Greece – In The Footsteps of St. Paul

Your tour will start in Athens, Greece’s bustling capital city. In the evening, you’ll gather with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner in Plaka – Athens, at the foot of the Acropolis. Additionally, you’ll enjoy delicious local cuisine and fine wine in a traditional taverna while Greek entertainment creates a beautiful ambiance around you. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of a fantastic trip! Included Meals (Dinner)

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

This morning, you’ll travel to Corinth, where Paul lived and preached for two years and wrote 2 epistles. Explore ancient Corinth on a guided tour featuring the Agora, where Paul’s trial by Gallio took place, and the Bema, where Paul was brought before the tribunal, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Back in Athens, see the hill of Areopagus (Mars Hill) – where Paul delivered his famous “Men of Athens” speech – and visit the incomparable Acropolis. The evening is yours to explore Greece’s vibrant capital city. Included Meals (Breakfast)

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

Embark on a 3-night cruise to the Greek Islands and Kusadasi, Türkiye. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily on board. Your first stop is the island of Mykonos. This charming, mountainous island is known for the hundreds of tiny chapels, whitewashed buildings, and beautiful windmills that dot its landscape. Don’t miss Mykonos Town, following the mazes of narrow streets full of bustling activity. Enjoy free time to explore this island paradise. Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

Visit the Turkish port of Kusadasi for an excursion to the ruins of Ephesus (UNESCO), where Paul the Apostle lived for three years during his ministry. You’ll also visit the Agora, the great theatre, and the stadium where chariot races and gladiatorial combats occured. Legend claims that Paul fought here against wild beasts. Visit the House of Mary, where the Virgin Mother spent her last days. Continue your cruise to Patmos. Visit the Monastery of John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where John the Evangelist wrote the Book of Revelation during his exile. Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

Enjoy an excursion to the incredible open-air museum of the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Then, during your free time in Crete’s largest city, enjoy a variety of museums and shopping, or visit a nearby winery to sample traditional Greek wine. Later, you arrive at the fabled island of Santorini, known as the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Enjoy time at leisure to explore this lovely port independently or purchase a ship excursion from the cruise line. Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

After an early morning disembarkation, travel north. Pause at Thermopylae, famous for Leonidas’s heroic defence against the Persian army. This afternoon, visit an icon-painting workshop and discover the ancient traditions behind the sacred images used in Orthodox Byzantine devotional tradition. Overnight in Kalambaka. Included Meals (Breakfast, Dinner)

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

Marvel at the hanging monasteries of Meteora (UNESCO). These dark, sandstone pinnacles rise abruptly from the plain of Thessaly, with six historic monasteries perched upon their peaks. Beginning in the 10th century, hermits, monks, and ascetics sought solitude and spiritual solace in these dramatic crags. Visit two impressive Meteora monasteries***, which are renowned for their intricate construction and exquisite Byzantine art. Your day ends in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city. Founded in 315 B.C., Thessaloniki was an early centre for Christianity. Paul visited and preached here during the winters of A.D. 49-50 and wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. Included Meals (Breakfast, Dinner)

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

Travel to the coastal town of Kavala, where Paul, accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot on European soil. In nearby Philippi, Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, planting the seeds of Christianity. Join a local expert for a guided tour of this historic town featuring the archaeological sites and monuments spanning the Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras. See the dungeon where Paul was held prisoner and where he baptized Lydia, the first Christian in Europe. Included Meals (Breakfast)

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

Proceed through the fertile Thessalian Valley and the plains of Central Greece to Athens, arriving in the late afternoon. This evening, celebrate the end of your spiritual journey during a farewell dinner at your hotel close to the airport. Included Meals (Breakfast, Dinner)

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

Return home inspired by the incredible, soothing landscapes and the words and deeds of Paul the Apostle. Included Meals (Breakfast)

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the support needs of our guests. However, if you require individual assistance, you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and responsible for providing the necessary service. Neither our personnel nor the personnel of our destination partners may physically lift or assist clients onto vehicles at any time while on tour.

We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a guest who has special mobility or other like needs.

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

Athens brims over with sightseeing attractions, culture, history and delicious cuisine.

During your stay, you may want to visit the famous National Archeological Museum, one of the best archaeology museums in the world. This excellent museum is best known for its Cycladic, Mycenaean, and Classical Greek art collections. Another famous historical feature is the National Gallery, a small museum with an extensive selection of modern Greek and European art.

