We will embark on a journey following the travels of St. Paul as he spread Christianity to the people of Europe, beginning in Greece. Visit historic and cultural sites that bring the Scriptures alive, while enjoying the unique classical history of an ancient land.
DAYS 1-2—WELCOME TO GREECE
After arriving in Athens following an overnight flight, board our private sightseeing coach for an introduction to the monumental city before lunch on the Saronic Gulf. Enjoy time for unpacking and rest prior to our welcome dinner served in the shadow of the Acropolis. L, D
DAY 3—ATHENS
Begin the day walking through the excavations of the Agora, the Roman Market, and the Library of Hadrian. Then, ascend the Acropolis to see the great Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy excellent views of the Areopagos also known as Mars Hill. This afternoon, take a guided tour past the Parliament Building, Constitution (Syntagma) Square, the President’s Palace, the Olympic Stadium, and the National Gardens, ending at the new Benaki Museum. B
DAY 4—CRUISE TO AGISTRI AND AEGINA ISLANDS
Get ready to set sail to the Saronic Islands and enjoy a trip to Agistri and Aegina aboard a private Greek sailing ship. Visit the island of Agistri surrounded by vibrant blue waters followed by the island of Aegina where a private coach will take us to the top of a hill to see the impressive Temple of Aphaia before sailing to Athens. B, L, D
DAY 5—CORINTH/VOLOS
Travel west to the ancient city of Corinth. Here we’ll see the ruins of the city where St. Paul lived with his beloved friends. Tour the ruins of what was once a thriving and prosperous town. Next, we’ll stop on the bridge that crosses the Corinth Canal to look at one of the greatest engineering feats of all time. After visiting Corinth, continue into the lovely Greek countryside stopping for lunch along the way before arriving in the seaside port of Volos. B, D
DAY 6—THESSALONIKI
Today we travel north along the Aegean seacoast toward Thessaloniki. Arriving in the city around lunchtime, there will be free time before beginning our overview tour of the city. Continuing toward the seafront, we’ll visit the 15th Century White Tower, the present-day symbol of this thriving city. Conclude this afternoon with a visit to the Church of St. Demetrius, patron saint of the city. B, D
DAY 7—KAVALA/PHILIPPI
This morning, travel east through rugged and mountainous territory to the port city of Kavala, built over the ancient seaport of Philippi. Tour the ruins of Philippi where St. Paul was imprisoned before gathering at the river where St. Lydia of Thyatira was baptized as the first European convert to Christianity. As we journey back toward Thessaloniki this afternoon, a short detour will take us by the striking majestic stone lion monument in the ancient city of Amphipolis. B
DAY 8—VERGINA/VERIA/KALAMBAKA (THE METEORA)
Following breakfast, travel west toward Vergina and visit the ancient burial site of King Philip II of Macedon. Tour the impressive museum and tombs which house the treasures of King Philip II and the Macedonian kingdom. Stop in the city of Veria (New Testament “Beroea”) where many Greek men and women of high standing believed in the Christian faith. Visit the beautiful mosaic-adorned monument before arriving at our hotel in the charming city of Kalambaka. B, D
DAY 9—THE METEORA/ARACHOVA-DELPHI
Today, ascend the Meteora to visit two of the unique Orthodox monasteries appearing to be almost magically suspended between Heaven and Earth. Experience the unparalleled views across central Greece from the pinnacles of these mountain retreats. Continue traveling through the plains of Thessaly toward the historic towns of Arachova and Delphi. B, D
DAY 10—CAPE SOUNION/ATHENS
This morning, tour ancient Delphi and walk along the Sacred Way once lined with treasuries and statues. Next, visit the Delphi Archeological Museum containing beautiful pieces of Greek statuary. Continue past Athens to the
incredible site of Poseidon’s Temple. Enjoy a scenic drive along the seacoast to our suburban Athens hotel where
we’ll enjoy a festive “Farewell to Greece” reception and dinner. B, D
DAY 11—RETURN HOME
Following one last delicious Greek breakfast, depart Athens, returning home with unforgettable memories of walking in the footsteps of St. Paul! B
Quality Accommodations
Nights 2-4: Athenian Callirhoe Hotel, Athens
Night 5: Volos Palace Hotel, Volos
Nights 6-7: Electra Palace Hotel, Thessaloniki
Night 8: Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka
Night 9: Anemolia Hotel, Arachova-Delphi
Night 10: Vincci Evereden Beach Hotel, Vouliagmeni
Dates:
April 19-29, 2024
Price Per Person:
Double $5,197
Single $5,675
Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
$228/night
Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL
Inclusions:
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Schedule your flight to arrive into Chicago O’Hare Int’l Airport by 8:30 a.m. on Day 1.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart Chicago O’Hare Int’l Airport any time after 8:30 p.m. on Day 11.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our Pre and Post hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Free parking is offered during the tour at our hotel in Chicago with a Pre or Post night booked.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate. Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, you should know that you may be required to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law often does not allow travelers to remain on the motorcoach while it is parked for a scheduled stop.
Average Temps
April – high of 68°, low of 53°
Currency
Euro
Time Zone
GMT + 3 (7 hours ahead of New York)
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a Hair dryers, TV/cable, coffee/tea makers, and WI-FI available at hotels. Electra Palace Hotel, Thessaloniki, Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka, Anemolia Hotel, Arachova-Delphi and Vincci Evereden Beach Hotel, Vouliagmeni have fitness centers, spa services and swimming pools.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.
Land Tours begin one day later. Airport transfers are not included with Land Only Tours.
Dress on tour is casual.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
