of Delphi. We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the Museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. We will have lunch in a nice local restaurant. Depart for Kalambaka. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
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DAY 34: KALAMBAKA - METEORA -BEREA - THESSALONICA
Today we will visit Meteora. Here we find colossal symmetrical grey and reddish boulders, that appear as though pushed upwards from the bowels of mother earth by an invisible hand, with beautiful monasteries perched precariously high above the ground.
The monasteries were first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation, accessible only by ropes thrown from above. We will climb through steps since built for visitors to access veritable Byzantine museums exhibiting superb icons, old manuscripts and unique mosaics and frescoes.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue our drive to Berea, where the Apostle Paul arrived and according to his custom went to the synagogue where, to his pleasant surprise, he discovered that these Jews were “more noble” than those he had encountered in Thessalonica. We see the Byzantine mosaic in the monument commemorating his preaching. According to the local tradition, it was at this place where he stood and delivered his sermons (Acts 17:10-11).
Drive to Thessaloniki. Check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.
The monasteries were first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation, accessible only by ropes thrown from above. We will climb through steps since built for visitors to access veritable Byzantine museums exhibiting superb icons, old manuscripts and unique mosaics and frescoes.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue our drive to Berea, where the Apostle Paul arrived and according to his custom went to the synagogue where, to his pleasant surprise, he discovered that these Jews were “more noble” than those he had encountered in Thessalonica. We see the Byzantine mosaic in the monument commemorating his preaching. According to the local tradition, it was at this place where he stood and delivered his sermons (Acts 17:10-11).
Drive to Thessaloniki. Check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.
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DAY 35: THESSALONICA - VERGINA - PELLA – THESSALONICA
Today we start our morning with a visit to Vergina (the ancient Aigai), the first capital of Macedonia. We will visit the most important tomb ever discovered - that of Philip II of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great. Here we see the fabulous findings from the tomb of Philip II, made by the archaeologist Manolis Andronikos.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Pella, the capital of ancient Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander the Great. In the 4th century BC the city was laid out in the familiar «Hippodamean» pattern of regular rectangular building blocks with impressive broad streets and a first class water supply network. On the hill to the West stand the remains of the citadel of the Hellenistic period. We visit the excavation sites and especially the museum, which displays sculptures, relief and mosaics of Classical and Hellenistic times. Drive to Thessaloniki. Check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Pella, the capital of ancient Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander the Great. In the 4th century BC the city was laid out in the familiar «Hippodamean» pattern of regular rectangular building blocks with impressive broad streets and a first class water supply network. On the hill to the West stand the remains of the citadel of the Hellenistic period. We visit the excavation sites and especially the museum, which displays sculptures, relief and mosaics of Classical and Hellenistic times. Drive to Thessaloniki. Check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.
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DAY 36: THESSALONICA - AMPHIPOLIS - PHILIPPI - NEAPOLIS (KAVALA) - THESSALONICA
In the morning on our way to Philippi, we drive by the Lion statute of Amphipolis (short stop for photos). Afterwards we continue to Philippi, the site where the apostle Paul came and worked, establishing a strong church to which he later sent his Philippian letter. Of all the churches Paul founded, none was probably as near and dear to him as the church at Philippi (Acts 16:9-33). We see the river where Lydia is thought to have been baptized, the ruins of a Prison where Paul and Sylas had been kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica and the Theater. Philippi was built by Philip II of Macedonia on the Via Egnatia, the Roman road which ran from Rome to Byzantium. After the visit, we continue to Kavala, the ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16:11). Late that afternoon we arrive back in Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
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DAY 37: THESSALONICA - THERMOPYLAE - ATHENS
Today we start our morning panoramic tour in the city of Thessaloniki with a drive to the upper part of the Old City Walls. Here we have excellent views of the City and the opportunity to take pictures. From here, we continue on foot to visit the Roman Agora, which is built on the spot believed to have been the home of Jason. We continue with a sightseeing drive of the city viewing the White Tower, the Triumphal Arch of Galerius standing on the Egnatian Way and view the Rotunda. Lunch at a local restaurant in Thessaloniki.
Continue to Thermopylae to see the statue of Leonidas commemorating the historic battle between the 300 Spartans, led by Leonidas and the Persian army of Xerxes in 480 BC. We arrive in Athens in the evening, check-in at the hotel, followed by dinner and overnight.
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DAY 38-39: ATHENS: Classes
38-39
DAY 40: ATHENS: Free Day
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DAY 41-46: ATHENS: Classes
41-46
DAY 47: ATHENS: Free Day
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THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
DAY 48: FLY ATHENS - IZMIR - PERGAMUM
Transfer from the hotel to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” to fly to Izmir, Turkey. Upon arrival at Izmir International Airport “Adnan Menderes”, meet with our local guide and enjoy a panoramic drive through Smyrna, the third largest city in Turkey and one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 2:12-17]. Drive to Pergamum. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Bergama.
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Day 49: PERGAMUM - THYATIRA - SARDIS - PHILADELPHIA - PAMUKKALE
In the morning, we will visit Pergamum, modern-day Bergama [Rev. 1:11; 2:12]. Explore the impressive Acropolis, the steepest theatre in the world and See the Altar of Zeus mentioned as the «Throne of Satan» in the Book of Revelation.
