Athens & Corinth
Winter Getaway

8 Day First Class FAM Package

December 30, 2011-January 6, 2012









Day 1: Departure from US
Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Athens. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!

Day 2: Arrive Athens
We arrive in Athens and check into our hotel and home for the next 6 nights. 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.

Day 3: Three Island Day Cruise 
Today we enjoy a cruise from Athens to the fabulous Greek islands of Hydra, Poros and Egina for a relaxing day on the sea. Sit back and enjoy your leisurely cruise with free time on each island to explore.  In Hydra, you will have free time for strolling, shopping and swimming. Next, it's on to the island of Egina, passing through the narrow strait separating the Peloponnesian coast from the island of Poros. Upon arrivalyou can either join an excursion to the Temple of Aphaia (cost not included) or take a walk around the main town. Egina (Aegina) is one of the Saronic islands of Greece in the Saronic Gulf. The lovely island is only 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Athens, and is a popular getaway for Athenians during the summer months.  After lunch served on board, you'll sail to Poros in the southern Agrosaronic Gulf. You'll have free time to explore Poros - perhaps you'd like to visit ancient Trizina, the ruins of the Russian Dockyard or take a romantic stroll in the Lemon Forest.

Day 4: Athens Walking Tour, Free Time
This morning we enjoy a guided walking tour including entrance into the Dionysus Theatre built 325 BC, the Keramikos Cemetery Archeological Site with the ancient Sacred Gate and Sacred Road, Temple of Zeus, the Roman Agora and many other sights conducted by an expert guide.  Your afternoon is free with many things to do and see, including a visit to visit one of Athens wonderful museums.  We suggest the new Acropolis Museum as it is one of the best in the world.

Day 5: Delphi
From Athens, our tour travels northward to the lovely mountain region of Delphi - the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. Here you will gain a greater understanding of the Greek religious heritage and their influence on the early Christian church. We also visit the museum where we will marvel at the site of the Charioteer, a bronze statue so delicate we will see his eyelashes. This afternoon we continue southward past Thermopylae and back to the city of Athens, the birth place of democracy.

Day 6: Athens, Acropolis, Mars Hill
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. Additional sites include the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace.  A short walk from your hotel is the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes.

Day 7: Ancient Corinth 
Departing Athens, we stop for a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal and then travel to the ancient city of Corinth, another treat for the New Testament scholar. Corinth is the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters. 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 of I & II Corinthians. 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. Next, we travel to the top of the nearby Acropolis where our guide will speak on the worship practices and point out the bird’s eye view of what was a bustling city of around 800,000 during Paul’s stay. Before ending our day we visit Cenchreae, the ancient port region of Corinth. Acts 18:18, states the Apostle Paul stopped at Cenchreae during his second missionary journey, where he had his hair cut to fulfill a vow.  We return to Athens for the evening.

Day 8: Homeward Bound
We transfer to the airport for our flight back to the USA.


Price Per Person Double Occupancy

Dates

Land Only
No Transfers

December 30 - Pastor/Professor

$578

Companion Rate

$675

Airfare quote from your city (includes transfers)  - click here
or call 1-800-322-0788 to speak to a Pilgrim Agent.

Limited Space - Reserve Today:  
Call 800.322.0788 - By Mail Click Here  


Videos (click on title) Corinth Athens

Single Supplement - $353              

Price Includes:
First class (4 Star) lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, modern transportation, sightseeing as listed. 

Not included: Travel/cancellation insurance,  gratuities. 

Ask About Special Rates for Pastors, Christian Educators, & Custom Groups of All Sizes.


Guarantee Your Space - Reserve Today:
Call 800.322.0788 or By Mail/Fax Click Here

Ask About Special Rates for Pastors, Christian Educators & Custom Groups of All Sizes!