Itinerary

Sat 25 Apr      Thessaloniki - Kavala

Upon arrival into Thessaloniki International Airport you will be transferred to your hotel in Kavala with your local, English-speaking guide.
The tour begins with two nights at the biblical port city of  Neapolis, now known as Kavala. This is where Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot in Europe.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore the atmospheric old town with its famous aqueduct, Byzantine castle and neoclassical mansions, before a welcome dinner at a local restaurant for the start of the tour.

Accom: Hotel Lucy or similar (2nts) 
Meals: Dinner

Sun 26 Apr      Kavala-Philippi-Mt Athos-Kavala

This morning visit Philippi, a busy Roman colony with an impressive library and ancient theatre located at the foot of an acropolis and the eastern wall of the city.
It was here that Paul preached and established the first church in Europe, and that he baptized a woman called Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe. Also visit the prison in Philippi where Paul and Silas were incarcerated.
Continue to the UNESCO world heritage site of Mt Athos, widely considered to be the holiest place in Modern Greece. Spend a relaxing afternoon cruising the same pristine Aegean waters that Paul, Silas and Luke passed through on their long journey from Troy.
Return to Kavala for an evening at leisure to relax, or perhaps dine at a portside taverna recommended by the guide.

Accom: Hotel Lucy or similar 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Mon 27 Apr      Kavala-Amphipolis-Thessaloniki

Today’s journey continues along Paul’s route towards Thessaloniki via Amphipolis, a wealthy city in ancient Macedonia, where many Christian churches were built in the 5th and 6th centuries.
Named after Alexander the Great’s sister, Thessaloniki figures prominently in the New Testament.
Today, it’s a vibrant city at a unique crossroads of civilizations, where East meets West, and cultures and religions have mixed for thousands of years.On a guided tour we visit where Paul preached and wrote two epistles during the winters of 49-50 AD to the Ancient Thessalonians.

Accom: Hotel Capsis Thessaloniki or similar (1nt)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tue 28 Apr      Thessaloniki-Veria-Kalambaka

En-route to Kalambaka, stop in Veria (called Berea in the New Testament), where Paul and Silas were sent by friends after being accused of treason in Thessaloniki.
Visit the Bema of Apostle Paul, where he preached the gospel to the local community and at nearby Vergina, see the burial site of the kings of Macedonia, including the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great.
Then continue on to Kalambaka, home to the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries.

Accom: Hotel Amalia or similar (2nts)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wed 29 Apr    Kalambaka - Meteora -Kalambaka

Today climb above the charming mountain villages of Kastraki and Kalambaka to visit two of the six surviving Monasteries of Meteora, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the world.
Visit the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, the second-largest of the monasteries, and the Holy Monastery of St. Stephen, which was bombed by the Nazis during WWII but later was reconstructed by nuns.
Meteora, means “suspended in the heavens above” and when you see the awe-inspiring monastery-topped rock formations unfold before your eyes, you’ll understand why they were thus named.
See how the monks live today in the monasteries and enter some of the most captivating Byzantine basilicas in Greece.
Lunch and the afternoon are at your leisure to soak up the atmosphere or simply relax and enjoy the resort facilities.

Accom: Hotel Amalia or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Thu 30 Apr    Kalambaka-Thermopylae-Athens

This morning continue the journey by coach towards Athens, with a mid-journey lunch stop in Thermopylae.
Thermopylae is a place in Greece where a narrow coastal passage existed in antiquity and it is probably best known for the Battle of Thermopylae, (480 BC), a battle at the mountain pass during the Persian Wars.
It derives its name from its hot sulphur springs. According to mythology the area’s hot springs were created by Hephestus at Athena’s request, as a gift for Hercules.
Today the village of Thermopylae has developed into an important spa resort in Central Greece. Nearby is the coastal town of Agios Konstandinos, near Kamena Vourla, gateway to the Sporades. This coastal town is the point of departure for ferries to Skiathos, Alonissos, Skopelos and other north Aegean islands and we can see the coastal route that Paul sailed on from Thessaloniki to Athens.
After lunch we continue on to Athens. The evening is at leisure to explore the Plaka area with its Acropolis views and lively tavernas.

