Greece & Egypt
Faculty: Cristy Alcaraz-Juarez and Neil Cantrall
Class meeting time: Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Trip Dates: May, 2024
Highlights
Greece:
Experiencing Greece is like stepping into a timeless tapestry where ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes seamlessly converge. The sun-drenched shores, adorned with turquoise waters, invite you to indulge in the Mediterranean's warm embrace. The air is filled with the aroma of olive groves and the enticing sizzle of grilled souvlaki.
Wandering through the narrow, winding streets of ancient cities such as Athens, you're surrounded by the echoes of myths and legends. The Acropolis stands proudly, a testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient Greece, while vibrant neighborhoods like Plaka offer a lively mix of traditional tavernas, charming boutiques, and lively street performers.
Island-hopping unveils a panorama of diverse landscapes, from the rugged cliffs of Santorini to the lush greenery of Corfu. The azure domes of Oia and the iconic windmills of Mykonos create postcard-perfect scenes at every turn. Local markets burst with the colors and aromas of fresh produce, olives, and spices, inviting you to taste the authentic flavors of Greek cuisine.
The warmth of the people, their passionate zest for life, and the rhythmic melodies of traditional music all contribute to the unique charm of Greece. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, lounging on sun-drenched beaches, or savoring a leisurely meal under the stars, Greece is a sensory feast that leaves an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to experience its magic.
Egypt:
Egypt, a country linking northeast Africa with the Middle East, dates to the time of the pharaohs. Millennia-old monuments sit along the fertile Nile River Valley, including Giza's colossal Pyramids and Great Sphinx as well as Luxor's hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings tombs. The capital, Cairo, is home to Ottoman landmarks like Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Egyptian Museum, a trove of antiquities.
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Depart for Greece – Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight. Onboard, meals will be served to you. |
| Day 2 | Arrive in Athens - Greece - Upon landing at Athens Airport; you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. Board the bus to transfer to your hotel. Enjoy some time to relax after check-in. Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Athens. |
| Day 3 | Athens - After breakfast at the hotel, start with a tour of the oldest city in the world, Athens! Visit the rock that has dominated the panorama of Athens for twenty-five centuries, the Acropolis. After, you will ascend Mars Hill of where Saint Paul spoke to the Athenians about the one and only God (Acts 17:22). While in this city, view the ancient Agora, the former public center of Athenian life. Proceed with a drive through the city to view the House of Parliament on Syntagma Square. Also, have the opportunity to view the University of Athens, the oldest higher education institute in Greece and, the National Library of Greece that holds 4,500 Greek manuscripts. See Panathenaic Stadium, the beautifully marbled multi- purpose stadium. It is home to the Olympian Zeus and the site of the first modern-era Olympics (1896). Free afternoon. Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Athens. |
| Day 4 | Athens, Corinth - Today you will proceed to ancient Corinth. Under the shadow of the towering Acropolis, Saint Paul lived in Corinth for two years. In Corinth, have the opportunity to view the remains of the first century shops, the site of the Saint Pauls trial by Gallio, the Fountain of Peirene, and the Temple of Apollo. Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Athens. |
| Day 5 | Athens-Start 3-day Cruise (Celestyal Cruises) to Mykonos - Following breakfast, proceed to the Piraeus port, where you will board your 3-day cruise. Your first stop will be the Island of Mykonos, the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands that attract visitors from all over the world. After docking, transfer to Hora, the capital of the island. Enjoy a walking tour that will take you on the narrow cobbled streets of the city. Pass by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs, and white-washed houses to arrive in Alefkandra. This part of Mykonos, known as the "Venice of Mykonos". Historically, these homes were of the wealthy merchants and captains. Return to the cruise ship for dinner and overnight. |
