Tour Type : Religious Tours
Destinations
USA - Thessaloniki - Alexandropoulos - Istanbul - Canakkale - Troy - Pergamum - Sardis - Philadelphia - Patmos - Ancient Lindos - Crete - Santorini - Athens - Corinth
Your Itinerary
-
1
Monday - Depart USA
Assemble at New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport at least 3 hours before your flight’s departure time. Flight details TBA.
Flight timings subject to change, please check flight timings on day of departure.
-
2
Tuesday - Arrive in Thessaloniki (L,D)
With a connecting flight in Istanbul, arrive in Thessaloniki in the morning. Meet our local representative and start tour to Veria – Beroia, Paul’s Bema, walk the Jewish quarter.
Lunch in Veria.
Continue tour of Thessaloniki, the places Paul lived and preached.
Transfer and check into hotel after 2pm.
Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
-
3
Wednesday - Thessaloniki to Alexandropoulos through Philippi (B,L,D)
After breakfast, start tour to Philippi. Stop near the harbor of Kavala (biblical Neapolis), St. Paul’s gateway to Europe – a busy port with striking castle and an imposing aqueduct built by Suleyman the Magnificent. See the Greek Orthodox seaside church (Hagia Sofia) that marks Paul’s landing spot.
Lunch at Restaurant.
Drive to Philippi – As a prosperous Roman colony, Philippi had a spacious forum and Agora and a theater, which was also a gladiator arena. Nearby there is a crypt, which has been honored since the fifth century as the place of St. Paul’s first imprisonment, where Paul and Silas sang hymns and an earthquake set them free. Philippi is the place where the Apostle Paul arrived on the mainland of Europe in response to the vision of a Macedonian he saw at Troas. Here in Philippi St. Paul first preached the Gospel in Europe. Visit Lydia Springs, the Baptismal Site. Outside the ancient city, the river Gangites still flows through quiet countryside, where St. Paul addressed his first European congregations and the businesswoman, Lydia – a “seller of purple,” who was the first to be baptized. There is a fine chapel commemorating this event. Later, drive on to the beautiful seaside town of Alexandropoulos for dinner and overnight stay.
-
4
Thursday - Border Crossing to Istanbul & City tour (B,L,D)
After breakfast, cross the Greek/Turkish borders and drive into Istanbul, Turkey (formerly called Constantinople).
After crossing the Turkish border, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Tekirdag.
Start exploring the city that connects the East and the West; Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque complex. Built during Byzantine era, the grand church Hagia Sophia were turned into a mosque complex after Istanbul’s conquest, which was eventually turned into a museum by the time the modern Turkish Republic was founded. Rebuilt three times at the same site, Hagia Sophia houses the museum with an outstanding mosaic collection. Of the original ceiling mosaics from the 6th century, the ones with plant and geometric.
Blue Mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet I during 1609-1616 in the square carrying his name in İstanbul. The architect is Sedefhar Mehmet Ağa. It is the only mosque in Turkey with six minarets. The mosque is 64 x 72 m in dimensions. The central dome is 43 m in height and is 33.4 m in diameter. 260 windows surround the mosque. Due to its beautiful blue, green and white tiling it has been named the "Blue Mosque" by Europeans.
The Ancient Hippodrome, scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life, stands in the area that is now in front of the Blue Mosque, and now part of Sultanahmet. Of the ornaments which once decorated it, only three remain: The Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Remains of the curved end of the Hippodrome wall can be seen on the southwest side of the three.
Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
-
5
Friday - Morning tour of Istanbul and Afternoon in Canakkale (B,L,D)
After breakfast - check out from hotel and proceed continuation of tour in Istanbul.
Egyptian or Spice Market is a large covered shopping complex in Istanbul's Eminönü neighborhood. It is part of the New Mosque building complex. It was built in 1660 to help finance the mosque's construction and its maintenance.
Istiklal Street is a cobblestone one, which started from near Galata Tower to Taksim Square. There are many restaurants, cafes, shops and mall. Many of the city's movie theaters are also located here.
