Description
Tour to Greece: The Cradle of Culture and Mythology. The Early Spread of Christianity in Europe (Following the Mission of Saul of Tarsus) The tour was designed and Supervised by our home Archaeologist Dr. Chaim Cohen and will be escorted by our Bible expert and Historian: Mr. Isaac Karasenti.
In this tour, we will delve into Greek culture, and visit natural and archaeological sites, some of which served as inspiration for Greek mythology.
Greece played a significant role in the early dissemination of Christianity in Europe, following the journeys of Saul of Tarsus (Paul).
This educational journey offers amazing sites and breathtaking landscapes.
Every day, we’ll savor authentic Greek hospitality, along with delicious food, wine, ouzo, and traditional Greek music.
Highlights
1. Sacred sites and historical marvels
2. Best of Geek Historical and heritage sites
3. Guided by New Testament sources.
Itinerary
Day 1: Athens
Day 2: Athens – Marathon Bay – Cape Sounion
Day 3: Athens – Corinth Canal – Peloponnese: Corinth – Epidaurus – Nafplio
Day 4: Exploring Arcadia – Olympia and Charming Villages
Day 5: Mountain Magic – Stemnitsa, Kalavryta, and a Railway Adventure
Day 6: Discover Delphi, Meteora Monasteries, and Kalambaka
Day 7: Vergina, Veroia, and Thessaloniki
Day 8: Philippi, Lydia, and Kavala
Day 1: Athens
This morning at 10:00 AM, a group meeting and welcome in the hotel lobby.
We will meet our guide and all tour participants. A guided bus tour with explanations to familiarize you with Athens. During this tour, you will see: Hadrian’s Gate, the modern stadium, Syntagma Square, and the Parliament building. From there we will continue to The Academy building and the National Library.
We will have a Break for an independent lunch. After lunch we will Visit the modern Acropolis Museum, displaying thousands of archaeological artifacts from the Acropolis and ancient Greece. Next, visit the Acropolis itself, where you will see the archaeological remains of the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Erechtheion, and more.
Enjoy the stunning views of Athens and the surrounding area from the Acropolis.
Continue to Areopagus, the hill where Saul the Tarsus delivered his famous speech to the Athenians, known as “Aerios Pagos.” Learn the significance of his speech. In the late afternoon, returned to our hotel for check-in, relaxation, and a short break.
Enjoy dinner at the finest tavern in Athens.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: Athens – Marathon Bay – Cape Sounion – Atena
In the morning, depart from Athens and travel west to Marathon Bay.
Learn about the famous battle between the Persians and the Greeks, the runner Phidippides who ran from the bay to Athens to bring news of the Greek victory and the origin of the marathon race named after this event.
Continue south to Cape Sounion. Visit the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon, perched on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea. Learn about King Aegeus, who leaped to his death from this point, giving the Aegean Sea its name. In the late afternoon, return to Athens and visit the ancient harbor of Athens. Saul the Tarsus arrived in Athens from Berea. Return to our hotel in Athens in the early evening for relaxation and a short break.
Enjoy dinner at one of the best taverns in Athens.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 3: Athens – Corinth Canal – Peloponnese: Corinth – Epidaurus – Nafplio
In the morning, depart from Athens and travel west to the Corinth Canal.
Learn about the impressive project that connected the Ionian Sea with the Aegean Sea and take photos of the canal. Continue to the ancient city of Corinth. Explore the ruins of the old city and learn about Saul the Tarsus’s visit to the Corinthians, including his letters and speeches to them. See the Bema from which he spoke. Visit the Archaeological Museum and view the remains from the Jewish synagogue with the menorah inscription. Explore the ancient harbor from which Saul departed Greece and sailed back to Caesarea. Conclude Saul the Tarsus’s journeys in Greece and their significance. Saul left Greece from this port and returned to the land of Israel, sailing to Caesarea. Continue south to Epidaurus, dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing. Explore the ruins, including the famous theater, one of the largest and best-preserved in ancient Greece. Learn about the Epidaurian healing rituals, where patients would sleep in the temple of Asclepius to receive healing in their dreams. Visit the archaeological site and the sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius.
