featuring a 3-night Greek Islands & Turkey cruise
October 22 – November 1, 2024
Highlights: Athens, Corinth, The Acropolis, Mars Hill, Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos, Santorini, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Philippi, Meteora
Day 1
We travel on an overnight flight to Greece.
Day 2
Athens, Greece: Our tour begins in Athens, Greece’s lively capital. This evening, we join our fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the Plaka, Athens’ historic district nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. Celebrating the beginning of a marvelous trip, we feast on local cuisine and fine wine in a traditional taverna, while Greek entertainment creates a wonderful ambiance. (D)
Day 3
Athens – Corinth – Athens: This morning, we travel to Corinth where Paul lived and preached for two years and also wrote two epistles. We will explore ancient Corinth on a guided tour featuring the Agora, where Paul’s trial by Gallio took place, and the Bema, where Paul was brought before the tribunal, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Back in Athens, see the hill of Areopagus (Mars Hill) – where Paul delivered his famous “Men of Athens” speech – and visit the incomparable Acropolis. The evening is yours to explore Greece’s vibrant capital city. (B)
Day 4
Athens – Piraeus (Embarkation) – Mykonos: Today, we embark on a 3-night cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily while on board. The island of Mykonos is our first stop. This charming, mountainous island is known for the hundreds of tiny chapels, whitewashed buildings, and beautiful windmills that dot its landscape. This afternoon, do not miss Mykonos Town, following the mazes of narrow streets full of bustling activity. Enjoy free time to explore this island paradise. (B, L, D)
Day 5
Kusadasi, Turkey – Patmos, Greece: Visiting the Turkish port of Kusadasi, we take an excursion to the ruins of Ephesus, where Paul the Apostle lived three years during his ministry. We will also see the Agora, the great theater, and the stadium where chariot races and gladiatorial combats took place. Legend claims that Paul fought here against wild beasts. After visiting the House of Mary, where the Virgin Mother spent her last days, we continue our cruise to Patmos. Then, we visit the Monastery of John and the Cave of the Apocalypse where John the Evangelist wrote the Book of Revelation during his exile. (B, L, D)
Day 6
Heraklion (Crete) – Santorini: Enjoy an excursion to the incredible open-air museum of the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Then, during free time in Crete’s largest city, enjoy a variety of museums, shopping, or visit a nearby winery to sample traditional Greek wine. Later, arrive on the fabled island of Santorini, known as the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Enjoy time at leisure to independently explore this lovely port or purchase a ship excursion from the cruise line. (B, L, D)
Day 7
Piraeus – Disembark Cruise Ship – Kalambaka: After an early morning disembarkation, travel north. Pause at Thermopylae, famous for its heroic defense by Leonidas against the Persian army. This afternoon, visit an icon-painting workshop and discover the ancient traditions behind the sacred images used in Orthodox Byzantine devotional tradition. Overnight in Kalambaka. (B, D)
Day 8
Kalambaka – Meteora – Thessaloniki: Marvel at the hanging monasteries of Meteora (UNESCO). These dark, sandstone pinnacles rise abruptly from the plain of Thessaly, with six historic monasteries perched upon their peaks. Beginning in the 10th century, hermits, monks, and ascetics sought solitude and spiritual solace in these dramatic crags. Visit two amazing Meteora monasteries which are renowned for their intricate construction and exquisite Byzantine art. Your day ends in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city. Founded in 315 B.C., Thessaloniki was an early center for Christianity. Paul visited and preached here during the winters of A.D. 49-50 and wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. (B, D)
Day 9
Thessaloniki – Kavala – Philippi – Thessaloniki:
Travel to the coastal town of Kavala where Paul, accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot on European soil. In nearby Philippi, Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, planting the seeds of Christianity. A local expert gives us a guided tour of this historic town featuring the archaeological site and monuments spanning the Ancient Roman and Byzantine eras. See the dungeon where Paul was held prisoner and the site where he baptized Lydia, the first Christian in Europe. (B)
Day 10
Thessaloniki – Athens: Proceed through the fertile Thessalian Valley and the plains of Central Greece to Athens, arriving in the late afternoon. This evening, celebrate the end of your spiritual journey during a farewell dinner at your hotel located close to the airport. (B, D)
Day 11
Athens – Tour Ends: Return home inspired by the incredible, soothing landscapes and the words and deeds of Paul the Apostle. (B)
INCLUDES:
- 10 days accommodations
- 19 meals: 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners
- Cancellation Waiver and Insurance
- Round trip air from Lambert STL
- Air taxes and Fees/Surcharges
- Hotel Transfers
- 3-night Greek Islands & Turkey cruise
- Roundtrip Transportation to STL
- Locally-guided tour of Philippi
- Icon-painting workshop
- Fully Escorted by Jane’s Journeys
PRICE PER PERSON: (Book before February 23, 2024 and save $150 per person)
Double: $6,149 $5,999
Single: $7,149 $6,999
Triple: $6,099 $5,949
$1497 deposit per person is due with reservation, which includes Cancellation Waiver and Medical Insurance of $599 per person.
Final payment due June 24, 2024. All Rates are Per Person. Air prices are subject to change until final payment is made.
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