Trip Itinerary

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

Day 1: Sunday, September 20, 2026: Depart
We will depart from the USA on our flights to Greece. Group and individual air is available from Reformation Tours.  (IF)

Day 2: Monday, September 21, 2026: Thessaloniki
On arrival in Thessaloniki, we will transfer to our beachside hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax before dinner. (D)

Day 3: Tuesday, September 22, 2026: 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 ruins of a prison where Paul and Silas were kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica, and the Theater. Nearby is the memorial chapel and baptism site, where Lydia was baptized. We will have free time in the harbor of the ancient port of Kavala (Neopolis) where Paul first set foot in Europe to share the gospel. After a photo stop to see the Lion of Amphipolis, we will return to Thessaloniki and dine in our hotel.  (B/D)

Day 4: Wednesday, September 23, 2026: Thessaloniki, Berea, Kalambaka
On our 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. We will also tour St. Demetrius’ Church to see the early Byzantine mosaics and the crypt. We will view the White Tower, the statue of Alexander the Great, the triumphal Arch of Galerius, and the Rotunda. After some free time for lunch, we will travel to Berea (now called Verea) where Paul and his companions went 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 on the way to our hotel in Kalambaka. (B/D)

Day 5: Thursday, September 24, 2026: Meteora, Delphi
The breathtakingly beautiful monasteries of Meteora are perched precariously high above the ground. They were first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation, although the first hermits settled there in the 11th century. Meteora is the biggest and most important group of monasteries in Greece after those in Mount Athos. We will visit two of these monasteries this morning. In the afternoon we will continue our journey to Delphi and we will dine in our hotel (B/D) 

Day 6: Friday, September 25, 2026: Delphi, Athens
The archeological site of Delphi is located on the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, and is 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 our hotel. (B/D)

Day 7: Saturday, September 26, 2026: Athens
This morning we will enjoy a city tour of Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis and Mars’ Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where Apostle Paul delivered his soul-stirring sermon. The World Heritage sites on the Acropolis have survived more than 25 centuries. We will then explore the Roman Forum. The afternoon is at leisure, with an option to visit the renowned Archeological Museum (B)

Day 8: Sunday, September 27, 2026: Corinth, Cenchrea, Athens
This morning we will take a day trip to Corinth and Cenchrea. We will view the historic Corinth Canal, then visit the Corinth Archeological site where the Apostle Paul lived and worked, establishing a thriving church. Our tour will include the Temple of Apollo, the Agora, the Roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio’s Seat. After we visit the local archeological museum, we still stop by the ancient harbor of Cenchrea, the port Paul left to sail to Ephesus. Tonight we’ll dine in a restaurant with folklore music and dancing. (B/D)

Day 9: Monday, September 28, 2026: Cruise, Mykonos
We will say goodbye to mainland Greece this morning as we board our Celestyal Cruise Ship and sail to 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 choose from one of the excursions. Prices vary (B/L/D)

Day 10: Tuesday, September 29, 2026: Cruise, Ephesus, Patmos
Our boat will dock in Kuşadası in Turkey for our included shore excursion to Ephesus (Walk in the Footsteps of Legends). We will begin the tour at the 6th century Basilica of St. John, the continue on to Ephesus which is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. We will tour the spectacular ruins in the city which was founded in the 10th century B.C. and hear about the church in Ephesus and Paul’s ministry. We will disembark in Patmos for our included excursion (Religious visit to St. John’s Monastery – Grotto of Apocalypse) which 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. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Wednesday, September 30, 2026: Rhodes
Rhodes was the gateway to the Aegean, due to all the harbors on the island. It still has many remnants of its occupation by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. The Colossus of Rhodes, destroyed in an earthquake, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Paul visited the island whilst returning to Jerusalem on his third missionary journey. Optional excursions include visits to the Acropolis of Lindos, the Palace of the Knights, pottery making, kayaking, a marine biology experience and a beach day. Prices vary. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Thursday, October 1, 2026: Crete, Santorini
We will arrive in the port of Heraklion, Crete, early in the morning. There area range of excursions, including a visit to Knossos, the legendary home of the Minotaur. Prices vary. 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. We can ride up the cable car to Fira town, spend a day on the beach, or take an island tour. Prices vary. (B/L/D)

