9 Day All Inclusive Greece & Italy Tour

Tour members are welcomed for our departing flight to Istanbul via wide-body aircraft arriving the next day. Meals served on board.

This morning we arrive in Istanbul and transfer to our flight to Athens.This afternoon we arrive in Athens and be met and transferred to our hotel for check in. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

This morning we start our tour of Athens by visiting the important modern and archaeological sites in the city of Athens, the Acropolis and neighboring monuments. While driving through the main streets of Athens, we have an opportunity to see other places of interest such as the University, the Academy, the National Library, the Temple of Zeus, the Panathenian Stadium, Omonia Square, Constitution Square and the Royal Palace.

This afternoon we drive along the coastal road to Corinth. Continue along the wonderful beach of Kinetta, make a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, then on to ancient Corinth to visit the Museum, the Bema of St. Paul, the Doric Temple of Apollo, the Askeleion, Agora, Lechaion Road, and the Peirene Fountain. Return to our hotel for dinner overnight.

This morning we board our bus and begin our journey to Mycenae. The Mycenaean’s were fierce warriors and great engineers who designed and built remarkable bridges, fortification walls, and beehive-shaped tombs, all employing Cyclopean masonry and elaborate drainage and irrigation systems. Their palatial centers, “Mycenae rich in gold” and “sandy Pylos,” are immortalized in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.

This afternoon drive to Patras port to board our ferry to Bari, Italy. Dinner and overnight on the ferry.

This morning we will disembark our ship and head to Foro Appio and Tres Tabernaes – Three Taverns, still on the Appian Way, you reach Pozzuoli. This is the same port where Paul landed…and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli. (Acts 28:13).

This afternoon we visit the area of the sea-port and the Roman Amphitheater in order to get a sense of what Paul experienced once he arrived on the mainland of the “Roman Empire”. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning we go to Pompeii, and have an archeological journey through the ancient city. Pompeii, which was buried under a layer of ash and pumice by a sudden eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79 A.D., is a town whose daily life of the Imperial Age has been petrified. It is as if it were under a spell in its gestures, secrets and in the panic felt by its inhabitants during its last moments. Visiting the “frozen city” creates a feeling similar to that experienced by Paul when he walked through similar streets from his time. Then we will visit the houses, shops, temples, squares, streets and also the “Lupanare” (which was a brothel with its frescos showing erotic scenes) and the “Suburbane Therm” (with erotic frescoes, among which the only saffico-picture of the Roman world). Now you understand the anger of Paul shouting aloud against corruption and perdition of the Romans. Romans 1, 26…. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. From Pompeii we go to Minturno, then to Foro Appio for a typical dinner and overnight.

After breakfast we will have time to meditate on Paul. This was a swamp when Paul arrived here. Stand by the river, full of historical and spiritual meanings. Foro Appio, at “Mansio Hotel” is located in the same place where an ancient Roman “posta” (place where travelers could rest and change their tired horses before continuing their journey). This might be the place where the Sacred Writings remind us of the meeting of Paul with the Christian Communities Acts 28:14 (…”And so we came to Rome. The brothers there had heard that we were coming and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us.”) Depart Foro Appio late in the morning and travel towards Rome, stopping a few minutes at the Church of St. Paul (built in the place where he met the Christian Community) of TRES TABERNE – Three Taverns …and so we went toward Rome. (Acts 28:14.) Then we will continue to Rome. We arrive in Rome in the late morning.

In the afternoon we will visit the Roman Forum, Colosseum and Mamertine Prison, where Paul was held. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning we visit the Vatican Museum and Gallery (and if time permits Raphael’s Rooms with their wonderful frescoes) the Sistine Chapel – where Michelangelo’s recently restored masterpieces adorn the ceilings and walls – and Pincio Garden. We continue into St.Peter’s Basilica and view Vatican City. This afternoon we visit St. Paul’s Basilica Outside the Walls and the Church of St. Peter in Chains with the famed statue of Moses by Michelangelo. We visit the Old Appian Way and the Catacombs of St. Calixtus, then returnto our hotel for dinner.

