Idyllic Aegean & Steps of Paul - 14 Nights
Idyllic Aegean & Steps of Paul - 14 Nights
Begin a journey of discovery spanning the Greek Islands, the rise of Christianity, and your own passionate prosperity. Embarking on two adventures back-to-back, you’ll experience the combined wonder of our Idyllic Aegean and Steps of Paul Cruises.
You’ll soak up the tranquillity of ethereal Milos beaches, linger on mosaic-paved streets in Ephesus, and embrace island living in a Santorini taverna. Then you’ll follow the footsteps of St. Paul the Apostle around the emerald waters of the Cyclades, taking in the Hagia Sophia, Grotto of the Apocalypse, and so much more. A dream trip for spiritual explorers
Book for 2022
Cruise itinerary
At-a-Glance ItineraryAthens
(Greece)
Your idyllic Aegean escape begins in the majestic ancient city of Athens. As one of the oldest cities in the world, the vibrant modern metropolis boasts an intriguing and contrasting mix of the old and the modern architecture that is in perfect balance and harmony. Explore the city and soak up the atmosphere by the harbour’s edge as you wait to embark for your exciting adventure.
Thessaloniki
(Greece)
Thessaloniki is a gorgeous and cosmopolitan seaside city and the largest in Greece after Athens. Centuries of cultural commingling has also made Thessaloniki a culinary nirvana, with almost too many great restaurants and little eateries to count.
Kusadasi
(Turkey)
Turkey’s captivating seaside resort of Kusadasi is the gateway to ancient Ephesus, one of the complimentary highlights of your all-inclusive cruise. After visiting the ruins, you will have just enough time to explore the iconic Grand Bazaar and browse the treasure trove of colourful shops and stalls selling souvenirs, silks, leather goods, carpets and jewellery.
Rhodes
(Greece)
The picturesque island of Rhodes is well known for its beautiful beaches, majestic fortified ruins, and its glorious year-round sunshine. Perched high on the clifftop that dramatically rises up from the crystalline waters is the island’s crowning glory – the Acropolis at Lindos. Your complimentary guided tour here also includes the chance to discover the island’s enchanting Old Town.
Crete
(Heraklion)
As we pull into Heraklion, you have the chance to snap the imposing 16th-Century walls of Koules Fortress. Here you can enjoy the calm of the stunning waterfront, explore the Cretan countryside or discover the Palace of Knossos. This spellbinding tour invites you to listen to tales of intrigue and learn about Europe’s first civilisation in the Knossos museum. Was the Minotaur half-man or myth? You’re about to find out!
Santorini
(Greece)
The romantic island of Santorini is the remnants of a devastating volcanic eruption in the 16th-Century BC. The picture-perfect scenery features clustered traditional whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches set against a beguiling brilliant blue backdrop. Here you will have the chance to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle of the idyllic oasis and relax in the island’s calm and tranquillity.
Mykonos
(Greece)
The sun-drenched island of Mykonos is affectionately known as the ‘Island of the Winds’. Easily recognised by its iconic 16th-Century windmills perched high on the hill, the vibrant Mykonos Town is an alluring landscape of smooth sandy beaches dotted along a dramatic coastline. Indulge in the islands culinary delights or take a short boat trip to explore the sacred island of Delos.
Milos
(Greece)
The volcanic origins of the beautiful Greek island of Milos are clearly evident in its complex and bewitching landscape. Here you have the opportunity to explore the dramatically surreal and sculptured looming rock formations that rise out of the crystalline waters and create the stunning coastline. Why not join a local expert to explore the many beauty spots and charming fishing villages.
Athens
(Greece)
Your fascinating Steps of St Paul journey begins in the magical city of Athens. The Greek capital is one of the oldest cities in the world and home to the iconic landmark of the Acropolis. Take your time to discover the heritage, history and culture that is firmly embedded in the heart of this captivating modern metropolis before joining us onboard as we head for Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki
(Greece)
Following the path of St Paul’s Second Missionary in Europe, leads you beyond the imposing Byzantine walls that guard the sophisticated port city of Thessaloniki. The beguiling architecture and meandering cobblestone streets are a pleasure to explore, topped only by the captivating site of the biblical city Berroia, known today as Veria. Join your expert guide to hear all about St. Paul’s tribulations as he tried to win over the noble Jews that lived here.
Kavala
(Greece)
The seaport resort of Kavala perched on the slopes of Mt Symvolo offers spectacular panoramic views. It was here that St Paul baptised the first Greek and European Christian convert, Lydia, and gave his first sermon. Visit the open-air baptistery, the monument that honours the Saint and the prison ruins where he was held captive with St Silas or join our specialist guide for a fascinating excursion to Neapolis and Philippi.