Day 13: Friday, October 2, 2026: Athens
On arrival in Athens, we will disembark and transfer to the airport for our return home. (B/IF)

Post-Tour to Turkey

Day 13: Friday, October 2, 2026: Athens, Istanbul
After disembarking from the cruise, we will fly to Istanbul and transfer to our hotel in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul. We will dine in the rooftop restaurant of our hotel this evening. (B/D)

* Day 14 Option 1: Saturday, October 3, 2026: Free day in Istanbul
The expert local guide will give a 1/2 day guided tour to those who would like to stay in Istanbul. The tour will include the incredible Topkapı Palace, including the beautifully tiled Harem. (B)

* Day 14 Option 2: Saturday, October 3, 2026: Istanbul, Cappadocia (with Rowena)
Today is an early start, as we will depart at 5:30 AM to transfer to the airport for our short flight to Kayseri. Our guide will meet us on arrival for a full-day exploration of the Christian heritage of Cappadocia. We will visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, where we will see churches carved into the rock, frescoes, and a monastery. We will also explore one of the underground cities, where Byzantine Christians lived to escape Roman persecution. These cities were built in the soft volcanic rock of the region. In the evening, we will fly back to Istanbul and transfer to our hotel. (B)

Day 15: Sunday, October 4, 2026: Istanbul
Our expert local guide will take us on a walking tour, including Hagia Sophia, which for centuries was the largest church in Christendom. The current basilica was commissioned by Emperor Justinian 1. 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 Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place, the stunning Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. We will have lunch together during the tour. In the evening, we will dtake a Sunset Cruise on the Bosphorus – a relaxing way to end our time in Turkey. (B/L)

Day 16: Monday, October 5, 2026: Return
We will transfer to the Istanbul Airport to return to the USA. (B/IF)

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
September 21-23, 2026
Golden Star Hotel (4*)
P. Kountouriotou 73
Perea 570 19

Meteora, Greece
September 22-24, 2026
Divani Meteora (4*)
National Road Trikalon – Ioanninon
Kalampaka, 422 00

Delphi, Greece
September 24-25, 2026
V Hotel (4*)
1 Pavlou &, Friderikis Street
Delphi 330 54

Athens, Greece
September 25-28, 2026
Royal Olympic Hotel (5*)
Athanasiou Diakou 28
Athens 117 43

Istanbul, Turkey
October 2-5, 2026
Innova Sultanahmet  (4*)
Piyer Loti Cad. No:6-8
34122 İstanbul

Arrival and Departure Transfers
The arrival transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to the first hotel, the transfer from the cruise ship to Athens Airport, and the departure transfer from Istanbul are included. 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
You may book your own flights, making sure you land in Thessaloniki on September 21, 2026.  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 after noon on October 2, 2026, or from Istanbul on October 5, 2026. 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 2 separate cruise categories. The cabin choice needs to be specified at the time of booking and is subject to availability.  Inside cabins can be requested, as well as cabins sleeping 3-4.

Please note that the cruise cost includes your cabin, all meals, as well as free Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails, all tips and taxes, and group excursions to Patmos and Ephesus.

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
• Free Wi-Fi (upgrades available on board the ship)
• Unlimited filter coffee, tea, water, juice, and sodas in ship restaurants
• 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 January 2025)
• Airport transfers at a different time from the group
• Single supplement
• CelestyalPay food and drink tab for alcoholic beverages and specialty dining
• 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 $500 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 $1,000 is due by May 5, 2026
• Final payment is due by July 10, 2026
• Reservations will be accepted after July 10, 2026 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 March 27, 2026: $100 per person
From March 28 -May 22, 2026: $350 per person plus any non-refundable deposits
From May 23 – July 21, 2026: $1,500 per person plus any non-refundable deposits
From July 22, 2026 onwards: No refund

Cruise cancellation penalties
From sign-up to May 23, 2026: $50 per person for cruise cabin
From May 24, 2026 – July 24, 2026: $300 per person
From July 25, 2026 – August 25, 2026: 35% of cruise cost
From August 26, 2026 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.

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