13 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. 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 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 also show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. After the visit to ancient Corinth next stop will be 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 north, past Thermopylae where the famous Spartan battle of the300 took place. Continue through the mountains to the picturesque town of Kalampaka at the foot-hill of Meterora the world's 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: METEORA-DELPHI-ATHENS

Morning visit the Monasteries of Grand Meteoro and St.Stephanos, before we return with a stop to visit Delphi known in ancient times as the navel of the world. Visit the archaeological site and the museum before we continue to visit the Monastery of Osios Loukas one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art, and has been listed on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in Greece. Late afternoon arrive in Athens, check in your Hotel, evening free. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 6: ATHENS - 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 and late afternoon arrive at the hotel. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 7: 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 8: 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 the hotel. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 9: 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 the hotel in Jerusalem. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 10: 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. Late afternoon return to the hotel. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 11: 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 the hotel. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 12: 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 the hotel. (Dinner & overnight)

Day 13: DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport for departure flight home.