Patmos Cruise Tour October 2027

Patmos Cruise Tour October 2027

Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi – Ephesus, Patmos, Heraklion, Santorini, Ancient Corinth

Date Departure from South Africa: 09 October – 17 October 2027

Day 1: Saturday 09 October 2027 Departure

Our journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Greece.

Day 2: Sunday 10 October 2027  

Arrival – Athens

Upon your arrival you will be met and transferred to our Hotel for a good rest

Meals: Dinner. Overnight: Athens  

Day 3: Monday 11 October 2027

Athens  – Mykonos Cruise

Our cruise ship will leave the port of Piraeus at 13:pm for a 3 full days of fun and 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.

Day 4: Tuesday 12 October 2027

Kusadasi – Ephesus- Patmos

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. 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. 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 Apostle 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.         

Day 5: Wednesday 13 October 2027

Rhodes

The island of Rhodes is 542 square miles, located between Crete and Asia Minor. The island of Rhodes was the gateway to the Aegean located southwest coast of modern-day Turkey. The island averages 300 days of sunshine per year and is famous for its clean, sandy beaches. It is named after the nymph Rhodos, the daughter of Aphrodite. The Apostle Paul came to this island during his third missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 21:1: “And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara.” Paul’s arrival to Rhodes was just after his meeting with the church leaders from Ephesus at Miletus, as he bid them farewell. The numerous harbors on the island made Rhodes an ideal transit point for shipping in the ancient world.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  and Dinner

Day 6: Thursday 14 October 2027

Crete – Heraklion – Santorini

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 will 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.

Day 7: Friday 15 October 2027

Santorini – Ancient Corinth – Athens

Early we arrive in Piraeus port. 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 Archaeological Museum, 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. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. After the visit to ancient Corinth we travel to Athens for the city tour to visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. From atop Mars Hill we view the Agora below, the ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life. Additional sites viewed during our panoramic bus tour are, the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace. An option later this afternoon is a visit to the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 8: Saturday 16 October 2027

Free Day in Athens, Midnight Flight home

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 9: Sunday 17 October 2027

Home

We arrive in South Africa after a wonderful journey and meeting new friends