Istanbul
(Turkey)
The vibrant city of Istanbul straddles the continents of Europe and Asia via the Bosphorus Strait. Here you can visit the lavish Byzantine and Imperial mosques which pierce Istanbul’s skyline with their towering minarets. The iconic Sultanahmet (blue) mosque, the Romanesque Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the world-famous Church of Hagia Sophia are just a few of the enigmatic attractions to admire.
Dikili
(Turkey)
Snaking its way along the beautiful coastline of Turkey’s seafront city of Dikili is a lush landscape of green forestry and expansive golden sands. Sparkling crystalline turquoise waters complete the captivating scenery. Here you have the opportunity to visit the Ancient Pergamon and the ancient Acropolis. The remains of the healing temple of Asklepion is the final stop of the day.
Kusadasi
(Turkey)
In Turkey’s picturesque seaside resort of Kusadasi, St Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians and preached at the Great Theatre of Ephesus. The second-largest city of the Roman Empire is also the home of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis. You will learn about this and more on our complimentary tour to ancient Ephesus and the city of Miletus.
Patmos
(Greece)
Patmos is the smallest of the Greek Dodecanese islands and also its most spiritual. The tranquil island is famously known for being the location where John the Apostle experienced the vision that inspired the Book of Revelations. The last remaining disciple was banished to Patmos by Rome. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims to St John’s Monastery and the Holy Grotto of the Apocalypse.
Athens
(Greece)
We arrive back in the Greek capital of Athens early, giving the entire day to do as you please in the beating heart of Greece. However, you don’t have to leave us just yet. Our expert guides are waiting to escort you on a mesmerising trip to either the ancient Corinth and Bema of St. Paul or show you the highlights of the ancient Acropolis.
At a Glance
CloseDATE | PORT/CITY | ARRIVE | DEPART |
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Athens (Greece) | 17:00 | |
Day 2 | Thessaloniki (Greece) | 10:00 | 19:00 |
Day 3 | Kusadasi (Turkey) | 13:00 | 21:00 |
Day 4 | Rhodes (Greece) | 09:00 | 18:00 |
Day 5 | Heraklion, Crete (Greece) | 07:00 | 12:00 |
Day 5 - 6 | Santorini (Greece) | 16:30 | 02:00 |
Day 6 - 7 | Mykonos (Greece) | 08:00 | 02:00 |
Day 7 | Milos (Greece) | 09:00 | 19:00 |
Day 8 | Athens (Greece) | 07:00 | 16:00 |
Day 9 | Thessaloniki (Greece) | 09:30 | 20:00 |
Day 10 | Kavala (Greece) | 08:00 | 16:00 |
Day 11 | Istanbul (Turkey) | 09:30 | 20:00 |
Day 12 | Dikili (Turkey) | 12:00 | 20:00 |
Day 13 | Kusadasi (Turkey) | 08:00 | 23:30 |
Day 14 | Patmos (Greece) | 07:00 | 18:30 |
Day 15 | Athens (Greece) | 07:00 |
Amazing excursions carefully curated
- Included Excursions
- Optional Excursions
ANCIENT EPHESUS THROUGH THE AGES – HELLENISTIC AND ROMAN
Learn MoreANCIENT EPHESUS & MILETUS
Learn MoreVERIA (BERROIA)
Learn MoreMEDIEVAL TOUR – ACROPOLIS OF LINDOS AND THE CITADEL OF THE KNIGHTS
Learn MoreELOUNDA AND BEYOND
Learn MoreSCENIC LIMASSOL
Learn MorePANORAMIC AGIOS NIKOLAOS
Learn MorePanoramic Milos
Learn MoreJERUSALEM & BETHLEHEM
Learn MoreJAFFA & TEL AVIV
Learn MoreUNESCO CHURCHES IN SOLEA REGION – 2 CHURCHES
Learn MorePANORAMIC LIMASSOL & CURIUM
Learn MorePAPHOS, THE CITY OF UNESCO
Learn MoreEXPERIENCE THE TRADITION
Learn MoreCURIUM, THE WINE VILLAGE OF OMODOS AND LIMASSOL
Learn MoreCLASSIC CAIRO
Learn MoreHOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY & ANCIENT EPHESUS
Learn MoreANCIENT EPHESUS THROUGH THE AGES – HELLENISTIC AND ROMAN