Accom: Hotel Zafolia or similar (2nts)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Fri 01 May    Athens

Start the day with an early morning walking tour of Athens’ Acropolis and see the Parthenon, the Propylae, The Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheum, the Aeropagus (Mars Hill) where the Apostle Paul spoke to the Athenians who were gathered in the Ancient Agora below.
The Ancient Agora, which was the centre of political and public life in Ancient Athens, was utilized for commerce, political, religious and military activity. It was where Paul met and spoke with the Epicureans and Stoic Philosophers.
The rest of the day is at leisure in Athens before enjoying dinner at a lovely local restaurant.

Accom: Hotel Zafolia or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sat 02 May     Athens-Corinth-Piraeus Port

After Athens, Paul went to Corinth. At the foothills of the Corinthian Acropolis, he lived, worked as a tent maker, and taught the word of God for 18 months.
Visit the ruins of the ancient city, walking in the same paths that he walked thousands of years before while the guide reveals the ruins of the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Peirene, the Agora where Paul's trial by Gallio took place and where the famous Bema stands.
Afterward pass by the ancient port of Kechries, where Paul departed from for Ephesus.
After lunch, start the journey back to Athens to join the cruise and marvel at the engineering feat of the Corinth Canal, designed in Paul’s time, but finally realized in the late 1890s.
Arrive at Piraeus port late afternoon, in time for embarkation of our sailing ship, the Star Flyer.
The Star Flyer is a modern cruise ship in every way, created for luxury-loving passengers who also love the traditions and romance of the legendary era of sailing ships. Star Flyer is 360 feet long and carries just 170 guests in pampered comfort.
Enjoy a cocktail reception followed by dinner tonight onboard.

Accom: the Star Flyer (7nts)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Sun 03 May Sailing the Aegean Sea

Today, enjoy a leisurely day at sea, following the sailing path of the Apostle Paul. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one stunning destination to the next, sailing through the Samos Strait.
During your day on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the 2 pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship.
Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges and a peaceful library.

Accom: the Star Flyer (7nts)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Mon 04 May      Kusadasi-Ephesus-Kusadasi

Kusadasi is a popular Turkish port of call for cruise ships, as not only is it a bustling resort town full of shops, bars and restaurants, but it is also the main access point for the famous archeological site of Ephesus.
Ephesus was the “First and greatest metropolis of Asia”. The city dates back to 3000BC and in its heyday was the Roman capital of Asia Minor with a population of a quarter of a million. The remains of this important Ionian city bear witness to its glorious past. The well-preserved ruins include a theatre, the Hadrian Gate, the Celsus Library, Curetes Street (one of the 3 main streets) the Fountain of Trajan and the Odeon (used for poetry readings and prize giving ceremonies).
Ephesus had many famous inhabitants and visitors, one of whom was Saint Paul. Saint Paul’s diatribe against the cult of Artemis at the theatre of Ephesus caused a riot in the city. The uprising was instigated by the silversmiths and jewellers who made a good living selling silver statuettes of the goddess and were afraid that business would suffer if the citizens adopted a new religion. Nevertheless Ephesus was to become one of the most important cities in early Christianity.
Six years after the death of Christ it was visited by the Virgin Mary and Saint John, and the house where Mary is said to have spent her last days is situated at the top of “Bulbul” mountain, 9 km distance from the town.
A private locally-guided group tour of Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary is included today.
We have a late departure from Kusadasi this evening so that you can have free time ashore in the evening to enjoy the local restaurants and taverns if you wish.

