The Jewels of the Mediterranean

Days 1-2

Your group will take an overnight flight into Athens, Greece, where your Joshua Expeditions guide will meet you at the airport. Your introduction to Athens will include a walking tour of the city, known as the cradle of Western Civilization, where you will visit the ancient Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena and the Theatre of Dionysus, where the plays of Athenian dramatists were first performed. There will also be free time for shopping in the Plaka district and Agora marketplace, along with an opportunity to browse in one or more of the art galleries in the city. Your first day in Greece will close with devotions and discussion at the hotel.

Day 3

Your tour of Athens continues today with a visit to the immensely popular and educational National Archaeological Museum. Later, you will have a chance to see Hadrian's Arch, the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the site where the first modern Olympic Games were held. In the evening you will experience a sound and light show that will literally illuminate Athens' past. Devotions at the hotel will round out the day.

Day 4

This morning your group will transfer to Piraeus and board a ferry to Syros, the first of the Cyclades Islands that you will visit. You will have the rare opportunity to enjoy some of the best beaches of Greece, along with authentic food and traditional music of Syros. The group will also visit the archaeological museum and the Church of the Assumption before ascending to Ano Syros, a medieval Catholic settlement on the island. The evening will conclude with devotions and group discussion.

Day 5

Your group will continue by ferry this morning to the island of Mykonos. You will venture inland from the port and stroll through the labyrinth of Mykonos' colorful alleyways then walk to the Castro area to see the Paraportiani. Later, the group will visit Little Venice, where the waves of the Aegean lap at the sidewalk cafés. In the afternoon, your group will head over to the picturesque island of Tinos, well-known as a place of religious pilgrimage. As the ferry approaches, you will see the ancient Venetian rock fortress towering over the town, and once on the island you will be able to climb the steep street to the Panayia Evanyelistria Cathedral and visit its museum. At the close of this busy day, the group will devote time to sharing experiences.

Day 6

After returning to Piraeus by ferry, your group will make its way to Delphi, one of the most beautiful places in all of Greece. While in this area you will see the Temple of Apollo and spend some time at the Delphi museum before walking along the marble Sacred Way, the same road that visitors have walked for thousands of years. Your evening will close with devotions and discussion.

Day 7

Your tour of Delphi continues today, taking you to the Monastery of St. Luke, a spectacular 10th century structure. Along the way your group will pause at Schiste crossroads, the spot where it is believed Oedipus slew his father, and later you will visit the mountain village of Arachova, famous for its hand-loomed rugs, bags and blankets. The day will conclude with a time for devotions.

Day 8

Departing from Patras, your group will begin a two-day trek through the Peloponnese. On this peninsula, you will visit Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games, and then travel to the ancient city of Corinth, the subject of two of the Apostle Paul’s epistles. The city is now known mostly for its ancient glories, including the Temple of Apollo and the Roman Agora and Odeon. This full day will wrap up with dinner and a time for devotions.

Day 9

Today your group will head out to see an awesome Mycenaen palace and enjoy the impressive site of the Theater at Epidaurus. Other scenic and historic stops will round out the tour of the Peloponnese before the group heads back to Athens for one last night.

Day 10

Your group will depart Athens early this morning carrying a treasure trove of memories back to the States.