Pierre Loti one of Istanbul's best views of the Golden Horn up on this hilltop. Named after the French writer Pierre Loti who wrote his novels in this place. This hill boasts a sweeping observation deck and a café overlooking the riverfront which serves snacks and Turkish coffee.
Lunch at Restaurant.
Cross Dardanelles and drive to Canakkale.
Dinner and overnight in Canakkale.
-
6
Saturday - Troy (Troas) and Pergamum (B,L,D)
After breakfast, visit ancient Troas (Troy), the perfect place to brush up on Homer’s Trojan War and Biblical Troas where Paul had the Vision. Drive to the ancient city of Pergamum. Ancient riches of the city include many architectural structures such as a temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, revered as the protector of the city. The first settlements in Pergamon are known to date back as early as 3000 BC. Because of its lucky location at the heart of commercial and cultural activity, the ancient city never fell from prosperity. Proceed to see the Red Basilica which housed the 1st Century Christian Church referred to by John in revelation. Visit the Acropolis of Pergamum designed to imitate the one in Athens and the Asclepeion Temple once dedicated to the Greek god of healing. Revelation 2:12-17 records the letter written to the Christian church of Pergamum; verse 13 of this passage speaks of “Satan’s seat” being here (Pergamum was a center of idolatry). Paul was not allowed to preach here.
Lunch on tour.
Proceed to Smyrna, Izmir for dinner and overnight.
-
7
Sunday - Churches of Thyatira, Sardis and Philadelphia (B,L,D)
After breakfast, proceed for a short tour of Smyrna, see St Polycarp. Proceed to visit Thyatira; was once a busy trading center and famous in dyeing of purple clothes. Thyatira is one of the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelations tolerated the false prophetess, Jezebel (Rev. 1:11; 2: 18-29). Sardis, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Jesus told Sardis, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name, that thou livest, and art dead” (Rev. 3: 1-6). Coins were minted and the dyeing of wool originated in Sardis. The massive scale of the Temple of Artemis, the white marble Royal Road, the gymnasium, and the synagogue is very impressive. Then visit the site of Philadelphia, also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation Rev. 3: 7-13). Christ told those who overcome that He would write upon them “the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem.” (Rev.3: 12).
Lunch on tour.
Drive to Kusadasi.
Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.
-
8
Monday - Ephesus Tour (B,L,D)
After breakfast, visit Ephesus, the most interesting archeological site in Turkey. There is a great theater on slopes of Mt. Pion, to the north of the theater one can see the decorated arch, the entrance to the stadium. A wide street called the Arcadian Way stretched from the base of the theater lined with statues, porticos and public buildings. Just north of the Arcadian way is the Church of the Virgin Mary. Another street stretches from the theater south to the library of Celsus. To the west of the library are stairs, the tumbled columns, and the exquisite decorations of the temple of Serapis. When Paul was returning from Corinth to Ephesus, he talked in a synagogue where he was asked to stay longer in Ephesus, and promised, "I shall come back to you if it's God's will." It is believed that John brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus, and she lived out her days on a hilltop south of the city. The House of Mary is now visited by many pilgrims each year coming to see and pray in this ancient spot of worship. Last visit of the day is to the Basilica of St. John (St. Jean Aniti) which was a great church in Ephesus constructed by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. It stands over the believed burial site of St. John, who is identified as the apostle, evangelist (author of the Fourth Gospel) and prophet (author of Revelation).
Lunch on tour.
Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.
-
9
Tuesday - Cruise embarkation and afternoon in Patmos (B,L,D)
After breakfast, board the cruise ship. Ship departs by noon.
In the afternoon, arrive on the island of Patmos; considered a holy island for the Christian religion. It was here in Patmos where John the Divine, while in exile, wrote the Apocalyptic Revelations, which constitute the last part of the New Testament.
Ship arrives in Patmos at 4:30pm. Meet with the guide and bus off the ship for the included shore excursion on Patmos Island.
