Overview
Faith Based
4 - 4.5 Star
5-99 Years
45
TP
Itinerary
Welcome to Athens!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Magnificent Monasteries
This morning, depart Athens for a scenic drive. Reach Meteora, which can be translated as “suspended in the air” and prepare to be inspired by the breathtaking views of this UNESCO listed area. Enjoy a fascinating guided visit of two of the monasteries perched atop the vertical rock formations, including the Holy Monastery of Varlaam. Later, continue to Kalambaka. (B/D) 229mi /368km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Visit the magnificent natural setting in Meteora where stratospheric rock formations surround the ancient monasteries perched on the clifftops. Here, gigantic rocky outcrops reach 600 meters high above the plains of Thessaly where you'll visit two of the stunning, red-roofed monasteries.
Holy Words
This morning, stop in Veria (called Berea in the New Testament) and visit the Bema of Apostle Paul, a marble and mosaic monument that marks the spot where he preached to the local community. Continue to Thessaloniki, the center of Apostle Paul's activities in Northern Greece. Enjoy an orientation drive featuring views of the White Tower and Aristotelous Square, plus a visit to Ag. Dimitros Basilika. (B/D) 145 mi / 234 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOTS: See Thessaloniki's iconic 15th-century prison tower, standing 34-meters high. Hear the history of the Ottoman Empire and tragic ends of those who were imprisoned here. Pass Aristotelous Square, the Jewel of Thessaloniki on the sea front.
A Disciple's Destiny
Today's excursion takes you to Philippi, once a busy Roman colony where Apostle Paul established the first church in Europe. Enjoy a guided visit to Lydia's Baptistery, the forum, ruins of the Basilicas, and the theatre. Continue to Kavala for an orientation drive to see Neapolis of the Acts and St. Paul's mosaic. After some free time for lunch return to Thessaloniki. (B/D) 219mi/350km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ICONIC FOOTSTEPS: Follow the path of St. Paul the Apostle where the disciple traveled in 49-50 CE to spread the Word of Christ. Visit the Greek Orthodox church and Baptistry of Saint Lydia, the first Greek and European woman baptized by the Apostle Paul. Visit the amazing ancient ruins of the Philippi's Roman Forum, the Basilicas, and Theater in the city that became the center of Christian faith following the visit of the Apostle Paul.
Warriors & The Ancient World
Depart Thessaloniki for a scenic drive. Stop at Thermopylae, site of a famous battle. See the statue of Leonidas and learn about the heroic resistance of the 300 Spartans. Continue to Athens and enjoy a leisurely evening exploring. (B) 314 mi / 503 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - EPIC RIDE: Travel through the coastal floodplain of the Spercheios River, surrounded by sloping forested limestone mountains and the thermal springs of Thermopylae. Greek Spartans, Thebans, and Thespians fought Persian invaders during the historic Battle of Thermopylae in this narrow coastal passage.
Sun-Kissed Beauty
Today, board your Celestyal cruise ship and set sail for Mykonos, one of the most celebrated of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore the island. See the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside, and the colorful homes of Little Venice, browse the charming streets and stores, and try some of the local delicacies. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Explore the whitewashed paradise of Mykonos with its iconic windmills. Named after Apollo's grandson, Mykonos offers a wealth of treasures to discover in its cafes, shops, and picturesque lanes.
Divine Dwellings & Digs
Today, reach the coast of Turkey and disembark at Kusudasi for an included guided visit to the archaeological site of Ephesus, the city where Apostle Paul wrote many “Letters to the Corinthians.” See the House of the Virgin Mary, where the Blessed Mother spent her final days. Leave Turkey and head to Patmos, home to the mystical Cave of the Apocalypse where Saint John the Evangelist wrote the Book of the Revelation. Enjoy free time to browse the island. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Explore one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean with a visit to Ephesus, Turkey. Excavations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site have revealed grand monuments of the Roman Imperial era, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. See the domed cruciform House of Mary, a revered Christian pilgrimage site in this once Roman port city and sea channel.
The Bronze Age on the Blue Aegean
This morning reach Crete, the largest of the Greek islands and disembark in Heraklion for a guided visit to the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Later, set sail and arrive at the iconic island of Santorini. Enjoy free time to stroll along the charming streets, marvel at the amazing views, browse the stores, and try local specialties. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: Visit the extraordinary royal ruins of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, where Greek mythology tells the story of King Minos and a heroic prince who battled the mighty Minotaur for the hand of a princess in Heraklion.
A Metropolis of Mythic Proportions
Your cruise ends this morning, but your adventure continues! Disembark your ship in Athens and take a scenic drive to the Corinth Canal for a photo stop. Continue to the ancient town of Corinth and join a guided visit to the excavations, including the Agora and St. Paul's Bema, where the Christian missionary faced the Forum's court.
Return to Athens for your guided sightseeing, composed of an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the Acropolis. Enjoy free time before a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B/D) 101 mi / 163 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Athens conjures visions of Greek gods and goddesses, and robe-draped philosophers, and politicians. You'll see the iconic sites of the Acropolis in the ancient city where mythology, philosophy, and Christianity flourished in the “birthplace of civilization.” See the all-marble Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place. The Olympic flame is passed to the current host nations to begin the modern games still today.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Tour Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Athens includes an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the Acropolis
- Guided visit to two monasteries in Meteora
- Visit to the Berna of Apostle Paul in Veria
- Thessalonika orientation drive includes the White Tower, Aristotelous Square, and a visit to the Basilica of Saint Demetrious.
- Visit to Lydia's Baptistery, the forum, ruins of the Basilicas, and the theatre in Philippi
- Orientation in Kavala includes Neapolis of the Acts and St. Paul's mosaic.
- 3-night Iconic Aegean Cruise includes visits to Mykonos, Patmos, and Santorini
- Guided visit to the excavations of ancient Ephesus in Turkey features the House of Mary
- Visit to Crete includes guided visit of the Minoan Palace of Knossos
- Guided visit to the ancient town of Corinth, plus a stop at the Corinth Canal
- Buffet breakfast daily; 3 lunches, 8 dinners
- Athens: Zafolia (First-Class):
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport. - Kalambaka: Amalia Kalambaka (First-Class):
Amalia Hotel is a beautiful setting just minutes away from the town of Kalambaka. The hotel is embedded on 14 acres of greenery and has been built with traditional materials to match its surroundings. - Thessaloniki: Grand Hotel Palace (Superior First-Class):
Located just 1.6 miles from the center of Thessalonika and not far from the well-known Aristotelous Square, this 253-room property is housed in an impressive neoclassical-inspired building. All guestrooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed with free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea making facilities, organic linens, and luxury bathrobes and slippers. Other amenities include a well equipped fitness center and a heated indoor swimming pool with SPA facilities. The gourmet restaurant offers both Mediterranean and International dishes and there is a luxurious lounge bar serving an array of cocktails, drinks, and delicious snacks.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
- The Greek Government has introduced a Sustainable Tourism Development Fee to all cruise tourists. This tax is applicable when a guest disembarks at a Greek island or mainland port. With your consent, Celestyal will facilitate the collection of these fees through your onboard account.
- Cruise details: Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports, with or without prior notice. Inside cabin (category IB) - other cabin types are available for a supplement. Included drink package: selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Globus Host service throughout the cruise.
- Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Celestyal Discovery, operated by Celestyal Cruises.
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Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
