Day 01
ATHENS - THESSALONICA
Ns’ El Venizelos airport and connect to domestic flight to Thessalonica. When we arrive in Thessalonica Town, today our readings from the (Acts 17:1-9) and “Letter to the Thessalonians” will become more alive. We will continue the sightseeing tour visiting the St. George Church, the Galerius Arch, built a little before 305 AD in commemoration of Galerius’ victory over the Persians in 297. Next is the most beautiful basilica in the city St. Demetrius where saint was imprisoned tortured and buried, we will continue to Church of Aghioi Apostoloi (the Holy Apostoles). We will transfer you to your 4* hotel in Agia Triada area, where we will stay next three nights. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight is in Thessalonica. (L, D)

Day 02
THESSALONICA -PHILIPPI - KAVALA - THESSALONICA
After breakfast visit Neapolis, Philippi , and Amphipolis. In Philippi St . Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe , sowing the seeds of Christianity. Here St. Paul baptized a “certain woman named Lydia ” the first Christian convert in Europe . Visit the Church of Lydia and the River beside it. In the Archaeological site, see the Roman forum, completely excavated, from after St. Paul ’s time. Among the ruins, located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road is the prison where St. Paul and Silas were thrown. We will study the Letter to the Philippians. Continue to the modern port city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis (Acts 16:11), where St. Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot in Europe . On the return to Thessalonica, stop to see the Lion of Amphipolis (Acts 17:1) which St. Paul would have also seen. Dinner and overnight is in Thessalonica. (B, L, D)

Day 03
THESSALONICA - OURANOUPOLIS - ATHOS MT. CRUISE - THESSALONICA
After breakfast drive to Ouranoupolis for cruise to Mount Athos . The 300 seats ship departs up to twice a day from Ouranoupolis port, right next to the “gates” of Holy Mount Athos, according to demand. Departure time is 10.30 AM and the cruise lasts about 3 hours. The ship heads to the south-western part of the peninsula and in 10 minutes, reaches to the sea-borders of the monastic state and its territory. From there, it arrives in the area of the first Russian cloister and after sailing by unique beaches, it arrives in the area of the first monastery, Iera Moni Dochiariou, in 40 minutes. Another 7 monasteries follow, then as well as the Holy Mount’s central port, Daphni, and finally the cloisters, small villages, where groups of monks live in every house. The ship returns sailing by the last 4 monasteries and, having one and half hour spare time in Ouranoupolis port, you can do your shopping on board, discuss your impressions or take photos on the ship’s bridge with the captain. Lunch is in Ouranoupolis. Overnight is in Thessalonica. (B, L, D)

Day 04
THESSALONICA - KALAMBAKA
After breakfast depart for a full day excursion to Kalambaka. Kalambaka is well known in Greece with its monasteries on top of the rocks of the Meteora. The important site is the Holy Church of Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Visit Holy Convent including Old Trapeza (Dining Hall), the Center (Kitchen) and the Old Age Home (hospital). At the Holy Convent there are remarkable and rich collection of manuscripts, icons and sacred heir looms. Overnight is in Kalambaka. (B, L, D)

Day 05
KALAMBAKA - DELPHI - ATHENS
After breakfast drive to Delphi, the center of the Ancient World-the “Omphalos” (navel) of the earth-whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. Here laid the famous Oracle of Delphi, who was consulted by almost everyone. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus , in a landscape of unparallel beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Many political decisions were taken after consultation of the Oracle, and no colony was founded the Mediterranean without the consent of the sanctuary at Delphi . At the Delphi sanctuary excavations have unearthed settlements that date as far back as the Neolithic era. The functions of the Oracle of Delphi grew over the centuries to include athletic games and cultural events and Delphic festivals, the most important was the Pythian Games which were held every four years in memory of Apollo’s slaying of the Python Dragon. The archaeological museum on the site contains many important ancient Greek artifacts from the excavations at Delphi . Return to Athens . Overnight is in Athens . (B, L, D)

Day 06
ATHENS
After breakfast we will visit the Acropolis to see the ruins of the Parthenon, Erectheum and Propylae. Athens (Acts 17:16-34). We shall also ascend Mars Hill; view the Agora (ancient market place where St. Paul spoke to the ancient Athenians). We will also see the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Presidential Palace, and Hadrian’s Arch and the Panathenaic Stadium. Mass is celebrated at St. Demetrius Catholic Cathedral. Afternoon is free at leisure. Overnight is in Athens. ( B, L, D)

Day 07
ATHENS - CORINTH - ATHENS
After breakfast visit Corinth (Acts 18:1-18) and Cenchrae (Acts 18:18). 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 St. Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. Returning back to Athens we will stop at Plaka area for lunch. Driving by the marina area return to hotel. Overnight is in Athens . (B, L, D)

Day 08
ATHENS - END
After breakfast transfer to El Venizelos airport to return home. (B) )

 

INCLUDED FEATURES

• 3 Nights hotel accommodations at 4-star Galaxias Beach Hotel (or similar) in Thessalonica. • 1 Night hotel accommodation at -star Divani Kalambaka Hotel (or similar) in Kalambaka. • 3 Nights hotel accommodations at 5-star The Athenian Callirhoe Executive Hotel in Athens . • Private car with private driver throughout the tour. • English speaking guide in Tours as per itinerary. • All entrance fees to sites and museums. • Meals are as stated in the itinerary; daily breakfast buffet, 8 lunches and 8 dinners. • Domestic air ticket for Athens-Thessalonica with airport taxes. • Cruise tickets to Mt. Athos . • All private tours as per itinerary. • Hotel taxes and service charges. • Portage at hotels and restaurants. • Tolls & gasoline. • Travel documents, maps. • A Complimentary flight bag from Aegean Tours, Inc.

EXCLUDING

• All drinks. • Tips to guide and driver.

TOUR RATES

JAN 01/08-MAR 31/08

PERSONS	Double	Single
2	$6,515	$520
3	$5,140	$520
4	$4,450	$520
5	$4,035	$520
6	$3,760	$520
7	$3,565	$520

APR 01/08-OCT 31/08

PERSONS	Double	Single
2	$6,965	$550
3	$5,545	$550
4	$4,830	$550
5	$4,405	$550
6	$4,120	$550
7	$3,915	$550

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