(INCLUDED Tour PAT 01): Religious visit of St. John’s Monastery – Grotto of Apocalypse.
The tour takes you to the monastery of St. John, which keeps its character of a medieval fortress. Inside the walls you will be able to admire the Byzantine wealth of the Christian Orthodox religion while from its high ground you will have the most stunning panoramic view of the luminous sea. After the visit of St. John Monastery, proceed to the Grotto – the Holy Cave of Apocalypse where St John is said to have had the vision of fire and brimstone and dictated the book of Revelation.
Return to the Port of Patmos – free time. Ship departs at 9:30pm.
Meals on board cruise ship. Overnight onboard ship.
-
10
Wednesday - Island of Rhodes Excursion to Ancient Lindos (B,L,D)
After breakfast on board the cruise ship, enjoy the port of Rhodes on your own. Ship arrives at 7am and departs at 6pm. (Optional tours are available for purchase as per your interest onboard the ship. See recommendations below)
Recommended tours are as follows:
(Tour code RHO-01 - Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights) OR
(Tour code RHO-02 - Philerimos church and the Palace of the Knights)
The Acropolis of Lindos is a fortified citadel and archaeological site in the village of Lindos on Rhodes Island, Greece. It's located on a 116-meter cliff above sea level and overlooks the town and Aegean Sea. The site is known for its rich history, dating back to the 10th century BC, and features a mix of architectural styles. It is a Climb of 535-foot hill to the Acropolis for views of the village and bay. The Acropolis is home to the ruins of a Byzantine fort, a Greek temple, and the Temple of Athena Lindia, which dates back to the 6th century BC. You might also be able to see the Bay of St. Paul, where it''s said that St. Paul washed ashore during a storm and brought Christianity to the island. The Acropolis was fortified by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Knights of St John, and Ottomans, making it difficult to excavate and interpret.
Meals and overnight onboard cruise ship.
-
11
Monday - Crete (Heraklion) & Santorini (B,L,D)
After breakfast on the ship, enjoy your first stop of the day at Crete on your own. Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. Ship arrives in Crete at 7am and departs from port at 12pm. (Optional tour to Heraklion available for purchase)
Enjoy your second port of the day in Santorini! This afternoon, visit the island of Santorini which is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. Ship arrives in Santorini at 4:30 pm & departs from the port at 09:30 pm. Enjoy the included shore excursion of Oia village.
(INCLUDED Tour SAN-01: Spectacular Oia village perched on the Caldera rim.)
The town of Thira where white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs, is accessible by foot path, cable-car or mule. tour of sailing around an active volcano crater and swimming in the water heated by hot springs or enjoy this lovely island on foot.
Return to the ship for meals and overnight onboard ship.
-
12
Tuesday – Athens and Corinth (B,L,D)
After breakfast, disembark the cruise ship and you will enjoy a city tour of Athens – the birthplace of democracy. See Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the University, the Academie and the National Library. Driving down Herodes Atticus Street and the Avzones in their picturesque uniforms and the Presidential Palace. On your way to the Acropolis you will see the Panathenaic Stadium (where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896), the Temple of Olympia Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. On the Acropolis mount, you will visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylee, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally the Parthenon – the monument that “puts order in the mind” and “is harmony between material and spirit”.
Lunch on tour.
In the afternoon, we will visit Corinth where St. Paul arrived in A.D. 50-51 to preach Christianity. Stop at the archeological site housing many statues and artefacts. The site includes the Temple of Apollo; the Roman Agora; the Bema Courthouse, where his enemies brought the Apostle before Gallio; the pavement inscription of Erastus; the Roman Lechaion Road and the lower Fountain of Peirene. It was in Corinth that St. Paul wrote First Thessalonians and also, most likely, his Epistle to the Romans. Also, it was here that Paul encountered a multiple of problems in the congregation that seem to continue in today’s churches.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Athens.
-
13
Thursday – Athens to USA (B)
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Athens International Airport for your flight back home. Flight details TBA.