Visit the historic Plaka area for shopping and dining opportunities. A stroll through this neighbourhood is a must for any visit to Athens. There are hundreds of shops where you will find just the right souvenirs. There are also great restaurants, most providing outside seating year-round.

Transportation

Between the metro system, bus transit, and taxi services available, you will have plenty of options for getting around. Ask your concierge for suggestions if you are looking for ideas or directions.

Due to varied flight schedules and arrival times of our tour guests, there are no scheduled activities prior to dinner on arrival day. Should your flight schedule allow for an early arrival, enjoy this opportunity for some independent exploration.

If you are staying post tour, your Tour Manager will be available to offer suggestions for your additional time in the area.

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

As you prepare to explore Greece, we have recommendations for you on what to pack.

Dress on tour is casual, so slacks, khakis, and comfortable tops are all appropriate. However, make sure to bring clothing that is appropriate for visiting churches. Shoulders and knees should be covered, so please bring long pants and skirts that fall below the knees. Also, locals tend to wear nicer clothes to restaurants, so you might want to bring a couple of nice outfits to wear out to dinner.

Cruise Recommendation

We recommend casual, lightweight, resort-wear clothing, swimwear and a beach robe for the cruise. In public areas or restaurants, swimsuits must be covered with clothing or a wrap. However, you may enjoy a buffet lunch on the deck if you want to eat in your suit.

The shipboard daily program will inform you of the evening (after 6.00 p.m.) dress code onboard. Most evenings are casual and bring something blue and white, the colours of the Greek flag, to celebrate Greek Night! There is no Captain’s Dinner, so you don’t need to bring anything formal.

Binoculars are a great asset at sea and during excursions, though we also suggest having your camera ready at all times.

Footwear

Comfortable footwear is crucial. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that fit well and give you the necessary support. If you decide to purchase new shoes for your trip, we suggest you wear them a number of times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you.

Be prepared for all types of weather. For warm, sunny weather, pack sunscreen, a hat or a bandana/scarf to protect your neck from sunburn. For cool, rainy weather, pack a light raincoat, a travel umbrella and a thin pair of gloves.

Toiletries

Pack anything that could leak in a waterproof case or plastic bag for your toiletries. You should bring a washcloth or two. Not all hotels provide them.

Medications

Bring enough for your entire tour plus a few additional days in the original prescription containers if you take prescription medication.

Medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, never your checked luggage; this is in case your luggage gets delayed. You don’t want to be without your medication. You could also bring extra medication in a separate bag in case any gets lost.

Valuables

In general, we recommend you don’t pack anything of value in your checked bag.

You’ll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don’t forget an extra battery for it plus a charger. Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment.

It’s also a good idea to bring a travel alarm clock, a travel sewing kit, a portable scale to weigh luggage, and some hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t readily available.

Baggage Delays

If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them; that way, if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings are still available to you both. If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there’s room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage is delayed.

Last but certainly not least, leave room! You’ll need it to fit all the souvenirs you want to bring home.

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

Greece: In the Footsteps of St. Paul the Apostle

Your cruise ship will pull up to the dock for embarkation and disembarkation and will not utilize a tender.

Onboard Payments

The official currency is the Euro. Therefore, all of the prices are displayed in Euro.

Celestyal Cruises provides a “Cashless System.” During your check-in, you will receive a personal Boarding Card, which will function as a debit card. Upon arrival, please visit the Reception Office to activate your account, linking it with a valid credit card. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Debit cards are also accepted if they are not the issuing institution permits British Maestro Debit Cards and their online use.

If you wish to pay your account in cash, you must deposit €200 at the Reception Office. Travellers’ cheques are also accepted. Personal cheques are not accepted. This card will also be used to embark and disembark the ship at every port, so it must always be kept with you.

Unlimited Classic Drinks Package

Included in your cruise rate is the Unlimited Classic Drinks Package. This includes a variety of non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, tea, juice and water, as well as select beer, wine & spirits. An exact list of included beverages will be provided on board. Please remember that Room Service and drinks from the Mini Bars are excluded from the All-Inclusive Package and charged as listed. Premium drink packages can be purchased on board for an additional fee.

