Daily Itinerary
Footsteps of Paul – Greece
with a 3-Day cruise to Ephesus, Patmos, Mykonos, Crete & Santorini
March 17 – March 26, 2024
Sunday, March 17
Depart USA from Little Rock to Athens, Greece
Monday, March 18
Upon our mid-day arrival into Athens, we will be met by our tour guide and motor coach and will transfer to our hotel for a welcome dinner. Overnight Athens – Divani Palace Hotel (D)
Tuesday, March 19
Today we will tour the great city of Athens which will include visiting the world-renowned Acropolis, with the ruins of the Parthenon, Erechteum and Propylea. We will climb Mars Hill, where Paul preached the famous sermon of the Unknown God. Also, view the Agora (ancient market place, and former center of Athenian public life), House of Parliament, and the Presidential Palace. Afternoon and evening at leisure in the Plaka (shopping area of Athens). Overnight Athens – Divani Palace Hotel (B)
Wednesday, March 20
After breakfast, we depart for Delphi. The oracle at Delphi is a figure of great historical importance that was and still is, shrouded in mystery. Delphi was considered “the navel” – in Greek, “the omphalos” – οf the ancient world. After visiting the archaeological site and the museum in Delphi, we begin our journey back to Athens. Time permitting, we will stop in Arachova, a charming town atop Mt. Parnassos. This quaint village is known for its picturesque old districts, beautiful grey stone houses and magnificent mountain views. Overnight Athens – Divani Palace Hotel (B)(D)
Thursday, March 21
After breakfast, we will tour ancient Corinth with a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, which separates Peloponnese from the Greek mainland and connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Corinth was home for Paul for eighteen months and we will see the Archaeological Museum, the Bema, the Market Place and the Temples. Upon returning to Athens, the evening will be free to explore Athens by night. Overnight Athens – Divani Palace Hotel (B)
Friday, March 22
This morning we will transfer to the port and board our cruise ship, Celestyal Discovery, for the next 4 days. Late afternoon, we will have our first port of call, Mykonos – an island known for its jet-set atmosphere, whitewashed buildings, sidewalk cafes, 360 churches and chic shops. Overnight Cruise
Saturday, March 23
Today’s port of call will be Ephesus and we will tour the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, where Paul spent several years and wrote his Letter to the Ephesians. After lunch, we sail to the Island of Patmos and visit the Monastery of St. John the Divine, where John wrote the book of Revelation. Overnight Cruise
Sunday, March 24
The island of Crete where Paul and Titus visited in support of the early church is our destination for this morning. There will be free time in the morning to enjoy shopping in the city center or to enjoy the ship’s amenities. In the afternoon, we cruise to Santorini, one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean to view the iconic sunsets of Greece. Overnight Cruise
Monday, March 25
This morning, we will disembark and travel to Nafplio which is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. We will have time to walk in the old town, visit the Venetian castle of Palamidi or the Bourtzi and taste the local food. The narrow pedestrian alleys are full of boutiques, coffee and restaurant shops. Upon returning to Athens, we will ascend to the top of Lycabettus hill, the highest point in the center of Athens, for our last view of Athens. Tonight, we will enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Athens – Divani Palace Hotel (B)(D)
Tuesday, March 26
Return to the US!
