GREECE CATHOLIC TOURS & CRUISES
ST. PAUL & ST. JOHN
APRIL 19 - MAY 1, 2010
13 DAYS TOUR - PRIEST ON TOUR DAILY MASS
ATHENS - CORINTH - 3 DAYS CRUISE - KALAMBAKA - METEORA MONASTERY
THESSALONIKI - KAVALA - TURKEY ISTANBUL
ITINERARY
Our pilgrimage to the ancient civilization and first Christian communities in Europe where St. Paul preached starts with flight to Europe, to Greece and Athens.
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Day 2 ARRIVAL TO ATHENS
Arrival to Athens, meeting with our guide and escort, transfer to hotel. Time permitting group will celebrate holy mass before check in to hotel. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
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Day 3 ATHENS - CITY TOUR
In the morning after the breakfast we will be whole day visiting and exploring the city of Athens (Acts 17: 16-34). Acropolis with Parthenon the greatest monument of antiquity, dedicated to the goddess Athena, from here one can see Areopagus (Areios Pagos = Hill of Ares) visited by Pope John Paul ll same hill where St. Paul gave his famous sermon of "Unknown God", and more of it today. In the afternoon free time in the Plaka, maybe some shopping or walking and enjoying coffee in one of many restaurants and cafés in Old Town of Athens. Dinner is in one of the typical Greek restaurants with live bouzouki music before return to hotel.
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Day 4 ATHENS - CORINTH
Today pilgrimage will continue with drive to Corinth first across the Corinthian Canal, started by roman emperor Nero and then to one of the oldest towns of Greece, where St. Paul came after he left Athens and. After a stop at the ancient Corinth (18: 1-18; Cori.) we again meet with the St. Paul, here he remained for one and a half-year. We will be visiting marketplace where the Apostle preached to the Corinthians, the Temple of Apollo and the Corinth Museum. Returning back we will make a short stop at what used to be ancient port of Cenchreae now barely any remains of the same; it was that from here St. Paul sailed to Ephesus, nowadays Turkey. Same evening we are in Athens in time for dinner and packing for next day cruise.
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Day 5 CRUISE - MYKONOS
Today we’ll leave Athens early in the morning for Piraeus and at 11:00 a.m. sail into the Aegean Sea. Our first island is one of the islands
belonging to the Cyclades group of islands. This mountainous island of Mykonos has about 400 churches. City of a picturesque white houses and island's trademark the charming windmills. Place has a unique architecture of Byzantine and Western characteristics. To visit are Church of the Virgin Paraportiani, on the main square Cathedral and an old Catholic Church and many boutiques and taverns along tiny paved streets. Return on board of the ship.
Mykonos Island from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm.
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Day 6 CRUISE - EPHESUS, TURKEY - PATMOS GREECE
This morning you will arrive at the Turkish port city of Kusadasi. From here you will travel to Ephesus, where the Blessed Virgin Mary lived with St. John in a small house on the hill behind the city. Here you will have Mass before traveling down to the ancient city where you can walk the marble roads rutted by wheels of countless chariots and pass the ruins of architectural masterpieces. It is here that St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, and where he was arrested and cast out of the city. In the afternoon you will visit the island of Patmos, where St. John wrote the apocalyptic Book of Revelations. On our excursion we will visit the cave where he lived, now the site of a monastery housing priceless icons and manuscripts.
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Day 7 CRUISE - SANTORINI - CRETE
Today on the last day of the cruise group will enjoy on their own visiting Heraklion on the island of Crete and visit to Fira town on the island of Santorini – optional excursion on Crete to Knossos Palace is offered for those interested on more activities on the last cruise day.
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Day 8 ATHENS - KALAMBAKA - METEORA MONASTERY
Today early morning breakfast and group is here disembarking the cruise ship. We again meet our guide and bus for transfer to Kalambaka, town near the Meteora Monastery. Same afternoon we will visit Grand Meteoron Monastery (Transfiguration of Christ) most beautiful Byzantine monastery. The word Meteora means literally 'hovering in the air' as all the monasteries were built on top of the high rocks. First monks have lived here in the caves already in 11th century. The Church of the Transfiguration is the best known of the Monasteries and is built upon the highest rock, founded by Athanasios the Meteorite, well-known figures in Orthodox monasticism. After visit we are on the way to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.
