Itinerary

1. 

   Travel to Athens (D)

   Morning: meet your group leader and check-in for your direct flight from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham or Manchester to Athens. Our airport representative at each airport will assist you with check-in.

   Afternoon: on arrival in Athens the McCabe team will greet you and escort you to your centrally located hotel and assist with check-in for your two-nights stay in Athens.

   Evening: get to know your fellow pilgrims over a welcome dinner and be introduced to your special guests BBCTV's Pam Rhodes and musician and actor Paul Jones and actress and Christian speaker Fiona Hendley-Jones.

   Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

2. 

   Half day Athens city tour and the Acropolis (B, D)

   Morning: enjoy a tour on coach and foot taking in the Hellenic Parliament with the “Evzones” Presidential Guard found outside the Hellenic Parliament. They have become synonymous with the city of Athens and were originally founded in 1868 as a regiment of the Greek army. We then continue to the historical neighbourhood of Plaka, a labyrinth of streets with neoclassical architecture clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis. known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods" due to its proximity to the Acropolis and its many archaeological sites. We continue to the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena Nike, the foremost site of Classical Greece, with the Parthenon. We walk down to the site of St. Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill (Aeropagus) where Paul had a mixed reception in making known the ‘Unknown God’. We then visit Agora the centre of public life in Athens at the time of Paul.

   ‎Afternoon: free leisurely afternoon to enjoy lunch (at own cost) wander the Plaka to shop, maybe visit the National Archaeological Museum of Greece or numerous other museums or head to the waterfront and marina in Piraeus. Your guide will advise of plenty of options.

   Evening: dinner with water and tea or coffee included.

   Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

3. 

   Free morning in Athens - board your cruise ship (B, D, DR)

   Morning: a free morning to explore Athens further. Maybe wander the Plaka district with its narrow streets and quaint shops, wander Syndama Square, the National Garden or visit one of the many museums.

   Afternoon: transfer to the Port of Piraeus where our team will assist you with check-in and boarding MV Celestyal Journey for your seven-night cruise. Your luggage will be taken from the coach and transferred on board to your stateroom. The crew will make you feel welcome and we suggest to be on deck ready for sail away as you head out to the Aegean Sea. A daily schedule of activities will be posted to your cabin or on the ships handy mobile phone ap to make full use of the activities and entertainment on board that is all included in your cruise price.

   Evening: Captain's welcome reception followed by dinner with 'select drinks' of draft beer, water, soft drinks, wine by the glass and tea or coffee included.

   Ship sails: 17:00

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   Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

4. 

   Thessaloniki - Veria (Berroia) (B, L, D, DR)

   Morning: a special Sunday service on board followed by a visit to Pella the capital of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander the Great. Over one thousand tombs have been discovered, some containing elaborate artefacts from ceramics to precious metals, weapons and jewellery. After, continue to Veria (Berea) where Philip II was assassinated and Alexander the Great became king. Paul and Silas’ visit here saw that its inhabitants were the first Christians in Europe.

   Afternoon: return to the ship to enjoy a late lunch on board. Relax and enjoy the ships facilities or wander into Thessaloniki under your own steam, plus a special guest event LIFE STORIES - PAM RHODES where Chris Gidney joins in fascinating conversation with BBC Songs of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes.

   Evening: dinner with 'select drinks' of draft beer, water, soft drinks, wine by the glass and tea or coffee included. After enjoy being entertained by the talented team on board.

   Ship arrives Thessaloniki: 10:00   departs: 19:00

   Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

5. 

   Turkey - Kusadasi - Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary (B, L, D, DR)

   Morning: enjoy the views of the Turkish coast whilst relaxing on board. Maybe a swim, exercise class or some of the array of activities, talks and demonstrations available on board and listed in the daily programme sent to your cabin or available on the ships mobile ap.

   Afternoon: after lunch arrive in Kusadasi and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus. This ancient city is believed to have been settled in the 10th century BC by Ionians, Ephesus changed hands many times before becoming a Roman dependency in 133 BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus. It was also a very important city during early Christian times as evidenced by St. Paul’s visit and St. John being buried nearby. Heading up the hills behind Ephesus, you will see where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent the last days of her life. Presently, there is a charming chapel, consecrated by the Pope, at the very spot where the House of Virgin Mary stood. The local tradition suggests that Virgin Mary lived and died here.

   Evening: dinner with 'select drinks' of draft beer, water, soft drinks, wine by the glass and tea or coffee included. After enjoy being entertained by the talented team on board.

   Ship arrives Kusadasi: 13:00      departs: 19:00

6. 

   Crete - Heraklion - Fair Havens and Church of St. Titus (B, L, D, DR)

   Morning: visit Kali Limenes, the Greek name that translates “Fair Havens,” is situated on the southern coast of Crete. Here Paul waited for a considerable time (Acts 27:9); but while it afforded good anchorage and a shelter from North and Northwest winds, "the haven was not commodious to winter in". Visit  the Chapel of St. Paul and the small cave, where Apostle Paul is said to have lived for two years, before continuing his journey to Rome.

