{"id":2732,"date":"2025-05-01T08:37:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T08:37:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/?p=2732"},"modified":"2026-01-08T06:00:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T06:00:36","slug":"divinegreecetour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/divinegreecetour\/","title":{"rendered":"Divine Greece Tour &#8211; 14 Nights"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"grid-item voyage-name\">\n<div class=\"grid-item voyage-name\" style=\"font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400;\">\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Divine-Greece-Tour.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4333 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Divine-Greek-Tour-map1-1024x456.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"811\" height=\"361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Divine-Greek-Tour-map1-1024x456.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Divine-Greek-Tour-map1-300x134.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Divine-Greek-Tour-map1-768x342.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Divine-Greek-Tour-map1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 811px) 100vw, 811px\" \/><\/a>Divine Greece Tour &#8211;<\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>August 15 &#8211; 29, 2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Thessaloniki, <\/span><\/strong><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Meteora, Kalambaka,<\/strong><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\"> Heraklion, Crete, Santorini, <\/strong><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Mykonos<\/strong><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\">, Paros, <\/strong><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Athens, <\/strong><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\">&#8211; 14 Nights<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Lock in your best deal &#8211;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Divine Greece Tour &#8211; <strong>$20000 for 2 people for 2 weeks<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 class=\"_14cavx6g _14cavx60 _1acb7zqk _1acb7zqa\" style=\"text-align: center;\" data-ppui-info=\"title-text_7.3.3__8.16.2\" data-testid=\"header-item-name\">press quantity 2 &#8211; Full Payment<\/h4>\n<h4 class=\"_14cavx6g _14cavx60 _1acb7zqk _1acb7zqa\" style=\"text-align: center;\" data-ppui-info=\"title-text_7.3.3__8.16.2\" data-testid=\"header-item-name\">or quantity 1 &#8211; $10000 &#8211; Partial Payment<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>with a 30-day free cancellation period and any <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><a style=\"color: #ff6600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/ncp\/payment\/RR6Q8QUHK3KHS\">Final Payment Due<\/a><\/span> on the 31st day<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>or do Pay Later Plan with no free cancellation period.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<style>.pp-GFF8TPRFHWXNJ{text-align:center;border:none;border-radius:0.25rem;min-width:11.625rem;padding:0 2rem;height:3.125rem;font-weight:bold;background-color:#FFD140;color:#000000;font-family:\"Helvetica Neue\",Arial,sans-serif;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.5rem;cursor:pointer;}<\/style>\n<form style=\"display: inline-grid; justify-items: center; align-content: start; gap: 0.5rem;\" action=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/ncp\/payment\/GFF8TPRFHWXNJ\" method=\"post\" target=\"_blank\"><input class=\"pp-GFF8TPRFHWXNJ\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Buy Now\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypalobjects.com\/images\/Debit_Credit_APM.svg\" alt=\"cards\"><\/p>\n<section style=\"font-size: 0.75rem;\">Powered by <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"height: 0.875rem; vertical-align: middle;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypalobjects.com\/paypal-ui\/logos\/svg\/paypal-wordmark-color.svg\" alt=\"paypal\"><\/section>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<form action=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr\" method=\"post\" target=\"_top\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-align: center;\">Divine Greece Tour&nbsp;<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/form>\n<p id=\":R1cnkvff9ubqraH1:\" class=\"Text_style--heading-3___DG0P Text_text__salSY\"><strong>Begins in Thessaloniki&nbsp;<\/strong>a seaport in northeastern Greece, the second largest city in Greece and capital of the Greek region of Macedonia <strong>where Alexander the Great grew up nearby in Pella. <\/strong>Walk through ancient history and open-air museums of Thessaloniki and expand your tour experience to Meteora an ancient region of timeless monasteries suspended in the skies. Then, cobblestone streets, arched, whitewashed facades, cobalt-colored roofs, and rustic windmills are just a few of the picturesque Greek landscapes you can expect to find on this tour. Revel in the serenity and diversity of the Greek Islands on the isles of Mykonos and Santorini\u2014daydreams come to life in a hundred shades of blue. And you\u2019ll envision a more vibrant picture of Greece of sparkling cerulean and emerald complementing, white-washed structures.&nbsp; <strong>A grand climactic ending, the famous ancient site, the Acropolis, <\/strong>in the fabulous capital city of <strong>Greece, Athens.