Accom: the Star Flyer (7nts)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (onboard)

Tue 05 May      Patmos

Known as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean”, life on Patmos seems to revolve around its religious heritage. The island was home to the Apostle Saint John while in exile from Rome and it was here that he wrote the Book of Revelation.
Patmos consists of three peaks connected by two isthmuses with a long, narrow coastline and many small bays. The main port Scala is traditionally Greek in style, with white-washed houses, narrow lanes, flowered courtyards, tavernas and shops. The city of Chora is reputed to be a hideaway for the rich and famous (such as the Aga Khan). The Holy Monastery of the Theologian is situated on a hill top and is a historical reminder of St John and his time on Patmos.
A guided excursion to Saint John’s monastery and the cave of the Revelation is included in your tour today.
During his two year exile on Patmos (around 97 AD), Saint John lived in a cave on the way to Chora. It was here that he reputedly heard the voice of God dictating the text of the Book of Revelation and penned the final book of the bible.
The short trip from the Port of Scala to the village of Chora will be by local bus. Here you will visit the Monastery of St John, perched high on the top of a hill, overlooking the harbour. It dates back to the 11th century and is one of the holiest places of the Orthodox Church with many sumptuous chapels and treasures. The frescoes on the church walls are outstandingly beautiful and the monastery museum boasts a fascinating collection of Byzantine icons and ancient Gospels from the 6th century.
After the monastery you will visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse and see the rock pillow St John slept on and the stone ledge he used as a desk. Three fissures can be seen in the rock face from which the voice of God is said to have issued forth. The fissures represent the Holy Trinity.

Accom: the Star Flyer (7nts)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Wed 06 May      Amorgos

Situated in the eastern Cyclades close to the Dodecanese, Amorgos is a small peaceful island of only 121 square kilometres, with about 1650 inhabitants.
The general atmosphere is one of great serenity and attractions include beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, whitewashed houses, windmills and a Venetian castle. In recent years the island has become more popular as a holiday destination, since the Luc Besson movie “The Big Blue”
The most notable landmark on the island is the monastery of Panagia Hosviotissa, clinging to the cliffside 300 metres above sea level.

It was built to house a 9th century religious icon of the Virgin Mary. The icon, which is on public display inside the monastery, was said to have arrived mysteriously on the seashore aboard an unmanned boat coming from Palestine.
The capital of Amorgos is Chora, in the centre of the island and has wonderful examples of Cycladic architecture, picturesque churches and narrow cobbled paths leading to a Venetian fortress. Despite its small size, Amorgos has two ports: Katapola in the south west, full of narrow little streets, windmills, and blue and white painted houses and Aegiali a smaller harbour in the north east.

Accom: the Star Flyer (7nts)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Thu 07 May      Mykonos

In Mykonos, step off the ship into a charming little harbour, with picturesque whitewashed houses, local handicraft shops, boutiques, waterfront cafes and of course the island’s mascot: The Pelican.
Two of the best places to visit are Little Venice, located on the southwestern side of town, with its waterfront cafes and spectacular views of the sunset, and the famous Windmills (adjacent to Little Venice), one of the landmarks of Mykonos.
There is an optional excursion (not included) to the sacred island of Delos. Otherwise, your time in Mykonos is at your leisure.

Accom: the Star Flyer (7nts)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Fri 08 May        Spetses

Spetses, an island boasting a long naval tradition, is famous for its significant contribution to the 1821 War of Independence. Take a romantic trip around the island in horse-drawn carriages and admire the grand mansions adorning the narrow cobbled streets of the island. Due to it's rich history there are many attractions worthy of a visit including museums, churches and cathedrals. There are also many beautiful beaches within easy reach where you can soak up the sun or take part in the water sports on offer.

Accom: the Star Flyer (7nts)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Sat 09 May      Disembark Athens

Sadly, our cruise-tour comes to an end after breakfast as we disembark in Piraeus Port, Athens.

Meals: Breakfast

Summary 

Accommodation: 14 nights

Kavala - 2 nights
Hotel Lucy or similar

Thessaloniki - 1 night

Hotel Capsis Thessaloniki or similar

Meteora - 2 nights
Hotel Amalia or similar

Athens - 2 nights
Hotel Zafolia or similar

Aegean Sea cruise - 7 nights
Star Flyer, Star Clippers Line - category 4 porthole cabin

Meals included:

• 14 Breakfasts
• 10 Lunches
• 9 Dinners

For more information contact Newport Travel on 02 9997 1277 or

email info@newporttravel.com.au