12-Day Tour of Greece
w/4-Night Cruise
and Optional Cyprus Extension

Embark upon your journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Thessaloniki. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience and get some rest on the flight. Tomorrow we will be walking in the Greek world that the Apostle Paul knew. The world and culture of the New Testament is about to come alive!

We arrive in Thessaloniki, the city where Paul was received by Jason. Paul was preaching the Word of God here until he was rushed out of the city. We transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning, we travel east to the amazing site of Philippi. On the way we will make a brief stop at Amphipolis. Paul stopped here on his way to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1). Arriving at Philippi, we visit the Baptistry of Lydia, near the river where Paul baptized her. Lydia was the first convert of Paul on European soil, followed by the conversion of the jailer. We also visit the ruins of the Forum of Philippi, the Christ a Basilicas, the “Prison of Paul” and the Theater. We then drive to the coast, to the port of Kavala (ancient Neapolis). Here, Paul took his first step in bringing the Gospel to present day Europe. It is a picturesque port! We view the Byzantine Castle and the Roman Aqueduct. To end the day, we drive back to Thessaloniki for dinner and our second overnight here.

This morning, we tour the city of Thessaloniki. We’ll see the White Tower, the Agora, and the Church of St. Demetrius. We will also gain a panoramic view from the upper part of the city before leaving Thessaloniki. From here, we drive south through the beautiful landscape of inland Greece. We make a brief stop in Berea, visited by Paul (Acts 17:10f). It was here that Paul planted a church that “studied the Scriptures” on a regular basis. Close by is Vergina, the burial place of Philip II (Father of Alexander the great), now a museum. In the afternoon, we drive through the scenic route over the mountains to Kalambaka. Weather permitting, we might see Mt. Olympus, the legendary abode of the Greek gods. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Meteora. Here, we will see the famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched precariously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliff-side caves. Then they fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, which were later transformed into monasteries. We spend the night in Kalambaka, located in the shadows of the unique monasteries of Meteora.

We leave the hotel after breakfast and drive to Thermopylae. It was here that the famous 300 Spartans, led by King Leonidas, fought with an alliance of Greek city-states against the large Persian army in 480 B.C. From here we drive to Delphi, one of the best preserved classic Greek sites in the country! Here we tour the ancient oracle of Apollo at Delphi. We will also visit the local museum with its renown bronze statue of the charioteer. Then, we will see the stadium where the ancient Pythian athletic games were held every four years. Second only to the Olympic games in fame, these games were in honor of Apollo. Next, we see the temple of Apollo where the young priestess Pythia gave her prophecies. In the late afternoon, we drive to Athens, check into our hotel, and enjoy a late dinner together.

We start the day by visiting the site of Mycenae, the legendary city rival of Troy, and described by Homer as “Mycenea rich in Gold.” This city dates back to the late Bronze Age and is famous for the “beehive” Tomb of Agamemnon (Treasury of Atreus) and the gold masks. We then continue to ancient Corinth. This is the once glorious city near the Isthmus, where Paul met Aquila and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the Word of God. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman forum, and the famous Bema where Paul stood before Gallio, accused by the Jews of Corinth. We also will try to see the acropolis of the city and the Temple of Aphrodite. Then we make a brief stop to Cenchreae, the small harbor from which Paul sailed back to Asia. Upon arriving back in Athens, we’ll enjoy dinner together, followed by an optional walk.

We travel early this morning to the port of Piraeus for an 11am departure on our 4-night Greek Isles Cruise. Our first port-of-call is Mykonos, which uniquely combines luxury and sophistication with the simple and yet charming life of a Cycladic Island. We can stroll the winding, narrow streets full of boutiques, visit tiny chapels, and take pictures of the famous windmills. Another option is just to sit by the waterfront and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

In the morning, we arrive at Kusadasi, a lovely Turkish port and the gateway to the Ancient city of Ephesus, a city often visited by St. Paul. It is one of the seven churches of Revelation. (Excursion to Ancient Ephesus included). We drive along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana. Also known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Ephesus later became the home of the Apostle John. We will see the monuments such as the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, and the Thermal Bath of Scolastika. We will also visit the magnificent, open- air Great Theatre, built in the Greek era, and reconstructed in the Roman period, which seated 24,000 people. Next, we walk back to the motor coach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. Traveling back to Kusadasi, we view the Basilica of St. John. Just downhill lies the site of the famous Temple of Diana, which today is in ruins. We also visit the Church of the Virgin Mary. By late afternoon we arrive on Patmos, the island where the Apostle John was exiled. It was here that John wrote the book of Revelation (Rev. 1:9) in one of the local caves. The excursion for this island is not included. Dr. DeLancey will lead an optional excursion on Patmos via rented taxis (at your own expense). Alternatively, we can choose to disembark and explore the island on our own.

Today, we will visit the Island of Rhodes. The ship enters the port, which was once dominated by the Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The excursion for this island is not included. Dr. DeLancey will lead an optional excursion on Lindos via rented taxis (at your own expense) to travel to the other side of the island. The impressive Acropolis of Lindos is certainly a site worthing seeing! Alternatively, we can choose to disembark and explore the island on our own.

This morning, we spend time in Crete, the largest and most rugged of the Greek Islands. It is also the ancient home of the great Minoans and the mythological god, Zeus (Excursion to Knossos Palace and Heraklion City included). After a short ride through the town of Heraklion, we arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization, dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Paul left Titus in Crete and gave instructions on appointing church leaders in the towns (Titus 1:5ff). Next, we spend an evening on what many would consider the most spectacular of all the Greek islands, Santorini. We will have time to stroll the cobbled lanes of this fascinating town or simply relax over coffee. A short cable car ride (not included) will take us down to the pier where we will rejoin the ship.