We will be taken to the airport for our flight home. with memories to cherish always.

This morning we board our bus and make our way to the border where we cross into Greece. Continue on to the modern city of Kavala, sea port for Philippi, called Neapolis in Acts 16. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning we visit Philippi, named after Philip of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. In Philippi, the Apostle first proclaimed the Gospel in Europe and was thrown in Prison (Acts 16). We’ll visit the prison, theater, Forum and Lydia’s Baptistery. The Epistle to the Philippians was written to the people of this city. We proceed to Thessaloniki, birthplace of Aristotle, where we see the Rotonda, Triumphal Arch of Galerius, the sea front and the White Tower. We continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning we continue on to stunning Vergina , the first capital of the Macedonian Kingdom, where we see the Tombs of the Kings. It was here that the remains of King Philip of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great, were found. We will see many tombs and many of the golden items used during that period. Continue on to Veria, or Beroea, where Paul found people who eagerly received his message, “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were true” (Acts 17:11). Continue our drive to Kozani and on to Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.

This morning we visit Meteora, a cluster of pillars of rock, and the “Hanging Monasteries” perched on top of rock cliffs. There are 13 monasteries here, only 4 of which are inhabited by monks. We will visit one of the Monasteries and have time to explore and climb among the rocks. Continue our drive through the beautiful scenery of Greece, imagining Paul walking with his followers and teaching them God’s word as they continued down the road. We will continue to Athens for dinner and overnight.

This morning we start our tour of Athens by visiting the important modern and archaeological sites in the city of Athens, the Acropolis and neighboring monuments. While driving through the main streets of Athens, we have an opportunity to see other places of interest such as the University, the Academy, the National Library, the Temple of Zeus, the Panathenian Stadium, Omonia Square, Constitution Square and the Royal Palace. This afternoon we drive along the coastal road to Corinth. Continue along the wonderful beach of Kinetta, make a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, then on to ancient Corinth to visit the Museum, the Bema of St. Paul, the Doric Temple of Apollo, the Askeleion, Agora, Lechaion Road, and the Peirene Fountain. Return to our hotel for dinner overnight.

After transferring from Athens to Piraeus by motor coach, you'll set sail for the island of Hydra, where you'll have free time for strolling, shopping and swimming. Next, it's on to the island of Egina, passing through the narrow strait separating the Peloponnesian coast from the island of Poros.

Upon arrival in Egina (Aegina) you can either join an excursion to the Temple of Aphaia (cost not included) or take a walk around the main town. Egina is one of the Saronic islands of Greece in the Saronic Gulf. The lovely island is only 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Athens, and is a popular getaway for Athenians during the summer months.

After lunch served on board, you'll sail to Poros in the southern Agrosaronic Gulf. You'll have free time to explore Poros - perhaps you'd like to visit ancient Trizina, the ruins of the Russian Dockyard or take a romantic stroll in the Lemon Forest. After sailing back to Piraeus port you'll be transferred to your hotel for dinner and over night.

This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight back home. We arrive back in the U S and transfer to our flights home with unforgettable memories to cherish always. Knowing we have walked in the footsteps of the early Christians on such a memorable tour will bring new meaning to our Bible reading.

Tour members are welcomed at JFK International Airport for our departing flight to Athens via wide body aircraft arriving the next day. Meals served on board.

Today we arrive in Athens and transfer to our flight to Thessaloniki. Upon arrival we are met and board our bus for a transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning we visit Philippi, named after Philip of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. In Philippi, the Apostle first proclaimed the Gospel in Europe and was thrown in Prison (Acts 16). We’ll visit the prison, theater, Forum and Lydia’s Baptistery. The Epistle to the Philippians was written to the people of this city. We proceed to Thessaloniki, birthplace of Aristotle, where we see the Rotonda, Triumphal Arch of Galerius, the sea front and the White Tower. We continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning we continue on to Pella, birthplace of Alexander, where we see excavations, mosaic floors and artifacts from the 4th century BC. Visit nearby Vergina with the tomb of Alexander the Great and then on to Veria, or Beroea, where Paul found people who eagerly received his message, “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were true” (Acts 17:11). Continue our drive to Kozani and on to Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.

