Greece and Rome Tour
Greece and Rome Tour
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN THESSALONICA
Arrive in Thessalonica, the second largest city of Greece. Enjoy the day at your own leisure. Take a walk by the seaside promenade and explore the beautiful city center!
DAY 2: THESSALONICA – BEREA
Today’s tour begins with a sightseeing drive of the city viewing the White Tower, the statue of Alexander the Great, the triumphal Arch of Galerius and Rotunda, which was later converted to the Church of St George. We view the remains of the Palace complex of Galerius (late 3rd century AD) and the Roman forum. We visit St. Demetrius’ Church with its early Byzantine mosaics. In Thessalonica (Acts 17:2), Paul went immediately to the synagogue where he explained the prophecies of the Old Testament to Jews and Greeks for three Saturdays. According to the Book of the Acts many Greeks believed and even many «Greek chief women» (Acts 17:1-4) were converted. Paul wrote two epistles to Thessalonians, both in the canon of the New Testament. Continue our way to Berea (Acts 17:10-15) where Paul arrived and according to his custom, went to the synagogue and discovered that these Jews were “more noble” than those he had encountered in Thessalonica (Acts 17:10-11). Return to Thessalonica late in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 3: AMPHIPOLIS – PHILIPPI – KAVALA (NEAPOLIS)
Depart for Philippi, passing by the Lion statue of Amphipolis (short stop for photos). We visit the archaeological site of Philippi, where Paul established a strong church and sent his letter (Acts 16:9-33). 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. After the visit, we continue to Kavala, the ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16:11) where we enjoy a panoramic tour before returning to Thessalonica for an overnight stay.
DAY 4: METEORA MONASTERIES – KALAMBAKA
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Drive to Meteora and visit one of the Monasteries built on the top of colossal symmetrical gray and reddish boulders. They are perched precariously high above the ground and were first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation. View the superb icons, old manuscripts and unique mosaics and frescoes. Check in at the hotel in Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: KALAMBAKA – ATHENS
Today we commence our drive to Athens passing by the historical Thermopylae, where the most prominent battle of the second Persian invasion of Greece took place. Arrive Athens in the afternoon and enjoy rest of the day at your own leisure. Overnight in Athens.
DAY 6: ATHENS CITY TOUR – PARTHENON TEMPLE – MARS HILL
In the morning, we climb up to the marble-capped Acropolis Hill and visit the famous Parthenon and Erechtheion Temples. Then walk to nearby Mars’ Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where Paul delivered his soulstirring sermon to the giants of philosophy, logic and learning and spoke about the inscription: “to an unknown god”. We continue our tour with a panoramic sightseeing of the city highlights. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure in Plaka, the oldest and most picturesque district of Athens.
DAY 7: ANCIENT CORINTH – CENCHREA
Our morning excursion out of Athens takes us by the Saronic Gulf via the historic Corinthian Canal (quick stop for photos) to Ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18). It was to this megalopolis where the Apostle Paul came, worked and established a thriving church. We will visit the archaeological site and museum as well as all the points of interest associated with Paul’s ministry. On our way back to Athens, we will pass by the ancient port of Cenchrea, from where the Apostle Paul sailed to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19). In the evening, you may worship with the local English-speaking congregation.
DAY 8: ATHENS – ROME
Today we begin our journey to Italy! Morning transfer to Athens Airport and fly to Rome. Upon arrival at Rome International Airport “Leonardo da Vinci” in Fiumicino, meet with our representative and transfer to the city centre to enjoy a walking tour of Baroque Rome (4.00-4.30 p.m.). View the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona. After the walking tour, check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 9: PALATINE HILL – COLOSSEUM – MAMERTINE PRISON
Enjoy a full day guided tour of Rome. Access the Palatine hill and discover the hill where Rome was founded at the beginning. Continue to the Colosseum (inside visit) and be amazed by this monument that is the symbol of the power of the Roman Empire in ancient times. The Amphitheater created to entertain ancient Roman citizens with shows of gladiators, animals and cruel games, is now one of the most fascinating landmarks of the city. Walk on the original path of ancient Rome in the Roman Forum, along Via Sacra and see the Temples of Vesta, Antonin and Faustina, the ancient Basilica Julia and Aemilia and dream about the glorious past of the Roman Empire. We visit the Mamertine Prison, where Apostle Paul was imprisoned in chains and from where he wrote several letters before his execution. See the Arch of Constantine and the Trajan Column. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 10: VATICAN – SISTINE CHAPEL – CATACOMBS
Our full day guided tour begins with a visit to the Sistine Chapel, where we will have the chance to admire the powerful frescoes of the Last Judgment and the chapel’s ceiling. Then walk in St. Peter’s Basilica, to see the most important church of the Catholic world, with masterpieces like “Pietà” by Michelangelo and other impressive works. Continue to St. Peter’s Square, where the Apostle Peter is said to have been crucified (John 21:18-19). Lunch on your own. Proceed along the ancient Appian Way, passing the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis before arriving at the Catacombs, the ancient underground cemeteries and hiding places of the Christians. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 11: ROME DEPARTURE
Escorted group bus transfer to Rome International Airport for the departure flight back home taking with you truly memorable experiences!
