WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JOHN AND PAUL

Itinerary

Tab 1

Day

Location

Details

October17

Departure from Canada

Day 1 ~ Friday
Depart Calgary to Athens on Air Canada via Toronto

October18

Athens

Day 2 ~ Saturday

We arrive in Athens. You will have the remainder of the day free to relax or take a stroll along the streets of Athens to enjoy the flavor of the city. This evening our group will enjoy the first of many delectable European style dinners.

October19

Corinth and Athens

Day 3 ~ Sunday

Today, we visit ancient Corinth, the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters and is a highlight for the New Testament scholar. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love for the Bible. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. Then we tour Athens, the foundation of democracy. We visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. From atop Mars Hill we view the Agora below, the ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life. Additional sites viewed during our panoramic bus tour are, the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace.

October20

Cruising Mykonos

Day 4 ~ Monday

We sail this morning from Athens to the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. Experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes and then stroll the charming walkways through a maze of whitewashed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.

October21

Ephesus and Patmos

Day 5 ~ Tuesday

Docking in Turkey, enjoy a tour of Ephesus, the city of the Bible and one of the largest restorations still in progress with miles of ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city including the Agora, the Odeon, the Library, the marble-paved main Street, the Baths, Trajan’s Fountain, the Residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, and Temple of Hadrian. The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C., could accommodate 24,000 spectators and it is famous even nowadays for its acoustics. This afternoon we visit the Isle of Patmos, under statutory protection as a historic monument. Here we have a tour to see the fortified monastery of St. John and the cave claimed to be where John received the Revelation. Back on the ship, enjoy the Captain's dinner before settling in to your cabin for the night.

October22

Rhodes

Day 6 ~ Wednesday

Today, we will visit the Island of Rhodes. The ship enters the port, which was once dominated by the Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURISON. Shore excursion to Lindos which is located on the other side of the island. The impressive Acropolis of Lindos and the St. Paul Bay is certainly a site worthing seeing! Return to the ship for lunch. Free afternoon in Rhodes.

October23

Crete and Santorini

Day 7 ~ Thursday

Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. OPTIONAL tour to Heraklion and the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. This afternoon visit the island of Santorini which is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. You may choose to take an OPTIONAL panoramic bus tour viewing some of the most spectacular scenery of the Aegean. Travel through countless villages and settlements with delicate architecture and beauties eventually arriving in Oia. During your time in Oia, visit the many narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques. Upon returning to the ship, we view the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea, & Nea Kameni. We arrive at the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.

October24

Disembark Cruise-Meteora-Kalam

Day 8 ~ Friday

From Athens, our tour travels northward past Thermopylae where we learn of the famous Spartan battle of 300. We continue through the mountains to Meteora. Here we see the world famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched precariously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. Our lodging this evening will be in Meteora. ****Please prepare for a dress code today. In Meteora, women are required to wear skirts below the knee and men, pants****

October25

Vergina - Berea -Thessalonica

Day 9 ~ Saturday

Traveling northward into Macedonia we visit King Phillip's (Alexander's father) tomb in Vergina, one of the most outstanding finds in all of Greece. A stop will be made in Berea to view the ancient synagogue where Paul spoke and the Bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the more noble church. Driving through town we see remnants of the original Roman road that spanned the nation during Paul’s time. The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today as we arrive in the delightful harbor city of Thessalonica. En route to the hotel we will view the old city ramparts; the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. We spend two nights here.

October26

Philippi - Kavala

Day 10 ~ Sunday

We begin the day by following the massive battlement Byzantine wall to the citadel for a panoramic view of the city. Next, we will visit Philippi and Kavala. Kavala is Greece's prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala. Continue on to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will view the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ and visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. We return to Thessalonica and visit St. Demetrius Basilica, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert, before returning to the hotel for our final night.

October27

Thessaloniki - Athens

Day 11 ~ Monday

Today we return to Athens by our bus. Farewell dinner at the hotel and overnight.

October28

Return to Canada

Day 12 ~ Tuesday
Depart Athens to Calgary on Air Canada via Toronto

Request Additional Information

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
All participants must review the Full Terms of Service here https://www.ihtours.com/terms-of-service/. These full terms of service will govern on all matters not specifically mentioned below.

TOUR PRICE: $5,999 Canadian per person based on double occupancy. Departure from Calgary to Athens on Air Canada via Toronto

****$170 CAD discount applies for anyone paying the full tour price by cheque or e-transfer****

RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR ANY MAJOR CURRENCY FLUCTUATION BETWEEN THE CANADIAN AND U.S. DOLLAR

PAYMENTS:
International Heritage Tours requires a deposit of $400 per person immediately, which is refundable 90 days before departure (July 17, 2025) less $200 administration fee and full non-refundable payment 60 days before departure (August 17, 2025).

Please send e-transfers to: accounting@ihtours.com   and be sure to mention the code 'DK5047' in the notes for us to match the payment.

You may also pay by personal cheque or credit card made payable to:
International Heritage Tours
7117 Bathurst Street, Suite 200
Thornhill, ON
L4J 2J6

INCLUDED:
The rates include the following hotels or similar
* 9 nights hotel accommodations in the following cities
       - 3-nights (2+1) Zafolia Hotel, Athens
- 4-nights Celestyal Cruise in Inside Cabins
       - 1-night Amalia Hotel, Kalambaka
       - 2-nights Porto Palace Hotel, Thessaloniki
* Roundtrip air fare on Air Canada flying from Calgary to Athens via Toronto.
* Arrival and departure transfers from/to the airport
* Breakfasts and dinners in the hotels daily
* Breakfast, lunch and dinners on the cruise + Unlimited drinks (coffee, tea, sodas, beer, wine) on board the cruise ship during the meals only.
* Full days of sightseeing as per your itinerary in Greece
* Shore excursions to Ancient Ephesus and Patmos
* Entrance fees to all places of interest
* Licensed English speaking tour guide in Greece and tour escort on the cruise
* Modern Air Conditioned motor coach
* Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person for the airport and hotel
* Port taxes and Cruise Tips and Cruise fuel supplement
* Overnight Hotel Stay taxes in Greece

NOT INCLUDED:
* Single Supplement $1,190.00 CAD
* Upgrade to Superior outside cabin $300 CAD per person (based on double occupancy). Upgrade to Superior Outside cabin for single is $420 CAD.
* Shore Excursions; if someone wants to buy they can purchase on board for approximately $80 USD per person except the 2 shore excursions that is included in the tour above.
Ports of call are Mykonos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini
* Travel Insurance
* Lunches during the land touring in Greece
* Tips to the guide, driver and dining room staff. Recommended tips are:
3-4 Euros for the guide and 2 Euros for the driver for half day shore excursions and
on the regular touring days tips should be 6-8 Euros per day for the guide and 3-4 Euros for the driver
Approximate Total of 90-100 Euros for tips; please give to the tour leader in an envelope

DOCUMENTATION:
Please ensure that you are in possession of a Canadian/USA Passport valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in Greece. If you have a passport from another country, it is your responsibility to inquire at the appropriate Consulate if a Visa is required.

**THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY IN THE ORDER YOU VISIT**

walking in the footsteps of john and paul