12 Days
Specific Tour
30 people
English
Day 1 – DEPARTURE TO GREECE
Depart for your overnight flight to Greece, meals served on board.
Day 2 – ARRIVAL THESSALONIKI (D)
Arrive in Thessaloniki where you will be met outside baggage claim and escorted to your vehicle for a transfer to the hotel. Later this afternoon, meet your guide for a short Orientation Tour. Enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow travelers this evening. Overnight Thessaloniki
Day 3 – THESSALONIKI (B/L/D)
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city with a population of some 1 million and a vital cultural, industrial, and commercial city, lies amphitheatrically on the Thermaicos Gulf, on the slopes of Mount Chortiatis. Founded by the Greek Macedonian King Kassander, he named the city Thessaloniki after his wife who was also the half-sister of Alexander the Great. During the Roman period, it was the capital of Macedonia Secunda and during the Middle Ages, it was the second city of the Byzantine Empire. For 400 years it was occupied by the Ottoman Empire until it was finally freed in 1912.
We start our excursion with a transfer to the village of Ouranoupolis for taking the boat for a pilgrimage, 3 hours cruise of Mount Athos. The ship heads to the southwestern part of the peninsula and in about 10 minutes, it reaches the sea borders of the monastic state and its territory. From there, it arrives in 15 minutes in the area of the first Russian cloister and after sailing on unique beaches, it arrives in the area of the first monastery, Iera Moni Dochiariou, in around 40 minutes. Another 7 monasteries follow then, as well as the Holy Mount’s central port, Daphni, and finally the cloisters, small villages, where groups of monks live in every house. Lunch is served onboard the ship.
After this, you will board your bus and return to Thessaloniki continuing with a tour of the city viewing the White Tower, a historical landmark before continuing on to visit the Archaeological Museum which houses interesting finds from the Archaic, Classical, and Roman periods, with findings of the Sindos area and a stunning exhibition of golden jewels. Stop for a typical Greek lunch. From here, drive by the International Trade Fair grounds and the Aristotelion University, which was established in 1926 and today is the largest of all universities in Greece. Next, make your way up to the once upon a time, Acropolis, located in the upper part of the city. It is here, where you will have a superb panoramic view of the entire city with the Thermaic Gulf and Mount Olympus in the background.
A further visit to St. Demetrios Basilica which was erected in the 5th century AD. The five aisled basilicas suffered a tragic fire in the year 1917 but were later restored in 1948. Marvel at the beautiful mosaics, dating back from the 5th to 9th Centuries. From here, follow your guide to the area located under the basilica, where you will see the famous crypt, which according to tradition, was once the confinement for an officer by the name of Demetrius who was later executed by the Emperor Gallerius. Today, St. Demetrius is the patron Saint of the city.
Return to your motorcoach and drive along the modern street, Egnatia, named after the famous Roman road, Via Egnatia. While driving, view the Arch of Gallerius and St. George’s Rotonda. The tour will end by passing by the well preserved Byzantine Basilica of St. Sophia, an 8th Century structure, rich in mosaics and frescoes. Overnight Thessaloniki Lunch Onboard cruise ship to Athos
Day 4/ – THESSALONIKI – KAVALA – PHILIPPI – THESSALONIKI (B/D)
Kavala, the ancient site of Neapolis, founded in the 7th Century BC, is the very same place where St. Paul set foot on the European Continent during his second missionary journey, establishing a thriving Christian church in the nearby city of Philippi. The famous Egnatian road, which once ran from the Adriatic Sea to Constantinople, passed by this city.
On the way to Philippi, you will have the opportunity to view the St. Sylas Monastery named after one of St. Paul’s companions. Arrive at the famous city of Philippi, one of the most interesting biblical and historical ancient cities.
The city once known as Krinides, was renamed “Philippi” after King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. It is this place where Brutus and Cassius were defeated by Mark Antony and Junavian Augustus, granting the City of Philippi a great many privileges. From here, drive a short distance to the Baptistery and the River, where Lydia, the first European convert was baptized by St. Paul.
Return to the archaeological site for a guided tour through the excavations, marveling at the upper and lower parts as well as the Forum, the Walls, the two Basilicas, and the Theatre. Your guide will also point out the traditional prison, which once held St. Paul and St. Silas.
After lunch in Kavala, we will do a short orientation tour of Kavala (Ancient Neapolis) and then drive back to Thessaloniki. Overnight Thessaloniki
Day 5/ – THESSALONIKI – PELLA – KALAMBAKA (B/D)
Your tour starts with a 45-minute drive to Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, where you will explore the site on foot. Pella was the second capital of ancient Macedonia, founded by king Archelaos who had built the magnificent palace, its walls being decorated by the famous painter Zeuxis and made it to the seat of the Royal Family. Being situated at the riverside of Ludias, which was once navigable, was developed into an important port. Euripides was at Pella to see his plays produced and performed there and Aristotle was appointed to educate young Alexander. We start our visits here first with the Archaeological Museum. Being small but very important, due to its rich collection of clay figurines, the classical black, and red-figured vases, the pebble floor mosaics, and the fine reconstruction of the
interior architectural part of the Greek house with its stucco decoration. We start visiting the excavations with the huge Greek houses bearing the central courtyards and being surrounded by big rooms, walk along the streets facing the shops of the big market and admire the still existing floor mosaics.
