11-Day Orthodox Pilgrimage & Greek Islands Cruise

Today we will explore the city of Athens. Athens is one of the most glorious cities in the world and the cradle of western civilization as we know it today. We will visit the main points of interest in the city: the Acropolis, the Parthenon and Mars’ Hill (Areopagus) where Paul preached the truth to the Gentile Nation. Continue with the bus tour of the city passing by Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian´s Arch, Panathenaic Stadium, Constitution square, the Parliament and the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier, the Library, the Academy. Continue with a walking round the historical churches in Athens. first stop is the Russian Church, the Holy Church of Lykodemos Sotira is one of the oldest and largest Byzantine churches in Athens. Next stop, on this enchanting tourist route, is the Metropolitan Church of Athens, a beacon of religious and architectural significance. As visitors step inside, they are greeted by a remarkable sight: The Holy relic of Gregory V. Next is Kapnikarea Church will be the final stop and it stands out as a major landmark in Athens’ Byzantine past. Dating from the 11th century, the church lies in the middle of Ermou Street and is dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. At Monastiraki square you will visit the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, or Pantanassa, was once called the Great Monastery in a 16th century, a barrel-vaulted basilica. Last stop is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, influences by both Byzantine & Western architectural styles. Next to the Cathedral is the little church of the Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos, known as little Metropolis. The walls of the Panagia Gorgoepikoos are constructed entirely of ancient marble blocks, many of which are decorated with interesting inscriptions and reliefs, dating from the classical period up through the medieval Byzantine. Overnight in Athens.

Drive toward ancient Corinth (Acts 18.1-18). It was in ancient Corinth where Paul came and worked, established a thriving church and writing two of the epistles, which are now part of the New Testament. We will see all the sites that are associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio’s seat, the pillars, stairs, and the place of public worship, where Paul preached. All these visits will certainly enhance the understanding of Corinthians I and II. Before ending the tour and return to Athens, we will visit the ancient Greek port of Cenchrea (Acts 18:18) where Paul was during his second missionary journey and the ruin of the early Christian 5th Century Basilica.

Embark on a wonderful 3-night cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily while on board. Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands, is your first stop. This charming, mountainous island is known for the hundreds of tiny chapels, white-washed buildings, and beautiful windmills that dot its landscape. Don’t miss taking a stroll down Mykonos Town, where mazes of narrow streets link the whitewashed buildings and traditional life continues amidst the bustling activity. Enjoy free time to explore this little paradise in the middle of the Aegean Sea. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard).

Breakfast and stop at the Turkish port of Kusadasi for an included excursion to the ruins of Ephesus where Paul the Saint spent three years during his ministry and where its inhabitants were the recipients of Paul’s famous epistle. Ancient Ephesus was the Roman capital of Asia Minor and an important center for Christianity from AD 50s. During AD52-54 Saint Paul lived here working with the congregation and organizing his missionary activity and taught the Word of God (Acts 20:31) and this is where he wrote the Epistle to Corinthians I. Additionally this was one of the seven cities found in the Book of Revelation (Acts 2:1-7), indicating a strong church. We will visit the house of the Virgin Mary where she lived with John, on the hill behind the city. After this amazing experience we will have lunch and then visit the Basilica of St. John as well as the ruins of the famous Diana’s temple with the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, the Arch of Hercules, the Temple of Hadrian, the Agora and the Greco-Roman theater. Continue your cruise to the island of Patmos (included excursion), a beautiful and spiritual island where in 95 AD, St. John the Theologian - one of the twelve disciples of Jesus - was sent into exile. St. John remained on the island for eighteen months during which time he lived in a cave below the hilltop temple of Diana. In this cave exists a small hole in the rock wall, from which derived a series of oracular messages that Prochoros, a disciple of St. John, transcribed as the Biblical chapter of Revelations. During his time in the sacred cave, now known as the Holy Grotto of the Revelation, St. John also composed the Fourth Gospel. During our time there we will visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian UNESCO World Heritage Site where we will see the Holy Grotto as well as priceless icons and manuscripts. Afterward, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque harbor. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard).

In the morning the ship will dock at the port of Heraklion on the island of Crete (optional excursion). In Heraklion Paul met the owner and captain of the ship, who warned him about continuing his journey to Rome. You can take a tour (optional excursion) to the Palace of Knossos, the center of the Minoan civilization. After lunch, the ship will travel to the most beautiful island in the Aegean Sea known as the “Black Pearl of the Aegean”, the volcanic Santorini where we will enjoy the breathtaking Panoramic View. Latest excavations have suggested that Santorini might be the lost sight of Atlantis. (optional excursion) (Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard).

