SATURDAY – SUNDAY – DAYS 1 & 2: U.S. / THESSALONIKI – We depart the U.S. today for our flight to Thessaloniki. Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, we will be met by DCT’s local representative and escorted to our hotel in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and capital of the province of Macedonia. It was here in the synagogue that Paul “…reasoned with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks…” (Acts17:17). Remainder of the day free. Overnight Thessaloniki. (D, B)

We depart for Amphipolis and the Region of the Lakes Corinia and Volvi. Paul journeyed through Amphipolis on his way to Thessaloniki. Visit the colossal Lion monument at Sunphipolis (5th century BC) and proceed to visit the unique archaeological site of Philippi, site of the famous battle between two Roman Armies. Here we will have the opportunity to follow the steps of Paul, Luke, Timothy and Silas. We then proceed to the city and the harbor of Kavala where we will have a chance to taste fresh fish and a variety of superb delicacies. Return to Thessaloniki for overnight. (B, D)

After breakfast, we depart for Vergina to visit the excavations of the Royal Palace, the Royal Tombs, and the new museum. We then proceed to the area of Kalambaka, where the famous monasteries of Meteora are located. You will be amazed at these marvelously preserved monasteries hidden in the mountains. We will visit the greatest and most important monastery of all, the “Great Meteoron.” Perfectly preserved Frescoes of the 14th century and Ancient Manuscripts belonging to Royal Collections and Libraries are found here. Overnight at our hotel in Kalambaka. (B, D)

Put on your hiking boots! After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Delphi via the Central Greece Plateau. At Delphi we take a short climb to the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythion, home of the “Oracle.” A little further up is the theatre where town council meetings were conducted, and a little further, the amazingly preserved coliseum where games were played. (Get in shape for this and do not miss it! This is one of the true highlights of the tour.) We visit the museum and bookstore here, then continue to Athens for overnight. (B, D)

We begin this morning with a tour of the city of Athens. We drive past the Academy, the University and the Parliament with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We continue to the Acropolis, where we visit the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena and the Acropolis Museum. On the slopes of the Acropolis we will visit the Areopagus on Mars Hill, site of Paul’s address to “the men of Athens” about their “unknown God” (Acts 17). We then depart for Corinth, taking the road along the Saronic Gulf, fairly the same route that the Apostle Paul took. Corinth was an important place and congregation in Paul’s odyssey (Acts 18 and Letters to the Corinthians) with its temple of Apollo ruins set against the Acrocorinth on which the Temple of Aphrodite was located. Corinth was the largest, richest, and most pleasure-loving city of Greece in the 3rd century BC, so it gave Paul plenty to renounce when he came here in the 1st century AD. Paul worked here three years with Aquilla and Priscilla. Overnight Athens. (B, D)

This morning we transfer to the port of Piraeus for embarkation on our cruise ship. We sail to the island of Mykonos with its breathtakingly beautiful whitewashed buildings and churches. We will wander through the many side streets with homes above the shops and numerous outside, waterfront cafes…a lovely respite. Evening sail for the island of Patmos. (All meals while on board)

Early morning arrival at the Island of Patmos. We visit the traditional Grotto where John received the revelations while in exile and St. John’s Monastery atop the island. This afternoon we sail to the Turkish port of Kusadasi. This popular Turkish port is the doorway to Ephesus and rich ancient history. In Paul’s time, Ephesus was a port city. Now, due to natural changes and silt build up, it is an approximate ten-mile bus trip from the port city of Kusadasi. We visit ancient Ephesus, a marvelous archeological site and base for much of Paul’s missionary work (Acts 19 and Letter to The Ephesians). Paul labored and ministered here for three years. He laid the foundation for the strongest Christian church of the First Century. John is said to have brought Mary here. Time permitting, we will wander through the famous Turkish bazaars of Kusadasi. Evening sail for Crete/Santorini. (All meals while on board)

We depart for the Athens airport where we fly back to the U.S. We will return with new friends and memories to last a lifetime!

Morning arrival into Crete, this Island is 156 miles long and from 7 to 30 miles wide. According to legend it’s the birthplace of Zeus. The apostle Paul spent some time here at Fair Havens on the south side of the island. This afternoon we visit the Island of Santorini, great poets have sung its praises, a 4.000-year-old history. And the eternal rock continues to stand, strong and majestic, rising proudly from the sea and guarding well the secrets of Atlantis… The present-day crescent shape of the island is a consequence of the activity of the volcano in prehistoric times feeding the myth of the lost City of Atlantis. Sail back to Piraeus (Athens) in the evening. (All meals while on board)

We will have breakfast aboard the ship. We then disembark, board our motor coach and transfer to our hotel in Athens. The day is free for us to enjoy this fascinating city on our own. There are many wonderful museums in the city and shopping at the Plaka is always an adventure. Overnight in Athens. (B, D)