Arrive in New York and return home with wonderful memories from your trip!
Tour Prices - Dates
Tour Date
April 21 - May 3, 2025
Tour Price
$4899 (Per Person/Double Occupancy)
Inclusions
- Round-trip International airfare from New York
- Accommodation in 4-star hotels with breakfast
- 4-day cruise onboard the Celestyal Discovery to the Greek Islands based on Inside Cabin
- During cruise days, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available on the ship only
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinners as mentioned on the itinerary
- Private tours with English-speaking guide for the land portion of the tour
- On cruise, 2 shore excursions are included. One in Patmos and one in Santorini
Exclusions
- Tips for drivers, guides, and other services. $10 per person per day will be collected in CASH by the tour manager at the beginning of the tour
- Food and drinks during shore excursions while onboard cruise
- Optional upgrade to enhance package on cruise: Free Sky-High drinks, additional discount for pre booked shore excursions, 1hr free WIFI access and 25% discount on specialty dining
- Porter fees
- Optional tours
- Fees apply for pre-assigned seats
- Anything that is not specifically stated on the itinerary and inclusions
(B, L, D stands for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Booking Procedures
Please read the Terms and conditions of travel and agree in the Booking form before submission, as your booking is subject to the terms listed below. A contract is entered into once your travel agent or Faith Holidays receives your signed booking form and deposit, and we accept and confirm the booking. Please note that travel arrangements are not confirmed until stated so in writing by Faith Holidays
Payment
A deposit of $750 per person is required to secure reservations, which will be applied to the price of the tour. Additional deposits may be required. The balance of the cost must be paid 90 days before you travel. Payments must be paid to the order of ‘Faith Holidays Inc.” If the final balance is not received on time Faith Holidays reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled by you and cancellation charges may be applied. If you book your travel within 90 days of departure, the full amount must be paid at booking.
Credit Cards
All prices quoted include a 4 % discount for payment by cash, check and Money order.
Travel Protection Plan (Optional charge)
Faith Holidays Inc. recommends you to purchase a Travel Protection Plan for Trip, Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical & Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and many more
Passports & Visas
A valid US passport is required for US Citizens. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond completion of travel. Visas may be required and for US Citizens we will furnish the relevant details after receipt of your booking deposit and confirmation of your booking. Non US citizens should consult with appropriate Consulates and Embassies. It is the responsibility of the individual traveler to secure proper documentation prior to joining the tour. It is the responsibility of the Traveller to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the US State Department’s travel website @ www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 1-888-407-4747. In the event of an active State Department. Should the Traveler choose to travel notwithstanding any travel advisory or Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location/s of the trip, the traveler is subject to be responsible for all risk of personal injury, death, or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.
What Your Tour Price Generally Includes & Excludes
Your Tour Price Includes
- Economy class Airfare from USA as listed in the brochure (Business Class Option available- Please contact us)
- Accommodations on Double Occupancy with Bath, Single room supplement applies
- Standard class on rail, road, Cruise and other transportation as described in our brochure
- Inflight meals and/or refreshments according to Airline itinerary.
- Transfers between the appropriate overseas airports/stations/port and your hotels according to each itinerary unless otherwise stated.
- Excursions and tours as per brochure
- Meals as described in Brochure
- Services of professional guides and/or a Tour Escort
Your Tour Price Excludes
- International Airfare, unless otherwise stated.
- The cost of personal items such as laundry, drinks with meals or otherwise, incidentals , etc.
- Airport departure taxes.
- Optional excursions.
- Cost of Visas and passports.
- Transport between your home and home airport/station/port.
- Gratuities for services provided on a personal basis.
- Gratuities for services on all individual tours and gratuities to your Tour Escort.
- Airline baggage fees. Most Airline charges fees for checked bags.
- Pre-assigned Airline Seats incur additional fees.
- Still, video, film and professional camera fees
Alterations Made to the Scheduled Program
Our tours are planned in advance and changes may be unavoidable due to circumstances amounting to “Force Majeure” or similar reasons beyond our control, such as delays in departures on travel booking or closure of a hotel, strikes, riots, natural occurrences, decisions by State Government or Tourist Organizations altering the itinerary, the duration of time spend in a city or even omitting a city or part of the itinerary due to a local situation. In such cases we will offer comparable alternative arrangements. If any of the circumstances listed above occur during the course of the tour, we reserve the right to alter the schedule itinerary accordingly and no compensation will be paid.
We will make every reasonable effort to provide you with the booked tour arrangements but minor changes may occur. If they are significant we shall, if possible inform you or your travel agent before departure. In the event of such amendment being made, you will be liable for any cancellation/retention charges that may be levied for the previously booked service and for any costs incurred by Faith Holidays and their agents in attempting to secure any revised arrangements. Please note that Faith Holidays will not be liable to reimburse additional expenses undertaken by the client in preparation for the tour. These include and are not limited to international tickets, used mileage awards and fees, cost of visas, immunization etc.
Tour Prices
Tour prices are based on US dollars (Unless otherwise noted) and exchange rates in effect. They are subject to variation if there are increases due to governmental actions, additional taxes, exchange rates, increases in scheduled airfare or increases in fuel surcharges. Any increase in the original tour price will be notified to you at least 90 days before departure. If you make your booking within 90 days of departure surcharge will be included in your invoice. Faith holidays will absorb an amount equivalent to two percent of tour price. Any surcharge will not exceed 10 percent of the listed tour price. If you settle the final balance by the due date we will absorb any price increases after that due date. In return for this commitment, we are unable to make any refund or reduce any other costs should the value of the US dollar improve against the currencies used. For scheduled group departures, it may be necessary to re-cost your tour due to low number of participants. You will be contacted 90 days prior to your departure date and advised should a supplementary fee apply. If all group members accept the increased cost the tour will operate as scheduled. However, if the supplement is not accepted by you then you will be entitled to full refund of all monies paid or a transfer to another tour.
Our Responsibilities
Faith Holidays makes arrangements with airlines, hotels and other independent parties to provide you with the travel services you purchase. We do not own or operate any of the accommodations, transport or other facilities used in connection with our tours. We therefore cannot accept liability for negligence of the staff of these organizations. These parties are independent suppliers over whom we have no direct control. Faith holidays is not liable in the event of any failure by any person or company to render any transportation, accommodation or other travel service to be provided on the journeys, or for expenses incurred due to delays caused by weather, strikes, war, civil disturbances, natural disasters, flight delays, government actions, mechanical failures or any acts of God.
Faith Holidays cannot assume any responsibility for flight delays, cancellations or missed connections and is not liable for any expenses or consequences resulting therefrom, and such expenses shall be borne by the client. When you travel with an airline the Conditions of Carriage of that airline will apply. These conditions are subject to International Agreements and may limit or exclude liability.
The participant waives any claim against Faith Holidays for any damage to, or loss of, or injury to, or death of, due to any act, or negligence of any airlines, surface transportation companies, hotels or any person rendering any of the services or accommodations included. Faith Holidays cannot be held responsible for any claim, losses, damages for delay of baggage or other properties, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset and disappointments, distress or frustrations, whether physical or mental, resulting from the act or omission of any party providing services. We do take all responsible steps to insure that organizations providing service maintain standards, which are acceptable within the norm in each locality. The participant assumes the risks and understands that all travel has inherent risk that may result in injury or death and that participation in activities, including but not limited to driving, hiking, walking on uneven surfaces, riding on rough roads, rafting, boating, canoeing, riding in helicopters, on trains, in boats, swimming, surfing, horseback or camel riding, and any other activities. The information contained in this brochure has been compiled with all reasonable care, is accurate to best of knowledge and is given in good faith. Faith Holidays highly recommend you to purchase Travelers insurance to protect your travel investment. Without insurance in case of incident, you may have to pay out of pocket for medical evacuation, medical care or other large expenses.