In the late afternoon, arrive in the picturesque port town of Nafplio, where modern Greece’s first capital was established from 1829 to 1834. The old town is built on a small peninsula that extends into the bay.
Check in at our hotel in Nafplio and enjoy a short relaxation.
Dinner at the finest tavern in Nafplio.
Overnight in Nafplio.
Day 4: Exploring Arcadia – Olympia and Charming Villages
Begin the day by delving into the mythology of Arkas and the nymph Echo in the heart of Arcadia. Visit the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games: Olympia.
Explore archaeological wonders including the Temple of Zeus, stadium, and gymnasium. Learn the history and significance of the ancient Olympic Games. Discover Kalamata, famous for its Kalamata olive groves. Visit a local, traditional olive mill to learn about Kalamata olive oil production.
Enjoy a tasting session of Kalamata olives and olive oil. Explore picturesque villages with traditional stone architecture and local markets.
Marvel at the stunning canyon and river views Conclude the day in the captivating medieval village of Dimitsana.
Dinner at the finest tavern in Dimitsana.
Overnight in Dimitsana
Day 5: Mountain Magic – Stemnitsa, Kalavryta, and a Railway Adventure
Start the day at the beautiful village of Stemnitsa, known for its role in the Greek War of Independence. Admire picturesque streets, traditional architecture, and a delightful town square. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Lousios Gorge and the Prodromos Monastery.
Embark on a remarkable railway adventure on the Diakofto-Kalavryta rack railway.
Experience the stunning Vouraikos Gorge from the train. Continue to the coastal town of Diakofto. Reach Arachova, a charming mountain town on the slopes of Mount Parnassus.
Dinner at the finest tavern in Arachova.
Overnight in Arachova
Day 6: Delphi, Meteora Monasteries, and Kalambaka
This morning we will Visit the ancient site of Delphi, once considered the center of the world in antiquity. Explore archaeological treasures, including the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, and the ancient theater. Discover the rich history of Delphi at the Delphi Archaeological Museum.
Continue to Meteora, famous for its monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. Visit the Great Meteoron Monastery, founded in 1356, and Agios Stefanos Monastery Explore Byzantine and Orthodox history, including the lives of monks and nuns. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Meteora landscape. Conclude the day in the picturesque town of Kalambaka.
Dinner at the finest tavern in kalambaka.
Overnight in Kalambaka
Day 7: Vergina, Veroia, and Thessaloniki
This morning we start at Vergina, home to the Royal Tombs of Aigai, including the tomb of Philip II. Explore the historical treasures of Vergina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Proceed to Veroia, where Saul’s visit to the Jewish community is significant.
See the bema where Saul addressed the city’s residents. Follow the route mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as Saul travels to Athens.
Arrive in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city. Embark on a guided tour of Thessaloniki’s famous sites, including the White Tower, the Jewish synagogue, and more.
Enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the sea from the upper part of the city.
Dinner at one of the finest taverns in Thessaloniki.
Overnight in Thessaloniki
Day 8: Philippi, Lydia, and Kavala
This morning we will Explore the ancient city of Philippi, including the ancient theater, Basilica, and more. Learn about Saul’s visit to Philippi and see the ruins of the prison where he was confined. Continue and Visit Lydia, where Saul first preached in Europe.
See the river where Saul prayed and Lydia, the first European to be baptized.
Conclude the day in (ancient Neapolis), a port city. Explore the beautiful bay, port, Aqueduct, and more.
Return in the late afternoon, concluding the tour in the city center.
The tour begins in the morning of Day 1 in the hotel lobby in Athens and concludes in the evening of Day 8 in the center of Thessaloniki.
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