Stay In Touch Communication

Mobile telephones: Please note that when your mobile phones are outside shoreside network limits, their signal is transmitted via the vessels’ satellite, which increases the cost to you, the subscriber. While on board, you can be contacted at the following numbers: Cruise ship: Celestyal Cruises Olympia Telephone (MTN): 001 954 5384236; Fax (MTN): 001 954 5384237. Cruise ship: Celestyal Cruises Crystal Telephone (SAT): 0046 855803621/2/3; Fax (SAT): 0046 8 52503624.

Medical Assistance

A doctor is available on board 24 hours a day at sea and during scheduled hours when the vessel is in port. The ships’ physicians offer professional service, care and medication. A customary fee for the services and medicine will be applied to your shipboard account.

Additional Information:

Luggage: Your luggage will be delivered outside your cabin door. Please allow a maximum of two hours for delivery. If you have not received your luggage within this time period, or if you have not indicated the cabin number on your luggage, please speak with our Reception personnel.

Daily Program: Each evening, a program detailing the following day’s activities will be delivered to your cabin. This will include arrival and departure times, excursion departure times, social activities, meal times, opening hours of the onboard services, evening dress code and other useful information. Please read carefully.

Guest Relations: Onboard personnel will be pleased to assist you. The office is open 24 hours a day. Conditions of carriage for Celestyal Cruises are available for review at http://americas.celestyalcruises.com/en/conditions of carriage.

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

When travelling abroad, you had to go to a bank to exchange your home currency for that of the country you were visiting. Thanks to technology, those days are gone. Now, you can use your bank card at any ATM in almost any city worldwide, just like you would at home. There may be a fee for this convenience, but it makes getting local currency quick and easy.

You can find ATMs in airports, hotels, and banks. Fees tend to be lower at hotels or within cities than at the airport. Many European exchange bureaus will not accept 50 or 100 US dollar bills. While most vendors accept credit cards, you may need local currency for lunch, gratuities, or smaller purchases.

Credit Cards

You can also pay with a credit card when travelling. The price will automatically be converted to your home currency by the system. Some merchants charge a fee for this service, but it adds an extra guarantee on your purchase, so it’s a nice option.

If you have a credit or debit card with a chip in it, you should use it rather than a card with a magnetic strip. The chip adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.

Optional Tour Excursions

Many of our tours include optional excursions that are available for purchase. If you decide to go on one of these during your trip, please note that the credit card you use for payment must have an expiration date greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.

To review exchange rates or exchange currency before you depart for your trip, the currency in Greece is the Euro.

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

If you plan to enter or leave the EU carrying the equivalent of €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it at customs. Cash includes currency notes, coins, bankers’ drafts, cheques, and travellers’ cheques. If you do not declare the cash, customs authorities could take away your money, and you may receive a fine of as much as €8,000.

Your cruise ship provides a “blanket visa” when visiting Ephesus, Turkey. There is no need for you to buy a Turkish visa as long as you travel with the group to/from Ephesus.

When travelling to another country, you may need an adaptor and/or electric converter to plug your electrical devices and appliances into the local power grid. An adaptor changes the plug so it fits into the outlet. A converter changes the voltage coming out of the outlet.

To determine what you need, first verify if the plugs on your devices fit the outlet of your destination.

Europe

In Europe, the plug type is C, which has two round pins. Greece will also utilize plug type F, which has two round pins with two earth clips on either side. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adaptor.

Next, verify the voltage of each device you intend to bring. You can find this information on the cord, plug, or on the device itself. Many devices are dual voltage. For those, you do not need a converter. If your device is not dual voltage and it differs from the voltage of your destination, you will need a voltage converter.

In Europe, the voltage is 220v-230v. If necessary, make sure to get a converter that converts to this voltage.

If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adaptor and voltage converter.

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 1,850 feet.

Tipping is a great way to show appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. But it can be confusing who to tip, when to tip, and how. For baggage handling and waitstaff gratuities for included meals, the tips are handled by us. For hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, transfer drivers, motor coach drivers, and Tour Managers, gratuities are not included in the price of your tour. Here are a few of our suggestions:

Tour Manager:

To express appreciation for your Tour Manager’s delivery of excellent service, it is customary to tip 5-8 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day. (When to tip: at the end of your tour)

Local Guide:

For the insights, knowledge, and stories they share with you, we suggest a gratuity amount of 2-3 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person. (When to tip: at the end of your day or time with your guide)

Motor Coach Driver:

To express your appreciation for a job well done, it is customary to tip 3-5 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day. (When to tip: at the end of your tour or time with your driver)

Gratuities for your cruise personnel have been included in the price of your tour.

