Paul in Patmos

Athens – Mykonos – Kusadasi – Ephesus - Patmos – Crete - Herlakon – Santorini - Corinth

4-night destination packed cruise onboard Celestyal Discovery sailing the jewels of the Greek islands & Ephesus, featuring a full day in Rhodes and later-night stays in Santorini, Mykonos & Patmos.

Take a captivating journey through ancient history, authentic cuisine, Greek culture and stunning scenery in this action-packed 4-night cruise. Your adventure begins in the legendary city of Athens and dives straight into the magic of Mykonos: get a taste of its renowned vibrant nightlife on your very first evening. Then step back in time with a tour of ancient Ephesus in modern-day Turkey. Relax on sandy beaches in Patmos or uncover why it’s known as the island of the Apocalypse. Immerse yourself in the medieval history of Rhodes at the awe-inspiring Acropolis of Lindos; hear mythical tales in Crete. Complete your journey with a breathtaking Santorini sunset, where fiery skies illuminate the island’s iconic blue-domed churches. These will be an extraordinary few days that give you a lifetime of memories.

Day 01:   Flight Departure

Our journey begins as we depart on overnight flight.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 02:   Athens

Arrival - Free time – Athens

Meals: Dinner.                                    Overnight:   Athens

Day 03:  Athens 🕒 Depart 13:00 - Mykonos 🕒 Arrival 18:00 🕒 Depart 23:00

Athens – Mykonos Our cruise ship will leave the port for an extraordinary experiences. We go along the Athens Riviera in the Saronic Golf to the south end of Attica passing close to the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion. This afternoon is a good opportunity to get around and know your ship and the services we provide. In the afternoon arrival at the famous island of Mykonos, known around the world as the Ibiza of the Aegean, the most popular destination of the Mediterranean. An international "jet-set" known for its beautiful sandy beaches, hundreds of tiny white chapels and incredible night life. Stroll around the streets of the capital that are considered the most beautiful of the Greek islands and enjoy the great night life. It's easy to get lost in its maze of gleaming white walls dotted with blue domes and windows and balconies full of flowers. Have a coffee or a cocktail in one of the famous bars and promise to return for longer stay and more experiences.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.                                     Overnight:   Cruise

Day 04:   Kusadasi 🕒 Arrival 07:00 🕒 Depart 13:00 - Patmos 🕒 Arrival 16:30 🕒 Depart 21:30

Kusadasi , Ephesus, Patmos

The dynamic beach resort of Kusadasi welcomes you with its warm and friendly ambience. Book a once-in-a-lifetime excursion and be whisked away for a guided tour round ancient Ephesus, one of the highlights of this iconic Aegean experience. Before reboarding the ship, take time to enjoy the scenic seafront promenade and the town’s impressive Grand Bazaar. Kusadası a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast. In ancient time settlers include the Aeolians in the 11th century BC and Ionians in the 9th century who made Kusadasi a centre of art and culture.Iin the early years of Christianity. St John the Evangelist and (according to Roman Catholic sacred tradition) Mary (mother of Jesus) both came to live in the area. We will visit Ephesus, an ancient Greek city and later a major Roman city, on the coast of Ionia.The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Also we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, purported to have been the last home of Virgin Mary, based on the visions of Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich. Then on to the island of Patmos, a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea. Patmos is a destination for Christian pilgrimage.  We will have the opportunity to visit the Monastery & the Grotto (the Cave of the Apocalypse) of St. John, where he lived and recorded the Book of Revelation. This Monastery was founded in 1088 by St. Christodoulos. With its picturesque alleyways wind upwards towards the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist. It sits perched atop the hill of Hora. Appearing like a Byzantine castle, it was built like a fortress. Its presence is truly awe inspiring.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.                                     Overnight:   Cruise

Day 05: Herlakon – Santorini  Rhodes 🕒 Arrival 07:00 🕒 Depart 18:00 - Heraklion 🕒 Arrival 07:00 🕒 Depart 12:00 Santorini 🕓 Arrival 16:30 🕘 Depart 21:30

We will spend this morning to explore this beautiful city, the capital of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Archaeological treasures, magnificent ruins and museums, glorious beaches and fabulous restaurants make Crete a complete vacation spot. You can participate in one of the optional tours and visit the ruins of Knossos, which in Minoan times was the largest centre of population on Crete and are located within close proximity or the archaeological Museum of the city, one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains the most notable and complete collection of artifacts of the Minoan civilization of Crete We will then sail to and spend the afternoon in the most breathtaking island, Santorini, believed to be the lost continent of Atlantis, one of the jewels of small volcanic archipelagos five islands. Santorini was created due to a volcanic eruption culminated in the explosion of a volcano caldera, therefore, its rugged landscapes dotted with huge cliffs. Santorini's capital, Fira, with white-washed houses, narrow streets and open air cafes that cling to a steep cliff, is at the top of the beautiful island where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the bay. Discover Santorini villages that retain their authenticity, with beautiful blue and white buildings and barren volcanic rocks. It is a very fascinating and picturesque island. A magical place that has nothing to do with the rest of the Greek islands, a place to spread the peaceful and hospitable nature of its people.  In the Panoramic island tour we enjoy majestic sunsets and breathtaking views that the world-renowned island of Santorini has to offer. From the traditional village of Firostefani and Imerovigli to the picturesque and beautiful Oia this tour has you covered.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.                                     Overnight:  Cruise

Day 06:   

Santorini – Athens   Athens 🕒 Arrival 06:00

While your cruise may be drawing to an end, the tantalising city of Athens still lies ahead. Delve deep into the city’s sidestreets, bursting with life and culture. Or, clamber up high to the Acropolis for a stunning view of this thriving, cosmopolitan city. As the sun sets, take in the Athens skyline by night and wonder at the dancing Aegean. There’s no better place to end your cruise than here. After breakfast disembarkation and travel west with a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal. We then travel to the ancient city of Corinth, another treat for the New Testament scholar. Corinth is the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters. See the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love of I & II Corinthians. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked.  

Meals: Breakfast and  Dinner.                                    Overnight:   Athens

Day 07: Acropolis Museum, Plaka,  

This morning we have time to experience the wonder of the ancient world and immerse in Greek history.  With more knowledge on the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaia and the Parthenon. On our visit the Acropolis Museum we will be filled with information of the greek-gods and what the disciples experienced.  Make a visit to the Plaka and stroll around the city of Athens

Meals: Breakfast and  Dinner.                                    Overnight:   Athens

Day 08:  Free Time

Today you will have a free morning before you make your way back home Meals: Breakfast

Day 09:

Home Arrival back home with awesome memories!