12 Days Steps of St Paul plus Istanbul - Land Only

Itinerary:

DAY 1, SUN - BOSTON -ATHENS:  Overnight flight to Athens via Turkish Airlines. Airfare not included 

DAY 2, MON - ATHENS: The tour begins upon arrival in Athens. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.  Enjoy this evening's welcome dinner with your traveling companions. (D)    Royal Olympic Hotel 5*                            

DAY 3, TUE - ATHENS: After breakfast, we enjoy sightseeing with a Local Guide visiting the ACROPOLIS with the Parthenon and AREOPAGUS, where Paul delivered his famous sermon about the identity of “the Unknown God” (Acts 17:15-34).  Continue for a visit to the Acropolis Museum with its artifacts. We continue to ancient Corinth, a major commercial crossroads in the time of the Apostle Paul and where Paul spent over a year in ministry (Acts 18:11). We will see the very road that Saint Paul walked on almost 2000 years ago when he entered the city. We will stand on the Bema platform where Paul’s case was dismissed by Roman proconsul Gallio (Acts 18:12).  You will have time for a leisurely lunch at your expense at one of the Corinthian tavernas before continuing to see the Corinthian canal, which connects the Aegean and Adriatic Seas. Late afternoons return to Athens. (B)     Royal Olympic Hotel 5*        

DAY 4, WED – ATHENS – KALAMBAKA: We say Farewell to Athens and head north for Kalambaka We will stop for a coffee break at Kamena Vourla, a seaside resort. Next, a photo stop at Thermopylae, the famous Greek Persian battle site where King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans heroically held the Persians. In the early afternoon, visit an icon-painting workshop and discover the ancient traditions behind the sacred images used in Orthodox Byzantine devotional tradition. Overnight with dinner in Kalambaka. (B, D) Divani Meteora Hotel 4*  

DAY 5, THU - KALAMBAKA – METEORA – VERIA - THESSALONIKI: Today, we visit the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora atop 1000-1200 ft. cliffs. You will visit ageless monasteries containing priceless historical and religious treasures suspended between earth and sky. In Meteora, visit VARLAAM and ST. STEPHEN’S MONASTERIES. Situated atop vast rocks, the 14th-century monasteries compose one of the most breathtaking sites in the world. Rest of the day at your leisure. (B, D) Divani Meteora Hotel 4*

DAY 6, FRI - KALAMBAKA – VERIA – THESSALONIKI: This morning, we said farewell to Kalambaka after breakfast. The next stop was Veria (Berea of the New Testament), where friends sent St. Paul and Silas after being accused of treason in Thessaloniki (Acts 17: 5-15). Visit the Bema of St. Paul, where St. Paul is said to have stood and preached the Gospel to the local community. Continue with an afternoon arrival in Thessaloniki. Rest of the day at your leisure. (B, D)   Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki 4* or Electra Palace 5*

DAY 7, SAT – THESSALONIKI: After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of this city, named after Alexander the Great’s sister and which figures prominently in the New Testament, at which time this provincial capital was considered a world cultural center. This community was the center of St. Paul’s activities in Northern Greece. He preached and founded a church to whom he wrote two epistles (Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians & 2 Thessalonians).  Visit the Museum of Byzantine Culture, one of the finest museums in the world devoted to Byzantine art and civilization, with an impressive collection of many Byzantines and early Christian frescoes, icons, and artifacts. Rest of the afternoon at your leisure.  (B, D)    Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki 4* or Electra Palace 5*

DAY 8, SUN - THESSALONIKI, Excursions to Philippi and Kavala: Full Day Excursion along the ancient route of St. Paul to Amphipolis (Acts 17:1). Journey to ancient Philippi, named after the father of Alexander the Great. This busy Roman colony boasted a great library and theater. In Philippi, St. Paul preached, established the first church in Europe, and was to whom he wrote one of his epistles while imprisoned in Rome (Acts 16:11-40-Philippians). It was in this area that St. 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).  Continue to Kavala, the ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16: 9-11). Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)  Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki 4* or Electra Palace 5*

 DAY 9, MON - THESSALONIKI– ISTANBUL: Early flight to Istanbul. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.  Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. (B, D)    

DAY 10, TUESDAY - Istanbul City Tour or Biblical Tour:  Pick up at 08:30am from your hotel for a day tour of old Istanbul city. Experience Istanbul’s timeless sights on a full-day tour of the city’s stunning historic places. Listen for the ancient echoes of pounding hooves and charioteers at Hippodrome Square and spot the distinctive tiles of the Blue Mosque. See the Byzantine mosaics and minarets of St. Sophia, then follow in the footsteps of powerful sultans, courtiers and generals at Topkapi Palace, where Ottomans ruled for hundreds of years. Visit an Orthodox church turned Ottoman Mosque before finishing your tour in the vibrant Grand Bazaar, browsing bright displays of handicrafts, carpets and souvenirs. (B, D)

DAY 11, WEDNESDAY - Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Shopping Tour: Pick up at 08:30am from the hotel and depart for the Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Shopping Tour. Visit the GRAND SPICE BAZAAR. The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. BOSPHORUS BY BOAT is a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion you will see many magnificent sights. Tonight join your fellow travelers for our “farewell dinner” celebrating the end of a fabulous trip while sharing with your newly acquainted friends, some of the beautiful memories that you have experienced on this tour. Step into the rich world of Turkish culture and cuisine with a 4-hour dinner and show in Istanbul. Watch a series of performers take the stage, from whirling dervishes to belly dancers, and traditional folk dancers from around the country. (B, D)

DAY 12, THURSDAY - ISTANBUL / USA:  This morning we take a 4-hour tour of biblical sites of Istanbul. Highlights include Patriarchate at Fener, Aghion Lousma, Savior in Chora, Miracles of Jesus, Byzantine church, Agiasma, Pantocrator, Church of St Mary, Byzantine Empire and Aghia Sophia. Early afternoon we will transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)  

 LAND PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Transfers throughout tour Airport - Hotels - Airport

• 2 Nights Deluxe Hotel Accommodations in Athens

• 19 meals - 10 Breakfast, 9 Dinners per itinerary

• Professional English-speaking guide throughout   

• Athens City Tour, entrance fees Acropolis & Museum

• 5 Day Steps of St. Paul Motorcoach Tour. Includes all sightseeing and entrance fees

• 3 Nights First Class Hotel Accommodations in Istanbul, Turkey

• Sightseeing tours in Istanbul per itinerary

• Welcome to Athens Dinner - Great time to Meet & Acquaint with the group

• Farewell Dinner in Istanbul - Share the highlights with your newly acquainted friends

• All Hotel taxes throughout

• Porterage for 1 suitcase per passenger.  

• Information packet included plus much more

• Airline tickets are available at group net rates

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Price Excludes      

Airfare & airport taxes (except those which are specified), passports & visas, laundry, telephone calls, drinks, food not indicated in the itinerary, expenses of a personal nature, excess luggage and transfer of the same, optional excursions & excursions during the cruise, gratuities of any kind, Personal expenses, Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts