Upon our arrival in Thessalonika; a city that is over 2300 years old. It was built in 316 BC by Kassandros, the Macedonian King, and was named after his wife, Thessalonika the sister of Alexander the Great. Later the city flourished under the Byzantine Empire. Our tour includes the Roman Market, theatre and baths, Arch of Galerius, the City walls, Chain Tower and Citadel, the white tower, Byzantine churches,House of Jason, Monastery of Vlattadon, Aristotle’s Square, and statue of Alexander the Great. Dinner and overnight in Thessalonika. (D )

– Today we visit the beautiful town of Kavala, called Neapolis in the days of Paul (Acts 16: 11). It was to the church in this city Paul wrote his letters to the Thessalonians. From here we continue to Philippi. This is the city of the church to whom the letter of Philippians was written and where the Word of God began being preached to the European nations.We see the Baptistry of Lydia, the ancient theater and visit the place where Paul was flogged and imprisoned. Dinner and overnight on Thessalonika. ( B,D)

We drive to Veria (ancient Berea), where the Christian congregations were devoted to Paul’s works. We stop for a visit at the monument dedicated to the Apostle. Then we continue to Kalambaka to visit the famous monasteries.Perched atop soaring cliffs, gigantic rocks have been etched by time into a variety of shapes rooted deeply in the ground yet completely isolated from the world around them. The Monasteries with their wooden galleries andcorniced rooftops hang precariously over the breath-taking abysses, with the Pindus range at their back. We will visit one of the monasteries.We return to Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.(B,D)

After breakfast we depart, through the mountainous Greek countryside arriving in Delphi, the center of the ancient world – the “Omphalos” (“Naval – of the Earth”) whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic universe. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty lay the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Visit the treasury of the Athenians, the temple of Apollo and the museum containing suchmasterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Continue to Athens for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

City sightseeing includes a visit to the world renowned Acropolis, with the ruins of the Parthenon, Erechteum and Propylea . Then, we ascend Mars Hill, where Paul preached (Acts 17:16, 22). Also, view the Agora (ancient marketplace, and former center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace. We then depart for Corinth with a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, which separates Peloponnese from the Greek mainland and connects the two seas (Ionian and Aegean). We arrive in Corinth and visiting the site that was home for St Paul for eighteen months. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Bema, the Market Place and the Temples. From the Bema at Corinth, Paul spoke to the Corinthians about our Lord and Savior Christ. Sailing 7pm on BLUE STAR Ferry to Patmos. Dinner on board.Accommodation in your cabin. Arrive Patmos by 2.30am, transfer to local Hotel for overnight. (B,D)

Late breakfast and tour;we will visit the Grotto and the Monastery of John the Divine. The island of Patmos is the location where John of Patmos received the visions found in the Book of Revelation of the New Testament, and where the book was written. Overnight and dinner ( B,D)

After breakfast, transfer to a charter boat to Kusadasi. Visit the most impressive biblical site of our trip: Ephesus, where Paul first came on his 2nd journey (Acts 18:19-21). Ephesus was one of the most beautiful cities of ancient world and its former glory can still be appreciated today from its well-preserved streets, temples, fountains, public baths, terraced houses and theatres. Paul returned to Ephesus on his 3rd journey, staying and preaching for a period of about two years, where “special miracles” were wrought (Acts 19:120, 20:20) Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi (B,D)

Our journey today continues on the road to the ancient city of Pergamum. See the Red Basilica which housed the 1st Century Christian Church referred to by John in revelation. Visit the Acropolis of Pergamum designed to imitate the one in Athens and the Asclepeion Temple once dedicated to the Greek god of healing. Revelation 2:12-17 records the letter written to the Christian church of Pergamum; verse 13 of this passage speaks of “Satan’s seat” being here (Pergamum was a center of idolatry). Paul was not allowed to preach here. Drive through Izmir that was known as Smyrna and was another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8- 11). Here we’ll see Polycarp’s Church and the ancient agora. Continue in Izmir ,biblical Smyrna, and meet your Turkish guide and transfer to your Hotel at Kusadasi for a dinner and overnight. ( B,D)

After breakfast, transfer to Izmir airport for a short FLIGHT to Istanbul. Land in Istanbul and spend an unforgettable day visiting the Hippodrome, St. Sophia’s Church, Topkapi Palace (home of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years). We would also enjoy a Bosphorus cruise! Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. (B,D)

After breakfast, visit the Grand Bazaar, the biggest and oldest shopping mall.Time for shopping and lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we celebrate Mass before we transfer to your hotel for a beautiful farewell dinner. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,D)

– Early morning breakfast and transfer to the airport for our flight home, arriving the same day.

