DETAILS OF THE TRIP ARE:

FLIGHT:  Round Trip Flight from USA to Athens.

HOTELS: First Class Hotels:

• 3 nights in Athens
• 3 nights on board cruise ship
• 3 nights in Rome

TOURING:

• See the sites of Greece and Rome in a comfortable private bus with a Biblically-knowledgeable tour guide.
• Three day cruise through the Greek Islands. 

PRICE: $4,150.00 (double occupancy)

Single Supplement: $1,475.00

Plus Airfare price yet to be determined.

Includes:

• All hotels, cruise, private bus transportation in Greece and Rome
• Entry to all tour sites and activities,
• Buffet breakfasts and dinners
• Flight from Athens to Rome
• Tips

Does NOT include:

• Round-trip Airfare (price yet to be determined)

Day 1: Overnight flight from US to Athens

Day 2: Athens

Upon arriving, we will be met by our Greek driver and assistant.  We will transfer to our hotel for check-in.  Dinner and overnight at Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens or similar. 

Day 3: Athens 

First, we enjoy a bus tour of the Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium and the Neoclassical Buildings of Athens. We then go to the world-renowned Acropolis to see the Propylaea, the Erechtheum and the incredible Parthenon. We also visit Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his ingenious speech on the “Unknown God” (Acts 17). From here we view the Agora, the ancient center of the economic and public life of the city, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians. We head back to our hotel. Overnight at the Royal Olympic Hotel (or similar) and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Lavrion, Mykonos

We sail this morning from Athens to the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. We arrive at Mykonos, where we disembark and have time to experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes. We stroll the charming walkways through a maze of white-washed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening activities. No excursions are included today, as we will visit the island at our leisure.

Day 5: Kusadasi, Ephesus, Patmos

In the morning, we arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey. Excursion Included: A short drive takes us to Ephesus, where Paul spent three years during his ministry. The impressive remains of Ephesus include the Agora, the Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsus, the ruins of the Temple of Diana (one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”) and many more. Later, we sail for the island of Patmos. Excursion Included: Here we visit the Monastery of St. John, on one of the island’s highest points. From there, we walk down to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St. John the Divine.

Day 6: Crete-Heraklion, Santorini

In the morning, we arrive at Heraklion, Crete and disembark. Excursion Not Included: We can always take the shuttle bus from the port to downtown and our tour escort can provide a short walking tour of the area. In the afternoon, we cruise to the isle of Santorini and disembark. Excursion not included: Santorini is often referred to as the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. The exquisite, whitewashed villages, including the town of Fira, or Thira, cling to volcanic cliffs, accessible by cable-car, or mule.

Day 7: Corinth, Mycenae, Athens

This morning we disembark from the 3-day cruise. We start the day by visiting the site of ancient Corinth. We will cross the famous Corinthian Canal to get there. Located in the Peloponnese of Greece, this was the once glorious city near the Isthmus where Paul met Aquila and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the Word of God. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman forum and the famous Bema where Paul stood before Gallio, accused by the Jews of Corinth. About 30 minutes away is the site of Mycenae, the legendary city rival of Troy, and described by Homer as “Mycenae rich in Gold.” This city dates back to the late Bronze Age, and is famous for the “beehive” Tomb of Agamemnon (Treasury of Atreus) and the gold masks. On the way back to Athens, we will pass by Cenchreae, the little harbor from which Paul sailed back to Asia, thus ending his second missionary journey. We arrive back at our hotel in Athens for dinner and overnight. Dinner and overnight at Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens.

Day 8: Flight to Rome

Flight to Rome Today we will be transferred to Athens Airport and board our flight to Rome. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel. Dinner at Twenty-One hotel (or similar) or local restaurant. 

Day 9: Rome

Tour of Basilicas with Mamertine Prisons,Catacombs, St. John Basilica, Catacombs (Domitilla or San Sebastiano), Old Appian Way and St. Paul outside the Wall and Colosseum. Dinner at Twenty-One Hotel or local restaurant.

Day 10: Thessalonica/Philippi/Kavala

This is the tour to visit the Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel and the San Peter Basilica. The program is a walk inside the Vatican Museums, including Sistine Chapel. Upon exiting the Sistine Chapel, the tour continues to St Peter Basilica. In the afternoon, a walking tour to Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Navona Sq. Dinner at Twenty-One Hotel or local restaurant. 

Day 11: Transfer to FCO Airport - Departure - Today we will be transferred to Rome Airport and board our departure flight.

PRICE PER PERSON - $4,150.00 pp/double occupancy
Does not include - Round-trip Airfare from Dulles (IAD)

Air Travel to be purchased separately in March-April, 2025.
Dulles to Athens
Rome to Dulles
Single Supplement fee of $1,475.00 for private room throughout the tour.

Deposit Required: $500 per person to reserve your place on the tour.  Deposit is non-refundable. 

Passports: Must be valid until March 19, 2026.
 

Inclusions

• 3 overnights in Athens at Royal Olympic Hotel or similar - breakfasts and dinners included. 
• 3-day cruise aboard the Celestyal Olympia, on All Inclusive basis with
• Shore excursion to Kusadasi
• Shore excursion to Patmos
• Flight from Athens to Rome on Day 8
• 3 overnights in Rome at Twenty-One Hotel or similar, breakfast and dinner included
• English-speaking licensed guide for sightseeing & touring as per itinerary
• Private deluxe motor coach for transfers & touring as per itinerary.
• Private walking tours of Mykonos, Heraklion and Santorini.
• Entrance fees to archaeological sites & museums as per itinerary
• Porterage at the hotels
• Headsets during tours throughout the trip
• Tips to guides, managers and drivers
• Port taxes & cruise tips
• 2 Shore excursions package

  Not included

• Passport and visa fees
• Lunches (except cruise portion)
• Drinks during meals (except cruise portion)
• Cable-car tickets in Santorini are paid on site.
• Airfare: Dulles to Athens, Rome to Dulles

Payment Schedule

• Deposit: $500.00.
• Airfare payment upon booking of flights in March or April 2025.
• Final Payment: June 9, 2025.