   Afternoon: after an included local lunch continue to the St. Titus Church. Paul appointed Titus the first bishop of Crete, assigning him to consolidate the church there by appointing elders in every town. Paul had low regard for Cretans and accepted a popular view that generally they were “liars, dangerous animals, all greed and laziness” (Titus 1:12 NJB). So he gave Titus explicit instructions to take a firm stance with Cretan believers.

   Evening: dinner with 'select drinks' of draft beer, water, soft drinks, wine by the glass and tea or coffee included. After enjoy being entertained by the talented team on board.

   Ship arrives Heraklion 08:00     departs: 19:00

   Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

7. 

   Santorini - Essence of Santorini - Monastery of Profitis Ilias (B, L, D, DR)

   Morning: we drive to the viewpoint of Mount Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elias) and the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, one of the oldest on the island. From here we visit Oia, the most photographed place on Santorini and familiar all over the world. We continue past the lava rocks of the islets of Nea Kameni and the Caldera below, with free time to enjoy the landscape of Oia and the colourful shops and cafes with terraces overlooking the Aegean Sea. After, we call in at a winery for a tasting then our tour brings us to the Church of Panagia Episkopi a beautiful Byzantine Church, built in the late 11th Century, and the best example of traditional ecclesiastical architecture on the island. The excursion ends in Fira where we make our way down to the harbour side by cable car.

   Afternoon: ship sets sail late at night, so spend the afternoon and evening in Santorini, maybe for a change dine in a local restaurant and enjoy the atmosphere whilst many have returned to the ship. Maybe just enjoy the facilities and sunbathe on board.

   Evening: dinner with 'select drinks' of draft beer, water, soft drinks, wine by the glass and tea or coffee included. After enjoy being entertained by the talented team on board.

   Ship arrives Santorini: 07:30     departs: midnight

   Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

8. 

   Mykonos - Delos, Sacred Island & Apollo Sanctuary (B, L, D, DR)

   Morning: Delos was a holy sanctuary and one of the most important and prosperous commercial ports in the eastern Mediterranean during the 1st millennium BC. Olympian mythology made it the birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis and it attracted pilgrims from all over Greece. There are numerous ruins to marvel at including Doric temples, an amphitheatre, houses with mosaics, Agora, the Oikos (House) of Naxians and the iconic statues at the Terrace of the Lions. Seven of the original full sized marble lions still stand. There are the remains of the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Establishment of the Poseidoniasts of Beirut, built by ship owners and merchants from that city across the Mediterranean.

   Afternoon: at the end of the excursion you will return to Chora to wander and shop before returning to the ship for lunch and afternoon on board or return to Mykonos and wander at leisure, plus a special guest event (16:00) LIFE STORIES - PAUL JONES & FIONA-HENDLEY JONES as the famous Manfred Mann musician and actor and actress and Christian speaker discuss life and faith with Chris Gidney.

   Evening: maybe take an early dinner on board and after dinner enjoy a wander on Mykonos, take in the harbour views, sip wine with the locals, meander the local shops that stay open till late or perhaps sample the local nightlife.

   Ship arrives Mykonos: 08:00      departs: 02:00 (next morning)

   Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

9. 

   Milos - Step back in time (B, L, D, DR)

   Morning: a short drive from the harbour takes us to Sarakiniko, an inlet of pure white stone sculpted by volcanic eruptions and perhaps one of the most photographed places in the Cyclades Islands and then to Plaka, a classic Cycladic village of white stone houses and bougainvillea flowers 250 meters above the Aegean. Plaka is known for its local pastry shops with the homemade sweets and early Christian catacombs, the largest in Greece, and the ruins of ancient Melos and its Roman amphitheater. The path takes us through a small olive grove beneath the retaining walls of ancient Melos, where you’ll find large Dorian walls and column fragments. The marble amphitheatre, fully restored in 2015, still includes seven intact rows of seats and offers a lovely view of the bay and the site where the Venus de Milo (now residing in the Louvre in Paris), was discovered in 1820.

   Afternoon: Milos has wonderful beaches and local boatmen will take you to them. Take a short boat ride (at own cost) and bathe in some of the Mediterranean's most azure blue waters. Also, enjoy Hymns of Praise as Pam Rhodes invites you to join her for an exclusive McCabe version of the popular TV show.

   Evening: dinner with 'select drinks' of draft beer, water, soft drinks, wine by the glass and tea or coffee included. After enjoy being entertained by the talented team on board.

   Ship arrives Milos: 09:00      departs: 19:00

   Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

10. 