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"Overview_overview-columns__53Eyq\">\n<div>\n<h3 id=\":R69cnkvff9ubqra:\" class=\"Text_style--heading-6__0wuCJ Text_text__salSY\">Your tour package includes<\/h3>\n<ul aria-labelledby=\":R69cnkvff9ubqra:\">\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">Tour begins in Thessaloniki<\/li>\n<li>Tour ends in Athens<\/li>\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">6 handpicked 4-5-star hotels<\/li>\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">14 breakfasts, and 8 dinners (some with an alcoholic option), 2 lunches<\/li>\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">9 immersive sightseeing tours, including a guided walk through the ancient Acropolis<\/li>\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">Several expert Tour Guide\/storytellers of myth and history throughout the tour<\/li>\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">Several local guides who bring the legends of Greece to life<\/li>\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">Pre-booked transportation, including 1 private deluxe motor coach and 2 on-tour flights<\/li>\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">2 scenic ferry rides across the sparkling Aegean Sea<\/li>\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">Entrances to museums, landmarks, and more\u2014so you can skip the lines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3 id=\":Ra9cnkvff9ubqra:\" class=\"Text_style--heading-6__0wuCJ Text_text__salSY\">Included highlights<\/h3>\n<ul aria-labelledby=\":Ra9cnkvff9ubqra:\">\n<li>Explore Thesaloniki steeped in historical themes of cultural and&nbsp;empire expansion&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Explore the timeless monasteries suspended in the skies of Meteora<\/li>\n<li>Embrace the divine and mystical on a journey of a lifetime<\/li>\n<li>Island of Crete and the city of Heraklion and the ancient myths of Knossos<\/li>\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">Sinking your toes into the volcanic black sands of Santorini\u2019s beaches<\/li>\n<li>Island of Paros<\/li>\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">Wandering the labyrinthine alleys of Mykonos Town, where bougainvillea spills over whitewashed walls<\/li>\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">Snapping photos of the iconic windmills silhouetted against a Cycladic sunset<\/li>\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">Standing in awe atop the Acropolis as the Parthenon glows in the Athen&#8217;s sun<\/li>\n<li class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\">Tasting fresh feta and olives on a sun-drenched terrace<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-title-:R1snkvff9ubqraH1:-0\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":R669snkvff9ubqra:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r14:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-title-:R1snkvff9ubqraH1:-0\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":R669snkvff9ubqra:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<article id=\"post-16424\" class=\"post-16424 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<hr>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Divine Greece Tour&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Day 1: August 15 &#8211; Saturday<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Celebration Dinner<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"Text_text__salSY Text_style--body-1__cHqut Markdown_markdown--body__aoloW\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Thessaloniki, Greece <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2510 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Church-of-Assumption-of-Mary-icon1-239x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"239\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Church-of-Assumption-of-Mary-icon1-239x300.jpg 239w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Church-of-Assumption-of-Mary-icon1-814x1024.jpg 814w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Church-of-Assumption-of-Mary-icon1-768x966.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Church-of-Assumption-of-Mary-icon1-400x500.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Church-of-Assumption-of-Mary-icon1.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 239px) 100vw, 239px\" \/><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Arrive at Thessaloniki Airport, transfer to and check in to our hotel, Electra Palace.<\/p>\n<p>You have the day at your leisure until we meet in the evening for our Welcome Celebration Dinner.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Enjoy exploring and\/or get some rest.&nbsp; Tomorrow morning, after breakfast, we&#8217;ll take a tour of Thessaloniki.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-title\">August 15 in Greece: A Nationwide Spiritual Celebration<\/h3>\n<p class=\"article-lead\">It&#8217;s the one day all year that blends ancient devotion, island traditions, and summer celebration across Greece.<\/p>\n<p>On August 15, Greece dresses in its festive best. From the highlands of Macedonia to the sunlit Aegean islands, the <strong>Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary<\/strong> marks the most significant religious moment of summer. Often called the&nbsp;<em>Easter of August<\/em>, the day is steeped in deep devotion to the Divine Mother.<\/p>\n<p>In every corner of the country, thousands of worshippers make their way to sacred sites, following routes handed down through generations. It\u2019s not merely a ritual of faith\u2014it is a living tapestry of collective memory, where tradition meets reverence and the joy of a feast mingles with the solemnity of worship. Today, Thessaloniki may be having celebrating its holiday.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 305px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/thessaloniki.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/8aa5d86c6efa5c856b1990d375cdb2f6_XL.jpg\" alt=\"Statue of Alexander the Great\" width=\"305\" height=\"203\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alexander the Great<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"\" data-end=\"792\" data-start=\"564\">&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"710\" data-start=\"686\">Thessaloniki, Greece<\/strong>, is not just a city\u2014it&#8217;s a mosaic of civilizations, stories, and enduring beauty, vitality but with hidden trauma.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-end=\"792\" data-start=\"564\">Have you ever walked through a city where a mixture of good and bad blend together, present day holiday enjoyment and a past where battles were fought by the Roman and Byzantine emperors, Ottoman sultans and Nazi Generals?