Continue to visit the Royal Tombs of Vergina (Land of Alexander the Great) we will have lunch at Elia Restaurant in Veria, overlooking the valley Aliakmon. The tour includes a visit to the newly completed exhibition bearing the founds of all 3 Tombs, one of them famous as the Tomb of King Philip the II, Father of Alexander the
Great. Make your way inside the subterranean structure, accompanied by your guide, and feast your eyes on some of the most important objects, which once belonged to Philip II – the King’s shield adorned with ivory and gold the King’s gold-trimmed iron breastplate, Gold Diadems of unparalleled craftsmanship, the Golden Wreath of oak leaves, the gold plated collar and the Silver Burial Ums. Listen carefully, as your guide explains how inside the tomb of King Philip, a Golden Chest was discovered, containing the King’s bones, washed with wine and wrapped in purple cloth.
After a short coffee break, we will drive towards the town of Kalambaka. Overnight Kalambaka
Day 6 – KALAMBAKA – METEORA – ATHENS (B/D)
Today we will visit the monasteries of Meteora. One of the most remarkable sites in Greece: is a group of monasteries perched atop pinnacles of rock up to 600 meters high. A rare geological phenomenon, a quirk of nature as it were, created these looming rocks which thrust skywards from the plain of Thessaly, as if striving to come closer to God.
These peculiarly impressive natural sculptures are known as Meteora because they do indeed seem to hang or hover (meteoro in Greek) above the plain. Their summits totally isolated from the rest of the world were a refuge for many hermits from as early as the 11th century. Three hundred years later the first monasteries were founded. Access to the monasteries and settlements was made by ladder and rope.
Once we arrive at the monasteries you will admire the brickwork of the Byzantine workmanship. The Churches house the spectacular frescoes, ivory carvings, manuscripts, and the fine work of art previously supported by the emperors at the time. Included in the tour is the visit to two monasteries, Grand Meteora or Varlaam Monasteries (depending on the day of the week) as well as the Monastery of Agios Stefanos (Nuns). *You are kindly requested to observe the strict clothing restrictions of the monasteries i.e. long skirts and covered shoulders for the ladies, and long trousers for men otherwise entrance will be denied *Overnight Athens
Day 7 – ATHENS (B/D)
On a tour to Athens, you will view many significant historical and archaeological monuments that date back to the Golden Age of Pericles, in the 5th century BC. During that time, the wealthy, newly democratic, and invigorated city state decided to rebuild the Temples on top of the Acropolis in great splendor. Visit the Parthenon, dedicated to the Goddess Athena, a unique masterpiece of Greek Architecture. This monument is recognized as the culmination of Greek architecture and sculpture. Examine the Propylea , which blends Doric and Ionic building principles. Continue to the Temple of the Athena Nike (Wingless Victory) and the Erechtheum Temple, which was formerly used for cult worship and consists of three basic parts: the main Temple, the north extension, and the famous Porch of Maidens. Then you will enjoy a traditional lunch in a restaurant in the center of Athens. After lunch, you will have the chance to explore the Νew Acropolis Museum located across the hill of the Acropolis serving as a reminder to all visitors of the true greatness of 5th century Athens. Among its many important exhibits are the Caryatids (female sculptures acting as columns of the Erechtheion Temple), the Parthenon Gallery with the inner frieze, outer metopes, and pediments of the temple, and the statue of Artemis by Praxitelis. Next, view Mars Hill, where St. Paul preached Christianity. You will also be seeing the Ancient Agora, Tower of the Winds, Herodes Atticus Theater, Theater of Dionyssos, Temple of Zeus, see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the former Royal Palace which is now the House of Parliament. Continue to the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, the National Library, and then to the “Panathenian” Olympic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Overnight Athens
Day 8 -ATHENS – CORINTH (B/D)
Corinth (Argolis) Journey outside Athens to walk among the ancients in Corinth, a once rich and powerful city known for luxury and vice and see the incredible Corinth Canal, cut through miles of solid rock. Follow the sacred way which led to Eleusis, known in antiquity for its sanctuary of Demeter, whose legendary search for her daughter Persephone explained to the ancients the cause of the seasons. A modern highway takes you past olive fields and numerous small villages, including Megara, whose inhabitants colonized Asia Minor under the leadership of Byzas and founded the city of Byzantium – which later gave its name to the Byzantine Empire. Driving along the coast leads to the majestic Corinth Canal, an engineering triumph century in the making. Nero, Rome’s most infamous emperor, inaugurated one attempt in 67 AD with his golden spade, but it was the Greeks who finally conquered the steep rock in 1893. Prior to the canal, ships were dragged from the Ionian Sea to the Aegean Sea using a wooden road with special grooves greased with wax. Traces of the road can still be seen. Continue on to Ancient Corinth, a city blessed with a superb location, fertile plains, and a virtually impregnable refuge. Excavations reveal that the ancient city was huge and wealthy; a survivor of numerous invasions but devastated by earthquakes. See the Bema, where St. Paul was tried by the Roman Governor, and one of Corinth’s most striking ancient buildings – the Temple of Apollo, seven of whose original 38 columns still stand. Walkthrough the remains of the Market Place, a colonnaded square once surrounded by many small shops. See the celebrated Fountain of Priene, which has produced water from the earliest times, and Lechaion Road, formerly the main thoroughfare to the port of Location. You will also be visiting the museum of Corinth. Lunch at Loutraki. Overnight Athens
CRUISE EXTENSION:
Day 9/ : CRUISE EMBARKATION-MYKONOS (B/L/D)
The cruise ship departs at 11:00 am for Mykonos.
