YOUR TRIP INCLUDES: Round-trip air from New York to Greece (special Add-on Airfares from all US gateways) AIRPORT TAXES, SECURITY FEES & FUEL SURCHARGES INCLUDED 12 (or 13*) nights accomodations as follows: (or similar):
1night: First Class Hotel, Munich, Germany
2 nights: Hotel, guesthouse or pensions, Oberammergau, Germany
2 nights: Hotel Capsis, Thessaloniki, Greece 1 night: Hotel Divani, Meteora, Greece
1 night: Hotel Olympic, Delphi, Greece
2 nights: Hotel Divani Palace, Athens, Greece
3 nights: Cruise on Louis Hellenic Cruise Lines (outside cabin)
(*If necessary, 1 night: Hotel Divani Palace, Athens, Greece- no dinner on this extra night) Transfers to and from Munich Airport Lunch on the day of the Passion Play performace Tickets to the Passion Play Official Passion Play Program in English Transfers to and from Passion Play Breakfast and Dinner Daily at your hotels. (all meals while on cruise) Sightseeing Tour Escort (land tour), local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary Port taxes and fees Shore excursions while on ship include:
Rhodos – Lindos Combines
Patmos - Monastery of St. John
Kusadasi – Ancient Ephessos Catholic Priest, Spiritual Guidance & Mass daily exept in Oberammergau Transfers by deluxe motor coach while in Greece Luggage handling (1 piece per person) Flight bag & portfolio of all travel documents
Not Included: Tour Escort during cruis, Lunches, Drinks with dinners. Travel Insurance optional at $99 - $225 (www.206tours.com/insurance). Cancel for Any Reason Protection @ $199 (www.206tours.com/cancellationprotection). Tips to your guide & driver (Euro 6-8 per day). Items of a personal nature.
Philippi, Thessaloniki, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus & "The Revelation Alive" (Patmos)
The important role that Greece has played in history is widely known; philosophy, the arts, medicine, democracy. But there is also a great page in the history of Christianity: early days of Christianity and the ministry of the Apostle Paul! This amazing man, moved by the Holy Spirit preached "good news" to Jews and Gentiles. Traveling along the major trade routes of the Roman empire and visiting large thriving communities of Asia Minor and Greece his mission was accomplished; Christianity became the biggest religion in the world. Our tours are not just tours; they are an inspiring journey to the actual places where the Apostle Paul lived and preached God's word. Travel with our bible-oriented guides down timeless roads; take time to pray and rejoice in the ancient biblical sites; visit thousand-year-old churches and temples; and encounter a unique spiritual experience that will help you to better understand "The Steps of Paul" selecting bible-oriented guides, incorporating lectures and providing printed material, for people to achieve a deeper understanding of the Apostle Paul and his work.
Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart USA to Greece
Evening departure from your home town, for the overnight flight to Greece. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Day 2: Arrive Munich We arrive in Munich and transfer to our hotel. The afternoon will be free. In the evening, we will attend a Bavarian folklore show and enjoy typical Bavarian “Gemütlichkeit“ with a traditional dinner.
Day 3: Munich - Oberammergau
After breakfast, our morning sightseeing tour of Munich includes the Marienplatz with the famous Glockenspiel and an outside visit of Nymphenburg Palace. After lunch, we enjoy a wonderful ride through the Bavarian countryside to Oberammergau.
Day 4: Oberammergau Passion Play - The Performace Day!!
The highlight is take place today when we attend the performance of the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play. The Oberammergau Passion Play runs for about (7) seven hours. The afternoon performance starts at 2:30 PM and ends at 5:00 PM. There is a three hour break for dinner and the play resumes at 8 PM and ending at 10:30 PM. The play is performed in German, but we'll make sure you have a copy of the English translation. Dinner and overnight in Oberammergau.
Day 5: Oberammergau - Thessaloniki, Greece
This morning transfer to Munich airport for your flight to flight to Thessaloniki. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Time to relax, meet your fellow pilgrims, dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 6: Phillippi, Kavala, Thessaloniki
Visit Philippi where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity. "And from there (He went) to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman Colony. We remained in this city some days..." Acts 16:12-18 Here Paul baptized a certain woman named Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe. The Roman forum, completely excavated, is from after Paul's time. Among the ruins, located on the rocky ledge above the town's main road is the prison where Paul and Silas were thrown. Continue into the modern port city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot in Europe. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 7: Thessaloniki, Meteora
Thessaloniki city-tour. Paul preached in Thessaloniki during the winters of 49-50 AD and wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. See the ramparts of the city, the triumphal Arch of Galerius starting at the Via Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire. Depart for Kalambaka, Meteora Monasteries. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 8: Kalambaka - Delphi
Visit Meteora Monasteries. Among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks, that seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless monasteries where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Continue to Delphi.