<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-end=\"1125\" data-start=\"849\">Thessaloniki was founded in&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"887\" data-start=\"877\">315 BC<\/strong>&nbsp;by&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"915\" data-start=\"891\">Cassander of Macedon<\/strong>, who named it after his wife,&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"962\" data-start=\"946\">Thessaloniki<\/strong>, a half-sister of&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"1004\" data-start=\"981\">Alexander the Great<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Few figures in history have left as indelible a mark on the world as <strong>Alexander the Great.<\/strong> Born in 356 BCE in<\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"google-anno-t\">Pella<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">, (near Thessaloniki) Macedon, a young king at 20 years old, he conquered a vast empire stretching from Greece to India, forever changing the course of history, all before the age of 32 when he died.&nbsp; He worshiped the gods, Pantheism. <\/span><strong data-end=\"4141\" data-start=\"4124\">Mount Olympus<\/strong>, the mythical home of the Greek gods, is just a short drive away.&nbsp; He spoke to the Gods every day and considered himself to be a god.&nbsp; The religion of the time believed in the divine realm, and it couldn&#8217;t be bought.&nbsp; It&#8217;s center foundation didn&#8217;t stem from money but from doing good deeds and improving civilization.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">What makes Alexander\u2018s legacy so remarkable, w<\/span>hen Alexander conquered, he left enduring improvements and set in motion cultural transformations, particularly in <strong>Thessaloniki.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\">During the <strong data-end=\"1490\" data-start=\"1476\">Roman Era Thessaloniki <\/strong>became the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia.&nbsp;<strong>Constantine I<\/strong>&nbsp;(born February 27, after 280&nbsp;<span class=\"text-smallcaps\">ce<\/span>?, died 337) was the first Roman emperor to profess Christianity. He not only initiated the evolution of the empire into a Christian state but also provided the impulse for a distinctively Christian culture that prepared the way for the growth of Byzantine and Western medieval culture, <span class=\"gs_tkn show\">heavily&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">influenced&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">by&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">the<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">Church, <\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">feudalism, prejudice and misogyny <\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">spanning&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">from&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">5th&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">to&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">15th&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">centuries. <\/span><\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">Then in the 20th century the Holocaust jolted the world awake with<strong> a prejudice of such horrific proportions<\/strong> that many are still trying to understand how it could have happened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\"><strong>Persecution, prejudice and misogyny &#8211; Illegal to be a Christian, then in 313 Constantine made it legal to be a Christian&nbsp;<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Emperor Constantine the Great <\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">issued&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Edict&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">of&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Milan&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">in&nbsp;<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\"><strong>313<\/strong>,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">which&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">legalized&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Christianity<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">ending&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">over&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">300&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">years&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">of&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">persecution of Christians and the beginning of its rise to prominence so that within 67 years paganism was outlawed instead. In 380 Emperor Theodosius issue the <strong class=\"Yjhzub\">Edict of Thessalonica<\/strong>, making Nicene Christianity the Roman Empire&#8217;s official religion, <\/span><\/span>outlawing other Christian sects (like&nbsp;Arianism) and paganism<span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">, branding dissenters as heretics, and paving the way for persecution against those who didn&#8217;t conform to the&nbsp;Holy Trinity&nbsp;doctrine, solidifying Christianity&#8217;s dominance in the Roman Empire under&nbsp;Emperor Theodosius I. Followed by the <strong class=\"Yjhzub\">First Council of Constantinople<\/strong> (the Second Ecumenical Council) in 381 to solidify Nicene doctrine reaffirming the divinity of Christ.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">The original <strong class=\"Yjhzub\">Council of Nicaea<\/strong><strong> was in 325<\/strong>, convened by <strong>Emperor Constantine<\/strong>, to address Arianism. <\/span><\/span><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Arianism affirmed a created, finite nature of Christ rather than equal divinity with God the Father and was denounced by the early church as a major heresy, pronouncing Jesus as divine by define Jesus as &#8220;of one substance&#8221; (homoousios) with God the Father.<span class=\"uJ19be notranslate\" data-wiz-uids=\"xbZcHf_m,xbZcHf_n,xbZcHf_o\"><span class=\"vKEkVd\" data-animation-atomic=\"\" data-wiz-attrbind=\"class=xbZcHf_m\/TKHnVd;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Church Fathers <\/span><\/span><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">who <\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">established&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">key&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">doctrinal&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">foundations&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">of&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Christianity with dogmas were profoundly <\/span><\/span>misogynous<span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\"> They under played t<\/span><\/span><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">he Divine Mother who is the most important archetype in the Christ story and critical to the divine plan and the spiritual evolution of the soul and the divine human race<\/span><\/span>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">The holocaust exposed what happens on the earth plane when one<\/span><\/span><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\"> religion<\/span><\/span><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\"> (Christianity) is legalized and promoted at the cost of another <\/span><\/span><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">religion (<\/span><\/span>Paganism and others). <span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">It would have been better for humanity if they had promoted freedom of worship, but they didn&#8217;t.&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">On the earth plane the lack of freedom to worship scenario played out in Thessaloniki like a slow pressure cooker, bubbling and <\/span><\/span>building up&nbsp;<span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\"> under the surface for a long time, as follows: trauma after trauma from one empires conquest over another, two World Wars, destitution and a holocaust,<\/span><\/span> beyond belief &#8211; a genocide of almost an entire race of people, scapegoats who didn&#8217;t deserve to die or to be held prisoner.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span style=\"text-align: center;\">The best possible defense in preventing a Holocaust from ever happening again is to <\/span><span style=\"text-align: center;\">spiritually educate humanity as to<\/span><span style=\"text-align: center;\"> the <\/span><strong style=\"text-align: center;\">Divine Justice System and redemption.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span style=\"text-align: center;\">The Divine Plan teaches that the Divine Realm has a <strong>d<\/strong><\/span><strong style=\"text-align: center;\">ivine spiritual government<\/strong><span style=\"text-align: center;\"> that is the authority over the Earth with <\/span><span style=\"text-align: center;\">the Divine Mother guiding<\/span><span style=\"text-align: center;\"> humanity to do good deeds to ignite their divine spark and to keep the flame going and for a true ascension they need a spiritual education, discipline and a divine connection to Her.&nbsp; <\/span><\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span style=\"text-align: center;\">After Jesus and Mary both ascended (transfigured) to heaven with both body and soul and they became divine.&nbsp; The Divine Mother means She was both God and a woman and the Divine Jesus means He was both God and a man.&nbsp; The Divine Mother also became the Sacred Magdeleine, teacher of the sacred knowledge that saves the planet and its people. <\/span><span style=\"text-align: center;\">She had been teaching long before Jesus was born.&nbsp; <\/span><span style=\"text-align: center;\">She was ordained the Most-High Sovereignty and the Most-High Divinity on and off Earth.&nbsp; &nbsp; She<\/span><span style=\"text-align: center;\"> saved Her Son by <\/span><span style=\"text-align: center;\">teaching Him the ancient wisdom and delivering Shakti pad which ignited His divine spark and He in turn healed others.&nbsp; She deserves to be revered above all others.&nbsp; Her Son would be the first to say so.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\">The Divine Mother is at the top of divine spiritual government&#8217;s hierarchy in this universe. And Her presence provides a higher consciousness and the frequency and vibration of love, light and wisdom of the ages wherever She goes and lives effectively, easily, safely and comfortably.&nbsp; <span style=\"text-align: center;\">The Divine Realm also has its own <\/span>&#8220;constitution and bill of rights&#8221; with an &#8220;oath&#8221; of loyalty protecting the Most-High Sovereignty.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">These last 2000 years were a <\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">complex&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">interplay&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">of religious, <\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">social,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">political,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">economic,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">and&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">artistic&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">elements with such prejudice and misogyny that made the world unsafe for the divine, the human and the soul.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\"><span class=\"gs_tkn show\">The Divine Mother has intervened many times with Her &#8220;Legions of Light&#8221; over the last 2000 years.&nbsp; That&#8217;s why humanity is still alive and spiritually evolving on the planet Earth. However, <\/span>so much prejudice and misogyny meant that the human race in general wasn&#8217;t ready for its divine spark to be lit.&nbsp; And a<span class=\"gs_tkn show\"> critical mass of higher consciousness needed to be reached before the next evolutionary step could occur, such as the igniting of human&#8217;s divine spark.&nbsp; The good news is signs of persecution and misogyny are waning, and signs of harmony are increasing. In 1950, the Pope acknowledged the Divine Mother in a creed. Democratic governments with &#8220;constitutions&#8221; and &#8220;bill of rights including freedom of religion&#8221; have increased.&nbsp; The world is becoming safer for the divine human, the human and the soul.&nbsp; &nbsp;Appearances of the Divine Mother will occur more frequently to those who have sworn an oath of loyalty to her, long ago and have begun to remember it.&nbsp; All indicating higher consciousness is on the increase.<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"post-16424\" class=\"post-16424 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<figure style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rhinodays2024.frei.