    Return to Athens - Kingdom of Korinthos and Epidaurus (B, L, D, DR)

    Morning: after a farewell to the crew of your ship we disembark and then head out of Athens for the day and cross the Corinth Canal making a stop to view this engineering marvel. We then visit the ancient town of Corinth where St. Paul stayed for 18 months and wrote two letters to Corinthians, which are included in the New Testament. An impressive church has been built in his honour. The remains of the city include the marketplace and Temple of Apollo and clearly show the importance of Corinth in ancient times. After, we make a short stop at the site of the ancient port of Cenchreae from where St. Paul departed for Ephesus.

    ‎Afternoon: continue to Epidaurus with its Great Theatre with its great acoustics, Sanctuary of Asclepius and join together in optional worship at this great location where our special guests and fellow passengers will perform a short dramatic reading.

    Early evening: return to Athens and check-in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Hotel accommodation on your return may be in a hotel closer to the airport than the city centre.

    Evening: dinner in a local restaurant close to your Athens hotel with water and tea or coffee included.

    Ship arrives Athens: 07:00

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

11. 

    Return to the UK (B)

    Morning: transfer to Athens Airport escorted by your Tour Leader and McCabe Athens representative who will assist with check-in for your direct flight to Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham or Manchester.

    Afternoon: arrival in the UK and bid farewell to your Tour Leader.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

12. MEET OUR SPECIALLY INVITED GUESTS

    

    PAM RHODES

    Pam Rhodes is well known as the familiar face of BBC Television’s prime time Songs of Praise for more than twenty years. In that time she’s met everyone ranging from The Pope to Dolly Parton, earning herself a reputation as a highly professional and empathetic interviewer, especially when people are speaking about sensitive, perhaps traumatic experiences. She has her own daily interview series on Lifestyle Television, Radio 2, Premier Radio, London Weekend, Thames and BFBS Television and compered TV recordings in venues such as The Golden Hall in Vienna, the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Pam has also established herself as a mainstream author in recent years, with five novels and nine factual books under her belt and is looking forward to presenting her very own Songs of Praise on board ship.

    

    PAUL JONES & FIONA HENDLEY-JONES

    Paul and Fiona's testimony is humorous, but compassionate. Paul came to faith from a background of intellectual arrogance; in 1968 he argued against Billy Graham with Cliff Richard on television, and he was convinced he had won the argument. Yet all his immense success in show business could not remedy the failure within himself. Fiona sought God from an early age, thinking that she was a Christian, but was surrounded by deception (including spiritualists and mediums); she too hoped that success in show business would bring her happiness. Their testimony tells how each of them found true happiness and real faith. As they bring their testimony, they sing songs from their album, and the Gospel message is clearly explained.

    PAUL JONES

    Paul's distinguished career includes being the award-winning lead singer of Manfred Mann (whose hits include "Do Wah Diddy" and "Pretty Flamingo") , and The Blues Band - he has recently worked on new albums with both groups. His collection of Gold discs includes one for the original "Evita". Millions listen to him on Radio 2, Jazz FM and elsewhere, and on TV he has hosted talk shows and performed everything from Shakespeare to soaps. His extensive stage credits range from the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company to the West End and Broadway.

    FIONA HENDLEY-JONES

    Fiona, an accomplished actress and singer, has worked in all areas of show business from her acclaimed TV series "Widows" (for which she won Personality of the Year Award) to leading roles at the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Fiona has starred in many West End productions including the highly praised and award-winning musical "City of Angels". She has sung on many show recordings and has a collection of gold discs that rival Paul's. Together they have recorded several CD's celebrating the work of composers from Irving Berlin to Andrew Lloyd Webber. Their Gospel album "Personal" has been very well received: its songs express their love for their Heavenly Father, and for each other.

    

    CHRIS GIDNEY

    Chris Gidney is your host for the themed cruise and has spent a lifetime as entertainer, producer and author, working with numerous artistes from the legendary Frank Sinatra to Sir Cliff Richard. Chris comes from a show business family and joined London’s West-End in 1980 to enjoy twelve consecutive London productions before moving to BBC Television, working on such classic programmes as `Blue Peter` and `That’s Life` with Esther Rantzen. Chris has authored 28 commercially published books and several Pantomimes, as well as for the BBC and national press. As a freelance Producer, Chris is responsible for a number of unique stage, television and radio productions and has enjoyed creating and producing over a dozen themed cruises over the past few years which have taken him around the world. Says Chris. “I know that we shall have a lot of fun hearing all about their careers, faith and what inspires them personally.

    DR PETER WALKER

    During the trip the Revd Dr Peter Walker will be bringing us fresh insights from his book In the Steps of Saint Paul. Peter first led a McCabe ‘Steps of Paul’ tour back in 1993, and his many subsequent tours led in time to his publishing this fascinating book which takes the reader around all the places visited by Paul—from Damascus to Rome—highlighting what Paul did there and what visitors can now expect to see in each location. Peter will provide exclusive lectures for McCabe.

Essential Information

Practical information

Dates