Odyssey of the Aegean: 11-Day Greek Adventure with Island Cruise

Set off from North America on an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece. Enjoy in-flight dining as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

Upon our arrival in Thessaloniki airport we will be met and escorted to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

The ancient city of Philippi in the prefecture of Kavala is one of
the most fascinating archaeological sites one can visit. This is
where Paul, the Disciple of Christ, came to preach christianity
and created the first European Christian church. The city flour-
ished because of that and the ruins of huge christian temples can
be found to this day, some of them still standing! The drive from
Thessaloniki to Philippi is approximately 1, 5 hours. We will visit
the archaeological site of Philippi and the baptistry of Lydia.
A short drive takes us to the city of Kavala. Enjoy a beautiful walk
among the narrow streets of the Old Town where we can stop for
lunch before returning to Thessaloniki.

It was here that St Paul preached on his Second Missionary in 49 AD. From here we travel through the countryside to Veria (Berroia in the Bible) as did St Paul, where he preached to the city’s ‘nobles. At the traditional Tribune we will be able to see the recently completed mosaic of St Paul that commemorates this sermon. Veria may have been inhabited as early as 1000 BC and St
Paul is its patron saint. The city was named for one of the daughters of the mythological King Veris. Established in the foothills of
Mt. Vermion, fortified Veria flourished behind its massive walls. We continue our drive to Athens for dinner and an overnight stay.

Boarding begins at the port of Lavrion at about 8:30 AM, and the ship is scheduled to leave the port at 1:00 PM. Sailing the Aegean in the morning is the ideal time of the day to observe its deep blue color, enjoy the sun on deck or entertain yourself by joining in one of the many activities and services offered by the cruise company. Your first destination will be the glamorous island of Mykonos, where the cruise ship will dock from 18:00 until 23:00 hours, before continuing your tour around the wonderful Greek islands. Mykonos is the meeting point of the international “jet set” and is famous for its wonderful beaches, dazzling shops, and vibrant nightlife.

At 7:00 hours, after a peaceful and comfortable night’s cruising, you will awaken on the Turkish coast and at the port of Kusadasi. During this stop, you will be able to explore, at your own pace, the ancient city of Ephesus, once visited by Saint Paul, Mark Antony, and Cleopatra, among others. Ephesus was one of the twelve Ionian cities and flourished as an important cultural, religious, and commercial center. At noon, the cruise will leave port and sail towards the island of Patmos, where Saint John wrote the Apocalypse, and where Jesus Christ appeared to him in the Grotto of the Apocalypse, according to the Book of Revelation. From 16:30 to 21:30 hours, you will have free time to visit the Holy Cave of the Apocalypse, and the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and to stroll in the port of this small but so important island.

After a generous breakfast, your cruise ship will drop anchor at the largest Greek island, Crete. More precisely you will arrive in Heraklion, the capital of the island and home of King Minos and the ferocious Minotaur. Heraklion was the most significant city of the Minoan civilization, with the oldest palatial complex in Europe, the Palace of Knossos. You will have a free morning to explore this vibrant, working, small metropolis and then, at around noon, you will depart for the amazing and picturesque island of Santorini. As your cruise ship approaches the island, you will be filled with admiration and awe. It is the perfect moment to capture with your camera the beauty of the capital city of Fira with its painted blazing white houses and deep blue roofs. From 16:30 to 21:30 hours you will have free time to wander in its narrow, winding alleys and later on, watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world..

You will arrive at the port of Lavrion early in the morning, around 6:00 hours. You will enjoy a generous breakfast on board your cruise ship, and then you will disembark. At this point, your cruise to the Greek islands and our services will come to an end. We will be met and escorted to our awaiting bus for a half day panoramic sightseeing tour of Athens. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast we leave Athens and drive southwest until you reach the Corinth Canal that connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea (short stop). Drive on and visit the ancient town of Corinth, where St. Paul lived and preached for two years. The remains of the city, which include the agora (marketplace) and Temple of Apollo (6th-century BC) clearly show how rich and important Corinth was in ancient times. A short stop at the site of the ancient Port of Cehrees, where St. Paul disembarked will conclude the visit. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

First thing to do on this superb half day tour is to visit the Acropolis Hill. There you will explore the magnificent gate of Propylaea, the Temple of the wingless Nike, the Erectheion with the imperious maidens Karyatides, and last but not least the masterpiece of Classical architecture, the Parthenon. The Acropolis gives you the chance to enjoy a panoramic view of the theater of Dionysus, the Odeum of Herodes Atticus, the Ancient Greek Agora, the modern city of Athens and even the port of Piraeus. Our next stop is a visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Hadrian’s Arch. See the Old Olympic Stadium. Continue to Lycabettus hill to take the most beautiful panoramic pictures of the city. See the changing of the guards at Athens’ Presidential Palace and the House of the Parliament on Constitution Sq. (Syntagma Square) the place of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Remainder of the day will be spent at leisure.

Morning transfer to the airport for our flight home.