Explore historic Thessaloniki, walking through ancient sites and discovering the city’s rich Byzantine heritage. Visit the picturesque port city of Kavala and the ancient city of Philippi, where Apostle Paul preached and baptized the first Christians in Europe. Marvel at the breathtaking Byzantine monasteries perched on towering rock formations in Kalambaka.
In Athens, ascend to the Acropolis to see iconic structures like the Parthenon and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Journey to ancient Corinth and Mycenae, diving into the history of early Christianity and exploring the remnants of the Bronze Age. Embark on a luxurious Greek island cruise, sailing to Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Crete, and Santorini, each offering its own unique beauty and culture.
Enhance your experience with exclusive excursions to significant archaeological sites, including Ephesus and the Palace of Knossos. Throughout the trip, savor authentic Greek cuisine, culminating in a memorable farewell dinner in Athens.
Day 1: Arrive in Thessaloniki WELCOME TO GREECE!! Upon arrival at Thessaloniki airport, look for your driver in the international arrivals area holding an IWorld of Travel sign with your name. Depart in your private transportation to your hotel. En route to the hotel, view the old city ramparts, the newly excavated Forum, St. George church, and the UNESCO World Heritage site Arch of Galerius and Rotunda. After check-in, have the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 2: Thessaloniki, Kavala After breakfast, meet your guide and start the day with a panoramic view from the Byzantine wall citadel. Continue to Kavala, Greece’s prettiest mainland port, where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Sillas. Visit Philippi, where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. Return to Thessaloniki and visit St. Demetrius Basilica. Have time at leisure in the evening.
Day 3: Thessaloniki – Kalambaka After breakfast, visit Berea, Vergina, and Kalambaka. In Berea, see the monument to Paul. Visit the tomb of King Phillip in Vergina. In the afternoon, see the world-famous Byzantine monasteries perched on summits. Return to your hotel.
Day 4: To Athens After breakfast and check-out, depart for Athens. The journey will take around 4 hours. Begin your tour of Athens by ascending to the Acropolis to see the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, and Erechteion. Descend past Mars Hill and the Agora of Athens. Return to your hotel and have the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 5: Athens, Corinth Drive to the historic coast road to Corinth, stopping by the Corinth Canal. Visit ancient Corinth, where Paul ministered and wrote the earliest New Testament writings. Continue to Mycenae to see the remains of the ancient city. Return to Athens in the evening.
Day 6: Athens, Embarkation – Mykonos After breakfast and check-out, depart for Lavrio port to board your cruise. Depart around 13:00 hours heading to Mykonos. Upon arrival in Mykonos, have free time on the island. Later, board the cruise and start sailing to Kusadasi.
Day 7: Kusadasi – Patmos Arrival in Kusadasi around 07:00 hours. Take an optional excursion to Ephesus. Visit the Library, Agora, Temple of Artemis, and Basilica of St. John. Later, sail to the island of Patmos. Upon arrival, have free time for an optional excursion to the Monastery of Saint John. Board the cruise and depart for Heraklion.
Day 8: Heraklion – Santorini Arrival in Crete around 07:00 hours. Explore on your own or take an optional excursion to the Palace of Knossos. Return to the ship before departure at 12:00 hours to Santorini. Upon arrival, explore the town of Oia. Return to the ship at the proper time.
Day 9: Disembarkation, Athens Arrival in Lavrio port around 06:00 hours. Depart in your private transportation to your hotel in Athens. After check-in, explore the surroundings on your own. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10: International Flight Departure Transfer from your hotel to Athens airport to board your flight back to the US. We hope you enjoyed your trip and are leaving with a heart full of memories!
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*Gelber’s Way is an Associate Member of the United States Tour Operators Association. However, Gelber’s Way is NOT a participant in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program and is not held by USTOA to certain standards required of Active Members.”
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