Compare Footsteps of Apostle Paul - Faith-Based Travel by Globus vs 12-Day Family Trip to Athens, Crete and Rhodes by Greeking.me
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 10 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 3,350 | $ 3,872 |
| Price Per Day | $ 335 | $ 323 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A |
Breakfast is always included. More meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary |
| Description | “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” wrote the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians. On this religious tour of Greece and Turkey, you’ll stroll, skip, and sail by faith as you retrace the many missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul after he saw the light in Damascus. Both pilgrimage and picturesque journey, this land and cruise tour to mainland Greece, the Greek Isles, and Turkey leads you to many significant sites of the New Testament as well as some of the most magnificent sights of the Mediterranean. Scripture will take on new meaning as you visit the ancient communities where Paul established churches – and to whom he penned his epistles, including the Thessalonians, Philippians, Corinthians, and Ephesians. As you follow in the faithful footsteps of the Apostle Paul – with fantastic detours to Mykonos, Crete, and Santorini – you, too, will have much to write home about. |
Embark on a family trip across some of the most popular and beautiful regions of Greece for an experience of a lifetime you’ll have stories to tell about for years. From Athens to the islands of Crete and Rhodes, you’ll get to explore Greece through mythology, gastronomy, sailing, and walking tours that will ensure you make the most out of your stay in Greece while keeping your kids engaged and entertained. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)
ATHENS-STREET-SCENE.jpg
Day 2: ATHENS–METEORA–KALAMBAKA
The Miracles of Greece Depart Athens for a scenic drive to Kalambaka. METEORA Visit two monasteries including the Holy Monastery of Varlaam. Enjoy a scenic drive en route to Kalambaka. (Breakfast,Dinner) 229mi /368km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Visit the magnificent natural setting in Meteora where stratospheric rock formations surround the ancient monasteries perched on the clifftops. Here, gigantic rocky outcrops reach 600 meters high above the plains of Thessaly where you’ll visit the stunning, red-roofed monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen.
METEORA.jpg
Day 3: KALAMBAKA–VERIA–THESSALONIKA
Greek Tragedies & Grand Treasures VERIA Visit the Bema of Apostle Paul.THESSALONIKA An orientation drive includes the White Tower and Aristotelous Square. Visit Ag. Dimitros Basilika. (Breakfast,Dinner)145 mi / 234 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS See Thessalonika's iconic 15th-century prison tower, standing 34-meters high. Hear the history of the Ottoman Empire and tragic ends of those who were imprisoned here. Pass Aristotelous Square, the Jewel of Thessalonika on the sea front.
THESSALONIKA.jpg
Day 4: THESSALONIKA–EXCURSION TO PHILIPPI & KAVALA
A Disciple's Destiny PHILIPPI Visit Lydia’s Baptistery, the forum, ruins of the Basilicas, and the theatre.KAVALA An orientation drive includes Neapolis of the Acts and St. Paul’s mosaic. Free time for lunch before returning to Athens Thessalonika. (Breakfast,Dinner)219mi/350kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTICONIC FOOTSTEPS Follow the path of St. Paul the Apostle where the disciple traveled in 49-50 CE to spread the Word of Christ. Visit the Greek Orthodox church and Baptistry of Saint Lydia, the first Greek and European woman baptized by the Apostle Paul. Visit the amazing ancient ruins of the Philippi’s Roman Forum, the Basilicas, and Theater in the city that became the center of Christian faith following the visit of the Apostle Paul.
PHILIPPI-BASIILICAS.jpg
Day 5: THESSALONIKA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS
Warriors & The Ancient World THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site.ATHENS Free time this evening. (Breakfast)314 mi / 503 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Travel through the coastal floodplain of the Spercheios river, surrounded by sloping forested limestone mountains and the thermal springs of Thermopylae. Greek Spartans, Thebans, and Thespians fought Persian invaders during the historic Battle of Thermopylae in this narrow coastal passage.
THERMOPYLAE.jpg
Day 6: ATHENS (EMBARKATION)–MYKONOS
Sun-Kissed BeautyATHENS Embark on your Mediterranean cruise through the Greek Islands and Turkey. MYKONOS Free time this afternoon and evening. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Explore the whitewashed paradise of Mykonos with its iconic windmills. Named after Apollo’s grandson, Mykonos offers a wealth of treasures to discover in its cafes, shops, and picturesque lanes.
MYKONOS-WINDMILLS.jpg
Day 7: CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY–EXCURSION TO EPHESUS–PATMOS, GREECE
Divine Dwellings & DigsKUSADASI Take a guided visit to the Ephesus Archaeological site in the city where St. Paul wrote many “Letters to the Corinthians.” See the House of Mary, where the Blessed Mother spent her final days. PATMOS Enjoy free time to explore the island. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Explore one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean with a visit to Ephesus, Turkey. Excavations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site have revealed grand monuments of the Roman Imperial era, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. See the domed cruciform House of Mary, a revered Christian pilgrimage site in this once Roman port city and sea channel.