The only exception is the beauty parlour and health spa services. It is customary to provide a gratuity to these skilled workers after services are rendered.

Greece: In the Footsteps of St. Paul the Apostle

Here is a list of entities we recommend you contact before you depart on your tour:

1.) Your cell phone/mobile carrier if you plan to use your device. You will want to confirm you will have access to the area(s) you will visit and enquire about any charges you may incur.

2.) Credit card company for any card(s) you plan to use. Make sure the card company knows when and where you will be travelling to avoid any charges being declined.

3.) Your bank so you can use your ATM/debit card worry-free. If you travel to another country, your bank can tell you if your card will work at the ATMs to dispense local currency, including if your PIN will be accepted. Also, indicate if you plan to use your debit card as a credit card if your card has that option. Your bank will advise you of any charges for each transaction as well.

Itinerary & Passport

Leave a copy of your itinerary, hotel list (included in your tour documents bundle) and a contact number with a designated person in case an emergency comes up while you’re away and someone needs to reach you.

We recommend you leave a copy of your passport at home in a secure location and bring an additional copy with you as a precaution.

Well-being

During your flight, make sure to stand up and walk around as much as possible, and drink plenty of water. These simple suggestions will help you stay comfortable, particularly during long flights.

Greece: In the Footsteps of St. Paul the Apostle

Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience. To that end, the following are included with your tour: accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), meals, and admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary.

Applicable gratuities for cruise personnel, bellmen, doormen and wait staff have been taken care of as well. Please note customary gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, drivers and your Tour Manager are not included.

At the beginning of your tour, your Tour Manager will distribute a personal radio and headset. You should wear them on sightseeing tours to ensure you can hear your guides clearly. Please bring them with you every day. Your Tour Manager will collect them at the very end of your tour, typically on your last evening. You are responsible for returning these devices and will be assessed a replacement fee should you fail to do so.

Greece: In the Footsteps of St. Paul the Apostle

You’re in for a treat as you explore the divine Mediterranean paradise of Greece, where the cuisine is simple yet incredibly flavorful.

In Greece, meat is served only a few times a week. When meat is part of the meal, it is typically roasted on a spit, grilled on skewers or chopped to be cooked with vegetables in various dishes.

Cheese

Cheese is a large part of the Grecian diet and makes up much of their protein. The Greeks often begin their day with fresh bread and a piece of cheese, generally feta, along with a cup of strong black coffee.

You’ll find many fruits and vegetables on the menus in Greece, as these healthy items play a large role in the diet here.

As Greece is a Mediterranean island nation with a beautiful coastline, it is unsurprising to discover that fresh fish and seafood are so popular here.

Moussaka, a lamb and eggplant casserole, is a dish you must try while you are visiting Greece!

Sample the delicious Souvlakia, a dish comprised of meat on skewers that is quite flavorful.

Sweets

For travellers with a sweet tooth, you’re in luck! You must try the baklava – very thin dough stacked to create flaky little pastries, often prepared with a mixture of nuts and honey. Another popular dessert is Halvas, a grainy-textured dessert made with semolina, nuts, raisins, and cinnamon.

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

Guests flying to the United States from all international destinations will require extra screening when carrying powdered products weighing 12 oz./ 350 ml or more in carry-on luggage for security reasons. This added security measure will apply to all powders except baby formula and medications. Please consider packing any non-essential powders in your checked bag for your convenience. Items that cannot be verified by a TSA officer risk being confiscated. Please visit www.tsa.gov for more information.

Packing

Your day of departure is almost here, and it’s time to think about what to pack. We have a few guidelines to help you. But before you pack anything, you must check with your airline for any luggage fees or restrictions. These can vary widely depending on your carrier and destination.

Let’s begin. The first thing to consider is how many bags to bring. We recommend one large bag that will be checked on the plane and onto the touring bus and one carry-on bag. It’s very important you keep this in mind. We have limited space on our buses, so limiting the bags ensures room for everyone’s luggage.

Your larger bag can’t be 62 in/157 cm in length, height and width and cannot weigh more than 50lb/23kg. Your carry-on cannot be bigger than 17 x 12 x 10 inches (43 x 30 x 25 centimeters) so it will fit under the seat or in the overhead racks on the buses. Your carry-on should be a size that you can carry comfortably. You will use this bag to hold your personal items during sightseeing trips.

