Trip Itinerary

Key: IF = In Flight Meals, B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner 

Day 1: Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Depart
Some of the group will fly today. Those with a pre-tour will have private transfers to the hotel. (IF)

Day 2: Wednesday, October 2, 2024: Thessaloniki
Early arrivals will have a morning tour of Thessaloniki. We will drive to the upper part of the Old City Walls where we will have excellent views of the city port. On our sightseeing drive, we will view the White Tower, the statue of Alexander the Great, the triumphal Arch of Galerius, and the Rotunda. In St. Demetrius’ Church we will see its early Byzantine mosaics. The afternoon is at leisure. Those arriving today will have a private transfer to the hotel. We will have a Welcome Dinner in our hotel in Thessaloniki. (D)

Day 3: Thursday, October 3, 2024: Philippi, Kavala, Thessaloniki
We will begin our tour in Philippi where the Apostle Paul established a strong church. The letter he wrote to the church is recorded in Acts 16:9-33. We will see the river where Lydia is said to have been baptized, the ruins of a prison where Paul and Silas were kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica, and the Theater. We will have a group lunch in the bay of the ancient port of Kavala, which was known as Neopolis and mentioned in Acts 16:11. Kavala has a wonderful aqueduct and acropolis. We will dine in our hotel in Thessaloniki this evening. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Friday, October 4, 2024: Berea, Meteora, Kalambaka
Paul and his companions went to Berea to escape the angry Jews of Thessaloniki, finding that the Bereans, “received the word with great eagerness…” The Bema memorial commemorating Paul’s preaching features gorgeous Byzantine-style mosaic scenes of Paul spreading the gospel. We will pass by Katerini and see Mount Olympus, the home of the twelve Olympian gods and goddesses.  We will take a spectacular drive up to visit Meteora. Breathtakingly beautiful centuries-old monasteries perched precariously high above the ground were first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation. Meteora is the biggest and most important group of monasteries in Greece after those in Mount Athos. We can locate the first traces of their history from 11th c. when the first hermits settled there. The rock monasteries have been characterized by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage and they form one of the most important stations of cultural map of Greece. Our evening meal is in our hotel in Kalambaka. (B/D)

Day 5: Saturday, October 5, 2024: Delphi, Athens
Delphi was the capital of the Ancient World. On the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, in a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty, is the archaeological site of Delphi. considered by early Greeks to be the center of the world. Walking the Sacra Via to the Athenian Treasury, we will see the amphitheater, stadium and the Temple of Apollo where the oracle performed his or her prophetic rituals. With pagan ruins surrounding our walk, capture a glimpse of the challenge the apostle Paul incurred in preaching the Gospel of Christ in Macedonia. In the Delphi Museum, we will view many ancient treasures, the chief of which is the 5th century bronzed Charioteer, complete with eyelashes.  We will arrive in Athens in the evening and will dine in the Plaka area. (B/D) *

Day 6: Sunday, October 6, 2024: Athens, Cruise
This morning we will enjoy a city tour of Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis & its Museum, as well as a panoramic tour of the highlights of the city. We will visit Mars’ Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where Apostle Paul delivered his soul-stirring sermon.  Pastor Case will share insights about Paul’s preaching there.  We will board our Windstar cruise in the afternoon ready for the 5 PM departure on the Treasures of the Greek Isles cruise. The ship has many wonderful amenities including a spa, watersports platform, whirlpool, live music in the Lounge, as well as fabulous food and attentive staff. All meals, Wi-Fi, unlimiled alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included and we’ll enjoy an array of fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from each port along the way.  (B/D)

Day 7: Monday, October 7, 2024: Mykonos
We will wake up this morning to the postcard-like scene of Mykonos, the classic Greek isle dotted with hundreds of whitewashed churches and thatch-roofed windmills, in a harbor bobbing with fishing boats and luxurious private yachts. We can explore the island independently, or chose from one of the Windstar excursions including the “Five Senses of Mykonos”, a cooking class, or a trip to the island of Delos. You will be in Mykonos from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Tuesday, October 8, 2024: Ephesus, Kuşadası
Our boat will dock in Kuşadası in Turkey, where we will disembark for a private (not Windstar) shore excursion to Ephesus, which is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. The Apostle Paul was based in Ephesus for several years. We will tour the spectacular ruins in the city which was founded in the 10th century B.C. and Case will be able to do an en-site Bible study about the church in Ephesus and Paul’s ministry. The tour will also include the new Terrace Houses exhibition. We will also tour St. John Basilica in nearby Selçuk. After a traditional lunch (buffet style) in a local restaurant, we will have time to wander around the pretty village of Şirince. After the 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM excursion, you will return to the ship to get ready for the Evening in Ephesus event, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We’ll walk the Marble Road to Harbor Street for our 5-course, white-glove-service dinner under the stars accompanied by a trio from the Aegean Chamber Orchestra. (B/L/D)