Greece

The following suggested packing list is for a general week to ten-day trip in Greece. Please consider the season of travel and type of trip to adjust.
• 7-9 x underwear, socks,
• 2-3 x loose, lightweight trousers or skirts– one full length and one cropped pair would be ideal!
• 3-4 x shorts
• 2 x long, loose shirts
• 4-5 x t-shirts or tops
• 2-3 evening tops
• 1-2 x swimming gear
• 1-2 x sweater or cardigan
• 1-2 x sandals or flip flops
• 1-2 pairs of comfortable walking/running shoes
• 1 x pair of more formal shoes
• 1 rain/wind-proof jacket
• 2-3 sweaters or other colder-weather gear
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• toiletries
• 1 x beach bag
• 1 x day bag
• 1 x evening bag
• European adapter
• Phone, camera and any other electronics needed
• passport and travel docs
• insurance 

Turkey

Though Turkey is a Muslim country, it is a fairly liberal travel destination, particularly along its coasts. Proper packing certainly depends on the time of year you will be traveling, so make sure to do your research first. Spring and autumn are generally temperate and pleasant all-around. The summers do get as hot as you’d expect of a destination along the Mediterranean. And winter can get brutal when the winds began picking up.
Sample packing list:
– Sunscreen
– Hat or cap
– 7-10 pairs of socks
– 1-2 pairs of comfortable shoes
– 1 pair of more formal shoes for cultural outings
– Sandals or flip-flops for summer travels
– 2-3 pairs of shorts
– 3-4 long pants/skirts
– 5-7 comfortable tops
– 1-2 more formal tops
– A light rain/wind-proof jacket
– Bathing suits for the beach and the hammam
– Shawl/scarf for colder evenings and religious sites
– Warmer clothes for colder seasons
– Day-bag for sightseeing adventures
– Your travel documents
– Camera and additional electronics
– sunglasses
The CDC offers this helpful packing list for medicine and health documents you want to consider as you pack for safety: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/turkey/traveler/packing-list

Greece

The currency of Greece is the Euro, which breaks into 100 cents. You will be able to exchange dollars for Euros in most hotels, as well as at banks and registered money exchanges. ATMs can be found throughout the country, and most major credit/debit cards can be used to withdraw cash.

Though most merchants prefer cash, credit and debit cards are accepted at most larger businesses — especially aimed at tourists. Make sure you always have smaller denominations while out, as vendors tend to not have change whenever you’re looking to purchase a gift.
Before traveling, try to ascertain what fees your credit card company or bank of choice might take for transactions, to avoid any unhappy surprises.

Tipping is customary, but not obligatory. There is no standard for you to follow, but consider rounding up on restaurant bills or taxis. Using cash ensures that the tip remains in your server’s pockets.

Turkey

The currency of Turkey is the Lira, whose currency code is Try and currency symbol TL. 100 Kurus make up one Lira. Turkish lira banknotes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. The kurus are in denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50.

Dollars and Euros are accepted in many tourist-heavy locations, but expect better prices when using the local currency.

Using your card in Turkey
In popular tourist destinations like Istanbul, Marmaris, Antalya and Bodrum, you’ll have little difficulty using your credit or debit card in shops, restaurants, hotels, nightlife venues and major tourist attractions. Many of these establishments will have swipe and pin number cash machines, but bear in mind you may be charged a fee to use your card.

Withdrawing cash
A cash machine or ATM is known as a bankamatik in Turkey, and is a convenient way to withdraw Liras. Withdrawing cash rather than exchanging your dollars may be your best bet for lowest rates of exchange. Be vigilant whenever you withdraw money from a cash machine, as fraud is common, so don’t allow anyone to see your pin number, and make sure the keypad is not removable. Also, in more remote areas such as the interior, cash machines may not be widely available.

Greece

In Greece the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. Check out the following pictures.
• Type C: also known as the standard “”Euro”” plug. This socket also works with plug E and plug F.
• Type F: also known as “”Schuko””. This socket also works with plug C and plug E.
Type C: This socket also works with plug E and F

Turkey

Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets /points.
Four- and five-star hotels often provide North American-style 120 volts, 60 Hz flush-mounted sockets (points) for North American flat-prong plugs.

Greece

Away from the beaches, informal wear is far less than the norm. most Greeks will dress up to go out, and not doing so is considered a faux pas. Most monasteries and to a lesser extent churches impose a fairly strict dress code for visitors: no shorts, with women expected to cover their arms and wear skirts (though most Greek women visitors will be in trousers); the necessary wraps are sometimes provided on the spot.

Greeks are fiercely proud, hospitable, direct, and warm. You’ll know when you are in a local’s favor (or not) quite quickly – they will let you know without delay. Greek culture is more laid back and informal, and not well known for punctuality. Religion plays an important role in Greek life, even for those who don’t adhere to daily practices. Weddings, funerals, name days, baptisms, saint days – there’s always a reason to mark the day, and you’ll get to experience a unique aspect of Greek cultural life.

Turkey

Acceptable dress norms depend on which part of the country – or even which part of a city – you are visiting. Overall, though, Turkey is more conservative concerning dress. Beachwear should be confined to the beach. Revealing clothing like miniskirts and skimpy shorts should be avoided away from heavily touristed areas.

If you venture much off the tourist track, accept that being stared at is part of the experience and not considered rude. In some parts of the southeast, you may be mobbed by small children wishing to guide you around the local ruins and/or begging for pens, sweets or money.

Turks employ a variety of not immediately obvious body language. Clicking the tongue against the roof of the mouth and simultaneously raising the eyebrows and chin means “no” or “there isn’t any. Wagging the head rapidly from side to side means “Explain, I don’t understand”, while a single, obliquely inclined nod means “yes”.

Greece

Turkey

Turkey is +3 hours UTC. You can find up-to-date time information here: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/