Please note that if you bring more than one checked bag and one carry-on, we cannot guarantee there will be room for them on the bus. You’ll need to store or ship any additional luggage at your own expense. If there is room for your additional luggage, we will charge a fee of 3 CAD per bag per hotel. It’s also very important that all your bags be labeled clearly. In your packet you will find a luggage tag. Please attach it to the bag you plan to check.

Name on Tag

The name on this tag should match the information on your reservation exactly, so the Tour Manager and all baggage handlers can properly identify the bag as yours. This will ensure the bag is delivered to you quickly and efficiently.

Finally, we recommend you purchase travel insurance to ensure peace of mind while you’re on tour. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. But we offer comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection” for your convenience. With insurance, you’ll be able to focus on creating wonderful memories, not worrying about your luggage.

3-1-1 Rule

Remember the 3-1-1 rule: Each airline passenger can bring 1 quart-sized bag containing no more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) of any liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on bag. Any liquids, including water bottles, that don’t fit in the one quart-sized bag or are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Common items that must comply with this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. For a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed to bring on a plane, visit www.tsa.gov.

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.

The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team has carefully chosen restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavours.

For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.

The average price for meals in this region ranges from 15 to 20 US Dollars for lunch and 25 to 35 US Dollars for dinner.

It is customary to drink bottled water in Greece. Your Tour Manager will suggest convenient locations for purchasing water while on tour. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout each day of your tour to stay hydrated.

Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning or your tour.

For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.

The average price for meals in this region ranges from 15 to 20 US Dollars for lunch and 25 to 35 US Dollars for dinner.

It is customary to drink bottled water in Greece. Your Tour Manager will suggest convenient locations for purchasing water while on tour. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout each day of your tour to stay hydrated.

Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning or your tour.

One of the best parts of travelling is coming back home with souvenirs that reflect the place you’ve just been. Greece offers many shopping opportunities and beautiful items!

Local Finds

In Mykonos, look for gold jewellery and beeswax candles – two of the island’s most popular souvenirs.

Items that can be found all over Greece include colourful glass “eye beads” believed to ward away evil, “komboloi” which are worry beads believed to be the secret to serenity, cobalt blue glass, herbs, savoury Grecian olive oil, Byzantine Icon gifts, pistachios, handmade Greek boats, rugs, soaps, honey and wine.

A Greek aperitif called Ouzo, known worldwide for its unique anise flavour, is also a popular gift to bring back home.

Please be mindful of other locations where smoking is not allowed. These include the motor coach, at dining venues, and any other restricted areas on tour. Guests are responsible for any fines they incur for failing to comply with smoking regulations.

Smoking on the cruise ship is prohibited in all areas except one designated lounge, the casino in specified areas, and the open decks. Smoking is not allowed in the cabins.

Must be 18 years of age to enter the casino.

1) In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, you must provide full name (including middle name or middle initial, if applicable), as it appears on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID that you will show at the airport. The name on your airline ticket must be an exact match to this ID, or you may be prevented from boarding the aircraft.

2) If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, make sure to provide the number when you book your trip and retain the copy of your ticket and boarding pass so you will receive proper credit for your mileage. Please note that some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual.

3) Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you during the tour in the local currency.

1) Please make sure your round-trip flights work with your tour itinerary. There may be scheduled activities on these days.

2) You must provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour upon final payment. This ensures that we can arrange any other services you may have purchased from us, including hotel transfers, and that your Tour Manager will know when to expect your arrival. This also allows us to maintain contact with you in case of an emergency.

We offer full-service transfers from start to finish. So, when you arrive at the airport of your destination, arrangements will have been made to transfer you to your first hotel on the tour.

If you purchased our air-inclusive tour package, you will enjoy this service free of charge.

If you purchased your air ticket on your own (our land-only tour package), you may purchase a round-trip transfer for a fee.

Meeting locations and times will be set up to accommodate your transfer arrival and departure schedules, which will be provided to you in your documents packet. If you decide to arrange your own transportation to the hotel, please make sure to check in with your Tour Manager once you arrive.

Your comfort is important to us. With that in mind, we charter temperature-controlled coaches with toilet facilities on board. However, in certain countries, coaches with toilet facilities may not be available, or they are for emergency use only. If this happens to be the case, please don’t worry. Frequent stops will be made along the touring route for your comfort and convenience.