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/med-school-auth.jpg\" alt=\"Venue | Rhino Days 2024\" width=\"522\" height=\"253\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">&nbsp;Aristotle University<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-end=\"3478\" data-start=\"3438\">Modern-Day Thessaloniki, Greece<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-end=\"3582\" data-start=\"3480\">Today, Thessaloniki is Greece\u2019s&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"3535\" data-start=\"3512\">second-largest c<\/strong><strong data-end=\"3535\" data-start=\"3512\">ity<\/strong>, and&nbsp;it&#8217;s <strong data-end=\"2724\" data-start=\"2702\">Byzantine churches<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"2743\" data-start=\"2726\">Ottoman baths<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"2771\" data-start=\"2745\">n<\/strong><strong data-end=\"2771\" data-start=\"2745\">eoclassical buildings<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"2796\" data-start=\"2777\">modernist cafes<\/strong> reflect its diverse past and dynamic present, arguably its most youthful and energetic.<\/p>\n<ul data-end=\"3851\" data-start=\"3584\">\n<li class=\"\" data-end=\"3647\" data-start=\"3584\">\n<p class=\"\" data-end=\"3647\" data-start=\"3586\">Home to&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"3618\" data-start=\"3594\">Aristotle University<\/strong>, the largest in the Balkans.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-end=\"3710\" data-start=\"3648\">\n<p class=\"\" data-end=\"3710\" data-start=\"3650\">Famous for&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"3709\" data-start=\"3661\">international film and documentary festivals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-end=\"3783\" data-start=\"3711\">\n<p class=\"\" data-end=\"3783\" data-start=\"3713\">Known for&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"3746\" data-start=\"3723\">culinary excellence<\/strong>\u2014bougatsa, gyros, and seafood&nbsp;abound!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-end=\"3851\" data-start=\"3784\">\n<p class=\"\" data-end=\"3851\" data-start=\"3786\">Offers a perfect blend of&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"3850\" data-start=\"3812\">ancient charm and modern nightlife<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-end=\"3955\" data-start=\"3853\">Whether you&#8217;re exploring ancient ruins or enjoying a frappe by the sea, Thessaloniki currently buzzes with life.<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"3955\" data-start=\"3853\">We&#8217;ll enjoy the rest of our day at leisure and in the evening join our group for a <strong>celebration dinner.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p data-end=\"3955\" data-start=\"3853\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.electrahotels.gr\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/07-r218_resized.jpg\" alt=\"_07 - r218_resized\" width=\"326\" height=\"217\"><\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":R669snkvff9ubqra:\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.electrahotels.gr\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/01-roof-restaurant_resized.jpg\" alt=\"_01 - roof restaurant_resized\" width=\"369\" height=\"246\"><\/section>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"3955\" data-start=\"3853\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"3955\" data-start=\"3853\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"3955\" data-start=\"3853\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"3955\" data-start=\"3853\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"3955\" data-start=\"3853\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"3955\" data-start=\"3853\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"3955\" data-start=\"3853\"><strong>Overnight:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p data-end=\"3955\" data-start=\"3853\"><strong>&nbsp;Electra Palace<\/strong> is ideally located within the business, cultural and commercial center of the city. Among the area&#8217;s attractions are the<strong> White Tower<\/strong> and <strong>the Museum of Byzantine History,<\/strong> while the famous <strong>Ladadika<\/strong> district is within walking distance. Electra Palace is 9.3 mi from <strong>Macedonia International Airport,<\/strong> 0.6 mi from the main train station and 1640 feet from the port.<\/p>\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<article id=\"post-16424\" class=\"post-16424 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<hr>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-0\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1g:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<h2 class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Day 2: August 16 &#8211; Sunday<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<p><strong><strong>Included meal: Breakfast<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Tour of Thessaloniki<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4229 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Electra-Palace-Thessaloniki-Greece-1024x543.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"498\" height=\"264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Electra-Palace-Thessaloniki-Greece-1024x543.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Electra-Palace-Thessaloniki-Greece-300x159.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Electra-Palace-Thessaloniki-Greece-768x408.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Electra-Palace-Thessaloniki-Greece.jpg 1274w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 498px) 100vw, 498px\" \/><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Aristotelous Square&nbsp;<\/strong><\/div>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-0\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1g:\">\n<div class=\"itineraryStop__Aaax\" data-automation=\"itinerary-item-stop\">\n<div class=\"details__iqKU\">\n<p>Our hotel, Electra Palace Hotel is conveniently located at <strong>Aristotelous Square. And this is where our tour of Thessaloniki begins, after breakfast.