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Day 9 KALAMBAKA - BEREA - THESSALONIKI
After good night rest and morning breakfast group will leave Kalambaka, same day journey continue via Berea (Veria) where St. Paul and St. Silas were accused by Jewish community, after visit we will continue to Thessaloniki. In the late afternoon some visit to Rotonda, St. George church, one of the oldest constructions in the city, building made church at the end of 4th century by roman emperor. We will read today from the Acts 17:1-9 and "Letter to the Thessalonians" will become more alive to us, visit will include the Galerius Arch, built a little before 305 AD in commemoration of Galerius's victory over the Persians in 297. Next is the most beautiful basilica in the city St. Demetrius where Saint was imprisoned tortured and buried. We are on our last evening in Greece; return our hotel for last dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
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Day 10 THESSALONIKI - KAVALA - ALEXANDROUPOLIS
After breakfast we continue with our pilgrimage, end our Thessaloniki
visit and continue with excursion to Kavala, which occupies the site of ancient Neapolis and Philippi (Acts 16:12-40, Phil.), that today lies as a major archaeological site near Krinides where St. Paul and St. Silas were imprisoned after St. Paul's first sermon in what we today call Europe. Here we meet with the women named Lydia form Thyatira (Rev.2: 18-29 and Acts.16: 14 -15) who became first convert. After visiting the ruins of the great Acropolis, the Market Place, Theatre and Forum in the afternoon we will leave for Turkey and overnight in the area – Alexandroupolis city.
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Day 11 GREECE - TURKEY ISTANBUL
In the morning we will head to Asia, Turkey after crossing the border another few hours until we reach Istanbul, check in to our hotel for two nights. Same late afternoon group will have panoramic city tour of Istanbul; get to know this city on two continents little bit better and then on to dinner in one of the typical Turkish restaurants. Return to our hotel for first night in Istanbul.
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Day 12 ISTANBUL CITY TOUR
Here our main target are the highlights 
of this unique city settled on two continents, it is old city including Residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years (Dolmabahce Palace), it is The Basilica Cistern an fascinating underground chambers of 336 columns built by Justinian in AD 532. Sultan Ahmet Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet I in 1616, more popular as the “Blue Mosque” because of its interior blue tile decorations. Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, containing some of the finest Byzantine mosaics. Topkapi palace with Istanbul's oldest surviving church - Aya Irene, Hagia Sophia as probably the most important site, used to be the biggest church in the world, today as a museum. Farewell dinner in traditional Turkish restaurants, return to hotel for last night in Istanbul.
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Day 13 ISTANBUL - USA
Today early morning breakfast and group is on the way to Istanbul International airport for flight back home.
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CALL US
US CALLER: 001 / 307 222 4856
EU CALLER: 00385 / 1 249 8253
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INCLUDES
+ Round trip air fares from USA, UK, Mexico or Canada with apt. taxes
+ First class, 4* hotels in Greece and Istanbul
+ 3 nights on cruise and port tax
+ Buffet breakfast and dinner daily on land
+ Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner on cruise
+ High class tourist coach
+ English speaking escort guide
+ Local guides as per itinerary
+ Entrance fees to sites/museums
+ Assistance at the airport and port
+ Porterage of one piece of luggage
+ Embarkation/disembarkation fees, one day visa at Turkish port
+ Tips for cruise/ship staff only
CRUISE SERVICES INCLUDED:
+Accommodations in standard outside cabins
+All meals while on board
+Of shore excursions:
***PATMOS ISLAND- St John’s Monastery & the Grotto of Revelations
***KUSADASI TURKEY (EPHESUS) - The House Of Virgin Mary & Ephesus
NOT INCLUDED:
+Extra meals, drinks, extra visits, personal expenses,
+Tips for guides on land portion of tour
+Visa or passport cost not mentioned under “included” – for non US citizens
+Mykonos shuttle bus – 10.00 USD per person
+Cable car to Fira on Santorini – 10.00 USD per person
CRUISE EXCURSIONS
Patmos and Kusadasi are included in the quote, Mykonos, Crete & Santorini – free time
Mykonos Island
FREE TIME
Today we will sail into the Aegean Sea. Our first island is one of the islands belonging to the Cyclades group of islands. This mountainous island of Mykonos with its almost 400 churches. City of a picturesque white house island's trademark the charming windmills. Place has a unique architecture of Byzantine and Western characteristics. To visit are Church of the Virgin Paraportiani, on the main square Cathedral and an old Catholic Church and many boutiques and taverns along tiny paved streets. Returning on board before 10 p.m. when we over the night sail for Rhodes.