Disembarkation departure to Delphi. On the way stop at Thiva, to visit the tomb of St. Luke the Evangelist. (92km 1hr45min) Next stop is the famous Monastery of Hosios Loukas - UNESCO World Heritage Monument, one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine art in Greece. The monastery was founded around the middle of 10th century AD by the monk Loukas from Styri. His relics are exhibited at the Katholikon (main church of the monastery). The two churches of the monastic complex are built next to each other, and there is access from one to the other through a passage. The most ancient one is the church of the Virgin Mary (middle of the 10th century AD), while the largest one was built a little later (early 11th century AD), and it is dedicated to the founder. Visit Delphi site, famous oracle where the priestess of Apollo, Pythia, influenced, with their prophecies the history of cities and states of antiquity. Visit the archaeological site and museum. The museum houses an impressive collection associated with ancient Delphi, including the earliest known notation of a melody, the famous Charioteer, golden treasures discovered beneath the Sacred Way, and fragments of reliefs from the Siphnian Treasury. Close to the exit is the inscription that mentions the Roman proconsul Gallio. The reference to Proconsul Gallio in the inscription provides an important marker for developing a chronology of the life of Apostle Paul by relating it to the trial of Paul in Achaea mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (18:12-17). Overnight in Delphi.

Early in the morning departure towards Kalambaka. Visit the spectacular Meteora, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a mountainous region of stunning scenery. Their history goes bacκ to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters which later were transformed into monasteries. You will see hundred-year-old Byzantine monasteries on top of huge rocks, during the Middle Ages, first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation. We will visit the two of the monasteries, the Holy Monastery of St Stephen & St Varlaam. Overnight in Kalambaka

After breakfast, in the early hours of the morning, a visit to the church awaits. Following the orthodox liturgy, we cast one last glance around the sacred space before setting out for Veria, (72km 1hr). Next stop is Veria, which has historical and religious importance due to its association with the Apostle Paul, who preached in the city during his missionary journey, in AD50, (Acts 17.10-14). Veria, often referred to as "Little Jerusalem," boasts a myriad of churches, some dating back to early Christian times. In the heart of Veria, adjacent to Orologiou Square, stands the revered pilgrimage monument known as the "Step of the Apostle Paul." This hallowed site is believed to be where Apostle Paul, during his journey between 50 and 60 AD from Thessaloniki to Veria, fervently preached the tenets of Christianity to the people. Further along, a visit to the Metropolis awaits. Consecrated in 1904 and dedicated to Saint Anthony, this magnificent structure stands as a testament to faith and devotion. Its architecture, steeped in history, invites all who enter to partake in the spiritual heritage that has flourished within its walls. The Holy relics of Saint Anthony are placed in a silver reliquary and the entire Church is decorated with Byzantine frescoes. The old Cathedral dedicated to the Apostles Peter & Paul (11th century) with one of the greatest temples of the middle Byzantine period. We will continue to Panagia Soumela (20km 35 min), the spiritual center of the Pontian Hellenism. The first monastery was built at the end of 4th century (386AC) by Monks Varnavas & Sophronios in a cave into the mountain in Trabzon. The miraculous icon of Panagia was carved on wood by Luke the Evangelist. Before uprooting, the monks of the Holy Monastery hide the Icon together with the priceless Cross with the Holy Wood and a manuscript of Saint Christophoros in the cluster of Agia Barbara (they were buried in the courtyard). In 1931 Monk Ambrosios brought them to Greece and in 1951 the construction of the new Panagia Soumela in Vermio began. Depart for Thessaloniki Overnight in Thessaloniki.

A sightseeing tour will take you through a fascinating journey of ancient ruins, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The day starts with a visit at Agios Dimitrios Church an impressive early Christian Basilica built at 5th century AD an UNESCO Monument. The five aisled basilica suffered a tragic fire in the year 1917 but was later restored in 1948. Marvel at the beautiful mosaics, dating back from the 5th to 9th Centuries. From here, follow your guide to the area located under the basilica, where you will see the famous crypt, which according to tradition, was once the confinement for an officer by the name of Demetrius who was later executed by the emperor Galerius. Today, St. Demetrius is the patron Saint of the city. Continue to Panagia Chalkeon a well-preserved Byzantine church dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Panagia, & Agia Sofia Byzantine Church. Continue to Rotonda know as church of Agios Georgios, a well-preserved historical site, dating back to Roman and early Byzantine times. It was built early 4th century AD, and it was converted to a Christian church dedication to Saint George by Byzantine Emperor Theodosius late 4th century. Is a circular building with a massive dome at the top. Inside the Rotonda you can find well-preserved mosaics dating back to the 5th & 6th century, with religious scenes, including Christ, the Virgin Mary and various Saints. “Church of Acheiropoietos” translates to "not made by human hands." It is a term often used in Eastern Orthodox Christianity to refer to holy images or relics believed to be of divine origin. The church follows a basilica plan which was typical of early Christian architecture, is an UNESCO Monument Continue our bus tour passing by Arch of Galerius, stop for pictures at White Tower the symbol of Thessaloniki. Drive to Ano Poli (Upper Town) passing by the Byzantine Walls, admire the traditional architecture and enjoy panoramic view of the city. Visit Vlatadon Monastery founded in the 14th century established by the monk and scholar Hosios Vlatades (Saint Gregory Palamas) and his brother. The Monastery has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Orthodox Christian spirituality and culture. It has been a center of learning, and its monks have contributed to theological and philosophical debates of the time. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Breakfast. Free time. Check-ou. Transfer to airport for departure flight back home.