Day 9: Delphi - Athens
Visit Delphi, the center of the ancient world (navel) of the earth, whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Phthios. Visit the site and the museum and continue to Athens.“ Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription “ to an unknown God”. What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you…”. Athens, is one of the most glorious cities in the world and the cradle of western civilization as we know it today. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 10: Athens - Excursion to Corinth
We will visit the Acropolis to see the ruins of the Parthenon, Erectheum and Propylae. For twenty five centuries, the panorama of this city is dominated by the rock of the Acropolis; we see the ruins of the Parthenon, the Erectheum and the Propylae. Afterwards, we will ascend Mars Hill where Paul spoke to the ancient Athenians about the one and Only * God. From here we have an excellent view of the ancient agora; former center of the Athenian public life. We continue for a drive through the city to see the House of Parliament on Syntagma Square, the evzones in their picturesque uniforms guarding the Presidential Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also see the Library, the University, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympics of the modern era were held, the temple of the Olympian Zeus and Adrian’s Arch. This afternoon we continue our tour to Ancient Corinth. Here, under the shadow of the towering Acropolis, St. Paul preached and lived for two years. The vigorous and mostly Gentile Church he founded here in 50 AD caused him much grief and prompted him to write, at least, four letters to them. Visit the ruins of the ancient city where Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. See the remains of the first century shops, the agora where Paul's trial by Gallio took place, the Fountain of Peirene, Temple of Apollo and the Bema. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.
Day 11: Athens - Start 3 - day Cruise (Luis Hellenic Cruise Lines) Mykonos
Our first port-of-call is Mykonos. It is the most cosmopolitan of all Greek islands and attracts many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. Your coaches will take you to Hora the island's capital where you'll enjoy a walking tour in the narrow cobbled streets of the town, passing by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs and white washed houses till reaching Alefkandra. Alefkandra is a charming corner of Hora, known also as the "Venice" of Mykonos. The houses are built on the sea, with wooden balconies that evoke Venice. These were built from the mid 18th century onward and were homes of wealthy merchants and captains. At one of the famous restaurants of Alefkandra you'll enjoy the sunset on Mykonos island while drinking your refreshment accompanied by Greek meze. You'll return then to Mykonos Town (Hora) from where you'll take the ship's shuttle service back to the port to meet your ship!
Day 12: Visit the Island of Rhodes
Drive along the picturesque south-eastern coastline, scattered with white-washed villages, to Lindos, one of the most important of the three great cities of ancient times. See how this entire city is guarded by medieval walls which were constructed by the knights of St. John in the 13th century. Within stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, on the brink of a precipice 400 feet above the sea. From the Acropolis, marvel at the breathtaking views covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea and St. Paulâ019s bay, where the apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. Proceed on foot uphill, to the great staircase leading from the Hellenistic Portico to the Acropolis and Temple of Athena. Should you wish to make your way up by mule, a fee must be paid to the local muleteer. After your guided tour of the Acropolis, enjoy some free time on your own in Lindos village before meeting up with your motorcoach. Return to Rhodes city to enjoy a panoramic drive through the new part of the city before continuing to Mount Smith where you will view the ruins of ancient Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo and Diagoras Stadium. Afterwards your motorcoach will drop you off at Porte dâ019Amboise were you will commence your walking tour through the medieval city of Rhodes. Follow your guide through the northern part where once lived the knights and their attendants. View the Palace of the Knights and continue your walk down Chevaliers Road in order to meet up with your motorcoach at the marine gate and return back to the ship.
Day 13: Patmos - Kusadasi & Ephesus (Mary's House) We begin our day arriving at Patmos, where we will enjoy a short journey to the village of Chora, where the monastery of St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you walk uphill towards the entrance of the monastery marvel at this magnificent structure, which was build 900 years ago, exceptional in its architecture. View the courtyard, the monk's dining room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noting its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, 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. Return to your motorcoach to continue on to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse, where above stands the Monastery of the Apocalypse, a sub-unit of the main monastery. Walk down the steps to visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here you will 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. Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque harbor. Continue our journey, Kusadasi is a lively Turkish port. Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley, it is here where you will visit the humble chapel which lies on the site of the little house where The Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still favours this belief and the site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for pilgrimage. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus and accompanied by your guide, walk through the Magnesian Gate which is the entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus and The Great Theatre, where St. Paul preached, which is the largest theatre in antiquity having a capacity of 24,000 people. Walk back to your motor coach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century AD by the Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi.
Day 14: Piraeus - Athens - USA*
Today marks the end of our cruise and if you are returning from New York it's also the end of our trip. Continue to airport for return flights to the USA.
*Additional night is included and required for NON East Coast Pilgrims * Depending on where in the US you will be departing from date of your return could be (*) Flights may not be available for departures in the afternoon to your final destination, in this case, it may be necessary to spend an additional night in Athens (accommodation in Athens will be included with transfers, however, dinner would be on your own this final evening.)
Shore excursions while on ship include:
333 Marcus Blvd 