Change your seat, change your view!

At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all guests to change seats. This ensures that every guest has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views as they travel and a chance to get to know each other better. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.

Greece: In the Footsteps of St. Paul the Apostle

Book Now rates are valid until Mar 25, 2024, and valid on air-inclusive packages only.

Economy air rates and schedules are applicable for groups of 10 or more travelling on the same flights and dates.

Activity Level

The overall activity level of this tour is a level 3. This means you’re an on-the-go traveller. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). To access the Acropolis archeological site, you will be required to climb about 30-40 uneven steps and walk over rugged terrain with loose stones and without railings.

Accessing the Monasteries in Meteora requires climbing approximately 200 steps. You can handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect longer days with early mornings starting from 7:00-7:30 am and some late nights balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travellers who require mobility assistance devices.

Special Assistance

If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at the time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.

Museum visits and shopping may be affected by the observance of religious or local holidays.

Order of ports may be changed by the cruise line.

To complete your tour, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Just so you know, all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.

Because of flight schedules, a pre or post-night may be required at an additional cost.

On Mykonos Island, round-trip transfers by bus to/from the ship to/from Mykonos Town are included in the land price of the program.

Air-inclusive Reservations

For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.

Please be advised many airlines do not provide advance seat assignments until check-in at the airport. Advance seating will be subject to the airline’s terms and conditions.

Prior to full payment for the program, the cruise line reserves the right to impose a supplemental fuel charge. Should this occur, you will be notified of the additional charges.

Port taxes, service charges and fees of approximately $195 CAD (subject to change without advance notice), quoted at time of booking, per person is not included in the land-only tour cost. Single cabins, if confirmed, are higher.

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP: PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Foreign governments require documentation for all trips outside Canada. You should visit Global Affairs Canada at https://travel.gc.ca/ for general information about passports and visa requirements. Some countries require a visa in addition to a valid passport for entry, so you must check with the appropriate foreign consulate or embassy for specific entry requirements and details you need to know regarding how and when to obtain the visa.

Please remember that possessing valid passports and necessary visas is the responsibility of each client/passenger. If you would like assistance ensuring you have the proper visa(s) for your trip outside of Canada, we would be happy to refer you to a company that can assist you. We strongly recommend you have a valid passport (with seven-month validity) for all travel outside Canada. Just to let you know, transit visas may be required if you’re connecting through a country en route to your final destination.

INSURANCE

When travelling outside Canada, health insurance is required. Contact your booking agent for more details.

TRAVEL CONDITIONS

There may be different living standards and practices and different standards and conditions with respect to the provision of services and accommodations outside of Canada.

Your cruise ship provides a “blanket visa” when visiting Ephesus, Turkey. There is no need for you to buy a Turkish visa as long as you travel with the group to/from Ephesus.

Effective for travel in May 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa to enter Europe will be expected to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver, for a fee, when visiting a Schengen Area Country. To identify Schengen Area Countries and to complete the ETIAS application, please visit https://www.etiasvisa.com/

**For sailings during the month of March, Crete may not be available as a port of call. Instead, more time is spent in Patmos and/or Santorini.

Meteora

***In order to enter the monasteries in Meteora, all guests must have their shoulders covered. Women are highly encouraged to wear skirts or dresses that cover the knees, however, if you choose to wear pants, you will be given a scarf to tie around your waist. Men must wear long trousers.

Celestyal Cruise Lines

Celestyal Cruise Lines cabin categories are based on the following: Outside cabin XA (deck 2 or 3), XB (deck 3 or 4) and XC (deck 5 or 6). Cabin availability is first come first serve, please enquire at time of booking.

Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. Triple accommodations are limited and will be confirmed upon request and availability from the cruise line.

*Port of embarkation/disembarkation can be either Piraeus or Lavrion. Please check your final travel documents for the correct listing.

Optional shore excursions are available for purchase directly from the ship upon embarkation.

The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.

Cruise ships have a limited quantity of cabins available in each cabin category. We will make every effort to accommodate your cabin category preference at the time of booking. If the cabin category preferred is not available at the time of booking, the next closest category available will be offered and a surcharge may apply.

Due to a limited number of tickets for the Acropolis, guests booking within 60 days of departure may be waitlisted until tickets can be confirmed.

BC Reg. #23337; Travel Industry Council of Ontario Reg. # 3206405

Greece – In the Footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle.