This option covers of the 8-day land tour, and takes in the wonderful
cruise as well.
Day 1 Fly from the UK to Thessaloniki and transfer to hotel.
Free time depending on flight time. Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 2 Travel to Philippi, the first city in Europe visited
by Paul and the city where he and Silas were imprisoned. Visit the
stream by the village of Lydia, where Lydia of Thyratira was baptized
(the first recorded baptism in Europe). Visit the church of Philippi,
before moving onward to Kavalla (Neopolis, where Paul landed from
Troy on his way to Philippi). Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 3 Visit the St Demetrius Basilica, the largest church
in Greece, and Agia Sophia. Drive to the highest point in the city,
which is dominated by the walls of Theodosius. Start the journey
to Kalambaka, visiting the Royal Tombs (including that of Philip
II) at Vergina and pass through Veria. Paul travelled from here
to Athens via the coast. Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 4 Visit the extraordinary Meteora Monasteries perched
high on the cliffs. Whilst here visit the monastery of Varlaam (with
it's frescoes of the Last Judgement) and the convent of Agios Staphanos
(with museum and church). Here we start our journey to Delphi, on
the lower slopes of Parnassos. Overnight in Delphi.
Day 5 Visit to the stadium, amphitheatre, Temple of Apollo
and the museum. (People came from far and wide to consult the oracle
at Delphi, hence the place now has a great religious and political
influence as a result). In the afternoon, depart for Athens. Overnight
in Athens.
Day 6 Morning spent in Athens, visiting sites such as Mars
Hill (Aeropagus — the site of Paul's sermon). In the afternoon drive
to Corinth, following the coast and crossing the Corinth canal which
links the Aegean and Ionian seas. Continue to Cenchreae, from where
Paul departed for Ephesus. Overnight in Athens.
Day 7 Transfer to port to board ship for 3-night cruise.
First Sail to Mykonos. Beneath it's sophisticated surface, lies
a quite essential Greek island. Hundreds of tiny white chapels dot
this blue and whitewashed island. Find a table on the waterfront
and bask in the serenity of the sunset over its picturesque harbour.
Overnight on board ship.
Day 8 The day is spent docked in Rhodes. This beautiful
‘island of roses’ has a rich and varied history. On a hill above
the charming town of Lindos rises an ancient acropolis dedicated
to the goddess Athena. Below lies the bay of St Paul, where he landed
during his voyages. Stroll around the old city or go for a swim.
Optional shore excursion on Rhodes. Overnight on board ship.
Day 9 Arrive in Patmos, the island known as the Apocalyptic
Revelation of St John the Divine, written here during his exile
from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is near the site
of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. The Monastery of St John, built
on one of the island's highest points, houses priceless icons and
manuscripts in its treasury. Optional shore excursion on Patmos.
In the afternoon arrive at Kusadasi and travel to Ephesus. St Paul
lived here and today it is one of the most impressive archaeological
sites in the world. Optional shore excursion to Ephesus. Overnight
on board ship.
Day 10 Free time depending on flight time. Leave Athens
for return flight to the UK