KUSADASI - The House Of Virgin Mary & Ephesus
Duration: 3½ hours
Depart the thriving town of Kusadasi and drive along the highway in order to reach Mt Koressos. Situated in a small valley, it is here where you will visit the humble chapel, which lies on the site of the little house where The Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still favors this belief and the site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican, for pilgrimage. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus and accompanied by your Turkish guide, walk through the Magnesian Gate, which is the entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus and The Great Theatre, where St. Paul preached, which is the largest theatre in antiquity having a capacity of 24,000 people. Walk back to your motorcoach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century AD by the Emperor Justinian. And just downhill is the site of the famous Temple of Diana, today in ruins. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi to shop for every conceivable item, such as carpets, jewellery, local souvenirs, leather goods and Turkish delights.
PATMOS - St John’s Monastery & the Grotto of Revelations
Duration: 2 hours
Depart the port of Scala by motorcoach and enjoy a short drive up to the Monastery of St. John, which has been magnificently built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you follow your guide and walk uphill towards the entrance of the Monastery, marvel at this impressive structure, which was built 900 years ago. View the courtyard, the Monks’ dining room and the old bakery before visiting the main church with its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Your next point of interest is the beautiful but small museum which houses priceless ecclesiastical treasures such as books and manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval textiles and vestments as well as jewellery. At the end of your visit, return to your motorcoach and continue on to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse, where above stands the church of the Apocalypse, a sub-unit of the main Monastery. Take care as you walk down the steps to visit the Grotto! Once inside, see the silver niches in the wall, that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of Revelations as well as the three-fold crack, made by the Voice of God, emphasizing the honor of the Trinity. After visit return to the port and the ship.
SANTORINI:
FREE TIME
Free time and visit to Fira town, enjoying on your own stroll along the most interesting and one of the most beautiful islands we visited on this cruise…..cafés, shops, some visit to the churches and time will pass by too fast….as this is last stop on our cruise before we reach land, Athens following morning.
To get to the top of the island, to Fira, one will have to take cable car from the port to Fira town.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION ON 3RD DAY OF THE CRUISE:
CRETE – Excursion to Knossos Palace – $75.00 PER PERSON
Duration: 4 hours
Excursion of 4 hours will include the visit to archeological site, area discovered in 1899 by Arthur Evan as a location of the Minoan civilization, dating back to 4000 years B.C. It is also the mythological home of Zeus. When visiting to the Knossos palace you will have a chance to see the King’s Chamber with the throne made of alabaster, Queen’s Apartment magnificent halls, and numerous artifacts proving the existence of once mighty Minoan Kingdom. At the end of the excursion some free time at the port before boarding your ship. Excursion involves walking on uneven ground. All interested in this cruise can buy it with JeriCo where excursion is organized by Cruise company, and you will participate in it with all other passengers on the ship, sharing the bus with different groups.
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PILGRIMAGE WITH YOUR OWN GROUP: - One more free tickets for group leader - Customized itinerary - Daily holy mass - With your own group have your date of travel YOUR PILGRIMAGE OUR CARE
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