Compare Footsteps of Apostle Paul - Faith-Based Travel by Globus vs Embracing popularity: Athens, Mykonos & Crete by Eros and Psyche Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 3,350 | $ 1,102 |
| Price Per Day | $ 335 | $ 79 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
Breakfast is always included. Meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary. |
| Description | “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” wrote the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians. On this religious tour of Greece and Turkey, you’ll stroll, skip, and sail by faith as you retrace the many missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul after he saw the light in Damascus. Both pilgrimage and picturesque journey, this land and cruise tour to mainland Greece, the Greek Isles, and Turkey leads you to many significant sites of the New Testament as well as some of the most magnificent sights of the Mediterranean. Scripture will take on new meaning as you visit the ancient communities where Paul established churches – and to whom he penned his epistles, including the Thessalonians, Philippians, Corinthians, and Ephesians. As you follow in the faithful footsteps of the Apostle Paul – with fantastic detours to Mykonos, Crete, and Santorini – you, too, will have much to write home about. |
Start your marriage journey by creating fond, bonding memories with your significant other on this private, fully customizable 14-day trip. From the urban setting of Athens to the Cycladic excellence of Mykonos and the historical richness of Crete, visit places and engage in experiences you haven’t dreamt of. All is set for your perfect honeymoon trip. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)
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Day 2: ATHENS–METEORA–KALAMBAKA
The Miracles of Greece Depart Athens for a scenic drive to Kalambaka. METEORA Visit two monasteries including the Holy Monastery of Varlaam. Enjoy a scenic drive en route to Kalambaka. (Breakfast,Dinner) 229mi /368km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Visit the magnificent natural setting in Meteora where stratospheric rock formations surround the ancient monasteries perched on the clifftops. Here, gigantic rocky outcrops reach 600 meters high above the plains of Thessaly where you’ll visit the stunning, red-roofed monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen.
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Day 3: KALAMBAKA–VERIA–THESSALONIKA
Greek Tragedies & Grand Treasures VERIA Visit the Bema of Apostle Paul.THESSALONIKA An orientation drive includes the White Tower and Aristotelous Square. Visit Ag. Dimitros Basilika. (Breakfast,Dinner)145 mi / 234 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS See Thessalonika's iconic 15th-century prison tower, standing 34-meters high. Hear the history of the Ottoman Empire and tragic ends of those who were imprisoned here. Pass Aristotelous Square, the Jewel of Thessalonika on the sea front.
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Day 4: THESSALONIKA–EXCURSION TO PHILIPPI & KAVALA
A Disciple's Destiny PHILIPPI Visit Lydia’s Baptistery, the forum, ruins of the Basilicas, and the theatre.KAVALA An orientation drive includes Neapolis of the Acts and St. Paul’s mosaic. Free time for lunch before returning to Athens Thessalonika. (Breakfast,Dinner)219mi/350kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTICONIC FOOTSTEPS Follow the path of St. Paul the Apostle where the disciple traveled in 49-50 CE to spread the Word of Christ. Visit the Greek Orthodox church and Baptistry of Saint Lydia, the first Greek and European woman baptized by the Apostle Paul. Visit the amazing ancient ruins of the Philippi’s Roman Forum, the Basilicas, and Theater in the city that became the center of Christian faith following the visit of the Apostle Paul.
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Day 5: THESSALONIKA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS
Warriors & The Ancient World THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site.ATHENS Free time this evening. (Breakfast)314 mi / 503 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Travel through the coastal floodplain of the Spercheios river, surrounded by sloping forested limestone mountains and the thermal springs of Thermopylae. Greek Spartans, Thebans, and Thespians fought Persian invaders during the historic Battle of Thermopylae in this narrow coastal passage.
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Day 6: ATHENS (EMBARKATION)–MYKONOS
Sun-Kissed BeautyATHENS Embark on your Mediterranean cruise through the Greek Islands and Turkey. MYKONOS Free time this afternoon and evening. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Explore the whitewashed paradise of Mykonos with its iconic windmills. Named after Apollo’s grandson, Mykonos offers a wealth of treasures to discover in its cafes, shops, and picturesque lanes.
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Day 7: CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY–EXCURSION TO EPHESUS–PATMOS, GREECE
Divine Dwellings & DigsKUSADASI Take a guided visit to the Ephesus Archaeological site in the city where St. Paul wrote many “Letters to the Corinthians.” See the House of Mary, where the Blessed Mother spent her final days. PATMOS Enjoy free time to explore the island. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Explore one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean with a visit to Ephesus, Turkey. Excavations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site have revealed grand monuments of the Roman Imperial era, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. See the domed cruciform House of Mary, a revered Christian pilgrimage site in this once Roman port city and sea channel.
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Day 8: CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE–SANTORINI
The Bronze Age on the Blue AegeanHERAKLION Take a guided visit to the Minoan Palace of Knossos. SANTORINI Visit the island (weather permitting). Free time this afternoon. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE Visit the extraordinary royal ruins of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, where Greek mythology tells the story of King Minos and a heroic prince who battled the mighty Minotaur for the hand of a princess in Heraklion.