KUSADASI-EPHESUS.jpg
Day 8: CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE–SANTORINI
The Bronze Age on the Blue AegeanHERAKLION Take a guided visit to the Minoan Palace of Knossos. SANTORINI Visit the island (weather permitting). Free time this afternoon. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE Visit the extraordinary royal ruins of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, where Greek mythology tells the story of King Minos and a heroic prince who battled the mighty Minotaur for the hand of a princess in Heraklion.
HERAKLION-PALACE-OF-KNOSSOS.jpg
Day 9: ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION)–CORINTH–ATHENS
A Metropolis of Mythic ProportionsATHENS Disembark your cruise and take a scenic drive to the Corinth Canal with a photo stop. CORINTH Enjoy a guided visit to the excavations, including Agora and St. Paul’s Bema, where the Christian missionary faced the Forum’s court.ATHENS A guided sightseeing tour includes visits to the Areopagus and the Acropolis. Stop for a photo opportunity at the Panathenaic Stadium—site of the first Olympic Games. Enjoy free time before a farewell dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast,Dinner) 101 mi / 163 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Athens conjures visions of Greek gods and goddesses, and robe-draped philosophers and politicians. You’ll see the iconic sites of the Acropolis in the ancient city where mythology, philosophy, and Christianity flourished in the “birthplace of civilization.” Stop at the all- marble Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place. The Olympic flame is passed to the current host nations to begin the modern games still today.
ATHENS-ACROPOLIS.jpg
Day 10: ATHENS
Safe travels until we meet again!Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
ATHENS-CAFE.jpg
Days 1 to 3: Athens
Welcome to Greece! As soon as you step foot in Greece you’ll be greeted by your private driver who will take you to your accommodation for a quick fresh-up before your Greek adventures begin! For your first evening in the Greek capital, you’ll savor a traditional welcome Greek dinner that will introduce you to local cuisine through mouthwatering dishes made with fresh, local products.
The next morning, you’ll meet with your expert family-friendly guide for our amazing Mythology Tour of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Let the guide engage with your kids with interactive games and fascinating story-telling and learn all about the sacred rock, its monuments, and its museum. At the evening, your driver will pick you up from your hotel to transport you through the magical Athens Riviera to Sounio for an Afternoon Excursion to Sounio & the Temple of Poseidon that includes a 1-hour stop for swimming or a visit to the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center Foundation depending on the season. Catch one of the best sunsets in Athens right by the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon before hopping on the vehicle that will take back home for a good night’s rest.
On the next day, you and your little ones will enjoy our popular Athens foodie tour or, alternatively, a private Athens Family Treasure Hunt that will lead you across all of the city in an effort to catch the clues that will lead you to the price; an amusing activity your kids are bound to adore!
Days 4 to 7: Crete
On the 4th day of your trip, you'll be taken to Athens International airport to catch your flight to Crete with plenty of time to spare. As soon as you touch ground in Heraklion, you’ll be welcomed by your driver who will take you to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day at your disposal to get acquainted with your surroundings and spend as you please.
On the next day, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in order to meet with your local, family-friendly guide & kick off your private Knossos Palace and Archaeological Museum Tour. This tour will allow you to explore the mystifying world of ancient Crete and learn about fun facts in regard to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Stroll the historic ruins and marvel at the exhibits the excavations brought to light while hearing your guide narrate enthralling stories that will keep your kids asking for more. After the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off to your hotel.
The next day, you’ll be free to check off your bucket list whatever you feel like. Of course there are a number of activities you can engage in and our family-expert travel specialists are ready to suggest the ideal ones.
For example, you can visit the Palm Forest of Vai as well as Vai’s stunning sandy beach. Let your kids come close to nature and learn about the different plant species before heading to the beach for a refreshing swim. You can let your kids play at the shore while you relax on the sun lounge and let the bright Greek sun warm your salty skin.
On the 7th day of your trip, you can opt for a Traditional Cooking Class that will introduce you to the famous Cretan cuisine and will allow you to taste local delicacies made by your own hands. The hands-on approach to this tour is sure to appeal to your kids and keep them occupied throughout the cooking process.
Day 8 to 12: Rhodes
On day 8, you’ll be driven to the airport of Heraklion to catch a flight to the stunning island of Rhodes. After reaching it, you’ll meet with your driver who will take you to your accommodation, where you can unwind, and enjoy the rest of your free day.
The next day, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the island on a small-group Half-Day Lindos Tour, the picturesque village found at the foot of an abrupt rock. Along with your friendly guide, climb all the way up to the Acropolis of Athena Lindia that dates back to around 300 BC, one of Rhodes’ main attractions. It will be both an educational and fun adventure that will please adults and kids alike!
The 10th day of your trip will be free, in order for you to visit all the places you’d like on the island that may not be included in the itinerary. Explore the island at your pace and according to your preferences and enjoy precious moments of relaxation with your family.
The penultimate day of your family trip you’ll have the luxury of embarking on our Small-Group Catamaran Day Cruise. Spend 6 hours onboard enjoying the shimmering Aegean sea and savor delicious lunch made by the courteous staff. Alternatively, you can also choose to join a Rhodes Culture and Tradition Tour that will give you insight into the local culture and everyday life of the locals. On this tour, you will unveil local cultural treasures nestled in the historical village of Koskinou, you will visit a captivating Traditional House, and a pottery workshop that will excite your kids and help them express their creativity!