This morning we visit Meteora, a cluster of pillars of rock, and the “Hanging Monasteries” perched on top of rock cliffs. There are 13 monasteries here, only 4 of which are inhabited by monks. We continue our drive through the beautiful scenery of Greece. Imagine Paul walking with his followers and teaching them God’s word as they continued down the road. Our bus will take us through Larissa, Lamia and Trikala and on to Delphi for dinner and overnight.

This morning in Delphi we visit the museum with the famous Bronze Charioteer and other items that date back to the time of Paul. We visit the Temple of Apollo, where Paul must have spoken to the people about the Living God, continue to the Theater, the Athenian Treasury and the Castalian Spring. We then follow Paul’s ministry south as we travel on the national highway through famous Thebes, Levadia and the village of Arachova. Continue to the hotel in Athens where we check in for dinner.

This morning we will go through the Umbrian green hills covered in olive groves and vineyards to reach Assisi. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and start an unforgettable walk through the narrow streets of the ancient town which sweeps the flanks of Monte Subasio. You will visit the Church of Santa Chiara, the site where St. Francis was born and then on to see the house where he spent the first years of his life. Then, near the ancient city walls, you will visit the Basilica of St Francis, which houses the tomb of the Saint. This afternoon we continue north to Florence. Check in your hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning discover the cradle of the Renaissance, where one breathes art in the medieval streets, in the craftsmen’s workshops, and in the Renaissance Palaces. Visit the Baptistery of St. John, the religious essence of the city, the Duomo with the Medici Chapel,the Church of St. Lorenzo, Piazza della Signoria and the Basilica of Santa Croce, a masterpiece of Gothic art and the pantheon of famous Italians such as Michelangelo. Visit the Accademia Gallery, which hosts Michelangelo’s famous David.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore additional treasures of Florence and shop on your own. The outdoor Market of San Lorenzo boasts leather products, and the Ponte Vecchio, covered since medieval times with goldsmiths’ shops, is a must for Florence’s other specialty, gold jewelry. Dinner and overnight in Florence.

Depart Florence after breakfast and drive through the scenic Tuscan countryside to the highway where we travel towards the north and reach Venice. Upon arrival, we transfer to

central Venice by private motor-boat to tour the magnificent Piazza and Basilica of St.Mark’s, its marvelous Byzantine-style architecture studded with colored marbles and glittering gold mosaics and housing the tomb of the Evangelist Mark. Visit also the elaborate Doge’s Palace, the lavish home of the former Venetian rulers with its famous Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners crossed before being led to the dungeons. Enjoy some time at leisure for an optional gondola ride or for shopping. Transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning we begin a long, but wonderful day as we head to Verona. The first glimpse of the city is love at first sight. “There is no world without Verona walls” pens William Shakespeare, who has lent Verona fame and immortality with his tale of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo Montecchi (Montagu) and Juliet Capuleti (Capulet). Reboard our bus and continue to Milan, Italy’s fashion and business capital. You’ll enjoy a panoramic tour, highlighted by the enormous gothic cathedral known as “Il Duomo” and perhaps the world’s premier opera house, the Teatro alla La Scala. Board your bus to reach your hotel located on the Maggiore Lake. Dinner and overnight.

Today we enjoy a relaxing day around Lake Maggiore which stretches all the way up into Switzerland. Like all of these prealpine lakes, it’s renowned for being beautiful, and has attracted celebrity visitors from Napoleon to Ernest Hemingway, to Prince Charles and Lady Diana. We will board our private vessel as we tour around Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands. Glide by lush lakeside gardens and towns, stopping to view Borromean Palace on Isola Bella. Return to the hotel where the afternoon will be free to relax, explore the area on your own, and to get ready for our early morning departure tomorrow. Dinner at the hotel.

Early morning transfer to the airport for our flight back home. We have walked where Paul and Peter ministered to the early church and to us as well.