St. Paul’s Stairway

DAY 1

Arrive AthensWelcome to Athens. After meeting with your Travel Director, you might like to explore the city. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an included dinner at the hotel.MEALSDinnerHOTELZafolia

DAY 2

Athens – Thessaloniki (3 nights)This morning, we set off on our drive to Thessaloniki in northern Greece. Tonight dinner is offerered at the hotel.MEALSBuffet Breakfast, DinnerHOTELCity

DAY 3

Thessaloniki – Excursion to KavalaAfter breakfast, we enjoy a full-day excursion of Kavala, which occupies the ancient site of Philippi and Neapolis, a major archeological site near Krinides, where St. Paul and St. Silas were imprisoned after St. Paul’s first sermon in what we today call Europe. We visit the Theater, Forum, Acropolis and market square before returning to Thessaloniki. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant.MEALSBuffet Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4

ThessalonikiOur sightseeing today takes us to St. George’s Church, the Galerius Church, built to commemorate Galerius’s victory over the Persians. We then visit St. Demitrius Basilica, often referred to as the most beautiful basilica in the city. It was here that the saint was imprisoned, tortured and buried. A visit to the Church of the Holy Apostles is also included. Later we continue to Berea where St. Paul and St. Silas departed after the accusations from the Jewish community. Dinner this evening will be at the hotel.MEALSBuffet Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5

Thessaloniki – KalambakaAn early morning departure today as we drive along the beautiful Greek coastline and through valleys to Kalambaka and Meteora. We visit two of the incredible monasteries at Meteora, perched on giant rocks above the town to admire the beautiful Byzantine frescoes and the views.MEALSBuffet Breakfast, DinnerHOTELFamissi Eden

DAY 6

Kalambaka – DelphiOur destination today is Delphi – located on the slope of the Holy Mountain of Parnassos, and surrounded by a forest of pine trees. Here lies the shrine of the god Apollo. We will visit the Temple of Apollo, the Museum and the Theater. Tonight we dine at a local restaurant.MEALSBuffet Breakfast, DinnerHOTELNidimos

DAY 7

Delphi – Athens (2 nights)We begin today with a brief visit to the medieval monastery of Osios Loukas and the Chapel of St. Barbara. Traveling via Corinth, where we visit the market place, the Temple of Apollo and the Corinth Museum. It was in Corinth that the Apostle Paul preached to the Corinthians. Crossing the Corinth Canal we continue to Athens.MEALSBuffet BreakfastHOTELZafolia

DAY 8

Athens Sightseeing and Free TimeToday’s morning sightseeing tour takes us to the Acropolis and the Parthenon. We will see the Agora, Acropolis Museum, Royal Palace, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and the stadium built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 before free time at leisure.MEALSBuffet Breakfast

DAY 9

Embark Cruise – MykonosTransfer to the port and cruise to stunning Mykonos. Spend time discovering this island paradise with its distinctive whitewashed houses and maze of narrow cobbled streets.MEALSBuffet Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerHOTELCruise Ship

DAY 10

DAY 11

Kusadasi – At Sea – PatmosAn early arrival this morning brings us to Kusadasi, Turkey. We take an excursion to Ephesus And The House Of The Virgin Mary. Visit the valley-side chapel said to be where the Virgin Mary spent her last days – officially sanctioned for pilgrimage by the Vatican. After, you’ll see the excavation site of Ancient Ephesus, including where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode. Then enjoy free time in Kusadasi. Continue your cruise to the island of Patmos. Here we visit Chora village and the monastery of St. John, where you’ll view the monks’ dining room and main church. We’ll show you the museum and the Grotto and Monastery of the Apocalypse before driving back to Scala port, where you’ll enjoy free time.MEALSBuffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Heraklion – At Sea – SantoriniWake this morning in Heraklion on the island of Crete. A possible visit to the Mionoan Palace of Knossos. Continue to spectacular volcanic island of Santorini, explore the town or consider joining an Optional Experience to Oia and Fira.MEALSBuffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12

Disembark Cruise – AthensThis morning, disembark from your cruise ship before bidding farewell to your companions after a memorable pilgrimage. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply. Please ensure onward flights from Athens airport are scheduled after 11am on day of departure.MEALSBuffet Breakfast

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Meal Summary

11 Nights accommodations, 11 Buffet breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 9 Three-course dinners, .

Sightseeing Highlights

Visit the archaeological site where St Paul and St Silas were imprisoned
Sightseeing includes a visit to St Demetrius Basilica where St Paul was buried
Visit two of the incredible monasteries and admire the Byzantine frescoes
Visit Temple of Apollo, the museum and theater
Visit the market place, Temple of Apollo and the Corinth Museum. See the Corinth Canal.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Acropolis and Parthenon. See the Agora, Temple of Zeus and the stadium built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896
Visit the island with its distinctive whitewashed houses
Visit the valley side chapel where it is said the Virgin Mary spent her last days, and visit the excavation site at ancient Ephesus
Visit Chora Village and Monastery of St. John
Visit the spectacular volcanic island