9 Day All Inclusive Greece & Italy Tour

Our journey begins as we board our overnight connecting flight to Athens. Meals served on board.

Upon arrival in Athens we meet our guide and travel to our hotel, where we enjoy dinner and retire for our first night in Greece. Tomorrow is a big day!

Today in Athens we visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Areopagus, and Mars Hill, where the apostle Paul delivered his well-known sermon (Acts 17:15-34). We see the Acropolis Museum, then have a tour of the Parliament House, the Academy, Omonia Square, and the Panathenaic Stadium.

In the afternoon we drive along the coastal road to Corinth, continuing along the beautiful beach of Kinetta to see the handmade Corinth Canal connecting the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. In Corinth we visit the archaeological site where the apostle Paul worked for 18 months with tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-18). We also see the Bema of Saint Paul, the Doric Temple of Apollo, the Askeleion, the Peirene Fountain, and more before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Today we depart from Athens and travel to Mycenae. The Mycenaeans were fierce warriors and great engineers who designed and built remarkable bridges, walls, and tombs, all featuring Cyclopean masonry and elaborate drainage and irrigation systems. We continue to Patras, where we board our overnight ferry to Bari, Italy.

This morning we head to Pozzuoli (Putuoli) on the Bay of Naples. Here at Putuoli Paul first entered the mainland of the Roman Empire (Acts 28:13).

We pass by the ancient Roman Amphitheater (larger than the Colosseum in Rome!) and enjoy an overview of the seaport of Pozzuoli and the ancient marketplace. Here we can imagine the apostle Paul’s arrival for his continued journey to Rome. We check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Following breakfast we embark on an archaeological journey through the ancient city of Pompeii. Buried under a layer of ashes and pyroclastic flow by the sudden eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the city shows Roman life frozen in the time of the apostles Peter and Paul. We walk through Pompeii’s houses, shops, temples, squares, and streets, as well as the Lupanare (a first-century brothel) and the Suburban Baths, both displaying erotic frescoes and lending insight to Paul’s outrage against the moral corruption of the Romans (Romans 1:26).

We make our way north and rejoin the ancient Appian roadway, stopping at the partially-restored ruins of the Roman village of Minturno. We continue to Foro Appio and its Mansio Hotel, a small lodging situated in the same locale as an ancient Roman “posta” where travelers would rest before continuing their journey. On the property we see (and walk on!) remnants of the original Roman road, the Appian Way, upon which the apostle Paul traveled (Acts 28:14-15). Our evening concludes with dinner and overnight at the Mansio Hotel.

Departing Foro Appio after breakfast, we stop at the Abbey of the Three Fountains, the location of Paul’s martyrdom. Tradition has it that three different springs gushed forth at each spot touched when Paul’s head fell to the ground. We then continue on to the Eternal City of Rome.

We begin our walking tour of Rome along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, the center road in Rome running in a straight line from the Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum. We observe many magnificent centerpieces of ancient Rome, including the ruins of the Imperial Fora of Rome. We visit the Forum of Trajan, the most splendid market of its time and the forerunner of our modern malls, offering all the Roman world had to offer. We see the Capitoline Hill (the religious and political center of ancient Rome) and the Piazza del Campidoglio, designed and rebuilt in the 16th century by Michelangelo. Here we step onto a natural terrace offering a stunning view of the valley of the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. Moving on, we go to the Mamertime Prison where Paul was held and wrote his “prison epistles”. We also view the 3rd-century Arch of Constantine, commemorating Constantine’s historic victory that gave rise to the legalization and later adoption of Christianity. Next we visit the Colosseum, a stage for the historical fights of the famous gladiators. In the evening we 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.

This morning we begin our journey home, rejoicing in our unforgettable experiences in Greece and Italy. Our hearts are full; we explored ancient Christianity and brought new life to our Bible reading, and we will never be the same (Numbers 6:24–26).

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.

Our journey begins as we board our overnight connecting flight to Thessaloniki. Meals served on board.

Today we arrive in Thessaloniki, named after Alexander the Great’s sister. The city features prominently in the New Testament, at which time this provincial capital was considered a world cultural center. This community was the center of Paul’s activities in Northern Greece. It is where he preached and founded a church, and he wrote two epistles to the people of Thessaloniki (Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians). This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel.

Today we tour along the ancient route of the apostle Paul to Amphipolis (Acts 17:1). Our journey takes us to ancient Philippi, named after the father of Alexander the Great. This busy Roman colony boasted a great library and theater. In Philippi, Paul preached and established the first church in Europe, and it was the people of Philippi to whom he wrote one of his epistles while imprisoned in Rome (Acts 16:11-40; Philippians). It was also in this area that 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). Next we continue to Kavala, ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16:9-11). We return to our hotel in Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

This morning we stop in Veria (Beroea of the New Testament), where Paul and Silas were sent by friends after being accused of treason in Thessalonika (Acts 17:5-15). We visit the Bema, where Paul is said to have stood and preached the Gospel to the local community. Next we continue to Kalambaka to see the striking scenery of the hanging monasteries of Meteora. Perched on top of huge rocks that seem to be suspended in mid-air are ageless monasteries where we can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. There are 24 monasteries in total, with 6 currently inhabited. We visit one of them before checking into our hotel in Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.

Today on our drive to Athens we stop at Thermopylae, the location where the Greeks victoriously fought for their freedom during the Greco-Persian wars in 480 BC. We see the statue of Leonidas, king of the Greek city-state Sparta. We continue on to Athens, where we have a panoramic orientation tour before checking into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Today is full of endless opportunities! We are free to shop, dine, take on private sightseeing excursions, or just relax. This is the perfect chance to enjoy free time in the Plaka area, the ancient city of Athens. In the evening we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

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.