We sail back to the port of Athens. Upon loading the bus, we enjoy the architectural wonders of ancient Athens. First, we climb the worldrenowned Acropolis, to see the Propylea, the Erechtheum and the Parthenon. Next, we visit Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his speech on the Unknown God. Then we see the Agora, the ancient center of the economic and public life of the city, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians. During the bus tour, we also see Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium, and the Neoclassical Buildings of Athens. In the afternoon, we will enjoy some free time in the Plaka for lunch and shopping. We’ll grab a gyro or a Greek salad for lunch before we meet at a designated area. We will then visit the Athens Agora. This includes seeing up close and personal the best temple preserved in the entire Greek and Roman world ( the Temple of Hephaestus) and the Stoa of Attalos. We will then return to our hotel for dinner.

We transfer in the morning to Athens Airport for our return flight back to the U.S.A. We arrive home the same day.

Following breakfast, we drive to the Athens Airport for our flight to the Island of Cyprus. Our aim is to connect with Paul and Barnabas as they shared the Good News on this island during their first mission journey. Once we land in Cyprus, we will be met by our agent and guide. After arrival, we drive to the center of Limassol. We have the opportunity to walk through the old city up to the market. They will also walk by the medieval Fort, built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier Byzantine Castle. It was here that, according to tradition, Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England in 1191. We continue our trip driving through the Phassouri citrus plantations up to the Colossi Castle. We will visit the castle that is a fine example of military architecture, originally constructed in the 13th century and subsequently rebuilt in its present form in the 15th century. In 1291 AD it served as the Grand Commandery of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. In the 14th century it came for a few years under the domain of the Knights Templar. Closed to Colossi is the archaeological park of Curium. Curium was an important ancient city-kingdom founded by the Greeks in the 14th century BC. We will visit the Greco Roman Theatre and the House of Eustolios. The House of Eustolios originally was a private Roman villa that became a public recreation center during the early Christian period. It consists of a complex of baths and a number of rooms with beautiful 5th century AD mosaic floors. Finally, we will visit the ruins of the Cathedral of Curium, an early Christian basilica dated back to the 5th century. Attached to the north face of the basilica is the baptistery. After the visit, we will continue driving to the vineyard area of Limassol. We will arrive to one of the most beautiful and traditional villages of the island, the village of Omodos. We will have our lunch break at the Kafenion (coffee shop) of the village, where traditional dishes are served. After lunch, we will visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross at the village square and the medieval wine press. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Following breakfast, we will drive to Paphos (Acts 13). On the way, we will make a brief stop at the “Petra tou Romiou”, the place, where according to the Greek mythology Aphrodite, the Goddess of beauty and love was born. Located on the western coast of the island, Paphos was one of the most important archaeological regions of the island. Paphos is also important because of the religious history. At Paphos, Paul and Barnabas met the Roman Governor, Sergius Paulus, who was later converted to Christianity. At the site we will large and elaborate Roman villas: the House of Dionysos, the House of Orpheus, the House of Aion, and the House of Theseus, all with preserved mosaic floors. In addition, excavations have uncovered an agora, an Asklepion (healing center), a theater, and a necropolis known as the “Tomb of the Kings.” We will also visit the Chrysopolitissa Church, built in the 13th century over the ruins of the largest Early Byzantine basilica on the island. Within the compound we will see the St. Paul’s Pillar, where St. Paul was flogged. We will enjoy some free time at the fishing harbor before driving back to the hotel.

Today we cross over to the Turkish side of the island. We arrive to the check point at Strovilia to pass to the northern occupied part of the island. 10 minutes later we will arrive to Famagusta. We will visit the St. Nicola’s Cathedral, the Othello tower and will have free time in the old part of the city. We will drive to Salamis, the birthplace of Barnabas, we will visit the ruins here. The “cultural centre” of Salamis during the Roman period was situated at the northernmost part of the city, where a gymnasium, theatre, amphitheater, stadium, public latrines, and public baths have been revealed. We will also see various mosaics, a harbor wall, a Hellenistic and Roman agora, and a temple of Zeus. Byzantine remains include the basilica of Bishop Epiphanos (AD 367–403). and then we will continue to the St. Barnabas Monastery where we will visit the Tomb of St. Barnabas. Famagusta is the city on the eastern coast of the island, and it is still since 1974 under Turkish occupation. Next to Famagusta is the archaeological site of Salamis, the traditional north place of Barnabas. When Paul and Barnabas came to Cyprus at the start of their first mission journey, they landed in the harbor of Salamis before crossing the whole island, passing by Kalopanayiotis in the Troodos Mountains. The city of Famagusta is one of the most beautiful cities on the island. It is surrounded by the Venetian Walls. The city was very important during the Lusignan period on the island. After the Fall of Jerusalem to the Ottomans, Guy de Lusignan the King of Jerusalem came to Cyprus. His residence was in Famagusta, where he gave the order to build 365 churches, one for each day. Nowadays you can see the ruins of few of them and visit St. Nicola’s Cathedral. In the afternoon we will visit in the center of Larnaca the St. Lazarus church built in the 9th century over the Tomb of St. Lazarus. According to the tradition and religious history, St. Lazarus came to Cyprus after his resurrection and became the first bishop of Kition (ancient Larnaca). We return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

We have our return flight back to the U.S.A. We arrive home the same day.