Trip Itinerary

Please note this itinerary is copyrighted.

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

Day 1: Thursday, June 21, 2018: Depart
Overnight flight to Thessalonica (IF)

Day 2: Friday, June 22, 2018: Arrive in Thessaloniki
On arrival at Thessalonica  Airport, we will meet with our representative and transfer to our hotel in Thessaloniki. Depending on arrival time, we may do some touring today before we dine in our hotel. (D)

Day 3: Saturday, June 23, 2018: Amphipolis, Philippi, Kavala, Thessaloniki
On our way to Philippi, we will drive by the Lion of Amphipolis and have a short stop for photos. In Philippi, we will learn about the church that Paul established and read the letter he sent the congregation (Acts 16:9-33). We will also see the river where Lydia is said to have been baptized, the ruins of a prison where Apostle Paul and Silas had been kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica and the Theater. After the visit, we will continue to Kavala, the ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16:11) where we will enjoy a panoramic tour, including the aqueduct and acropolis before returning to Thessaloniki for dinner in our hotel. (B/D)

Day 4: Sunday, June 24, 2018: Thessaloniki, Mt. Olympus, Kalambaka
In Thessaloniki we will hear about Paul’s preaching ministry (Acts 17:1-4) to Jews and Greeks. According to the Book of the Acts many Greeks believed, including many Greek leading women. We will go to the upper Old City Walls then drive along the Egnatian Way to see the Triumphal Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda, followed by a visit to the Archaeological museum. 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.  Our evening meal is in our hotel in Kalambaka. (B/D)

Day 5: Monday, June 25, 2018: Meteora, Kalambaka
This morning 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. After visiting two monasteries, we will return to our hotel for dinner.  (B/D)

Day 6: Tuesday, June 26, 2018: Kalambaka, Delphi
We will head south today to 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 dine in our hotel in Delphi this evening.  (B/D)

Day 7: Wednesday, June 27, 2018: Corinth, Athens
We will drive towards the southern part of Greece via the historic Corinthian Canal, where we can take some photos.  Paul spent many years in Ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18) and established a thriving church with tent makers Aquila and Priscilla. We will visit the Archaeological Museum, and see the Bema where Paul stood before Gallio facing charges brought by the Jews that were dropped.  After Corinth, we will drive by  Cenchrea (Acts 18:8, Rom. 16:1), a small port where Paul sailed to Ephesus. The remains of the harbor are still visible, and it is not hard to imagine Paul waving farewell from his boat to local believers as he sailed to on his second missionary journey. We will dine in our hotel in Athens. (B/D)

Day 8: Thursday, June 28, 2018: Athens
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 visit Mars’ Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where Apostle Paul delivered his soul-stirring sermon. The rest of the day is at leisure to wander through the Plaka and Monastiraki districts, where old combines with new as you discover shops and restaurants full of Greek delicacies. Some optional excursions will be offered this afternoon. We will dine in our hotel  this evening. (B/D)

Day 9: Friday, June 29, 2018: Mykonos
After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to Piraeus port for embarkation on the Greek Islands cruise. The boat sails at 11:30 AM and we will enjoy lunch on board. Our first port of call is Mykonos and we will arrive at 6:00 PM. We will have free time to stroll  through the whitewashed, flower-decked alleyways, climbing to the sculpture church of Paraportiani or along the waterfront of “Little Venice” to the famous windmills. We will return to the ship for dinner and at 11:00 PM we sail for Kuşadası , Turkey. (B/L/D)

Day 10: Saturday, June 30, 2018: Ephesus, Patmos
The boat will arrive in the Turkish port town of Kuşadası (pronounced “Kush-a-dasser”) at 7:00 AM. This is the starting point for our tour to Ancient Ephesus (Acts 18:19-21). The Apostle Paul lived here for a number of year, working and preaching. We will tour the spectacular ruins in the city which was founded in the 10th century B.C. After the visit we will return to the port for re-embarkation at lunch time. The ship departs at 1:00 PM and arrives in Patmos at 4:00 PM. In the afternoon our tour of Patmos (Rev 1:9) includes a tour to the Monastery of St. John where he was exiled and wrote the Book of Revelation. We will also visit the Grotto of the Revelation (Cave of Apocalypse) before embarking on the cruise ship and dining on board. The ship departs at 9:00 PM. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Sunday, July 1, 2018: Crete, Santorini, Athens
At 7:00 AM we will arrive at Heraklion, Crete (Acts 27:7-13) and we will enjoy a wonderful excursion to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home of King Minos and the legendary Minotaur (half-bull and half-man). We will also visit the Church of St. Titus. The ship sails at 11:30 AM and arrives in Santorini at 4:30 PM. Santorini is a stunning, much photographed island, famous for its sunsets. We will ride the cable car up to the white-washed town of Thera, perched high on the rim of the ancient volcano.  Our ship begins the voyage back to Athens around 9:30 PM. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Monday, July 2, 2018: Return
We will arrive back at Piraeus port at 7:00 AM and transfer to the Athens international airport for our flights back to the USA. (B/D)

POST TOUR TO ROME ($700)