Between 18:00 & 23:00 visit the island of Mykonos, one of the most beautiful islands
(Lunch & dinner onboard)
Day 10/ : KUSADASI/PATMOS (B/L/D)
At 07:00 am we arrive in Kusadasi (Turkey) where you will have the chance to visit Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary (included), an ancient Greek city founded in the 8th Century BC and one of the best-preserved archeological sites in the world (optional excursion).
At noon, we will depart for Patmos. Enjoy the sacred island of Patmos, an island with an austere physiognomy. This is where St John the Evangelist wrote the Apocalypse. The excursion (included) will take you to the place where he received the Revelation and after you will visit the Monastery dedicated to him from 16:00 till 21:00 the ship will be at Patmos. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard)
Day 11/ HERAKLION/SANTORINI (B/L/D)
From 07:00 am to 11:30 am we will be in the main city of Heraklion on the island of Crete. Here you will be able to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos (optional excursion).
At 16:30 we alight in Santorini. Go ashore and take a donkey ride or the cable car up to the town of Fira. Santorini is an exceptionally beautiful island of white-washed houses set into the steep cliffs shaped by the volcano. Be sure not to miss the dazzling sunset from one of Santorini`s many charming villages (or optional excursion to Oia). We set sail for Athens at 21:00. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard)
Day 12/ ATHENS-ATHENS AIRPORT (B)
Return to Athens around 06:00 am disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport. (Breakfast onboard)
Optional extension to Rome
October 05 – 07, 2024
$590.00 Per Person
Day 12 – Full Day of Touring Christian Rome
This morning we depart for a sightseeing tour entitled “Christian Rome” which includes: the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, a shrine that contains a relic from the manger of the infant Jesus. We continue on to the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), famous for being the steps that led up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, which Jesus Christ stood on during his Passion on his way to trial. Sixtus V had the steps transferred in 1589, to their present site, before the Sancta Santorum (Holy of Holies). Next, we will visit the Basilica of St. John the Lateran, the former residence of the popes prior to their return to Rome in 1377. It is also the where Pope Francis was formally installed as Bishop of Rome, and honored the St. Pope John Paul II by arriving a half hour early to bless a plaque renaming a corner of the piazza outside the church after him. Stop for lunch, and then we will continue on to visit St Paul Outside the Walls, which houses the remains of St Paul under its main altar; and the Appian Way — the oldest road from Roman times–plus the famous Domino Quo Vadis Chapel; see the ancient Baths of Caracalla, Arch of Drusus; Tomb of Celilia Metella, and the catacombs of St Callixtus where the early Christians hid themselves to escape persecution. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 13: Vatican Museums / Trevi Fountain
We will begin the day with visit at one of the most important museums in the world. Legally its own country, Vatican City is the head and administrative center of the Catholic Church. One of the most extensive museum collections in the world, the museum is also home to the Sistine Chapel, where the legendary Michelangelo created one of his most famous masterpieces on the ceiling. After the museums we will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Catholic Basilica ever built. It’s soaring dome was engineered by Michelangelo and the artist’s famous Pieta sculpture and countless other artistic wonders make St. Peter’s church one of the most awe–inspiring buildings in the world. – After break for lunch, we will reach the city center. Celebrate Mass at a selected church. Enjoy a walking tour starting from Navona Square, we walk to the Pantheon and to the Trevi Fountain. Balance of the day is at our leisure. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight (BD)
Day 14/ DEPARTURE ROME AIRPORT (B)
After breakfast transfer to the airport.
