Today we travel to the Charlotte Airport for our trans-Atlantic overnight flight to Athens, Greece, where our breathtaking journey begins.

We arrive in Athens, the capital of and largest city in Greece. We are greeted by our local guide and enjoy an orientation tour as we travel to the hotel where we stay overnight two nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel. (B ,D)

Our sightseeing tour of Athens includes the Parliament House, the Academy, Omonia Square and Panathenaic Stadium. We visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, Areopagus, and Mars Hill where Paul delivered his famous sermon about the identity of “the Unknown God” (Acts 17:15-34). We have free time in the area of Plaka in Athens. Later this afternoon we return to our hotel, where you can take time to explore before an included dinner at our hotel. (B, D)

With just a short drive, we visit Ancient Corinth. We visit the Bema where Paul stood trial before Gallio (Acts 18:12-17), after spending 18 months working with Aquilia and Pricilla (Acts 18:1-3). Among the ruins see the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Agora, the Bema where St. Paul had to plead his case before the Roman governor Gallio in 52 AD, the pavement inscription of Erastus, the Roman Lechaion Road, and the Fountain of Peirene which is the major source of water for Corinth. Then we return to Athens for the night. (B, D)

We transfer to the port of Piraeus, outside of Athens, to begin our 3-night Greece and Turkey cruise. Step onboard “Celestyal Discovery” for unforgettable sights and fun-filled nights. Spend your very first evening on the island of Mykonos, known equally well for its picturesque windmills and its lively nightlife. A free shuttle bus can take you to the capital for free time to explore. (B, D)

This morning we dock at the Turkish port of Kusadasi, and enjoy an included excusion to Ephesus, whose inhabitants were the recipients of Apostle Paul’s famous epistle (Acts 18:19-26; Ephesians) and which was once the capital of the Roman province of Asia. We return to the ship to sail to Patmos to visit the Monastery of St. John built within the walls of a strong fortification. We see the priceless ecclesiastical treasures housed in the beautiful but small museum: books and manuscripts, mosaics, Icons, splendid medieval textiles and vestments as well as jewelry. We visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse to see the silver niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the Revelation as well as the three-fold crack made by the voice of God emphasizing the honor of the Holy Trinity. We return to the ship for our evening meal and overnight sailing. (B, D)

Today we sail to Santorini which is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. First we head to Megalochori, one of the most authentic and unspoiled villages on the island, retaining its distinctive architecture, character and charm. Our trip continues eastwards through a number of traditional communities like Firostefani and Imerovigli until we arrive at Oia. On our journey, we will have had the lace-like caldera to our west, the small islands of Thirasia, Palea, and Nea Kameni in view, and before us is an incredible, unsurpassable panoramic vista. Here we explore the magical villages of Fira and Oia and photograph the white-washed houses, and blue-blue domed churches perched on caldera cliffs. This evening our cruise sails back to Athens. (Note: The October departure will dock in Crete and an optional tour will be offered. The ship will then sail to Santorini.) (B, D)

After disembarking the cruise our journey continues on to Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. Gain a greater understanding of the Greek religious heritage and their influence on the early Christian church during our visit. Marvel at the site of the Charioteer, a bronze statue so delicate we can see his eyelashes. Take a few photos of the Temple of Apollo and Castalia Springs. We continue to Kalambaka for another included dinner and our overnight stop. (B, D)

Crowning the rocks of Meteora, the “Hanging Monasteries” seem to be suspended in mid-air. Only six of these twenty-four exquisite examples of Byzantine art are inhabited. Our next stop is at Veria (Beroea of the New Testament), where Paul and Silas were sent by friends after being accused of treason in Thessalonika (Acts 17:5-15). Visit the Bema where Apostle Paul is said to have stood and preached the Gospel to the local community. We continue to Thessaloniki and check into our hotel for a three night stay. Dinner is included tonight. (B, D)

We begin our day with a tour along the ancient route of Apostle Paul to Amphipolis (Acts 17:1). We continue our journey to ancient Philippi, which was named after the father of Alexander the Great. This busy Roman colony boasted a great library and theater. In Philippi, Paul preached the gospel, established the first Christian church in Europe, and later wrote an epistle to the Philippians while imprisoned in Rome. (Acts 16:11-40; Philippians). It was in this area that Paul met Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She and her household accepted Christ and were baptized in the nearby river (Acts 16:11-15). Next, we continue to Kavala, ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16:9-11). Late this afternoon we return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Enjoy your day in this seaside city which was considered a world cultural center and an important city of Paul’s activities in Northern Greece. It is where he preached and founded a church and to whom he wrote two epistles (Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians). We visit the byzantine church of St. Dimitrius and St. Sophia. We see the White Tower along with the Rotonda of Galerius in addition to many other sites. We have free time in the afternoon for walking by the sea or shopping. Our farewell dinner is at the hotel this evening. (B, D)

Today we say goodbye to Greece and transfer to the airport for our departure flight back home.

PLEASE NOTE: Porterage is not available in some of the hotels on this tour. You must be able to carry your luggage to and from these hotels to the motorcoach.