Greece and Turkey 10 Day Cruise with 3 days Italy

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Day 1 – DEPART USA

Depart USA on an overseas flight to Athens, Greece. Enjoy dinner and entertainment aboard the airplane.

CRUISE

Day 2 – ARRIVAL ATHENS - EMBARKATION

Arrive in Athens. Meet and greet at the airport. Drive to Piraeus Port and embark your cruise ship, enjoying the fellowship of other Christians and excellent teaching.

Day 3 – THESSALONIKI - VERIA

Thessaloniki-Visit the Walls, The House of Jason where Paul lived and the Agora where he preached. Continue to Veria-ancient Berea- to the memorial commemorating Paul's preaching to the local Jews in 54 AD.

Day 4 – KAVALA - PHILIPPI

Kavala (ancient Neapolis), the site where Paul, Timothy and Silas landed on the coast of Thrace. From there, visit Philippi where Paul lived, preached and was imprisoned and the Baptistery of Lydia, where the first baptism on European soil took place.

TURKEY

Day 5 – ISTANBUL

In the morning we arrive in Istanbul, one of the world's greatest historic cities. Formerly Byzantium, the center of the Eastern Roman Empire, this city is built on seven green hills and situated astride two continents. East meets West in every way. We visit the Topkapi Palace with its harem and fabulous treasure chambers, the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque with its six minarets, and St. Sofia, converted to a mosque from a Christian basilica after the fall of Constantinople in 1453.

Day 6 – DIKILI - PERGAMON, SARDIS

A tour from Dikili (our port) is to Pergamon, the great city of Bergama and a city of the Book of Revelation. It is one of the best-preserved ancient sites in Turkey. We continue by visiting Sardis, the most picturesque of the Seven Churches.

Day 7 – KUSADASI - EPHESUS - MILETUS

Arrive at Kusadasi. Visit Ephesus, the most impressive archeological site in Turkey, including the Great Amphitheater where Paul spoke to the Ephesians. An afternoon tour to Miletus, where Paul delivered his touching farewell address the elders of Ephesus and predicted his death, for those wishing to visit the place.

Day 8 – PATMOS

Patmos, the "Holy Island" for the Christian faith. This is the place where the apocalyptic Revelation of John was written during his exile from the Roman Empire. We visit the cave and the monastery of St. John.

Day 9 – DISEMBARKATION - ATHENS - CORINTH

Disembark the cruise ship and begin the tour of Athens. Visit among other masterpieces of the "Golden Age" the Acropolis, the agora and the Mars Hill where Paul taught. Continue to ancient Corinth. Visit the ruins of the ancient city where Paul worked. See the remains of first-century shops, the agora where Paul was on trial at the Bema, the Fountain of Peirene, Temple of Apollo and visit the museum. Drive to Patras port to embark the ferry to Bari, Italy.

ITALY

Day 10 – POMPEII - ROME

Disembark the ferry ship and begin the tour of Pompeii, where you will visit the spectacular ruins that were covered by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The city remained buried and undiscovered for almost 1500 years until excavation began in 1748. These excavations continue today, providing insight into life during the Roman Empire. Drive to Rome for overnight.

Day 11 – IMPERIAL ROME

This morning you will discover Imperial Rome. Paul wrote to the Christians of Rome and he eventually went there where his ministry continued, although he was technically a prisoner. You will experience the glory of Imperial Rome when you visit the Coliseum, famous as a place of spectacle and death. Gladiators died here as thousands looked on. See the Circus Maximus, built during the reign of Nero. This huge stadium was able to seat 250,000 spectators for chariot races and other spectacles. See the Roman Forum, an ancient meeting place, market place, religious and political centre. View the Arch of Titus that commemorates Titus' conquest of Judea. You'll visit the Mamertina Prison, where it is believed that both Peter and Paul were imprisoned.

Day 12 – CHRISTIAN ROME

You will discover the Vatican Museum, home of many of the world masterpieces. Enter the Sistine Chapel and view Michelangelo's frescoes, which have been restored to their full, colorful glory. Tour St. Peter's Basilica where Michelangelo's "Pieta" -- the only work signed by the master -- will be just one of many highlights. Travel along the famous Apian Way. Walk through the Catacombs of San Sebastiano. Visit Tre Fontane, where Apostle Paul was beheaded. Walk through Via Del Corso, Piazza de Spagnia, and enjoy the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Day 13 – DEPART ROME

Early morning depart to Rome airport for flight back to USA. Arrive back home.

INCLUDED:
7 Nights aboard a cruise ship in Outside Cabin Cat. 3
1 Night aboard a Ferry from Greece to Italy in Inside Sleeper Cabin
3 Nights in Rome, Italy
Cruise ship on Full Board
Hotels on half board (breakfast and dinner daily)
All hotels are good 4 STARS!
Flight from Columbus, OH. to Athens, Greece and back from Rome, Italy to Columbus
NOT INCLUDED:
Airport tax and fuel surcharges
Port charges
Turkey entrance visa, which we can obtain in advance for all USA passport holders
Travel insurance
Gratuities to guide, driver and hotel staff
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