ZOLA TOURS
Grand Mediterranean (Greece, Ephesus and Israel)

After breakfast we begin our day with a drive to Mt. Parnassus: visit the Holy Monastery of Jerusalem which architecture is inspired by the New Jerusalem (John 21:13). Short nature walks in the cedars forest to a hermit’s cave, panoramic view of Valley of Boeotia. Drive to Arachova, the famous shepherd’s village and enjoy the panoramic view of the Ionian Sea. Proceed to Delphi: visit the archeological museum: the Gallio inscription, on which the dating of the life of Paul is based (Acts 18:12), the Sphinx of Thebes, Temple of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom (the philosophical background of Paul, the Hellenized Jew). Return to our hotel in Athens. Dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we will drive to Ancient Corinth, which was an important city – state in Ancient Greece and dates back from the Neolithic Period (5.000-3.000). We will reach the archaeological site of Acrocorinth and Ancient Corinth. We will visit one of the largest museums in Greece, in terms of the wealth and quality of the findings (Acts 18:1-17 & Acts 19:22). We will see the bema of Gallio and the Erastus inscription. we will visit a traditional olive oil mill in Corinth area, where we will have the chance to taste the local products and get familiar with the olive oil production. Our next stop is at Cenchreae (Acts 18:18), Departure for Athens, with a stop at the Isthmus of Corinth. It is a narrow strip of land 6 kilometers in length joining Central Greece with Peloponnese. We will have free time to take photos. Arrival to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay

After breakfast, we will depart for Piraeus Port, in order to embark on the cruise. Relax and soak up the glorious Mediterranean sun. Then, the ship will arrive in Mykonos. The evening is ours to enjoy this beautiful iconic Cycladic Island

Early morning the ship arrives at the Port of Kusadasi. Our Ancient Ephesus Bus Tour is a journey through the golden ages which shaped a pivotal center of commerce and spirituality. Built 3,000 years ago, Ephesus shaped the history of Greek, Turkish and Christian civilizations from its privileged location, chosen (according to legend) by the oracle of Delphi. A site of pilgrimage, due to its proximity to the Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 Wonders of the World) and the presence of major Christian gures (the apostles Paul and John and the Virgin Mary) within the city walls, Ephesus is currently one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The splendour of its golden age is visible throughout its streets and exceptionally well-preserved ruins. (B, L, D) As we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will have the opportunity to breathe in the centuries of cultural effervescence, visible in the Ephesus Agora, Odeon, the Houses of the Patricians, the beautiful Temple of Hadrian and the astonishing Library of Celsus. We will also have the opportunity to bargain and shop local merchandise such as carpets, leather goods, souvenirs etc. Return to the ship at noon and we will sail for Patmos. We will explore the Monastery of St. John and the Grotto of Revelation. Late evening return to the ship and sail for Santorini.

In the morning, we arrive at Heraklion, Crete and disembark. Excursion: During this excursion, we take a short ride through the town of Heraklion and then arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Paul left Titus in Crete and gave instructions on appointing church leaders in the towns (Titus 1:5ff). 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. (B, L, D)

After Breakfast we disebark the cruise, we will depart for a Half Day Guided Tour starting from Panathenaic Stadium known as Kallimarmaro. In Antiquity was used for the celebration of Panathenea in honour of Goddess Athena. You will have free time to take photos. Boarding on the coach and departure to see the Zappeion Hall, the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the symbolic monument in the memory of the Soldiers who died for their country. Then, along Panepistimiou Street, one of the most central streets of Athens, we will see the triad of neoclassical buildings: The Library, the Academy and the University. Next most important visit is the Acropolis with magnificent monuments such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, the Ancient Agora, the theatre of Dionysus Mars Hill and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. We will have the chance to walk around the Parthenon Monument, which was built in the 5th century BC by the architects Ictinus and Kallikrates. Free time at the city center and the traditional settlement of Plaka. Return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay. Athens.

After breakfast, Departure to Athens airport – departure to Ben Gurion Airport – Israel.
Drive through Old Jaffa and Tel Aviv. Optional walk to Simon the Tanner’s House, Saint Peter’s Church, if time permits. Check into hotel (Vert Lagoon, Netanya). Dinner and overnight.

Check out of hotel.
Caesarea by the Sea, Mount Carmel, Megiddo-Armageddon, Nazareth Village. Check into hotel (Nof Ginosar, Tiberias). Moderate-heavy walking.

Sea of Galilee boat ride, Ginosar, Jesus Boat, Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha, Capernaum, Magdala,  Jordan River—Baptism.
Light-moderate walking.

Chorazin, Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Golan Heights – Mount Bental, Bethsaida overlook, Shabbat dinner.
Moderate-heavy walking.

SHABBAT – Check out of hotel.
Beit She’an, up to Jerusalem,  Bethlehem (Shepherd’s Field), Mount Scopus overlook. Check into hotel (Dan Jerusalem). Moderate-heavy walking.     

Mount of Olives, Palm Sunday Road, Garden of Gethsemane, Pool of Bethesda (Church of Saint Anne), Fortress of Antonio, Via Dolorosa – Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jewish Quarter. Heavy walking.

Day tour to Masada, Qumran, Dead Sea.
Moderate-heavy walking.

Shiloh, Gallicantu – house of Caiaphas, Cardo, Israel Museum, Yad Vashem. Farewell dinner
Heavy walking.

After breakfast we shall visit the Garden Tomb. Continue to City of David – Davidson Center, Pool of Siloam, South Wall Archaeological Park, Southern Steps, Western Wall, Mount Zion – Upper Room, Tower of David Museum. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Heavy walking

After breakfast check out and transfer to Ben Gurion Airport. Group arrives back at JFK late afternoon, local time