Greece, Turkey, Israel

DAY 1 – TRAVEL DAY 

Birmingham, AL → Atlanta, GA → Athens, Greece

DOMESTIC FLIGHT:

Depart:  Birmingham, AL

Arrival:  Atlanta, GA

(nonstop) 1-hour, 5 minutes

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT:

Depart:  Atlanta, GA 

Arrival:  Athens, Greece

(nonstop) 10-hours, 45 minutes

ARRIVAL:  GREECE

Upon arrival to Greece, you will transfer, by private bus, from Athens International Airport to the hotel for check-in, welcome dinner, and reception. A good night’s rest overnight in Athens as tour itinerary commences on Day 2.

DAY 2 – ATHENS

On Day 2, we will visit the center of one of the world’s greatest civilizations and the cradle of Western civilization. First, we will visit the Acropolis and wander through the ruins of some of the most architecturally perfect buildings ever constructed. We’ll see the Propylaea, the Temple of the Wingless Victory, the Erechtheum with its peerless Porch of Maidens, and Mars Hill where Paul was brought before the council. Finally, we will reach the ‘harmony between matter and spirit’, the monument that ‘puts order in the mind’, the Parthenon. On a drive through Athens, we’ll see the National Library, the University, the Academy, the Presidential Palace, the Stadium, Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. The afternoon is at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 3 – CORINTH

Today, we tour to Corinth driving through Daphni and Eleusis. After crossing the Corinthian Canal which connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas, we will arrive in ancient Corinth. We visit the ruins of Corinth where St. Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. Included are the First Century shops, the Agora, Temple of Apollo and the Bema Seat. Still gurgling under the ruins is the water of the springs of the mighty Acropolis above, which once fed the Fountain of Pirene. Continue your drive up to Acrocorinth, in Paul’s time site of the great Temple of Aphrodite. Return to Athens where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 4 – KAVALA • PHILIPPI • THESSALONIKI 

This morning, we transfer to the airport for our domestic flight to Kavala on the site of ancient Neapolis where Paul landed on the way to Philippi. Continue on a short drive to Ancient Philippi where we find two early Christian basilicas, traces of the Egnatian Way which Paul followed from the harbor of Neapolis (ancient port of Philippi) on his first visit on European soil. View the Roman Forum, the Citadel, the ancient theater, and the Ledia’s brook. Later, we drive to Thessaloniki where we begin with a brief tour of the Biblical Thessaloniki where Paul founded the Church in 49-50 A.D. Drive along the ancient route of Paul, through mountain passes and plains to Amphipolis for a short stop to view the ancient Lion Statue. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

DAY 5 — THESSALONIKI • VERIA

This morning we take a tour of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city and capital of Macedonia, highlighting treasures of the ancient Byzantine and medieval eras. Included are the famous Byzantine St. Dimitri Church, Vlatadon Monastery, the University and Arch of Galerius. After the tour, we will drive through the plains of Thessaly, visit the legendary home of the Greek Gods, continue on to Veria where Paul remained for several days and the scriptures say the people were “more noble than in Thessaloniki.” Return to Thessaloniki where we will transfer to the airport for our domestic flight to Athens for dinner and overnight.

CRUISE THE AEGEAN SEA THROUGH THE GREEK ISLES

(Athens to Santorini travel options:  plane, ferry, or cruise)

DAY 6 — SANTORINI 

This morning we embark on our cruise through the Aegean to the sun-drenched Island of Santorini. The most famous of the Greek Islands, Santorini is instantly recognizable for its whitewashed, cube-shaped buildings adorned with blue accents, steep cliffs and tangerine sunsets that light up the sky and sea.

Unusual red and black sand beaches, top-notch local wineries and excellent tavernas serving up fresh fish and fava also await. Arrival by ferry (high-speed, or slow) are both available options.

DAY 7 – SANTORINI

Santorini (or Thera) is one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide and the most visited Greek island. It is one of the most magical places you will ever see!

On Day 7, we will explore the most spectacular island in Greece and one of the geologic treasures of Europe. The five villages of Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Akrotiri sit atop the caldera and offer spectacular views into the crater created from a 16th-century BC volcanic eruption. What remains is an incredible sight and a magical setting for island hikes, infinity pools, luxury hotels, clifftop wineries, and unforgettable sunset dinners. Today is a time of leisure, relaxation, shopping, swimming, and dining. Overnight in Santorini.

TURKEY

DAY 8 – IZMIR • EPHESUS

You will arrive, by plane, to Izmir, Turkey and proceed by transfer to the Magnesian Gate, entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. After seeing the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trojan, the steam- heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, you will reach the Library of Celsus, adorned with its columns and statues, considered one of the most magnificent ruins in the world. The Great Theater, where St. Paul preached, is the largest theater in antiquity, with a capacity of 24,000 people. At the end of the tour, you will enjoy dinner and overnight in Ephesus.

ISRAEL

DAY 9 – TEL-AVIV

On Day 9, we will transfer, by plane, to Tel-Aviv, Israel. Upon arrival and hotel check-in, we’ll begin our Tel-Aviv City Tour with a visit to the Diaspora Museum, an incredible place to learn about the Jewish heritage and its evolution through the eras. This is an enthralling and unmissable museum, especially for first-time visitors to Israel! Our museum visit will be followed by a driving tour of downtown Tel Aviv, exploring the business and entertainment districts. We’ll make a brief stop at Rabin Square and visit the memorial marking the spot where former Prime Minister Itzhak Rabin was assassinated in 1995. After this, we will continue on to Old Jaffa, an 8000-year-old port city and now a fascinating neighborhood defined by its art galleries, theatres, and an array of excellent restaurants. We will walk through the ancient, cobbled streets that hide endless ancient stories and discover the old painter’s quarter which has been beautifully gentrified. Next up is a walk through the oldest neighborhood in Tel Aviv, Neve Tzedek. We will also meander along Nahalat Binyamin, one of the city’s outdoor pedestrian malls and a place brimming with lively entertainment and a bevy of boutiques selling handmade jewelry and objects of art. By mid-afternoon, we will explore the neighborhood around Sheinkin Street, a bustling and colorful area revered for its unique shops, café life, and young and trendy vibe.