Day 9: Wednesday, October 9, 2024: Patmos
We will disembark in Patmos where the Apostle John was exiled, and where he wrote the book of Revelation. Our Windstar excursion from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM includes the village of Chora, where we will visit the Monastery of St. John. This dates back to 1088 and see the artefacts in the museum. Our next stop is the Grotto of St. John, a 17th century monastery built around the cave where John is said to have written the book of Revelation. The afternoon is at leisure, before the ship sails at 6:00 PM. (B/L/D)

Day 10: Thursday, October 10, 2024: Santorini
Santorini, an island in the Cyclades, has one of the most spectacular landscapes in all Greece. The traditional villages are built on tall cliffs and offer breath-taking views over a former volcanic crater. Our yacht will be in the harbor from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM which gives us plenty of time to enjoy one of the offered excursions, including visits to Akrotiri and Oia, wineries of Santorini, or free time. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Friday, October 11, 2024: Monemvasia
Monemvasia is a small, secluded pedestrian-only port city built into a cliffside. The yacht will be docked from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. There are optional excursions to Monemvasia Castle and Liotrivi Olive Oil Factory. If you decide not to take an excursion, you can either walk from the harbor (it’s very steep) or take a shuttle bus to the Lower Town. The Church of Christ Elkomenos is a cathedral that dates back to the 13th century, was updated during the Venetian occupation, and still has four surviving Byzantine icons.. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Saturday, October 12, 2024: Nafplio
Nafplio is a delightful seaside town where we can wander cobblestone streets and explore Venetian fortresses. The yacht will be docked from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There are optional excursions to the Venetian Fortress, the UNESCO sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus, or the Wine Paths of Argolis. (B/L/D)

Day 13: Sunday, October 13, 2024: Athens
On arrival in Athens, we will disembark and transfer to the airport for our return home. (B/IF)

ISTANBUL EXTENSION

Day 1: Sunday, October 13, 2024: Depart
We will disembark from the Windstar and transfer to the airport for our direct flight to Istanbul. Our guide will be waiting for us and we will have a private transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Monday, October 14, 2024: Istanbul
After breakfast, our guide and driver will pick us up from our hotel for a full day’s tour of Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. We will begin our day with a visit the Topkapı Palace, a 15th century symbol of Ottoman splendor. Once home to Sultans, it showcases the empire’s wealth. The architecture and gardens are stunning. Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Greek Orthodox basilica, commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Constantius. The first two basilicas burnt and the current basilica was commissioned by Emperor Justinian 1 in 532. At the opening ceremony in 537, he is reported to have said, “My Lord, thank you for giving me the chance to create such a worshipping place.” After spending many years as a museum, it’s currently a mosque. Our tour will also include the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. We will end the tour with a visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchy of Orthodoxy., including the 4:30 PM Orthodox service at St George’s Church. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Tuesday, October 15, 2024: Istanbul
After breakfast, we will have a 3.5hr Bosphorus cruise, with a stop on the Asian side for lunch. This waterway separating Europe and Asia is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy shopping, relaxing at the hotel, or returning to the Golden Horn area. A trip to a Turkish bath can be arranged for this afternoon either at the Cağaoğlu Hammam, or at the hotel. One of the afternoon options is a visit to the historic Pera Palace Hotel, where we can visit Room 101, a museum about Mustafa Ataturk. The Pera Palace was built in 1895 to host passengers on the Orient Express, and is full of Belle Epoque charm. It was also a favorite of British royalty, American politicians, as well as novelist like Agatha Christie. The Agatha Restaurant is named in her honor. (B)

Please note this itinerary is copyrighted.

What are accommodations like?

Our hotels are chosen for their quality, amenities and proximity to areas of interest. Whenever possible, we choose hotels in town centers, so that you are able to go off and explore in your free time. It may be necessary for us to substitute hotels for others of equal quality. You will be fully informed of any changes that affect you. Enjoy your stay!

All upgrades are subject to availability at the time of booking. Early registration is recommended.

Thessaloniki, Greece
October 2-4, 2024
Mediterranean Palace (5*)
3, Salaminos & Karatassou Str.,
Thessaloniki, 54626

Meteora, Greece
October 4-5, 2024
Divani Meteroa (4*)
National Road Trikalon – Ioanninon
Kalampaka, 422 00

Athens, Greece
October 5-6, 2024
Divani Acropolis (5*)
19-25 Parthenonos Str.
Athens, 11742

Istanbul, Turkey
October 13-16
Swissotel Bosphorus (5*)
Visnezade Mah. Acisu Sok no 19
Beşiktaş, Istanbul

Arrival and Departure Transfers

Transfers are automatically included if we have booked your flights.

If you have booked your own flights, we can still provide transfers, as long as we have your flight details on file and a phone number to give to the driver. We will include your transfer information in your final packet. Transfers will be arranged for each arrival, so that you won’t have to wait for other tour members if their flight is delayed. Transfers can be arranged for the day of your choosing, but we can’t arrange transfers if you arrive or depart by train.

