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12-Day Greece and New Testament Journey: Thessaloniki to Athens & Greek Islands Cruise

Viewed by 153 travelers

Day 1: Depart USA

In Flight on June 3, 2025

Evening

Overnight Flight to Thessaloniki

Depart from the USA for an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece, allowing for restful travel before starting the historic journey.
Included, Overnight
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Day 2: Arrival Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, Greece on June 4, 2025

Morning

Arrival and Hotel Transfer

Arrive at Thessaloniki airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in and rest after your flight.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Eleon

Dine at Eleon, a top-rated restaurant downtown known for its elegant Mediterranean dishes, perfect for your first night in Thessaloniki.
EUR25, 1.5h

Overnight

Stay in Thessaloniki

Relax and rest overnight at your centrally located hotel.
Included, 8h
Find Hotels in Thessaloniki

Day 3: Philippi & Kavala

Thessaloniki, Kavala, Philippi on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for a day of exploring.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Visit Kavala Port & Ruins

Explore Kavala's Byzantine castle, Roman Aqueduct, and ancient acropolis ruins; learn about Paul and Luke's journey here.
EUR10, 2h

10:30am

Drive Via Egnatia to Philippi

Pass the historic Via Egnatia with Roman and Greek tombs and ancient chariot ruts on your way to Philippi.
Included, 1h

11:30am

Tour of Philippi

Visit Paul and Silas’s prison, ancient theater and baptismal sites where Christianity took root in Europe.
EUR15, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Gastropoli, Kavala

Savor fresh seafood at Gastropoli, a favorite spot for local flavors and sea views.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Thessaloniki City Walking Tour

Visit St. Demetrius Basilica, White Tower, Arch of Galerius, and waterfront, key early Christian sites.
EUR10, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Sempriko

Enjoy traditional Greek cuisine at Sempriko, renowned for its authentic flavors and cozy atmosphere.
EUR25, 1.5h

Overnight

Stay in Thessaloniki

Overnight rest to prepare for next day’s travels.
Included, 8h
Find Hotels in Thessaloniki

Day 4: Veria & Meteora

Thessaloniki, Veria, Meteora on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty hotel breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Visit Veria Byzantine Churches

Explore the 'Small Jerusalem' Veria, visiting numerous Byzantine churches and the famed Church of the Resurrection.
EUR8, 2h

10:30am

Travel to Meteora

Drive to the spectacular rock formations of Meteora, famous for its cave-like monasteries perched atop cliffs.
Included, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch in Kalambaka

Enjoy traditional Thessalian dishes in Kalambaka town, with options like grilled meats and local cheeses.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Monastery Visits at Meteora

Visit two active monasteries open for tourists, admiring Byzantine art and breathtaking views from rocky pinnacles.
EUR12, 3h

5:30pm

Overnight in Kalambaka

Check-in and relax overnight near Meteora to absorb the natural and spiritual atmosphere.
Included, 8h
Find Hotels in Thessaloniki

Day 5: Delphi & Athens

Kalambaka, Delphi, Athens on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day of cultural discovery.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Delphi

Drive to Delphi, the ancient site of the Oracle of Apollo, blending monumental ruins with stunning mountains.
Included, 3h

11:30am

Delphi Archaeological Site Tour

Explore the Temple of Apollo, theater, and stadium, learning the significance of Delphi as the spiritual center.
EUR12, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Taverna To Patriko Mas

Savor Greek traditional cuisine near Delphi, featuring lamb, fresh vegetables, and local wine.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Athens

Travel south to Athens, the capital city, for evening free time and relaxation.
Included, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner suggestion: Kuzina

Optional: Dine at Kuzina, offering a fusion of Greek tradition and modern cuisine with Acropolis views.
EUR30, 1.5h

Overnight

Stay in Athens

Rest overnight at hotel in Athens.
Included, 8h
Find Hotels in Kalambaka

Day 6: Athens City Tour

Athens, Greece on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your hotel before city tour.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Athens Panoramic City Tour

Visit sites such as Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and Mars Hill where Paul preached.
EUR20, 3h

11:30am

Acropolis & Ancient Agora Visit

Explore Acropolis masterpieces including the Parthenon and Erechtheion, plus the ancient Roman Agora nearby.
EUR25, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Mani Mani

Enjoy lunch at Mani Mani, known for its rustic Greek dishes and relaxing ambiance near the Acropolis.
EUR25, 1h

3:30pm

Free Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring Athens or relaxing at your hotel.
Free, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner at Strofi

Dine with a view of the Acropolis at Strofi, offering traditional Greek cuisine in an elegant setting.
EUR35, 1.5h

Overnight

Stay in Athens

Rest overnight at your Athens hotel.
Included, 8h
Find Hotels in Athens

Day 7: Cruise Start & Mykonos

Athens to Mykonos, Greece on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with breakfast before transfer to Port of Lavrio.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Port of Lavrio and Embark on Olympia

