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Athens round-trip
Aboard Crystal Cruises

Experience Greek history and culture and learn more about early Christianity as you visit some of the places associated with the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and the New Testament. From the iconic religious sites retracing the footsteps of the Apostle Paul to historic wonders like the Acropolis in Athens and a final touch of relaxation as you cruise on the Aegean, this is a truly inspirational vacation.

Highlights:

  • Acropolis Athens
  • Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika
  • Meteora
  • Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika
  • Corinth

Cruise Details:

  • Gratuities to service personnel on board and port taxes are included.
  • Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports with or without prior notice.
  • Cabin categories: Inside cabin (category ID), Outside cabin (category XD)
  • All cabins with two lower beds and private shower and toilet.
  • Full entertainment program on board.
  • Drink package: selection of non-alcoholic & alcoholic drinks.
  • Globus Host service throughout the cruise.

DAY 1 - Arrive in Athens, Greece
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions, then enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel to celebrate the start of your upcoming spiritual journey.
Meal: Dinner

DAY 2 - Athens–Thessalonika
Head north to Thessalonika this morning for guided sightseeing. Named after Alexander the Great’s sister, it figures prominently in the New Testament. This was the center of Apostle Paul’s activities in northern Greece—where he preached, founded a church, and to whom he wrote his two Thessalonian epistles. St. Paul, whose name was originally Saul, was a Roman citizen and a Pharisee. He experienced a powerful vision that caused him to convert to Christianity while on the road to Damascus and he was baptized with the name of Paul. He then started traveling through Macedonia, Greece, Italy, the Holy Land, and Spain to spread the Word and led a very adventurous life. Paul wrote a series of letters, known as the epistles, that are an integral part of the New Testament giving advice on how Christians should live. He died in Rome, beheaded by order of Emperor Nero, in 67 AD.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3 - Thessalonika. Excursion to Philippi & Kavala
Today begins along Paul’s route via Amphipolis, a wealthy city in ancient Macedonia, where a large number of Christian churches were built in the 5th and 6th centuries. Next, travel to Philippi, a busy Roman colony with an impressive library and theater. It was here that Paul preached and established the first church in Europe, and to whom he wrote his Philippians epistle while imprisoned in Rome, in which he expressed great fondness for that community. Continue to Kavala, ancient port of Neapolis.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4 - Thessalonika–Veria–Kalambaka
This morning, stop in Veria (called Berea in the New Testament), where Paul and Silas were sent by friends after being accused of treason in Thessalonika. Visit the BEMA OF APOSTLE PAUL, where he preached the gospel to the local community, then continue to Kalambaka, home to the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5 - Kalambaka–Meteora–Athens
A real highlight is in store today. Situated atop soaring cliffs and rock faces, the Meteora monasteries create one of the most inspirational sites in the world. Visit the HOLY MONASTERY OF VARLAAM, the second-largest of the monasteries, and the HOLY MONASTERY OF ST. STEPHEN, which was bombed by the Nazis during WWII but later was reconstructed by nuns. Here, you will be introduced to the many historical and religious treasures. Return to Athens for an overnight.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 6 - Athens–Lavrion/Piraeus (Embarkation)–Mykonos
Awaken refreshed this morning and ready to begin your 3-night CRUISE around the Greek Isles and Turkey. Head first to mountainous Mykonos with its iconic windmills and brilliant whitewashed houses. Wander through the narrow winding streets, do a little shopping, or sit in a café to people-watch.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 - Kusadasi, Turkey–Excursion to Ephesus–Patmos, Greece
Visit the Turkish port of Kusadasi for an included excursion to the EPHESUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE, the former capital of the Roman province of Asia. Walk in the footsteps of Apostle Paul, who lived and preached here, and meditate on what life must have been like for the early Ephesian Christians in this pagan society. Also, see the House of Mary, where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her last days. Continue your cruise to the island of Patmos, the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” and visit the MONASTERY OF ST. JOHN and the CAVE OF THE APOCALYPSE, where John the Evangelist received the visions that he recorded in the Book of the Revelation during his exile.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 - Cruising: Crete, Heraklion–Santorini
First port of call today is Heraklion on Crete. An included excursion takes you to nearby KNOSSOS, the center of the 3000 BC Minoan civilization and historic site of mythology’s tales about the Minotaur and the labyrinth. Afternoon call (weather permitting) at Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” An optional shore excursion is available to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world’s most glorious panoramic views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9 - Lavrion/Piraeus (Disembarkation)–Corinth–Athens
Disembark and travel to Corinth to visit the EXCAVATIONS, where Apostle Paul worked for 18 months and where he met his faithful followers Aquila and Priscilla. Learn about this ancient city-state and its early church community, which was the recipient of Paul’s two Corinthians epistles. Return to Athens for sightseeing that visits the ACROPOLIS with the Parthenon and AREOPAGUS, where Paul delivered his famous sermon about the identity of the “Unknown God.” Tonight, join your traveling companions for a final evening of fellowship and celebration at a farewell dinner at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10 - Athens
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meal: Breakfast

Call us for latest availability.

Departures offered year round.

Prices are based on double occupancy and are subject to availability. Airfare is not included.

Tour Code: GJ

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