Learn MoreANCIENT EPHESUS AND THE TERRACE HOUSES
Learn MoreANCIENT EPHESUS & MILETUS
Learn MoreTURKISH BATHS
Learn MoreISTANBUL
Learn MoreOTTOMAN EMPIRE AND BYZANTINE LEGACY TOUR
Learn MoreDISCOVER THE HIDDEN SECRETS OF SULTAN AHMET SQUARE
Learn MoreBOSPHORUS CRUISE AND THE SPICE MARKET
Learn MoreA TASTE OF ISTANBUL: STREET FOOD TOUR
Learn MoreANCIENT PERGAMON
Learn MoreLEGENDARY TROY & THE NEW TROY MUSEUM
Learn MoreGALLIPOLI, TROY AND THE NEW TROY MUSEUM
Learn MoreGALLIPOLI
Learn MoreFULL DAY TRIP TO TROY & ASSOS
Learn MoreVOLOS & MT. PELION
Learn MoreTHE SPECTACULAR ROCKS & THE ‘HANGING’ MONASTERIES
Learn MoreLEGENDARY MOUTZOURIS (MOUNTAIN TRAIN RIDE)
Learn MoreDRINK AND EAT LIKE A LOCAL
Learn MoreLAND OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT
Learn MoreTHE ROYAL TOMBS OF VERGINA
Learn MorePANORAMIC THESSALONIKI
Learn MoreVERIA (BERROIA)
Learn MoreHIGHLIGHTS OF THESSALONIKI
Learn MoreWALKING TOUR IN SYROS
Learn MoreTHE ESSENCE OF SANTORINI
Learn MoreSPECTACULAR OIA VILLAGE PERCHED ON THE CALDERA RIM
Learn MoreOFF THE BEATEN TRACK – JEEP SAFARI ADVENTURE
Learn MoreCRUISE TO SANTORINI’S ISLANDS AND VOLCANOES
Learn MoreAKROTIRI VILLAGE EXCAVATIONS
Learn MoreWALKING TOUR IN THE MEDIEVAL CITY OF RHODES
Learn MorePHILERIMOS CHURCH AND THE PALACE OF THE KNIGHTS
Learn MoreMEDIEVAL TOUR – ACROPOLIS OF LINDOS AND THE CITADEL OF THE KNIGHTS
Learn MoreTRADITIONAL FEAST IN PATMOS
Learn MoreRELIGIOUS VISIT TO ST JOHN’S MONASTERY – GROTTO OF APOCALYPSE
Learn MoreCOUNTRYSIDE TOUR WITH CHORA AND THE GROTTO OF APOCALYPSE
Learn MoreMYKONIAN DINNER
Learn MoreMYKONIAN COUNTRYSIDE TOUR WITH CHORA AND LITTLE VENICE
Learn MoreDELOS – SACRED ISLAND & APOLLO SANCTUARY
Learn MoreCYCLADIC TASTES (FOOD ON FOOT)
Learn MoreTHE AMAZING BEACHES TOUR
Learn MoreSTEP BACK IN TIME – (RELIGIOUS)
Learn MoreSTEP BACK IN TIME
Learn MoreNOSTALGIC MILOS
Learn MoreNEAPOLIS & PHILIPPI
Learn MoreCRETAN JEEP SAFARI
Learn MoreRIVER TREKKING TOUR
Learn MoreA DELECTABLE DAY IN CRETE
Learn MoreTHE PALACE OF KNOSSOS & COSMOPOLITAN HERAKLION
Learn MoreTHE CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS OF ELOUNDA AND SPINALONGA
Learn MoreVENETIAN HERAKLION AND THE UNIQUE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Learn MoreMINOAN PALACE OF KNOSSOS – 1ST EUROPEAN CIVILISATION
Learn MoreKNOSSOS PALACE AND THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Learn MoreEXPERIENCE THE CRETAN COUNTRYSIDE AND LIFESTYLE
Learn MoreTHE ACROPOLIS & THE NEW ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
Learn MorePANORAMIC ATHENS AND CORINTH CANAL CROSSING
Learn MoreCORINTH CANAL, ANCIENT CORINTH, BEMA OF ST. PAUL
Learn MoreATHENS MONUMENTS AND THE ACROPOLIS
Learn MoreATHENS TOUR AND THE NEW ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
Learn MoreON BOARD DINING
We have a proud culinary tradition and love delighting our guests with a range of sumptuous recipes.
Our speciality chefs lovingly prepare authentic international dishes bursting with mouthwatering flavors.
UNLIMITED CLASSIC DRINKS
Enjoy the ambient lounges and admire spectacular views as you indulge in our range of premium brands, selected wine and spirits.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT
You’ll never be lost for anything to do with our full-program of entertainment throughout the day and in the evening.
SELECTED SHORE EXCURSIONS
Discover iconic archaeological sites and idyllic hotspots such as the Minoan Palace of Knossos and ancient Ephesus.
PORT CHARGES AND GRATUITIES
We don’t believe in surprising guests with hidden fees so include port charges and gratuities with the final cost of your cruise so you can protect your travel budget.