| Day 6 | Kusadasi - Ephesus (Mary's House) – Patmos - Enjoy breakfast on board in the lively Turkish port of Kusadasi. We then transfer to the small village of Mt. Koressos. Visit the stone chapel situated upon the site. Following this visit, walk through the Magnesian Gate to the ancient Ephesus. Enjoy a walking tour that will take you through the most magnificent excavations in the world. On your transfer back to Kusadasi, have the opportunity to view the Basilica of Saint John. The cruise journey continues to Patmos, where you will transfer to the village of Chora. While in this capital, visit the monastery of Saint John the Theologian. In addition to the stunning main church that contains outstanding frescoes, you will have the opportunity to view the beautiful courtyard, dining room, and bakery. Visit the small museum, where you will view priceless ecclesiastical treasures. Your day will culminate with a transfer to the port of Scala. While in this quaint and picturesque harbor, enjoy free time before returning to the ship. |
| Day 7 | Heraklion - Santorini - Visit the in 1899 discovered ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Here is where Saint Paul met the owner/and captain of the ship and was warned by him of continuing his journey to spread Christianity in Rome. Following this historical visit, embark by ship to the idyllic island of Santorini. Upon arrival, visit Thira with its iconic, white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes, and glittering boutiques that cling to cliffs. Then enjoy your last dinner and overnight on the cruise ship. |
| Day 8 | Delphi - Kalambaka - After breakfast, you disembark the cruise ship and you visit the center of the ancient world (navel) of the earth, Delphi. Visit Mount Parnassus site and the museum and continue to the breathtaking rocks of Meteora. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Kalambaka. |
| Day 9 | Meteora-Veria, Vergina, Thessaloniki - After breakfast, board the motorcoach for a short drive to the Meteora Monasteries. During your visit, you will be able to view stunning Byzantine art, as well as the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the monastery. Traveling northward into Macedonia we visit King Phillip's (Alexander's father) tomb in Vergina, one of the most outstanding finds in all of Greece. A stop will be made in Berea to view the ancient synagogue. En route to the hotel we will view the old city ramparts; the newly excavated Forum, St. Â鶹´«Ã½ Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. We spend two nights in Thessaloniki. |
| Day 10 | Philippi - Kavala – Thessaloniki - After breakfast, start your journey with the first stop of the day in Philippi. Philippi was the city where Saint Paul the Apostle delivered his first sermon and, he established the 1st church in Europe. Visit the Roman Forum, where Saint Paul cast a spirit out of a fortune-telling woman. View the prison (now in ruins) where Saint Paul and Silas were thrown into by the owners of the fortune-tellers. Continue to the modern port city of Kavala, which was once the ancient Neapolis. After enjoying this city by the sea, return to Thessaloniki for your dinner at the hotel and restful overnight. |
| Day 11 | Depsrt to Egypt, arrive to Cairo, Tour the if possible and go over Egypt itinerary. Check in the Hotel |
| Day 12 | Breakfast in the hotel, meet your Egyptologist guide and start your visits to Old Coptic Cairo churches where the Holy family lived then visit the pyramids of Giza and the Giant Sphinx. Return back to hotel and overnight in Cairo. |
| Day 13 | Breakfast in the hotel, check out and drive to catch the overnight fast train to Luxor. Arrive to Luxor where our agent will meet and assist you. |
| Day 14 | Meet your Egyptologist guide, board your private AC van and drive to visit the Valley of the Kings, temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Drive to your hotel in Luxor, the Steigenberger Achti or the Pavillion winter Palace hotel, check in and enjoy some free time at leisure. |
| Day 15 | Meet your Egyptologist guide again to visit both the Karnak and Luxor temples. Back to hotel and overnight in Luxor |
| Day 16 | Breakfast in the hotel, check out, board your private AC bus and drive to catch the overnight train back to Cairo. |
| Day 17 | Arrive to Cairo, meet your Egyptologist guide and board your private bus to visit the Egyptian museum of antiquities where more than 90,000 pieces are on display. Board your private AC van and drive to your hotel in Cairo, the Holiday Inn city stars, check in and overnight in Cairo |
| Day 18 | Breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Cairo airport to catch your flight back home. |
