Athens, Ancient Corinth and 7 day cruise “In the steps of Apostole Paul”

Duración:10 Días

El programa se realiza sólo para grupos privados de mínimo 20 participantes

2023 ARRIVAL DAY TO ATHENS
OCTOBER	12,19

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.

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.

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.

DAY 4: SUNDAY: THESSALONIKI, GREECE

At 09:30 am our cruise-ship docks in Thessaloniki. Following the path of St Paul's Second Missionary in Europe, leads you beyond the imposing Byzantine walls that guard the sophisticated port city of Thessaloniki. The beguiling architecture and meandering cobblestone streets are a pleasure to explore, topped only by the captivating site of the biblical city Berroia, known today as Veria. Join your expert guide to hear all about St.Paul's tribulations as he tried to win over the noble Jews that lived here. At 8:00 pm set sail for Kavala. All meals and overnight on board.

DAY 5: MONDAY: KAVALA, GREECE

At 08:00 am arrive in Kavala. The seaport resort of Kavala perched on the slopes of Mt Symvolo offers spectacular panoramic views. Join our specialist guide for a fascinating excursion to Neapolis and Philippi. It was here that St Paul baptised the first Greek and European Christian convert, Lydia, and gave his first sermon. Visit the open-air baptisery, the monument that honours the Saint, and the prison ruins where he was held captive with Silas. Sail to Istanbul, Turkey at 04:00 pm. Dinner & overnight on board ship.

DAY 6: TUESDAY: ISTANBUL, TURKEY

At 09:30 am arrive in Istanbul. The vibrant city of Istanbul straddles the continents of Europe and Asia via the Bosphorus Strait. Here you can visit the lavish Byzantine and Imperial mosques which pierce Istanbul's skyline with their towering minarets. The iconic Sultanahment (blue) mosque, the Romanesque Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the world - famous Church of Hagia Sophia are just a few of the enigmatic attractions to admire. At 8:00 pm depart for Diliki, Turkey. All meals and overnight on board.

DAY 7: WEDNESDAY: DIKILI, TURKEY

At 12:00 noon arrival in Dikili. Snaking its way along the beautiful coastline of Turkey's seafront, the city of Dikili is a lush landscape of green forestry and expansive golden sands. Here you have the opportunity to visit the Ancient Perghamon and Acropolis. The remains of the healing temple of Asklepion is the final stop of the day. Sail at 8:00 pm to Kusadasi.

DAY 8: THURSDAY: KUSADASI, TURKEY

At 08:00 am we dock in Kusadasi, Turkey. In Turkey's picturesque seaside resort of Kusadasi, St Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians and preached at the Great Theatre of Ephesus. The second - largest city of the Roman Empire is also the home of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World- the Temple of Artemis. You will learn about this and more on an optional tour to ancient Ephesus and the city of Miletus. Sail at 11:30 pm to Patmos, Greece. All meals and overnight on board.

DAY 9: FRIDAY: PATMOS, GREECE

Arrive at 07:00 am in Patmos, the smallest of the Greek Dodecanese islands and also the most spiritual. The tranquil island is famously known for being the location where John the Apostle experienced the vision that inspired the Book of Revelation. The last remaining disciple was banished to Patmos by Rome. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims to St John's Monastery and the Holy Grotto of the Apocalypse. Afterwards, set sail at 06:30 pm for Athens. All meals and overnight on board.

DAY 10: SATURDAY: ATHENS, GREECE DEPARTURE

At 07:00 am arrive in Athens and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home. We hope the memories of Greece bring you back to this country once more!