Deposits and Payments: A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required from each traveler along with their reservation form to guarantee the booking on the tour. The remaining balance is due in 2 payments.  Airfare payment and Final payment.

1. Airfare Payment is due 4 months from Travel Date.

2. Final Payment is due 3 months from Travel Date.

• A supplement for single occupancy must be paid in full with the final payment.

• Failure to pay the amounts due by the above deadlines is grounds for cancellation of your reservation.

• Cancellation fees will apply, if your reservation is cancelled due to late or insufficient payments. 

• If using a credit card, a 3% service fee will be added by Paypal to your total charge.

Cancellation Requests: All cancellation requests must be made in writing by email to (tours@aliyahfoundation.org) or in writing sent by mail to; P.O. Box 74111, Richmond VA 23236) to Aliyah Tours.

Cancellation Fees:  

• Deposit is non-refundable.

• Up to 4 months prior to departure date, the cancellation fee is the initial deposit plus 50% of other amounts paid.

• Up to 6 weeks prior to departure date, the cancellation fee is the initial deposit plus 75% of other amounts paid.

• Within 6 weeks prior to departure date, the cancellation fee is 100% of all amounts paid.

Tour Arrangements
Air – Air arrangements are not included in most group tours. Assistance with air travel arrangements is available through Aliyah Tours or an affiliate.
Land – All packages including overnight hotel stays are quoted based upon double occupancy sharing a twin or double room with private facilities. Aliyah Tours does not arrange sharing for individual travelers. Single rooms are available at additional cost. Aliyah Tours reserves the right to substitute hotels based upon availability when necessary. Sightseeing and entrance fees are included as per itinerary. Individual passengers and passengers arriving independently from a scheduled group are responsible for their own transfers.

Not Included
Airport taxis and private transfers (unless specifically included in certain group tours), optional tours, charges for passports, excess baggage charges, accident, trip cancellation and baggage insurance, telephone and cable charges, laundry, meals not specified in the itinerary, liquor, items of a personal nature and any items not specifically listed as included.

Passports/Visa
You will be required to provide Aliyah Tours with a copy of your passport with the deposit. Please Note: International travel laws requires that your passport have an expiration date not less than 6 months after your date of departure from home. There is no visa requirement for citizens of the United States traveling to Israel or Greece. Other nationals should contact their consulate for visa information. For other destinations please contact Aliyah Tours Aliyah Tours does NOT process visa applications. No inoculations are currently required for travel to Israel or Greece. Please contact public health authorities for further information or other destinations.

Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is Highly recommended. Get Travel Insurance here and purchase the amount of coverage you deem necessary. 

Baggage
Suitcases: 1 per person, not to exceed 50 lbs. for 1 bag. Each can measure up to 62 linear inches (length + height + width). Carry On Luggage: 1 per person, not to exceed 11 lbs. Each can measure up to 45 linear inches (length + height + width).

Deviations
Any change in the basic program will result in the charge of $150 per change per person plus any additional charges that may apply for revised air or land arrangements.

Unexpected Airline Challenges
Airlines can and will make unexpected changes to travel itineraries due to weather, mechanical problems and staffing issues. Should your flight be delayed or canceled, it is up to the passenger to work directly with the airline to rebook flights to the intended destination. Aliyah Tours is not responsible for airline changes that cause delays, cancellations, late arrivals, baggage loss, and associated expenses. Group transfers are limited to the original arrival time and will not be available for rescheduled flights. (Air travel ticketing agents affiliated with Aliyah Tours are not responsible for rebooking your canceled or delayed flights.) Travel insurance is highly recommended to address all these challenges and the associated expenses for the traveler.

Health and Mobility Challenges
Tours in Israel and Greece include areas that have uneven footing, few handrails, rocky pathways, and some steep climbs. The streets and sites we visit are not wheelchair and walker friendly. Most of our tours include 3-5 miles of walking per day. Guests iwith mobility challenges or other health issues should make private arrangements to travel with a caregiver who can stay with them if they need to opt out of a tour stop. Guests cannot be left alone or on the bus should they choose to opt out. If you have health challenges, please consult an Aliyah Tours representative before you put down a deposit on a tour. 

Life onboard the Olympia is more than a cruise – it’s an experience that invites you to indulge in our Hellenic heritage. Relax with a refreshing drink in the ambient lounges, indulge in sumptuous authentic cuisine or take advantage of our excellent onboard facilities, you will never be lost for something to do.

With ample facilities combined with distinctive Greek hospitality and personalized service, your time aboard the Celestyal Olympia ensure your timewill be enjoyable, memorable and exciting.

Learn more here: https://celestyal.com/us/our-ships/olympia

Buy Travel Insurance Here

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE AS THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE STRICT CANCELLATION POLICY. 

This tour has an activity level rating of 3-4: Moderate to Active.  See Activity level ratings at this link.

NOTE - Solo travelers require a high level of independence and must travel with a caregiver if assistance is required.

Guests with mobility concerns will not travel comfortably on this particular tour. See the link below for more information.

Holy Land Accessibility and Wheelchair Access Information is available at this link.