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4268\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4268\" style=\"width: 337px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4268\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Aristotle-Square-Thessaloniki.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"337\" height=\"224\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4268\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aristotle Square<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 292px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com\/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSfYGPvKmlMCwUim_8u2B5-UXFUY_0247JEk8XH-MEElw&amp;s\" alt=\"\" width=\"292\" height=\"219\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Olympion Cinema<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span class=\"N9Q8Lc\">Greece is calle<\/span>d the &#8220;cradle of civilization&#8221; and &#8220;birthplace of democracy&#8221; because its city-states, especially Athens, pioneered foundational Western concepts like democracy (rule by the people), philosophy (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle), rational inquiry, theater (tragedy\/comedy), and democratic ideals like citizen participation, public debate, and rule of law, laying the intellectual and political groundwork for much of modern Western society.<\/p>\n<p>Ancient Greece&#8217;s democratic ideals and institutions laid the foundation for modern democratic systems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\">Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, after Athens and it has retained its name for nearly 2,400 years.<span class=\"uJ19be notranslate\" data-wiz-uids=\"adoHbb_j,adoHbb_k,adoHbb_l\" data-processed=\"true\"><span class=\"vKEkVd\" data-animation-atomic=\"\" data-wiz-attrbind=\"class=adoHbb_j\/TKHnVd;\" data-processed=\"true\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/span> It was founded around&nbsp;315 BCE&nbsp;(or 316 BCE)&nbsp;by&nbsp;King Cassander&nbsp;of Macedon, who named it after his wife, Thessalonike, the half-sister of Alexander the Great. The city grew from existing settlements on the Thermaic Gulf into a crucial trading hub for the Hellenistic,&nbsp;Roman,&nbsp;Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, linking Europe and Asia through the&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"1124\" data-start=\"1109\">Via Egnatia. There&#8217;s a white statue of the pro-Allied Prime Minister (during WWI), Eleftherios Venizelos in a park where the road joins Aristotle Square. <\/strong>Thessaloniki is in close proximity to another Thermaic city, <strong>Ephesus (now in Turkey),<\/strong>&nbsp;a major cross-roads, trading port and cultural center located in the area once called Mesopotamia and known as the &#8220;cradle of ancient civilization&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2182\">During the Roman Era, Thessaloniki was second in importance only to Constantinople (now Istanbul), founded in 315 by Constantine the Great.&nbsp; <strong data-end=\"1649\" data-start=\"1631\">Thessaloniki<\/strong> boasted majestic churches, strong city walls, and a rich religious life. &nbsp;The city hosted&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"1586\" data-start=\"1562\">St. Paul the Apostle<\/strong>&nbsp;during his missionary journeys (Acts 17).<\/p>\n<div class=\"details__iqKU\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4188 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-White-Tower-300x254.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"254\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-White-Tower-300x254.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-White-Tower-768x651.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-White-Tower.jpg 849w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"stopName__MKxX\"><strong>White Tower of Thessaloniki<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"details__iqKU\">\n<div class=\"notranslate\">On our tour we&#8217;ll admire the city&#8217;s most iconic landmark, a 15th-century Ottoman tower that once served as a prison. Enjoy panoramic views from the top and explore its museum.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-end=\"1472\" data-start=\"1403\">Thessaloniki\u2019s strategic location made it a prize throughout history. During the <strong data-end=\"1802\" data-start=\"1773\">Ottoman Rule (1430\u20131912):<\/strong>&nbsp;The city transformed, with mosques, bazaars, and hammams built. Thessaloniki became a multicultural hub with large&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"1928\" data-start=\"1918\">Jewish<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"1939\" data-start=\"1930\">Greek<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"1956\" data-start=\"1945\">Turkish<\/strong>&nbsp;populations.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 337px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thessaloniki-sightseeing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Thessaloniki_Concert_Hall.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"337\" height=\"228\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Thessaloniki Concert Hall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"\" data-end=\"2175\" data-start=\"1972\"><strong data-end=\"2002\" data-start=\"1972\">Thessaloniki Concert Hall is a modern cultural and congress center built on international standards, holding the potential to host large scale events such as operas, concerts, ballets, theatrical plays, art and cultural exhibitions and conference events<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-end=\"2321\" data-start=\"2230\">Thessaloniki is an&nbsp;<strong data-end=\"2268\" data-start=\"2249\">open-air museum<\/strong>, where ancient ruins and monuments stand alongside bustling cafes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"itineraryStop__Aaax\" data-automation=\"itinerary-item-stop\">\n<div class=\"details__iqKU\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/thessaloniki.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/8aa5d86c6efa5c856b1990d375cdb2f6_XL.jpg\" alt=\"Statue of Alexander the Great\" width=\"411\" height=\"274\"><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"stopName__MKxX\"><strong>Monument of Alexander The Great<\/strong><!