Monday, November 4
Depart From New York JFK for your flight to Thessaloniki, Greece via Turkish Airlines. Beverages and meals will be served on board.
Tuesday, November 5
Upon arrival at Thessaloniki Airport, we will depart for Ancient Colony of Philippi. It was built in 356 B.C. by Alexander’s father, Philip II. We will see the Ancient Theatre, the Church of Philippi, founded by Apostle Paul in 49 a.D. It was the first church in European territory. We will visit the Baptistery of St. Lydia of Filippisias. Then, we depart for Thessaloniki, the second largest city of Greece and was founded by the ascendant of Alexander the Great, Cassander and we will have a City Tour, starting from Saint Dimitrius, where we will pilgrimage the relics of the Saint, admire the mosaics of the Church and also see the spot where the Saint martyred. Following that, we will visit the White Tower and the Upper Town, where we will have a panoramic view of Thessaloniki. Arrival to our hotel. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Dinner and Overnight: – Thessaloniki
Wednesday, November 6
After breakfast, we will depart for for the capital of Imathia, which name is Veria. It is built at the foot of Mount Vermio. We will have free time to visit the Step of Apostle Paul and the Synagogue. It is located next to the Barbouta area, which over time came to be known as the Jewish District. The stone-built Synagogue is the most ancient synagogue in the Northern Greece. Departure for Kalambaka and we will visit the prefecture built in a rare geological phenomenon of Meteora. It’s a cluster of huge dark colored stones made of sandstone. The name Meteora is attributed to the monk of the monastery, Agios Athanasius the Meteorite. We will have the chance to enjoy the panoramic ride and to visit one (1) of the six visited monasteries.
Dinner and Overnight: – Kalambaka
Thursday, Novemer 7
After breakfast, we will head to the Site of Delphi, known in ancient times as the navel of the world. Pass by Castalia Spring, visit the Archaeological Site and view the monument of the Argive Kings, the treasury of the Athenians, the Athenian Stoa, the Polygonal Wall, the monument of Platea and the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle. Then, we will have time to visit the museum of Delphi, with its spectacular exhibits include the frieze of the Treasury of the Sifnians, the Naxian Sphinx, the statue of Antinoos the metopes of the Athenian treasury, the famous bronze Charioteer, originally created to commemorate a victory during the 476 B.C. Pythian Games, and many other artifacts. Departure for Athens.
Dinner and Overnight: - Athens
Friday, November 8
After breakfast, we will have free leisure time. Then, we will depart for the Port of Lavrion. Early in the morning, embarkation and a range of activities are available. Relax and soak up the glorious Mediterranean sun. Then, the ship will arrive in Mykonos. The evening is ours to enjoy this beautiful iconic Cycladic Island.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner and Overnight: - Celestyal Cruise
Saturday, November 9
Early morning the ship arrives at the Port of Kusadasi. Our Ancient Ephesus Bus Tour is a journey through the golden ages which shaped a pivotal center of commerce and spirituality. Built 3,000 years ago, Ephesus shaped the history of Greek, Turkish and Christian civilizations from its privileged location, chosen (according to legend) by the oracle of Delphi. A site of pilgrimage, due to its proximity to the Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 Wonders of the World) and the presence of major Christian figures (the apostles Paul and John and the Virgin Mary) within the city walls, Ephesus is currently one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The splendour of its golden age is visible throughout its streets and exceptionally well-preserved ruins. As we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will have the opportunity to breathe in the centuries of cultural effervescence, visible in the Ephesus Agora, Odeon, the Houses of the Patricians, the beautiful Temple of Hadrian and the astonishing Library of Celsus. We will also have the opportunity to bargain and shop local merchandise such as carpets, leather goods, souvenirs etc. Return to the ship at noon and we will sail for Patmos. We will explore the Monastery of St. John and the Grotto of Revelation. Late evening return to the ship and sail for Santorini.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner and Overnight: - Celestyal Cruise
Sunday, November 10
Early morning the ship arrives at the Port of Santorini. We can participate in the optional tour to Oia and Thira, where we can experience a fantastic journey up the caldera by cable car or donkey or on foot. Free time for personal activities. Early evening return to the ship and sail for Lavrion.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner and Overnight: - Celestyal Cruise
Monday, November 11
After breakfast, we will disembark from the ship and start our Athens City Tour starting from the Panathenaic Stadium known as Kallimarmaro. In Antiquity was used for the celebration of Panathenea in honour of Goddess Athena. You will have free time to take photos. Boarding the coach and departure to see the Zappeion Hall, the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the symbolic monument in the memory of the Soldiers who died for their country. Then, along Panepistimiou Street, one of the most central streets of Athens, we will see the triad of neoclassical buildings: The Library, the Academy and the University. We will visit Mars Hill (Acts 17:16-34) and the Acropolis with magnificent monuments such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, the Ancient Agora, the theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. We will have the chance to walk around the Parthenon Monument, which was built in the 5th century BC by the architects Ictinus and Kallikrates. Then, we will have free time in the traditional settlement of Plaka. It is a district in the centre of Athens just beneath the Acropolis. After lunch, we begin our Sounio Τour with a wonderful drive along the scenic coastal road which offers a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf, passing through some of Athens’ most beautiful suburbs (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza). As you approach Cape Sounion, it rises like a sheer cliff out of the sea. At Cape Sounion where you will visit the Temple of Poseidon of the 5th century BC, with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world. According to legend Cape Sounion is the spot where Aegeus, King of Athens, believing that his only son Prince Theseas was dead, leapt to his death off the cliff, thus giving his name to the Aegean Sea. The wind-swept Cape Sounion was an obvious choice for a sanctuary of Poseidon, where the sailors might offer a last sacrifice to appease the mighty God of the Sea before leaving the comparative safety of the Saronic Gulf for the perils of the open Aegean Sea. The archaic temple was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC and a new one was built in its place in 440 BC by Pericles. The contrast between the 12 white remaining Doric columns and the deep blue of the sea is still as dazzling as in the days of Lord Byron who carved his name on the marble. Return to our hotel.
Dinner and Overnight: - Athens
Tuesday, November 12
After breakfast, we will start our daily trip and we will depart for Peloponnese. Our first stop will be at the Isthmus of Corinth, which is a narrow strip of land 6 kilometers in length joining Central Greece with Peloponnese. We will have free time to take photos. Then, we will depart for Ancient Corinth, which was an important city - state in Ancient Greece and dates back from the Neolithic Period (5.000-3.000). We will visit one of the largest museums in Greece, in terms of the wealth and quality of the findings. Corinth is mentioned many times in the New Testament, largely in connection with St. Paul the Apostle's mission there - testifying to the success of Caesar's refunding of the city. Traditionally, the Church of Corinth is believed to have been founded by St. Paul, making it an Apostolic See. Afterwards, we will have free time for lunch in the town center. Before heading back to Athens, we will make a short stop at the Ancient Port of Kechries. Then, we will depart for Athens.
Dinner and Overnight: - Athens
Wednesday, November 13
After breakfast, depart for the Airport of Athens.
Arrive in the USA!
PLEASE NOTE! We reserve the right to omit any site and/or change the itinerary
Should it be necessary due to local conditions.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
