Depart from
New Orleans Airport on connecting flights bound for Athens, the intellectual, artistic, and economic center of modem Greece. Appropriate meals will be served and a movie will be offered for your viewing pleasure as you fly over the Atlantic. Overnight en route over the Atlantic Ocean.

After arriving at the Athens International Airport, proceed through Immigration & Customs, and collect your suitcase at the baggage carousel. Then, board your private motor coach for the scenic ride into the center of Athens to check into your hotel. There will be time for unpacking and some rest before the festive “Welcome to Greece” wine reception and dinner. (D) Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast in the hotel dining room, touring will take you to the most important and scenic sites of this world capital. Begin the day walking through the excavations of the Agora, the Roman Market, and the Library of Hadrian. Then, ascend the Acropolis to see the great Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Your guide will give you a detailed lecture on the history and significance of this impressive site, recognized the world-over. Standing on the marble steps of the Acropolis, you will have an unparalleled view of the Areopagos, a rocky hill that was the Supreme Court and free speech alley of Athens. On this hill St. Paul delivered to the Council of Areopagos one of the most famous discourses recorded in the New Testament: his bold proclamation about the one true God (Acts 17:22-31). The guided tour will also take you past the Parliament Building, Constitution (Syntagma) Square, the President’s Palace, the Olympic Stadium, and the National Gardens, ending at the National Archeological Museum,
containing the world’s finest collection of Greek art and antiquities. At the museum you will see a sampling of its vast and rich collection. Returning to the hotel mid-afternoon, there will be free time for shopping in the many quaint shops of the Plaka District where you might enjoy dinner on your own at one of the outdoor tavernas. (B/D) Overnight in Athens.

This morning, depart Athens on your motor coach, traveling north through the countryside dotted with quaint towns and villages . A lunch stop, on your own, will be made along the way before arriving in the charming seaside village of Nea Anchialos. Surrounded by pine, almond, and olive trees, and verdant vineyards, Nea Anchialos is home to the ancient ruins of the Basilica of St. Dimitris along with several other extraordinary early Christian churches only excavated in the last century. After checking into your seaside hotel, enjoy a guided tour of the archeological ruins and then spend time wandering along the idyllic Bay of Pagassitikos. Dinner will be served in the hotel this evening. (B/D) Overnight in Nea Anchialos.

Continue traveling north along the Aegean seacoast toward Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. Arriving in the city center around lunch time, you will be free to enjoy a meal, on your own, and some shopping before beginning an overview tour of the city. As your motor coach makes its way through the busy city center, you will see the Arch of Galerius, with its carvings depicting the emperor’s campaigns against the Persians in 297. Opposite the arch you will see the Rotunda, originally built as a mausoleum for Galerius, it was then converted to a Christian church dedicated to St. George, and next converted to a Turkish mosque, and now housing a museum. Continuing toward the seafront, you will pass the White Tower built in the 15th century, the city’s present-day symbol. Conclude this afternoon’s tour with a visit to
the Church of St. Demetrius, patron saint of the city. The basilica is the largest church building in Greece, and contains the crypt of the saint as well as many incredible mosaics, frescoed walls, and icons. Check into your hotel late this afternoon and have time to freshen up before enjoying dinner in the hotel. (B/D) Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Begin the day with a buffet-style breakfast in the hotel dining room. Today your motor coach will travel East through rugged and mountainous territory to the port city of Kavala. The modern city is built over the ancient port of Philippi (known as Neapolis when St. Paul sailed there on his missionary journey). Paul’s landing at Neapolis is one of the great moments of Christianity --- it was the definitive step of the growth of the Christian faith from East to West, from the provinces of Asia to Greece and to Europe. Enjoy lunch, on your own, at one of the cafes built along the harbor in view of the large Byzantine castle. This afternoon, travel 15 miles north of Kavala to the ruins of the ancient city of Philippi where St. Paul was imprisoned. Philippi was St. Paul’s most beloved community (Acts 16). Visit the ruins of St. Paul’s jail, the Roman Forum built beside the Via Egnatia, and the Pillared Basilica. Then, gather at the stream where St. Lydia, the “seller of purple” and the first European convert, and the small Christian community prayed with St. Paul. Here at this picturesque outdoor baptistery, Mass and a baptismal ceremony can be celebrated (weather permitting). As you journey back toward Thessaloniki this afternoon, a s the striking majestic stone lion monument which stands at the west side of the ancient city of Amphipolis. Today only ruins remain of the town, once a major Greek stronghold, and in Roman times, an important station on the Via Egnatia, the main road between Byzantium and the Adriatic. Enjoy dinner this evening at one of the fine local restaurants in Thessaloniki. (B/D) Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Following breakfast, tour the impressive Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum that houses the treasures of King Philip II. On exhibit are exquisite gold jewelry, bronze and terra-cotta vases, and tiny ivory reliefs of intricate detail, all found in Philip’s tomb at Vergina. Late this morning you will head Southwest away from the seacoast into central Greece. Stop in the city of Veria (New Testament Beroea) where St. Paul and Silas went from Thessaloniki. There, they found the people to be open-minded, and many Greek men and women of high standing believed in the Christian faith. Visit the traditional spot where Paul preached to the people who spent considerable time studying Scripture with great eagerness. Continuing through central Greece, late this afternoon you will arrive at your hotel in the city of Kalambaka, built on a vast plain in the shadows of the Meteora, vertical black rock formations rising almost 1,000 feet above the plain. Dinner will be served in the hotel this evening. (B/D) Overnight in Kalambaka.