-- --><\/p>\n<div class=\"notranslate\">\n<div>Admire the iconic equestrian statue of <strong>Alexander the Great,<\/strong> proudly standing by the waterfront, honoring the legendary conqueror and his horse Bucephalus.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"itineraryStop__Aaax\" data-automation=\"itinerary-item-stop\">\n<div class=\"details__iqKU\">\n<p class=\"stopName__MKxX\"><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4189 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Arch-of-Galerius-283x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"283\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Arch-of-Galerius-283x300.jpg 283w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Arch-of-Galerius.jpg 702w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 283px) 100vw, 283px\" \/><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"stopName__MKxX\"><strong>We&#8217;ll&nbsp;<\/strong>walk beneath the&nbsp;<strong>Arch of Galerius, which<\/strong> was built in 298-299 AD to commemorate Emperor Galerius\u2019s victory over the Persians and is in remarkable condition. The pillars are decorated with friezes celebrating the victory.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"DUwDvf lfPIob\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Holy Church of Panagia Dexia<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"itineraryStop__Aaax\" data-automation=\"itinerary-item-stop\">\n<div class=\"details__iqKU\">\n<ul data-end=\"2696\" data-start=\"2323\">\n<li class=\"\" data-end=\"2696\" data-start=\"2614\">\n<figure style=\"width: 320px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.tacdn.com\/media\/attractions-splice-spp-674x446\/12\/b8\/bd\/56.jpg\" alt=\"Thessaloniki Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights &amp; Hidden Gems\" width=\"320\" height=\"213\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Holy Church of Panagia Dexia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>We&#8217;ll visit the Holy Church of Panagia Dexia, located in the center of Thessaloniki on Egnatia Street, is a cruciform church with a dome and bell towers.&nbsp; Its name refers to the Virgin Mary as an intercessor who \u201creceives\u201d the prayers of the faithful. <a href=\"https:\/\/el.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%CE%99%CE%B5%CF%81%CF%8C%CF%82_%CE%9D%CE%B1%CF%8C%CF%82_%CE%A0%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%AF%CE%B1%CF%82_%CE%94%CE%AD%CE%BE%CE%B9%CE%B1%CF%82\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wikipedia<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"itineraryStop__Aaax\" data-automation=\"itinerary-item-stop\">\n<div class=\"details__iqKU\">\n<div class=\"notranslate\">\n<div><strong>We&#8217;ll visit Hagia Sophia Holy Orthodox Cathedral Church of Thessaloniki and <\/strong>admire one of Thessaloniki\u2019s oldest churches, dating back to the 8th century and inspired by Istanbul\u2019s Hagia Sophia. Observe its stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, which reflect the city\u2019s deep Christian heritage.<\/div>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div>We&#8217;ll experience the authentic flavors of Thessaloniki at<strong> Modiano Market,<\/strong> where tradition, aromas, and vibrant local life come together. We&#8217;ll wandering through the colorful streets of<strong> Ladadika,<\/strong> a historic neighborhood filled with traditional tavernas, music, and the city\u2019s lively nightlife. We&#8217;ll discover Thessaloniki\u2019s creative side in <strong>Valaoritou,<\/strong> a trendy hotspot known for its bars, art spaces, and unique urban energy.<\/div>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><strong>Overnight: Electra Palace<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-0\">\n<div>\n<hr>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-item voyage-date-container col-xs-pad-15-bottom col-md-pad-0-bottom col-md-pad-15-right top-spacing-30\">\n<div class=\"voyage-details-offers offers-container bottom-spacing-15 top-spacing-15\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Day 3 &#8211; August 17 &#8211; Monday<\/h2>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Meals Included: Breakfast, Celebration Lunch<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4237\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4237\" style=\"width: 414px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4237\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Monastery-of-Varlaam-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"414\" height=\"309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Monastery-of-Varlaam-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Monastery-of-Varlaam-768x574.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Monastery-of-Varlaam.jpg 856w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 414px) 100vw, 414px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4237\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Monastery of Varlaam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Meteora<\/h2>\n<p class=\"itin-even\"><strong>After breakfast, we&#8217;ll meet with our tour guide at 7:45am to travel 3.5 hours to Meteora where we&#8217;ll visit monasteries &#8220;suspended in the sky&#8221;, <\/strong>including a short stop along the way to use the restroom and buy snacks.&nbsp; The monasteries have strict dress rules prohibiting entry to male visitors wearing shorts and female visitors with sleeveless sweatshirts. Women need a long skirt\/ dress to enter the monasteries. Women cannot enter the monasteries wearing trousers or jeans.&nbsp; To reach the monasteries, you will be required to climb stairs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4238\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4238\" style=\"width: 403px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4238 \" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Monastery-Roussanou-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"403\" height=\"302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Monastery-Roussanou-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Monastery-Roussanou-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Monastery-Roussanou.jpg 819w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 403px) 100vw, 403px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4238\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Monastery of Roussanou,<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"itin-even\"><strong>Meteora&nbsp;<\/strong>means &#8220;suspended in the air&#8221;. The Meteora monasteries are holy places. Most of the Meteora monasteries were built in the 1500&#8217;s and then added to over the centuries. These are <strong>Christian Orthodox monasteries<\/strong>&nbsp;incredibly nestled securely on the edge of extraordinary rock formations.