Day 1: Greece
Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient
treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight
to Athens. Prepare yourself for a life-changing
experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you
will be walking where the apostles walked!
Day 2:
Athens
We arrive in
Athens and check into our hotel. You will have the
remainder of the day free to relax or take a stroll
along the streets of Athens to enjoy the flavor of the
city. This evening our group will enjoy the first of
many delectable European style dinners.
Day 3: Athens and Plaka
This morning is free with many things to do and see.
This afternoon we will begin our tour of the city of
Athens with a visit to the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and
Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where
Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation.
Additional sites include the Agora (ancient market place
and center of Athenian public life), the House of
Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic
Stadium, and Presidential Palace. The famous Plaka with
a multitude of shops and cafes is a place to spend your
free time today.
Day 4: Corinth - Mycenae
This morning we leave Athens by motor coach, stop for a
rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal and then
travel to the ancient city of
Corinth. The ruins of this important cultural center
are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the
Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect
of these people are evident in the water systems that
still flow from ancient to modern day. We will be sure
to gather for a devotional around the Bema where Paul
stood and challenged the Corinthians. The Museum houses
a variety of antiquities to include pottery, statues,
mosaics and art work. Our guide will be sure to show
you the room dedicated to the medical care of that
period. After the visit to ancient Corinth we travel to
Mycenae where the remains of the ancient city date back
to the Bronze Age. We will have a lunch stop (on our
own) today in Mycenae at a wonderful
restaurant where Jackie Kennedy Onassis enjoyed
lunch. This afternoon we see the famous Lionesse Gate,
the Tomb of Agamennon in the shape of a Beehive, and
many other sites before returning to Athens for the
evening.
Day 5: Cruising Mykonos
We sail this morning from Athens to the quaint isle of
Mykonos, called the island of windmills. Experience the
waterfront lined with shops and cafes and then stroll
the charming walkways through a maze of whitewashed
buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and
evening entertainment.
Cruise Ship Info
Day 6:
Rhodes
The largest of our adventure islands,
Rhodes is rich in Roman and Greek culture. Stroll
down the Street of the Knights to the market area for
shopping and a wonderful Greek lunch. You may enjoy an
optional tour to the ancient city of Lindos.
Magnificently situated between two bays with sandy
beaches, an ancient acropolis and medieval castle,
Lindos is famous as a most striking and impressive city.
Again we return to the ship for dinner and evening
entertainment.
Day 7: Patmos & Ephesus, Turkey
This morning we visit the Isle of
Patmos, under statutory protection as a historic
monument. You may choose to take an optional tour to see
the fortified monastery of St. John and the cave claimed
to be where John received the Revelation. Docking in
Turkey, enjoy an optional tour of
Ephesus, the city of the Bible and one of the
largest restorations still in progress with miles of
ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town
of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the
spectacular excavations of the major streets in this
ancient city. We'll view the Library, Agora, Temple of
Artemis and visit the Basilica of St. John. The basilica
is believed to be the site of the grave of John. From
here we'll also enjoy a panoramic view of the area. Back
on the ship, enjoy the Captain's dinner before settling
in to your cabin for the night.
Day 8: Optional Day - Delphi or Cape Sounion
Those interested in an optional tour of Delphi will need
to disembark early at 700 AM. Those taking this tour
will travel to lovely mountain region of Delphi-the
ancient sanctuary of Apollo. Here you will gain a
greater understanding of the Greek religious heritage
and their influence on the early Christian church. We
also visit the museum where we will marvel at the site
of the Charioteer, a bronze statue so delicate we will
see his eyelashes. You may choose to visit the Plaka
where you can find the finest of jewelry, leather,
pottery and marble, or the fun souvenirs all "tourists"
enjoy. Be sure to taste the Greek almonds and pistachios
from the street vendors. If you choose not to shop,
there are several interesting museums including the
Museum of Folklore or the National Archaeological
Museum. This afternoon, you may choose to travel along a
coastal road past many wonderful beaches to the southern
most point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white
marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. Today's
sightseeing is at your own expense.
Day 9: Homeward Bound
We transfer to the airport for our flight back to the
USA.