The Churches of Revelation Tour through Turkey & Greece with 3 night Greek Island Cruise

FROM THE USA TO TURKEY

• Our tour starts today as we depart on our way to Turkey. Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight.

WELCOME TO TURKEY

• Today you will arrive in Izmir
• Upon arrival at Izmir airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your Izmir hotel.
• The afternoon will be free to spend at your leisure.

Meals:  Dinner

• Today we will enjoy a Pergamon day tour.
• We will visit the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena, the famous Library, the Royal Palaces, the Temple of Trajan, the steepest Theater in the world, the Temple of Dionysos, the Altar of Zeus, and the Red Basilica (St. John’s Church).
• After lunch, we will visit the ruins of Asclepion, the Medical Center of the ancient world.

• Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation: Izmir, Kordon Cankaya Hotel

• Today we will explore Ephesus, the veritable cradle of early Christianity. Here you will visit the Shrine of the Virgin Mary, where she was believed to have spent her later days.
• Next we will proceed to the spectacular ruins from the time of St. Paul, some of which have only recently been excavated. We will see the Odeon, the Bouleterion, the Fountains, the Temples, the Brothel, the Library, the Agoras, the Great Theater and more.
• After lunch we will visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and enjoy a display on Turkish handicrafts.

• Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation: Kusadasi, Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel

ISLAND OF PATMOS: MONASTERY OF ST JOHN / GROTTO OF THE REVELATION / SHORE EXCURSION INCLUDED

• Today we will embark on our 3 Night Cruise to the Greek Islands Board the Ship by 10:00 –  to Patmos, Greece at 1:00pm.
• We will arrive at the island of Patmos, Greece at 4:00pm. The enchanting island of Patmos hasn’t changed much since 2,000 year ago when the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation (Rev. 1:12-21). The cave believed to be the place where John received his visions of Christ is where the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist is located. Enjoy the beautiful views from the monastery and visit the Grotto of the Revelation – this is a guided tour offered by Celestyal Cruises – not an AIT private tour. After some free time to discover the sites in the area, we will return to the ship and sail to Rhodes, Greece at 9:30pm.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Accommodation:  On Board – Celestyal Cruises

• We will enjoy a delightful breakfast on board the cruise and get ready to arrive at the island of Rhodes at 7:00am. This stronghold was built by a Crusading Order, which originated from Palestine, and in older days, it boasted of another achievements of the then known world – The Colossus of Rhodes!
• Enjoy a half-day excursion to the Temple of Athena on the majestic rocky Acropolis of Lindos, with the blue Aegean Sea beneath it and the sophisticated, whitewashed artists’ colony at its foot. Local tradition has it that on his way to Rome; Paul’s vessels spent some time here in the small harbor (Acts 21:1). Continue to the old town of Rhodes and go through D’Amboise Gate to walk on the Street of the Knights! Lunch on board.
•  We will head to the cruise for a delightful lunch on board and then spend the afternoon strolling through the walled city during our free time. Interact with locals, enjoy the diverse atmosphere, and relish on the astonishing views Rhodes has to offer.
• We will sail to Heraklion, Crete at 6:00pm and enjoy a dinner on board.

• • Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 
  • Accommodation:  On Board – Celestyal Cruises

• We will arrive at Heraklion, Crete. (Acts 27:7-13).
• Enjoy your free time in the largest Greek island or join an optional tour of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, known for the Greek mythological creature with the head of a bull and the body of man, the Minotaur. Optional shore excursion is offered by Celestyal Cruises,
• We will sail to the Island of Santorini at 11:00am, where will arrive at 4:30pm.
•  Take a cable car (recommended) – cost of cable car is 8 Euro per person, per way – to the town of Thera, a city built over the rim of a volcano and where an eruption in 1,600 BC of the volcano is believed to have originated the Atlantis myth.
• Take your own taxi to the beautiful village of Oia, famous for its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches and unforgettable breathtaking sunsets.
• Return to the cruise and sail to Piraeus at 9:30pm.

• • Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 
  • Accommodation:  On Board – Celestyal Cruises

• Optional Shore excursions:

• Optional tour of the Minoan Palace of Knossos ($80)
  Optional tour of the Village of Oia ($87)

• Disembarkations will be at the port of Lavrion-60KM from Terminal in Athens. Ship should arrive between 6:00-7:00 AM
• After a delicious breakfast onboard, we will disembark the cruise and drive to Ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18) for a half-day tour. It is here where the Apostle Paul visited at least three times, he founded Christian assemblies, and also wrote at least four letters to Christians in Corinth.
• Visit the ruins of the 5th century basilica at the ancient port Cenchrea (viewed from the bus) before we head to Athens and arrive at the hotel for an overnight stay.
• Enjoy a free evening around the area, maybe visit a popular restaurant and interact with the locals.

• Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation:  Athens, Royal Olympic Hotel *
• ***Celestyal Cruises reserves the right to make any changes to included optional shore excursions.

• After we enjoy our breakfast, we will tour the city of Athens, learning more about the local culture and the ancient architecture as well as it’s modern sites.
• Visit one of the most famous sites in Athens, the magnificent temple of the Acropolis of Athens, known as the Parthenon. Built between 447 and 432BCE, this is the picture-perfect spot in Athens.
• Visit the Erechtheion on the north side of the Acropolis, dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon.
• In modern Athens we will visit the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Parliament House, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, Presidential Palace, the Academy, the University and the National Library.
• We will head to the Acropolis Museum before returning to the hotel and enjoying some free time in the afternoon.
• Enjoy a free evening around the area, maybe visit a popular restaurant and interact with the locals.

• Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation:  Athens, Royal Olympic Hotel *

ANCIENT DELPHI / SANCTUARY OF APOLLO / KALAMBAKA

• After breakfast, we leave Athens and make our way to the ancient site of Delphi, once regarded as the center of the ancient world, with influence that stretched far beyond Greece. Here, we explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the archaeological museum, home to remarkable ancient Greek sculptures, including the bronze Charioteer and the renowned athlete Aghias.
• Our journey continues to Kalambaka, one of Greece’s most picturesque towns. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

• Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Kalambaka, Divani Meteora Hotel

METEORA MONASTERIES / VERIA (BEREA) / VERGINA / THESSALONIKI

• After early breakfast we will visit Meteora, a region renowned for its awe-inspiring 11th century monasteries, perched on towering rock formations. The history of these monasteries is closely tied to the devotion of Christian hermits and monks who sought solitude and spiritual fulfillment on these heights. We will visit some of these active monasteries, which house priceless relics, icons, and manuscripts, offering insight into the Byzantine era’s profound influence on Christianity.
• We will head to Veria (Berea), where Paul was welcomed into the synagogue and preached to the people (Acts17:10-15). See the monument marking the spot where the Apostle Paul’s was preaching and delivered his message, and the Bema where he stood to proclaim the Gospel. Continue to Vergina, where the ancient royal tombs, including that of King Philip, offer a glimpse into the history of Macedonia and its influence on early Christianity.

• We will end the day driving to the city of Thessaloniki, known as the “Queen of the North.” This vibrant city is deeply connected to early Christian history, as it was the place where Paul wrote two of his epistles to the Thessalonians. Thessaloniki was an important site for Paul’s missionary work that hold rich history of the early Christian Church. Check-in at the hotel in Thessalonica for dinner and overnight.

• From the scriptures – “The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.” (Acts 17:10-14)

  “Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace and the following day to Neapolis ” (Act 16:11)

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation:  Thessaloniki, Mediterranean Palace Hotel

THESSALONIKI

• After breakfast, we will start a city tour of Thessaloniki. Built by King Cassandros and named after the sister of Alexander the Great, the city flourished under the Byzantine Empire. We will see the Old City Walls, the White Tower, Galerius Arch and the Rotunda.
• Then, visit the Aghia Sofia Church, an 8th-century Christian church modeled after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. You’ll also visit St. Demetrios Church, with its impressive mosaics and frescoes, which bear witness to the city’s deep Christian roots.
• Visit the Byzantine Museum, the site where the monastery of Vlatadon was built is believed to be the location where Jason’s house once stood and where Paul was accommodated during his visit to Thessaloniki.  Enjoy dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

From the scriptures – “Paul came to Thessaloniki with Silas and following his usual custom, he went to the Synagogue where he used the Jewish scriptures as the source for his preaching.” (Act 17:2-4)

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Thessaloniki, Mediterranean Palace Hotel

KAVALLA AND PHILIPPI

• Today, you will visit the historic city of Kavala (ancient Neapolis), the port where Paul and his companions first landed on European soil.
• Continue to Philippi, where the Apostle Paul established a strong church and sent his letter (Acts 16:9-33). This location is a significant site for early Christianity. It was here that Paul preached and converted Lydia, the first European Christian, marking the beginning of the spread of Christianity throughout the continent. We see the river where Lydia is said to have been baptized, the ruins of a prison where the Apostle Paul and Sylas had been kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica and the Theater.Visit the Panagia Eikosifinitsa Monastery before returning to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

From the scriptures – “Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace and the following day to Neapolis ” (Act 16:11) “And from thence to Philippi which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony; and we were in that city abiding certain days.” (Act 16:12)

• Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner 
• Accommodation: Thessaloniki, Mediterranean Palace Hotel

DEPARTURE BACK TO THE UNITED STATES

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Thessaloniki airport for your flight home, taking with you the many spiritual experiences and profound insights you’ve gained on this unforgettable journey through the lands that shaped early Christianity.

• Meals:  Breakfast
• Accommodation: On Board flight
• Departure Transfer – Complimentary for Wednesday departures