Footsteps Of Apostle Paul

ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

ATHENS–METEORA–KALAMBAKA Magnificent Monasteries This morning, depart Athens for a scenic drive. Reach Meteora, which can be translated as “suspended in the air” and prepare to be inspired by the breathtaking views of this UNESCO-listed area. Enjoy a fascinating guided visit of two of the monasteries perched atop the vertical rock formations, including the Holy Monastery of Varlaam. Later, continue to Kalambaka. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTVisit the magnificent natural setting in Meteora where stratospheric rock formations surround the ancient monasteries perched on the clifftops. Here, gigantic rocky outcrops reach 600 meters high above the plains of Thessaly where you’ll visit two of the stunning, red-roofed monasteries.

KALAMBAKA–VERIA–THESSALONIKI Holy Words This morning, stop in Veria (called Berea in the New Testament) and visit the Bema of Apostle Paul, a marble and mosaic monument that marks the spot where he preached to the local community. Continue to Thessaloniki, the center of Apostle Paul’s activities in Northern Greece. Enjoy an orientation drive featuring views of the White Tower and Aristotelous Square, plus a visit to Ag. Dimitros Basilika. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSee Thessaloniki's iconic 15th-century prison tower, standing 34-meters high. Hear the history of the Ottoman Empire and tragic ends of those who were imprisoned here. Pass Aristotelous Square, the Jewel of Thessaloniki on the sea front.

THESSALONIKI–EXCURSION TO PHILIPPI & KAVALA A Disciple's Destiny Today’s excursion takes you to Philippi, once a busy Roman colony where Apostle Paul established the first church in Europe. Enjoy a guided visit to Lydia’s Baptistery, the forum, ruins of the Basilicas, and the theatre. Continue to Kavala for an orientation drive to see Neapolis of the Acts and St. Paul’s mosaic. After some free time for lunch, return to Thessaloniki. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTFollow the path of St. Paul the Apostle where the disciple traveled in 49-50 CE to spread the Word of Christ. Visit the Greek Orthodox church and Baptistery of Saint Lydia, the first Greek and European woman baptized by the Apostle Paul. Visit the amazing ancient ruins of the Philippi’s Roman Forum, the Basilicas, and Theater in the city, wich became the center of Christian faith following the visit of the Apostle Paul.

THESSALONIKI–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS Warriors & The Ancient World Depart Thessaloniki for a scenic drive. Stop at Thermopylae, site of a famous battle. See the statue of Leonidas and learn about the heroic resistance of the 300 Spartans. Continue to Athens and enjoy a leisurely evening exploring. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT Travel through the coastal floodplain of the Spercheios River, surrounded by sloping forested limestone mountains and the thermal springs of Thermopylae. Greek Spartans, Thebans, and Thespians fought Persian invaders during the historic Battle of Thermopylae in this narrow coastal passage.

ATHENS (EMBARKATION)–MYKONOS Sun-Kissed Beauty Today, board your Celestyal cruise ship and set sail for Mykonos, one of the most celebrated of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore the island. See the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside, and the colorful homes of “Little Venice,” browse the charming streets and stores, and try some of the local delicacies. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTExplore the whitewashed paradise of Mykonos with its iconic windmills. Named after Apollo’s grandson, Mykonos offers a wealth of treasures to discover in its cafés, shops, and picturesque lanes.

CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY AND PATMOS, GREECE Divine Dwellings & Digs Today, reach the coast of Turkey and disembark at Kusudasi. Consider taking advantage of an optional shore excursion to visit the archaeological site of Ephesus, the city where Apostle Paul wrote many “Letters to the Corinthians,” and location of the House of the Virgin Mary, where the Blessed Mother spent her final days. Leave Turkey and head to Patmos, home to the mystical Cave of the Apocalypse where Saint John the Evangelist wrote the Book of Revelation. Enjoy free time to browse the island. (B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMEExplore more in one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean with a visit to Ephesus, Turkey. Excavations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site have revealed grand monuments from the Roman Imperial era, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. See the domed cruciform House of Mary, a revered Christian pilgrimage site, in this once Roman port city and sea channel.

CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE–SANTORINI The Bronze Age on the Blue Aegean This morning, reach Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Why not join an optional shore excursion and visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos? Later, set sail and arrive at the iconic island of Santorini. Enjoy free time to stroll along the charming streets, marvel at the amazing views, browse the stores, and try local specialties. (B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMEVisit the extraordinary royal ruins of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, where Greek mythology tells the story of King Minos and a heroic prince who battled the mighty Minotaur for the hand of a princess in Heraklion.

ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION)–CORINTH–ATHENS A Metropolis of Mythic Proportions Your cruise ends this morning, but your adventure continues! Disembark your ship in Athens and take a scenic drive to the Corinth Canal for a photo stop. Continue to the ancient town of Corinth and join a guided visit to the excavations, including the Agora and St. Paul’s Bema, where the Christian missionary faced the Forum’s court. Return to Athens for your guided sightseeing, including an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the Acropolis. Enjoy free time before a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTAthens conjures visions of Greek gods and goddesses, and robe-draped philosophers, and politicians. You’ll see the iconic sites of the Acropolis in the ancient city where mythology, philosophy, and Christianity flourished in the “birthplace of civilization.” See the all-marble Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place. The Olympic flame is passed to the current host nations to begin the modern games still today.

ATHENS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)