GREECE & TURKEY WITH CRUISE

1st Day, Athens: Arrive in Athens and start your journey for a life-changing experience. Meet and assist at the airport and transfer to the center of the city. On route to the hotel you will have a first glance of the ancient treasures and Christian history in a condensed city tour with the bus where our guide will point out the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Presidential Palace and the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as the Kallimarmaro (the “beautifully marbled”), an athletic stadium in the center of Athens that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Afternoon free in Athens to relax and enjoy the flavor of the city. Dinner and overnight.

2nd Day, Athens – Acropolis – Old City: Following breakfast today we will visit Athens the foundation of democracy. Early morning visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. Additional sites include the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life) and the fabulous New Acropolis Museum. A short walk through the narrow streets of the Old city, the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes. You cannot miss the little church of “Panagia Kapnikarea” one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Athens in the middle of Ermou Street that dates back to 1050 and the Annunciation Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, popularly known as the “Metropolis” on Mitropoleos street. Evening free. Dinner and overnight.

3rd Day, Athens – Kalambaka – Meteora: Following breakfast today we depart from Athens to drive towards Kalambaka. We will visit two of the most famous and breathtaking monasteries in Meteora, built on the cliffs overlooking the plain of Thessaly. Evening free. Dinner and overnight.

4th Day, Meteora – Delphi: In the morning we visit the Monastery of Osios Loukas one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art, has been listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in Greece. Then we stop to Delphi known in ancient times as the navel of the world. Visit the archaeological site and museum. Evening free. Dinner and overnight.

5th Day, Nafpaktos – Ancient Olympia – Nafplio: After breakfast we leave Delphi with destination Nafplio. On our way we will stop at the picturesque seaside city of Nafpaktos and right after we will arrive in Ancient Olympia. You will have a guided tour at the Archaeological site, the ancient stadium of Olympia where the games were held and the Museum. Departing Olympia the road will bring you to the beautiful and historical town of Nafplio. Evening free. Dinner and overnight.

6th Day, Nafplio – Mycenae – Epidaurus – Nafplio: After breakfast departure for Mycenae, where the 19th century excavations revealed impressions of the splendours described by Homer. You will be fascinated by the Beehive Tombs, the Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate. We will also visit the ancient theater of Epidaurus and then you will enjoy a short drive to the coastal city of Nafplion, the first capital of liberated Greece, with its picturesque town square and narrow streets that have the essence of an island. Visit the Castle, on top of a high hill with a magnificent view of the small island of “Bourtzi”. Evening free. Dinner and overnight.

7th Day, Corinth – Athens: Following breakfast this morning you will depart Nafplio travelling to Athens. After short stop at the Corinth canal Isthmos you will arrive to the ancient city of Corinth, another treat for the New Testament scholar. Corinth is the city that inspired many of Paul’s most familiar letters. In the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth you will see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day. Our guide will also show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. After the visit to ancient Corinth we arrive in Athens. Evening free. Dinner and overnight.

8th Day – 1st Cruise Day, Piraeus – Mykonos: Departure time from Piraeus port at 21:00 hours. The largest port in the Mediterranean and primary departure point for Greek Island cruises from Athens. Embarkation and departure for the island of Mykonos.

9th Day – 2nd Cruise Day, Mykonos:  Arrival at island of Mykonos at 07:00 hours. This Greek Island, Mykonos, flaunts its double personality the moment you set eyes on its coastline. Basking in year-round sunshine, its rugged rocky landscape blends seamlessly with smooth sandy beaches. In the distance, undulating hills host the island`s iconic windmills turning in symphony with the seasonal winds that have branded Mykonos “island of the winds”. Departure on the next day at 07:00 hours.

10th Day – 3rd Cruise Day, Mykonos – Milos: Departure from Mykonos island at 07:00 hours and arrival to Milos island at 13:00 hours. Dramatically emerging from the Aegean Sea before you, you will be spellbound by Milos contrasting volcanic landscape that’s full of refreshing surprises. Its coastline reveals surreal shapes of sculpted rock that captivate viewers for hours, juxtaposed with quaint white stone fishing villages that blend seamlessly into the landscape. Departure same day at 23:59 hours.

11th Day – 4th Day, Santorini: Arrival at Santorini island at 08:00 hours. Cruising towards the island is like being swept away on a current to somewhere truly magical. The island will greet you with its striking cliffs, promising adventure and legendary tales. The almost vertical towns of whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches will rise above the blue Aegean like an oasis of beauty and calm. Departure on the next day late in the evening at time 23:00 hours.

12th Day – 5th Day, Santorini: Departure at 23:00 hours for Heraklio Crete.

13th Day – 6th Day, Heraklion Crete: Arrival at 07:00 hours. Sailing into Heraklion port, the intimidating walls of Koules Fortress emerge from the sea to guard the ancient treasures found within the city. Capital of Crete, Heraklion is brimming with landmarks, world-class museums, golden beaches and a stylish nightlife scene that shape a destination to please everyone`s taste. Departure on same day at 20:30 hours.

14th Day – 7th Day, Turkey Kusadasi: Arrival at 11:30 hours. Arriving in the port of Kusadasi Turkey you will instantly feel at home. A huge covered bazaar stretches out in front of you and the buzz from trendy seaside bars and restaurants floats through the air. Follow your instincts and lose track of time ambling from café to café and exploring its myriad of shops and historic sites. Departure on same day at 17:00 hours.

15th Day – Arrival to Piraeus: Arrival at Piraeus port at 09:00 hours, disembarkation and transfer to Athens Airport and flight back home.