Please note that individual transfers are booked through a third-party and you will be responsible to communicate with the company in case of delays.

Flight Information

Here is the itinerary for the flight from Athens to Istanbul for the extension. All other flights are booked on an individual basis.

Option 1: You may request a flight quote from us by filling out this form. Payment is due at the time of booking.

Option 2: You may book your own flights, making sure you land in Thessaloniki on the morning of October 2, 2024.  If you would prefer to arrive earlier, we can arrange a pre-tour hotel night in Thessaloniki. You are welcome to depart from Athens at any time on October 14, 20245. Please send us a copy of your flight itinerary for our records as soon as you have booked it.

Please note that if you would like to use air miles you will need to book directly with the airline.

What’s included in the land and cruise price?

The following chart shows the pricing for the land and cruise options in 4 separate cruise categories. The cabin choice needs to be specified at the time of booking and is subject to availability. Categories B and BX are on Deck 1 (lower deck) and Categories A and AX are on Deck 2. The single supplement is separated into the cruise and hotel costs.

Please note that the cruise cost includes free Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails, all tips and taxes, and group excursions to Patmos and Ephesus. You will also receive $100 on-board credit.

*Price based on a minimum of 14 participants.

Your Tour Includes

• Land transportation via private, deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
• Airport transfers as a group
• Double occupancy accommodations in 4 and 5-star hotels
• Double or single occupancy cabins in chosen category
• Porterage
• Free Wi-Fi and unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails on board, as well as $100 onboard credit
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Admission to all activities indicated in the itinerary
• Professional Tour Director throughout the land tour
• Local guides for city tours
• Cruise excursions to Ephesus and Patmos
• Guides will use Whisper Headsets throughout the tour
• Cruise tips and taxes
• Tips for tour director, guides, restaurants, hotels etc. in Greece
• Full color personalized tour diary
• Travel app

Your Tour Does Not Include

• Air transportation and related taxes and fees (group air not available until mid-November 2023)
• Airport transfers separate from the group
• Upgraded hotel rooms ($100 or $500 per person)
• Single supplement (Land single supplement is $535 per person for standard room)
• Meals, other than as indicated above
• Additional cruise excursions
• Items of a personal nature, such as passport fees
• Travel insurance

Payment Schedule

• The deposit of $1,300 per person is due at the time of booking and can be paid while registering, or by check. Online payments incur a 3.5% credit card fee. Checks can be mailed to “Reformation Tours”, 12316 244th St, Chisago City, MN 55013-9688.
• Second deposit of $1,500 is due by March 1, 2024
• Final invoices will be sent in June 2024
• Final payment is due by July 15, 2024
• Reservations will be accepted after July 15, 2024 subject to availability

Insurance

Insurance: There are two levels of insurance offered. Click here to compare. When you fill out the registration form, you will be given quotes for both.

Standard is 4.55% of the trip cost and can be purchased up until 2 days prior to departure, although we recommend purchasing it before.

Enhanced is 7.6% of the trip cost and includes cancel for any reason benefits. It has to be purchased within 14 days of registration.

Cancellations

The following penalties apply plus any non-recoverable expenses such as hotel deposits and attraction costs that had been made by the time of cancellation. Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers.

Land cancellation penalties
From time of deposit to September 14, 2023: $100 per person
From September 15, 2023 – February 29, 2024: $350 per person
From March 1 – June 9, 2024: $850 per person
From June 10 – July 31, 2024: $1,500 per person
From August 1, 2024 onwards: No refund

Cruise cancellation penalties
From sign-up to June 1, 2024: $50 per person for cruise cabin
From June 2, 2024 – July 2, 2024: 15% penalty of cruise cost per person
From July 3, 2024 – August 1, 2024: 25% penalty of cruise cost per person
From August 1-31, 2024: 50% penalty of cruise cost per person
From September 1, 2024 onwards: No refund

Cancellation charges also apply to additional accommodation reserved prior to and after the tour. Cancellations must be received in writing by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on the last business day of the applicable time period. For flight changes or cancellations, revision fees and/or airline cancellation charges will apply. Roommates canceling can result in a single supplement charge for the roommate. The Participant who cancels will be responsible for that charge if a substitute roommate cannot be found.

Reformation Tours reserves the rights to alter itineraries without notice should it become necessary. While on tour, if conditions necessitate changes, or if certain features are unavailable or limited, we reserve the right to vary or substitute alternatives. All prices are calculated at the exchange rate in effect at the time of this quotation. Should currency fluctuations necessitate an adjustment in tour price; the adjusted price will be reflected in the final invoice.

Terms and Conditions

Reformation Tours reserves the rights to alter itineraries without notice should it become necessary.

Please click on the button below to register.

Register for Tour RCT24