14 Days Greece & the Holy Land

Day 1: ATHENS

Αrrive in Athens, transfer from the airport to Check into your Hotel and have the remainder of the day free to relax or take a stroll along the streets of Athens to enjoy the flavour of the city. Welcome dinner.

Day 2: ATHENS

Following breakfast today you will visit and fully introduced to the city of Athens, the foundation of democracy. Early morning visit the new Acropolis Museum with a magnificent view of the Acropolis Hill, 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 centre 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. Evening Free. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 3: CORINTH-MYCENAE-ATHENS

Following breakfast this morning you will depart Athens travelling west to the Peloponnesian peninsula, 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. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love of I & II Corinthians. The ruins of this important cultural centre 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 be sure to show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. After the visit to ancient Corinth we travel to Mycenae where the remains of the ancient city date back to the Bronze Age to see the famous Lionesse Gate and the Tomb of Agamennon in the shape of a Beehive. Continue to Nafplion the Seaport picturesque town of Peloponnese, capital of the First Hellenic Republic (1827) before returning to Athens. Evening Free.

Day 4: KALAMPAKA-METEORA

Following breakfast this morning you will depart Athens travelling northward past Thermopylae where the famous Spartan battle of 300 took place. Continue through the mountains to the picturesque town of Kalampaka at the foot-hill of Meteroa. Here you will see the world famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched precariously on summits of grey rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. Overnight at a hotel in Kalampaka. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 5: VEROIA – VERGINA – THESSALONICA

Following breakfast this morning you will depart Kalampaka, travelling north this morning, first stop will be a visit to King Phillip's (Alexander's father) tomb in Vergina, one of the most outstanding finds in all of Greece. You will then make the short trip to nearby town of Veroia to view the synagogue where Paul preached, the Bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the "more noble" church. The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive as you arrive in the delightful harbour city of Thessalonica. En route to the hotel you will view the old city ramparts; the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. Evening Free in Thessalonica. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 6: KAVALA-PHILIPPI-THESSALONICA

Following breakfast you will begin the day by following the massive battlement Byzantine wall to the citadel for a panoramic view of the city. Next, will be a visit Philippi and Kavala. Kavala is one of Greece's prettiest mainland ports with a most elegant harbour. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! You will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala. Continue on to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. You will view the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ and visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. Return to Thessalonica and visit St. Demetrius Basilica, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert, before returning to the hotel for the final night. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 7: THESSALONICA - JERUSALEM

Early morning Transfer to the airport for the flight to TelAviv and the HOLY LAND. Arrival to Ben Gurion Airport, meet & assist by our representative. Leave by
bus to Haifa, ascend Mt. Carmel and visit Stella Maris. Continue to Galilee
arrive to hotel. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 8: NAZARETH – CANA – MOUNT TABOR

Morning departure for Nazareth, visit Basilica of the Annunciation, Mary's Well , the Carpentry & Synagogue and the Souq (market). Leave to Cana visit the Church (miracle of turning water to wine). In the afternoon Ascend by taxi to Mt. Tabor for visit of the Transfiguration Church. Return to hotel in Galilee. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 9: TIBERIAS – BAPTISMAL SITE

Full day in Tiberias, where you will visit the sites around the Lake, Mt. Beatitudes, Tabgha, (the miracle of the loaves & fish) Capernaum and enjoy to unique experience of a Boat Ride in the lake of Tiberias. Ending the day with the visit of Yardenit (Baptismal site). Return to hotel. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 10: JERICHO – DEAD SEA - JERUSALEM

Early morning depart from Galilee through the Jordan Valley. Arrive to Jericho for visit and continue to Qumran (Caves in which Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered). Enjoy a swim by floating at the Dead Sea (sea of Lot). Return to hotel in Jerusalem. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 11: BETHLEHEM – EIN KAREM

In the morning depart to Bethlehem for visit of the Nativity and St.Catherine's Church. Continue to Beit Sahur for a visit of the Shepherds Field.
In the afternoon drive to Ein Karem, visit Church of the Visitations and church of St. John the baptist. Return to hotel. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 12: MOUNT OF OLIVES – MOUNT ZION

In the morning visit Mt. Olives- Churches of the Ascension, Pater Noster, the Lords Prayer and walk down to the Garden and Church of the Gethsemane. On the way stop at the church of the Dominus Flevit. Continue visit of Mt. Zion, St. Peter in Gallicantu, Cenacle and the Dormition Abbey. Return to hotel. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 13: OLD CITY – JERUSALEM

Morning walking tour of the Old City. Visit the Temple Area, Mosques, Wailing
Wall, Pool of Bethesda and St. Anne Church .Continue trace the footprints of our Lord by walking the Via Dolorosa (the stations of the Cross), Church of Flagellation, Ecce Homo, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Golgotha. Enough time to enjoy the market of the old city. Return to hotel. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 14: DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport for departure flight home.