Description
A journey through the heart of ancient and modern Greece planned and supervised by,
our Biblical Historian and Archaeologist, Dr. Haim Cohen.
This adventure combines the exploration of Greek culture and mythology,
with insights into the early spread of Christianity in Europe,
following the path of Saul of Tarsus (Paul).
Highlights
- Athans and Marathon Bay – Cape Sounion – Atena
- Corinth Canal – Peloponnese: Corinth – Epidaurus – Nafplio
- Arcadia – Olympia
- Stemnitsa, Kalavryta
- Delphi, Meteora Monasteries, and Kalambaka
- Ioannina- Vikos Gorge
- Kastoria- Vergina, and Thessaloniki
- Philippi, Lydia, and Kavala
Itinerary
- Days 1-2: Athens – Marathon Bay – Cape Sounion – Atena
- 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 Adventures
- Day 6: Delphi, Meteora Monasteries, and Kalambaka
- Day 7: Ioannina- Vikos Gorge- Kastoria
- Day 8: Kastoria- Vergina, and Thessaloniki
- Day 9: Philippi, Lydia, and KavalaFlight to Athens
- Day 10: Athens, Flight back home
- Day 1:
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.
- The Academy building and the National Library.
Visit the modern Acropolis Museum, which displays 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: 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.
Dinner and overnight: 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 hotel in Nafplio and enjoy a short relaxation.
Dinner and overnight: 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: Dimitsana.
- Day 5 Mountain Magic – Stemnitsa, Kalavryta, and a Railway Adventure
Explore 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: Arachova
- Day 6 Delphi, Meteora Monasteries, and Kalambaka
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: Kalambaka
- Day 7 Ioannina- Vikos Gorge- Kastoria
Visit Ioannina old city, the Jewish quarter and synagogue, the Ali Pasha Museum, the castle, and the clock tower.
Zagoria villages Vikos Gorge viewpoint: view the deepest canyon in Europe. On to Kastoria.
➢Dinner in one of the best taverns in Kastoria
Overnight: Kastoria
- Day 8 Kastoria- Vergina, and Thessaloniki
Kastoria: Enjoy a boat ride in the lake. Explore the beautiful old city including a visit to the Folk Museum. Visit Virginia, home to the Royal Tombs of Aigai, including the tomb of Philip II.
Explore the historical treasures of Vergina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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: Thessaloniki
- Day 9 Philippi, Lydia, and Kavala
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. 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 Kavala (ancient Neapolis), a port city.
Explore the beautiful bay, port, Aqueduct, and more.
Return to Athens in the late afternoon flight. Check in hotel in Athens.
➢ farewell Dinner at the finest tavern in Athens.
Overnight: Athens
- Day 10: Athens
Check out hotel
Transfer to Athens airport.
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