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Day 9: ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION)–CORINTH–ATHENS
A Metropolis of Mythic ProportionsATHENS Disembark your cruise and take a scenic drive to the Corinth Canal with a photo stop. CORINTH Enjoy a guided visit to the excavations, including Agora and St. Paul’s Bema, where the Christian missionary faced the Forum’s court.ATHENS A guided sightseeing tour includes visits to the Areopagus and the Acropolis. Stop for a photo opportunity at the Panathenaic Stadium—site of the first Olympic Games. Enjoy free time before a farewell dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast,Dinner) 101 mi / 163 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Athens conjures visions of Greek gods and goddesses, and robe-draped philosophers and politicians. You’ll see the iconic sites of the Acropolis in the ancient city where mythology, philosophy, and Christianity flourished in the “birthplace of civilization.” Stop at the all- marble Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place. The Olympic flame is passed to the current host nations to begin the modern games still today.
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Day 10: ATHENS
Safe travels until we meet again!Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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Day 1 to 2: Athens
As soon as you touch down in Athens, you’ll be welcomed by your driver, who will transfer you in comfort to your accommodation to settle in and freshen up. For your first night in the capital, wander around the historic city center and let us welcome you with a dinner meal full of authentic Greek flavors in a picturesque setting.
Wake up early the next morning and seize the day with a scenic tour of the vibrant city which takes you around Ancient, Byzantine, Neoclassical, and Modern Athens. Visit the magnificent Acropolis, the modern Acropolis Museum, and the city’s highlights: the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the famous Syntagma Square, and the colorful Monastiraki square, among others.
Day 3 to 6: Mykonos
It is time for the next stop of your amazing trip, the ‘queen of the Cyclades’, Mykonos. Let your driver take you to Athens’ International Airport to catch the flight to the island. Once you arrive, enjoy a comfortable ride to your accommodation, where you can rest for the day.
On day 4, board your sailboat and discover the ‘island of the winds’ while sailing across the beautiful coastline of Mykonos. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, and the secluded cove of Rhenia, and have a tour at the archeological site of Delos with an expert archaeologist as your guide. On top of all, savor a specially made Greek meal on board accompanied by house wine and soft drinks.
Spend the following day swimming and sunbathing at one of Mykonos’ many lovely beaches or opt for a private guided tour around the island’s top attractions. Walk around the small and narrow streets of the old town; see the port, the whitewashed churches, and the famous windmills; have a stroll at the traditional square of the second main village, Ano Mera; and enjoy a cup of coffee at Kalafatis beach. End your tour by reaching an elevated spot that offers a breathtaking view out to the island and the Aegean Sea.
A wine-tasting adventure is waiting for you on day 6. Get transferred to a secret location by the sea where you’ll taste five different Greek wines paired with local delicacies while listening to stories from Greek mythology and ancient Greece. Alternatively, you can choose to experience a romantic cycling ride at dusk through the magnificent Mykonian landscape, followed by a scrumptious picnic on the beach.
Day 7 to 10: Heraklion, Crete
Next comes the magical island of Crete. After the driver drops you off at Mykonos airport, take the flight to Heraklion via Athens. Once you arrive, your private driver will take you to your hotel, where you can take it easy for the day.
On the eighth day of your magical honeymoon, embark on a tour that combines the two strong cards of Crete, its heritage, and its cuisine. From the colors of Minoan frescoes at Knossos Palace to local delicacies, such as ‘kalitsounia’, olive oil, honey, cheese, and traditional dishes, discover every delight that Heraklion has to offer with the company of your expert, licensed guide.
On day 9, take the day off and explore Heraklion’s beauties on your own. Take a stroll through the city center, walk down the harborside, where old Venetian shipyards, ramparts, and the 16th century Koules Fortress still remain, and end your day at a traditional Cretan tavern indulging in local meze and raki.
For day ten, a Cretan cooking class is due! Travel to a traditional stone village located in the countryside of Heraklion. Experienced Cretan cooks will introduce you to the earthly flavors of Cretan cuisine and guide you through your cooking experience. Learn the culinary secrets that have been passed down through generations, before tasting your own creations.
Day 11-13: Chania, Crete
The next day finds you on the road to your final destination, the region of Chania. On your way there, stop at Rethymnon city for a couple of hours and have the chance to get carried away by the charm of one more city of the beautiful island of Crete! After the exploration of the old town of Rethymnon with its narrow alleys, the old Venetian mansions and its castle, Fortezza, get transferred to your accommodation in Chania. You’ll have the rest of the day at your disposal to get acquainted with your surroundings and spend as you please.
The next day, take a day trip that will introduce you to the authentic side of the Cretan mainland. Visit 7 traditional villages, meet the locals, and sample local products. Gain insight into Crete’s history, culture, and traditions by visiting a folklore museum, a cheese factory, a raki distillery, and local eateries. Otherwise, you can treat yourselves to a tour that will take you around an organic Cretan herb farm to make your own tea blend, and a recognized winery for some wine tasting and farm-to-table lunch.
On the penultimate day of your trip, you’ll be free to check off your bucket list whatever you feel like. You can spend your day in Chania Old Town with its old Venetian harbor and uncover its secrets or soak up the Greek sun at one of the region’s unique beaches, such as Elafonisi, Falasarna, or Balos Lagoon.
Day 14: Athens
Day 14 marks the conclusion of this honeymoon multi-day trip. Your private driver will take you to Chania airport for you to catch the flight back home. Leave our beautiful country and treasure the experiences you have collected as newlyweds for the rest of your lives.
