On the Third Day: Pilgrimage 2024

• Arrive in Athens and meet your English Speaking Greek guide, who will bring you to the Acropolis a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll explore the ancient temples, including the Parthenon.
• Continue to the Mars Hills (Areopagus) where the Apostle Paul addressed the Athenians at the Areopagus, and recounted in Acts 17:16–34.
• Drive through the city taking in its historical and cultural highlights that includes: a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympics were held; the Parliament building, Presidential Palace, and the Syntagma Square where you may catch the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Royal Palace.
• Check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

• Today, you’ll embark on a journey to Corinth, an important ancient city, which Paul has written to in the Book of Corinthians. Stop at the Corinth Canal for a photo opportunity and coffee break.
• Visit the ancient ruins of Corinth, including the Temple of Apollo and the Museum. Return to Athens for dinner and another overnight stay.

• Depart Athens and travel to Meteora monasteries. Lunch Stop. In the afternoon, explore the remarkable Meteora monasteries, perched atop towering rock formations. Check in, Dinner and overnight stay in Kalambaka.

• Spend the day visiting various monasteries in Meteora, including Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, and others. Learn about the history and significance of these monastic communities.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Kalambaka.

• Depart Kalambaka and drive to Thessaloniki, making a stop in Berea. In Berea, explore the Biblical sites associated with the ministry of the Apostle Paul including the The Bereans of the Bible were very interesting people who lived in the city of Berea in Macedonia. These people are mentioned in Acts 17:10-15 and the Bible describes them as being “noble”, “fair-minded” or “open-minded” because of how they responded to the Gospel message that was preached to them by Paul and Silas. Continue to Thessaloniki for dinner and an overnight stay.

Visit Lydia, where the Apostle Paul met Lydia, the first European Christian convert, in the colonial Roman city of Philippi (Acts 16:11-15), located in the district of Macedonia.  Then Explore Philippi, an ancient city mentioned in the New Testament, known for its association with the Apostle Paul. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and an overnight stay.

• Depart Thessaloniki and travel back to Athens.
• Free time for personal exploration or relaxation.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Athens.

• Check out of your Athens hotel and embark on a 4-day cruise.
• Set sail for Mykonos, where you can take a walking tour on your own. Mykonos is a popular Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, charming Cycladic architecture, and rich history. While you will have limited time to do extensive touring, you will find photo opportunities, souvenir shopping and a snack enjoyable.
• Be back on the ship on a free bus shuttle. Cruise departs at 23:00 hours.

• (OPTIONAL additional $87-95) Disembark in Ephesus, where you can explore the ancient city that includes: Celsus Library: The Library of Celsus is one of the most iconic structures in Ephesus. It was built in the 2nd century AD and once housed thousands of scrolls, The Grand Theater, The Marble Street, The Theater, among others. Visiting Ephesus provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world, with its well-preserved structures and rich history. It’s advisable to explore the site with a knowledgeable guide or a good guidebook to fully appreciate its historical and architectural significance.
• If staying inside of the cruise ship, it is a time to relax and savor the different food items always available for you in the cruise. Return to the cruise ship for lunch and then disembark in Patmos (included excursion), known for the Cave of the Apocalypse where Jesus gave His Revelation to John. Departure from Patmos at 21:30 hours.

• Disembark in Rhodes.(included excursion) Visit Lindos, a picturesque village on the island of Rhodes in Greece, is not directly mentioned in the Bible, and it does not hold any specific biblical significance. However, the island of Rhodes itself has historical connections to biblical events and figures, albeit indirectly. Also visit the The medieval Old Town of Rhodes which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. It is enclosed by impressive fortifications and features narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, museums, shops, and restaurants.
• Return to the ship for meals. Cruise departs from Rhodes at 18:00 hours.

• Disembark in Crete (included excursion) , the place where the Minoan civilization, one of the most important civilizations of the world (2600-1150 BC), started. The only site on Crete mentioned in the Bible, though Crete itself was said to be the place of the ministry of Titus (Titus 1:5), is the harbor of Kaloi Limenes (Good Harbor), referred to in the Book of Acts as Fair Havens (Acts 27: 8). After two thousand years, the site is known by the same name today. Return to the ship for a 12:00 noon departure.
• Disembark in Santorini and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Santorini.

• Enjoy a day at leisure in the stunning island of Santorini, known for its breathtaking sunsets and beautiful landscapes.

• Take a fast ferry back to Athens.
• Transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Athens.

• Check out of your hotel and transfer to the Athens airport for your flight back to Manila

Arrive in Manila, completing your religious tour journey.