This morning after breakfast, you will ascend the Meteora to visit two of the unique Orthodox monasteries perched high atop the rock formations and appearing to be almost magically suspended between Heaven and Earth. As early as the 11th century, hermit monks lived in caves at Meteora. By the 14th century, communities of monks were building stone monasteries on the Meteora rocks to avoid the incursions of foreign invaders. Touring the monasteries is a breathtaking experience, not only for the chance to see priceless icons, but also for the experience of the unparalleled views across central Greece from the pinnacles of these mountain retreats. After visiting the monasteries, your motor coach will travel South through the plains of Thessaly toward the historic village of Delphi, built on the slopes of Mount Parnassos overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. Delphi, of all the ancient sites in Greece, is believed to be the most potent of spiritual places. The ancients regarded Delphi as the center of the world, and it was a site of great pilgrimage --- (the mystery cult of Dionysius). Upon arrival at Delphi, check into your hotel and enjoy a bit of free time prior to dinner in the hotel. (B/D) Overnight in Delphi.

Following breakfast this morning, tour the ancient ruins of Delphi, dominated by the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Temple of the Oracle. Walk along the Sacred Way, once lined with treasuries and statues given as gifts by city-states as thanks to the pagan god, Apollo, for helping them win battles. Visit the Theater and enjoyfree time to hike up to the Stadium (for those willing and able). The entire site, situated on the mountainside with spectacular views of the Gulf, helps one appreciate the ancient peoples’ search for the sting and beautiful pieces of Greek statuary and ancient artifacts. Departing Delphi, travel along the North shore of the Gulf of Corinth to the newly constructed Rion-Antirion Bridge, the world’s longest cable-stayed suspension bridge. A lunch stop will be made before crossing the gulf. Following lunch, cross the blue waters of the Gulf of Corinth, continuing to the ancient city of Corinth. Here you will see the ruins of Corinth where St. Paul lived with his beloved friends, the tent makers, Pricilla and Aquila ( Acts 18:1-17). This is the city where, with the encouragement of St. Paul, a young Christian community struggled with the paganism that surrounded it. Tour the ruins of what was once a thriving and prosperous town, taking special note of the small storefront in which Christian symbols were carved, indicating that at one time it may have been used for celebrating Mass. Late this afternoon, make a stop on the bridge that crosses the Corinth Canal to look at one of the great engineering feats of all time. The canal was carved out of solid rock to link the Corinthian Gulf and the Saronic Gulf --- a distance of 4 miles! End the day back in Athens where you will check-in at your hotel. Dinner at the hotel. (B/D) Overnight in Athens.

This morning following breakfast in the hotel, your motor coach will transfer you to the local Athens harbor where you will board a Greek cruise ship for a full day excursion. During this enchanting day of sailing, you will visit three beautiful and quaint Greek islands, all located in the Saronic Gulf to the West of Athens. Aegina is considered one of the few islands that have retained its true “Greekness” with very few foreign tourists visiting it. Due to its proximity to Athens, many Athenians visit the island on weekends and during their holidays. Next, visit Poros, an island blessed with stunning pine forests that grow along the mountains all the way down to the beaches. Poros Town is filled with colorful, 19th century stucco houses and buildings, and there are many interesting handicraft stores to browse through. The main town is dominated by an imposing clock tower. After wandering the lovely lanes of Poros, board the ship and sit down to a delicious luncheon of Greek delicacies as you set sail for the third island. Arriving at the island of Hydra this afternoon, you will enjoy time admiring the charming town, which has been restored to its original appearance of the 1820’s. Since all cars are banned from the island, the only means of transportation other than on foot is by donkey! Late this afternoon, sail for Athens where you will disembark the ship and return to your hotel to dress for a very festive last evening in Athens. Your “Farewell to Greece” dinner will take place in a charming taverna located in the ancient Plaka district of Athens. Enjoy a four-course dinner, complete with drinks, as you watch dancers perform folk dances set to lively Greek music. (B/D) Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast this morning, board your motor coach for the transfer to the Athens International Airport to check-in for your trans-Atlantic flight to the United States arriving the same day.

*(B/L/D) = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to the port of Lavrio for embarkation on our cruise ship. Enjoy the many onboard activities or just relax while sailing to the Island of Mykonos with its jet-set atmosphere, whitewashed buildings, sidewalk cafes, 360 churches and chic boutiques. Mykonos is the home to the 16th century windmills, the most iconic landmarks on the island. Overnight on board. (B/D)

This morning we arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey site of one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,” Ephesus. This is the city St. Paul’s visited on his second Missionary Journey. We will visit the “House of the Virgin Mary” on Mount Koressos, who came to Ephesus with St. John after the Crucifixion. We continue our cruise to the island of Patmos, Greece, and visit the “Cave of the Apocalypse” where St. John the Apostle was exiled and received the Revelation that forms the Last Book of the New Testament. We also will visit the “Cave of the Apocalypse” as well as visiting the Monastery of St. John the Theologian. We return to our ship for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)

We arrive in Heraklion in the morning. You can spend your time at leisure exploring the beautiful waterfront, visiting the Cretan countryside, or enjoying the excursion to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos (at additional cost).Our next stop is the charming island of Santorini. Here, you can take an optional excursion to visit the villages of Fira and Oia (at additional cost) or just relax and explore the island at your own pace. Overnight on board. (B/L/D)

This morning we disembark in Lavrio port and transfer to our hotel in Athens. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Athens. (B/D)

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight back home arriving the same day. (B)

*(B/L/D) = Breakfast, Lunch ,Dinner