All services are subject to the laws of the countries in which these services are rendered. Venue for all claims or disputes shall be exclusively in whose courts using NYC law, shall have exclusive jurisdiction. Damage claims against Faith Holidays shall be limited to the value of the particular item in dispute and not for any incidental, consequential, or special damages. Faith Holidays assumes responsibility for representations it makes, but not for those made by others and including, but not limited to, any employee of Faith holidays or independent travel agent. Payment for reservations on any Faith Holidays travel arrangements shall constitute consent to all the provisions in the Booking Terms & Conditions published herein and is binding on all travel participants.
Cancellation
If you wish to cancel your travel arrangements, you must notify Faith Holidays in writing by letter, fax or email to Faith Holidays. Please note deposits are non-refundable. Please state the reason for cancellation as your reason for cancellation may be covered by insurance policy under their covered reasons. If notification of cancellation is received more than 90 days before departure you will only lose your deposit. For notification received within 90 days of departure, cancellation charges are as follows:
| Cancellation charges per person. | ||
| No of days of departure | Charges | |
|---|---|---|
| 91+ days before departure | Deposit Non- refundable | |
| 90-31 days before departure | Penalty 50 % | |
| 30- Day of Departure | Penalty 100% | |
(Airline and Cruise Penalties not part of the above percentages. There is no exception to cancellation fees)
Cancellations received Fridays for tour departures that Weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) will be treated as day of departure cancellation. We cannot give any allowance for meals, rooms, excursions, etc. not taken, when these are included in the price of the program.
Points to be Noted
- All images in the brochures or advertisements are only for representation purpose.
- All passengers need to be in possession of valid visas, confirmed air tickets and overseas travel insurance.
- All Passengers joining the tours must travel to / from the hub city as per the itinerary, at their own expense.
- All meals are preset, and a-la carte is not possible. Packed meals may be provided on certain days to keep up the schedule of the itinerary.
- All damages caused to the hotel rooms/Coach/other amenities during the tour, shall be payable by the passengers. Faith Holidays Inc will not be liable for the same.
- All Passengers must take extra care of their personal belongings while on the tour, every country of travel is prone to thefts and bag/purse snatching. Faith Holidays Inc will not be liable for any loss of belongings/baggage.
- The tour cost does not include cost of airfare, visas and overseas medical insurance unless specified in each of the itineraries
- The company will not be responsible or accept any liability for any damages, loss, baggage loss, theft, injury, accident, death, breakdown or any irregularity, which may occur during the tour.
- The company will not be responsible for any damage or irregularities due to weather conditions, strikes, war, quarantine and any other cause whatsoever and all such loss or expense must be borne by the passengers. Insurance policies must be carried while on tour.
- The right to claim any additional expenses incurred due to delay or changes in schedules of train, airplane, bus, ship or other services is reserved by the management of the company.
- The Tour Manager, guide and the driver will provide the best service during the tour to enjoy the sites as per itinerary within the jurisdiction of each of the sites of visit.
- The Management reserve the right to change a hotel of similar class if it is deemed advisable or necessary. Tour Manager / Guide reserves the right to amend the itinerary.in the interest of the Tour.
- The Management reserve the right to amend, alter, vary or withdraw any departure, excursion advertised.
- Refunds will not be provided for the unutilized part of the any services like meals, sightseeing, transfers, etc mentioned in the tour.
- For Detailed “Terms and Condition” please refer the Booking form.
Remarks
- Airlines/Room up-gradation and complimentary will not be entertained during the tour unless if specified at the time of booking.
- There is no refund for any services not utilized during the tour .
- Security deposit is required either in cash or credit card by hotels which is refundable provided no room incidentals are incurred. This security deposit is not included in this quote and must be paid by the guests/corporate directly to the hotel when checking in.
- Guests are advised not to keep valuables in the coach/vehicle while sightseeing. The Company shall not be responsible for loss of valuables from the coach / vehicle . If the coach / vehicle is accidentally
- or otherwise damaged by the Guest, s/he will be required to pay compensation for the same.