DAY 10 – TEL AVIV • JERUSALEM

Day 10 will be dedicated solely to exploring both the Old and New Jerusalem. We will take your group to the Mount of Olives (Mt Olivet), the panoramic views are out of this world and you will get an excellent overview perspective of this immensely unique city. Then, we will have the chance to enter the city through the 16th-century Zion Gate, one of the seven ancient gates of Old Jerusalem. Our trail back allows us to explore the enchanting Armenian and Jewish quarters. We’ll enjoy a stroll along the Byzantine-era colonnaded Cardo Avenue and explore the remains of the ancient perimeter wall of Jerusalem. Continue to the Western Wall (Kotel) and take your time exploring the intricate alleyways of the Christian Quarter. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, the processional route that showcases the Stations of the Cross. After an exquisite traditional lunch of local specialties in old Jerusalem, it will be time to visit the new city. Your afternoon can be spent as you desire. During this free time, you might like to take an unforgettable tour of Israel’s official Holocaust homage: the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Or you may opt to visit the Israel Museum, an art and archaeology treasure that houses the Shrine of the Book, displaying the Dead Sea Scrolls. The museum is large and comprises a sculpture garden sprawled across six acres and possesses displays that range from ancient gems to modern art creations. Afterwards, we will return to Tel-Aviv for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 11 – THE ISRAEL CULINARY EXPERIENCE • THE ISRAEL WINE EXPERIENCE • THE BLACK DIASPORA IN ISRAEL (GLOBAL IMPACT FROM A TECH PERSPECTIVE)

Day 11 is filled with cultural and educational gems of enrichment that you will have the opportunity to select and attend. You will have the option to select any combination of the following unique, customized tour activations:

• The Israel Culinary Experience
• The Israel Winery Experience
• The Black Diaspora in Israel: The History, Politics, and Social Construction of “Blackness” in Israel with emphasis on Modern-Day Tech Perspectives

You may also attend all of the activities, if desired, as they will be scheduled at separate times. Day 11 will provide insight and exposure into modern-day culture through culinary delights and world-renowned Israel wines. In addition, we take an in-depth look at the origins of the Black Diaspora and the current impact on global affairs from a myriad of perspectives, including technology.

DAY 12 – NAZARETH • TIBERIAS • SEA OF GALILEE 

Your journey north kicks off with a drive to the Valley of the Armageddon – Megiddo stands atop the Jezreel Valley and was the prophesized spot where all the armies would converge for the battle to end all time. A UNESCO heritage-listed site of cultural importance, Megiddo oozes historical importance from every single one of its ancient stones. It sat at an important junction on the road from Assyria to Egypt and saw many fierce battles over the dominance of the region. Ruins here predate 600BC and archaeological excavations, believe it or not, are still ongoing. Nearby, we will visit Nazareth, the childhood hometown of Jesus. Visit the impressive Church of the Annunciation (the largest of its kind in the Middle East) where the Virgin Mary received news from St Gabriel the Archangel that she was expecting a child and that he would be the Son of God. Nazareth may have been a small village, once upon a time, but being one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Israel, it has transformed into a thriving city offering a plethora of attractions and activities. We’ll wrap up our day with a visit to Beit She’an. This amazingly preserved Roman city is one of the most underrated highlights of Israel, so we always enjoy a quiet and contemplative visit. Learn all about the extraordinary 6,000 year-old history and exceptional prominence of this once formidable place, which today is one of Israel’s largest archaeological sites. Stroll the colonnaded avenue, visit the ancient public baths and discover stores, workshops, and dwellings that seem to be older than time itself. Finally, we will drive to the beautiful ancient city of Tiberias, set along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where you will spend a lovely evening and stay overnight.

DAY 13 – YARDENIT (THE GALILEE BAPTISMAL SITE ON THE JORDAN RIVER) • TEL-AVIV • SPA PACKAGE

On Day 13, you will visit Yardenit, the baptismal site situated on the banks of the Jordan River, at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee. Here, you will experience the tranquility and spiritual beauty of the waters in which Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

Yardenit offers modern comforts in the biblical setting of the Holy Land, providing a serene and spiritual setting for those wishing to baptize in the Jordan River.

Afterwards, we will transfer to Tel-Aviv and the remainder of the day will be a time of leisure, free time, and rest. There, you will have the option to be transported to a world-class seaside wellness spa where you can indulge in a bevy of exquisite treatments. A good night’s sleep is guaranteed! You will be returned to your hotel in Tel Aviv for your overnight stay.

DAY 14 – TRAVEL DAY / DEPARTURE TO U.S.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT:

Depart:  Tel Aviv, Israel 

Arrival:  Athens, Greece

(nonstop) 2-hours, 10 minutes

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT:

Depart:  Athens, Greece 

Arrival:  Atlanta, GA

(nonstop) 12-hours, 5 minutes

DOMESTIC FLIGHT:

Depart:  Atlanta, GA

Arrival:  Birmingham, AL

(nonstop) 50 minutes