Continue to Thyatira (Akhisar) [Rev. 1:11; 2:18-24; Acts 16:14] and visit the remains of the Basilica. Continue to visit Sardis (presently Sart) [Rev. 1:11; 3:1-4], one of the most picturesque sites of the Seven Churches of Asia. We visit the great Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele. Then to Philadelphia (Alasehir) [Rev. 1:11; 3:7], we will see the remains of the Byzantine Basilica and 11th century frescoes. Continue with drive to Pamukkale. Check-in at hotel for dinner and overnight.
Continue to Thyatira (Akhisar) [Rev. 1:11; 2:18-24; Acts 16:14] and visit the remains of the Basilica. Continue to visit Sardis (presently Sart) [Rev. 1:11; 3:1-4], one of the most picturesque sites of the Seven Churches of Asia. We visit the great Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele. Then to Philadelphia (Alasehir) [Rev. 1:11; 3:7], we will see the remains of the Byzantine Basilica and 11th century frescoes. Continue with drive to Pamukkale. Check-in at hotel for dinner and overnight.
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Day 50: HIERAPOLIS - LAODICEA – EPHESUS - KUSADASI
This morning, we will visit Hierapolis (Pamukkale) [Col. 4:13] where ancient hot springs cascade over steep cliffs, forming stalactites and pools.
Proceed to Laodicea (Denizli) [Rev. 1:11; 3:14; Col. 2:1; 4:13-16], where we see the ancient theatre and visit the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way among other monuments.
After lunch, drive to the ancient city of Ephesus (Acts 18:19-21). The Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years. We tour the spectacular ruins where excavations continue in this once great city. Continue to Kusadasi to check-in at hotel for dinner and overnight.
Proceed to Laodicea (Denizli) [Rev. 1:11; 3:14; Col. 2:1; 4:13-16], where we see the ancient theatre and visit the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way among other monuments.
After lunch, drive to the ancient city of Ephesus (Acts 18:19-21). The Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years. We tour the spectacular ruins where excavations continue in this once great city. Continue to Kusadasi to check-in at hotel for dinner and overnight.
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DAY 51: (SATURDAY) KUSADASI, TURKEY - EMBARK ON CRUISE - PATMOS, GREECE
At 9:30 a.m. transfer from the hotel to the port of Kusadasi for embarkation on the cruise-ship. Sail at 1:00 p.m. sail for Patmos, Greece. Lunch on board. The cruise-ship drops anchor at 4 p.m. in Patmos. Disembarkation by tender-boats (depending on sea and weather conditions). Guided shore-excursion to visit the Monastery of John the Evangelist and the Grotto of the Revelation. Return to the cruise-ship and sail for Heraklion, Crete at 9 p.m. Dinner & overnight on board.
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DAY 52: (SUNDAY) HERAKLION, CRETE - SANTORINI, GREECE
At 7 a.m. we arrive at the port of Heraklion, Crete (Acts 27:7-13). We visit the restored ruins of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home of King Minos and the legendary Minotaur (half-bull and half-man). Return to Heraklion and sail for Santorini at 12:00 p.m. Lunch on board. Arrive at 4:30 p.m. in Santorini and disembark by tender boats (sea & weather conditions permitting). Take the cable-car up to the white-washed town of Thera, perched high on the rim of the ancient volcano, or walk uphill 588 steps. Free time to explore, shop, take pictures. Sail for Piraeus at 9:30 p.m. Dinner & overnight on board.
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DAY 53: (MONDAY) PIRAEUS - ATHENS
Arrival in Piraeus at 7.00 am. Disembark & transfer to our hotel in Athens for check-in.
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DAY 54-60: ATHENS: Classes
54-60
DAY 61: ATHENS: Free Day
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DAY 62: ATHENS - CORINTH - MYCENAE - NAFPLION
At 8:00 a.m. drive along the beautiful coastal road of the Saronic Gulf to ancient Corinth, passing by the Corinthian Canal (photo stop). It was from Corinth where the Apostle Paul lived and preached for a year and a half and later wrote two of his New Testament letters. 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 local archaeological museum here is a must! Following lunch at a local restaurant, we proceed to Mycenae to visit the remains of the prehistoric citadel fortified with the Cyclopean Walls. We see the Lionesses' Gate and the Tomb of King Agamemnon in which we will actually enter. Then we continue to Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, where we stop to take pictures. Return to our hotel in Athens.
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DAY 63-67: ATHENS: Classes
63-67
DAY 68: ATHENS: Free Day
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DAY 69-81: ATHENS: Classes
69-81
DAY 82: ATHENS: FREE DAY
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DAY 83: ATHENS DEPARTURE
Check out of hotel and transfer to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” for your departure flight home. As your journey comes to an end, we hope that the experiences, sites and memories that you acquired in this land of light, with its deep blue sea, friendly people, and legends of old, will inspire you for a lifetime and will bring you to Greece once more.
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SEMESTER FOR 83 DAYS IS VALID FOR:
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We are looking forward to offering our best services to your group of students and professors. Feel free to contact us for any further information.
Spring semesters
For more information contact us at info@aristotletravel.com
We are looking forward to offering our best services to your group of students and professors. Feel free to contact us for any further information.