Drive to Lavrio for embarkation on the four-night Greek Islands cruise aboard The Olympia.
Included, 1.5h

12:00pm

Sail to Mykonos; Afternoon Exploration

Spend the afternoon exploring Mykonos famous for charming cobblestone streets and iconic windmills.
Free, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner on Board The Olympia

Enjoy dinner on the ship as you prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Included, 1.5h

Overnight

Overnight on Board in Mykonos

Rest overnight aboard while docked or sailing near Mykonos.
Included, 8h
Find Hotels in Athens to Mykonos

Day 8: Ephesus & Patmos

Ephesus (Turkey) & Patmos (Greece) on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on Board

Start your day with breakfast on board as the ship docks at Kusadasi.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Excursion to Ephesus

Tour one of Asia Minor’s greatest archaeological sites including the Celsus Library and Temple of Artemis.
EUR35, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch on Board or Nearby

Return to ship or enjoy local cuisine before sailing to Patmos.
EUR20, 1h

Afternoon

Cruise to Patmos & Visit

Explore Patmos including the Monastery of St. John and the cave where the Book of Revelation was written.
EUR20, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner on Board

Dinner served aboard as you rest from the day’s historic immersion.
Included, 1.5h

Overnight

Overnight on Board near Patmos

Enjoy the calm of the Aegean Sea overnight.
Included, 8h
Find Hotels in Ephesus (Turkey) & Patmos (Greece)

Day 9: Rhodes Exploration

Rhodes, Greece on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Arrival at Rhodes and Disembark

Disembark early morning to explore medieval Rhodes and the Acropolis of Lindos.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Tour Lindos Acropolis

Visit ancient Doric temple of Athena, the Church of Our Mrs. Lindos and old town houses of the knights.
EUR15, 3h

11:30am

Walking Tour of Rhodes Old Town

Stroll through the street of knights and Porta d’Amboise witnessing medieval architecture.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Tamam Restaurant

Taste Greek and Mediterranean dishes in one of Rhodes’s most popular eateries.
EUR20, 1h

Afternoon

Board Ship and Sail to Crete

Return to ship by 6:00pm to depart for Crete with full board provided on the ship.
Included, Evening
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Day 10: Crete & Santorini

Heraklion (Crete) & Santorini, Greece on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Arrival at Heraklion, Crete and Breakfast

Disembark for a walking tour including the Church of St. Titus, reflecting Apostle Paul's legacy.
Included, 3h

11:00am

Lunch in Heraklion at Peskesi

Enjoy organic Cretan cuisine highlighting the island’s unique culinary traditions.
EUR25, 1h

12:30pm

Afternoon Cruise to Santorini

Sail to Santorini and marvel at the volcanic caldera and cliffside villages like Oia.
Included, 3h

5:30pm

Evening Exploration of Oia

Stroll through Oia’s charming streets and enjoy stunning sunset views over the caldera.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner on Board

Dine onboard The Olympia with spectacular sea views.
Included, 1.5h

Overnight

Overnight on Board near Santorini

Rest onboard as you prepare for the final days of your journey.
Included, 8h
Find Hotels in Heraklion (Crete) & Santorini

Day 11: Corinth Day Trip

Athens & Corinth, Greece on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Disembark and Breakfast in Athens

Disembark from ship, then enjoy breakfast at your Athens hotel before day trip.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Ancient Corinth

Drive to Corinth, an ancient city significant in both trade and early Christian history.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Tour Ancient Corinth Site

Visit the Temple of Apollo, the agora, and the Roman reconstruction that was Paul’s community.
EUR12, 2h

11:30am

Visit Isthmus Canal

See the impressive Isthmus canal which links Aegean and Ionian seas, an engineering marvel.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lemon Garden

Enjoy traditional Greek dishes in Corinth with a relaxing atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Stop at Ancient Port of Cehries

Brief stop at the ancient port where Saint Paul disembarked during his travels.
Free, 30m

3:00pm

Return to Athens

Drive back to Athens for evening rest.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Celebrate your last night in Greece with a wonderful dinner at Kuzina with views of the Acropolis.
EUR35, 1.5h

Overnight

Stay in Athens

Rest and recharge at hotel for departure.
Included, 8h
Find Hotels in Athens & Corinth

Day 12: Return Home

Athens, Greece to USA on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Hotel Check-out

Enjoy your final breakfast in Greece before check-out and departure preparations.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Private Transfer to Athens Airport

Meet your English-speaking concierge for a private transfer to Athens Airport (ATH).
Included, 1h

Late morning

Flight Home

Depart Athens on your flight back to the USA, arriving the same day.
Included, Varies
Find Hotels in Athens
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