Day 12: Monday, July 2, 2018: Athens. Flight to Rome
We will arrive back at Piraeus port at 7:00 AM and transfer to the Athens international airport for our flight to Rome. Our guide will meet us at the airport and escort us to our Rome hotel. The afternoon is at leisure, before a group dinner this evening. (B/D)

Day 13: Tuesday, July 3, 2018: Christian Rome
Our tour of Christian Rome will begin with a visit of the Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica (including the dome) and St. Peter’s Square, where Peter was crucified (John 21:18-19). In the afternoon we will visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major, St. John in Lateran with the Scala Sancta. We will dine in our hotel this evening.  (B/D)

Day 14: Wednesday, July 4, 2018: Ancient Rome
Our tour of Ancient Rome will begin with a visit to St. Paul Outside the Walls, Via Appia and the Catacombs of San Sebastian. On the way back to Rome we will see the Circus Maximus and the Arch of Titus, then we have some free time for lunch. In the afternoon we will will tour the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. We will have the opportunity to dine in the restaurant of our choice this evening. (B)

Day 15: Thursday, July 5, 2018: Rome
Many of the sites we will see today were very familiar to the Apostle Paul. We will begin with a visit to the Arch of Constantine and an inside tour of the Colosseum. We will tour the Forum, Palatine Hall and the Mamertime Prison, where Paul was imprisoned. In the afternoon we will tour St. Peter’s in Chains, see Michelangelo’s Moses and the San Clemente Basilica. Our final dinner is in our hotel. (B/D)

Day 16: Friday, July 6, 2018: Depart
We will transfer to Rome International Airport for our return flights to the USA. (B)

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!

Pre-tour nights are available.  Please contact us for details!

Thessalonica, Greece
June 22-24, 2018
El Greco Hotel
23 Egnatia Str., 54
630 Thessaloniki

Kalambaka, Greece
June 24-26, 2018
Famissi Eden
Koumaries,
Kalampaka 422 00

Delphi, Greece
June 26-27, 2018
Hotel Apollonia
37-39 Ifeigenias & Sygrou,
Delphi, 33 054

Athens, Greece
June 27-29, 2018
Stanley Hotel
Odisseos 1
Athens 104 37

Cruise
Celestyal Cruises Olympia
June 29 – July 2, 2018
All cabins are in the XB category (outside)

Rome, Italy
July 2-6, 2018
Hotel Cicerone
Via Cicerone, 55/C
Rome – 00193

Flight Information

Group flights will be arranged for this tour. If you would like to make your own arrangements, please wait until the tour is a definite departure, before booking non-refundable tickets. We can either assist you with flights or you are welcome to book your own. Please ensure we have a copy of your flight itinerary for our records as soon as you have booked it.

What’s included in the land price of $3,000? (reduced from $3,200)

Price based on a minimum of 35 participants.
The Italy post-tour is $700 per person.

Your Tour Includes

•   Transportation: via deluxe air-conditioned coaches
•   3 day cruise to Greek Islands and Turkey in outside cabin
•   Flight from Athens to Rome (post-tour)
•   Accommodations (double-occupancy) in superior 3-and 4-star hotels
•   Meals as indicated in the itinerary
•   Professional Tour Director throughout the tour
•   Local step-on guides for city tours and major attractions
•   Guides will use Whisper Headsets throughout the tour
•   Admission to all activities indicated in the itinerary, including shore excursions
•   All transfers, as a group
•   Baggage handling (1 piece of baggage per guest)
•   Basic travel insurance (upgrade available)
•   All taxes and tips, including port taxes ($168)
•   Full-color tour book and online itinerary using the Trip Plan app

Your Tour Does Not Include

•   Air transportation (group air will be available)
•   Single supplement ($400 for main tour / $180 in Rome)
•   Meals and beverages not identified in itinerary
•   Items of a personal nature, such as passports and visas. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond return date.
•   Passenger trip cancellation insurance (details sent with reservation form)

Payment Schedule

•   Deposit of $350 will secure your place on the tour. Please send all payments to Reformation Tours, LLC. P.O Box 854, Belleville, IL 62222.
•   Final invoices will be sent in March 2018
•   Final payment is due by April 7, 2018
•   Reservations will be accepted after April 2018 subject to availability

Insurance

Starting in 2018, we are switching to the Professional Plan offered by Roam Right Insurance, a division of Arch Insurance Company. We include $500 coverage in your tour price and you are welcome to upgrade to cover the full tour premium. The cost of the tour insurance is the tour cost (minus $500) x 6.14%. This will be automatically added to your invoice.

Cancellations

Regardless of reason, cancellations are costly. To offset these costs the following fees will apply, plus any non-recoverable expenses to our suppliers:
From time of deposit to until 100 days before departure: $100
From 99-15 days prior to departure: $350 plus any non refundable deposits
14 days or less prior to departure: 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.
– Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is strongly recommended.
Reformation Tours cannot assume responsibility for any additional costs or fees relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of air tickets or other arrangements not made through Reformation Tours.

VIEW TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that this trip is now waiting-list only