&nbsp;&nbsp;The basis of the original Orthodox community is the Creed of Constantinople, written in 381.<\/p>\n<p>Among the sites you may visit are the following:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Monastery of Varlaam<\/strong>, known for its preserved tower with the old rope net system and impressive main church. It now features a beautiful museum that showcases a wealth of valuable relics, exquisite art, and ancient manuscripts, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history. It&#8217;s closed on Fridays.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Monastery of Roussanou<\/strong>, perched gracefully on a narrow pinnacle and known for its warm atmosphere, vibrant frescoes, and rich spiritual life. A small but quaint Monetary. Currently they have 6 nuns that live and work there. The property is perfectly maintained and emasculate. The little church has one of the main highlights, magnificent frescoes that are about 600 years old. When I left the chapel there was a young nun hand painting rocks with monasteries on cliffs. They are simple but very nice and she will also sign your name on the back all for 3 euro. The bathrooms were spotless. It&#8217;s closed of Wednesdays.<\/li>\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/gps-cs-s\/AG0ilSyt66wLUJOSjdgRgyOn0WrUDqGS7JOnw2n5v11Dr1Dn5b3HOwMVGT0wpqIcb02KE8WpT8p3NCHGsN3t9x3e87ohLuBG5JwZ4OERU30b6FfAVJcfouJ-lQbVmVesj17NBBvrj2DDvkJ87YRe=s1360-w1360-h1020-rw\" alt=\"Photo\" width=\"376\" height=\"282\"><b><\/b>The <strong>Monastery of Agios Stefanos<\/strong>, easily accessible and famous for its exquisite wood-carved iconostasis and panoramic views from its terraces. It&#8217;s one of the more easily accessible of the monasteries, built in the late 12th century.&nbsp;This monastery has been restored numerous times and added to until it&#8217;s current form as a nunnery since 1961 and where the sisterhood of nuns <strong>are known for their remarkable social action.<\/strong>&nbsp;<b><span style=\"font-family: Verdana,Helvetica;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2489 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Meteora-Town-1024x452.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"442\" height=\"195\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Meteora-Town-1024x452.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Meteora-Town-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Meteora-Town-768x339.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Meteora-Town.jpg 1521w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px\" \/><\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: Verdana,Helvetica;\">The most famous is the <strong>Great Meteoron Monastery<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana,Helvetica;\"> that is the largest, oldest and best-known monastery in Meteora where there&#8217;s housing for Christian monks.&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana,Helvetica;\">Also called&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana,Helvetica;\">Megalo Meteoro or Metamorphisis<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana, Helvetica;\">, the first church of the Transfiguration of the Savior was built in the 14th century upon the highest rock. <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/1Au-Great-Monastery-Meteora1-300x271.jpg\"><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Verdana, Helvetica;\">At the sanctum of the catholic there are important frescos of the Macedonian school and the remarkable frescos of the main church and the narthex are believed to be created by Georgie, student of Theophanous the Cretan. <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana, Helvetica;\">There is the <strong>chapel of the Divine Mother<\/strong> (Virgin Mary of the Meteorite Stone).&nbsp; Some other important buildings at the centre are the kitchen, and <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana, Helvetica;\">dining hall, called&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana, Helvetica;\">the \u201ctrapeza\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Meteora is a monastic site that is increasingly gaining significance as a World Heritage site, as a tourist destination and as functioning &#8220;living sites of the present&#8221; influenced by wider changing circumstances which is a new approach from &#8220;monuments of the past&#8221; approach.<\/p>\n<p>Living sites: the past in the present approach. The &#8220;living sites&#8221; approach concentrates on communities as the creators of the sites, viewing communities and sites as an inseparable entity. The ultimate aim is to shift the focus of conservation from &#8216;protection&#8217; towards a continual process of &#8216;creation&#8217; in an ongoing present, attempting to change the way heritage is perceived, protected and, more importantly, further created with spiritual and construction works stemming from the divine and their representatives, i.e., the divine &#8216;Ministry of Spirituality and Culture\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;ll will stop in a nearby town, Kastraki where our group will enjoy a traditional Greek meal to <strong>celebrate our Meteora<\/strong> segment of our <strong>Divine Greece Tour.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">We&#8217;ll check into our hotel with the rest of the day at your leisure.<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Overnight: Davani Meteora H<\/b><b>otel, <strong>Kalambaka<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Day 4 &#8211; August 18 &#8211; Tuesday<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Meteora<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>&nbsp;Today is at your leisure with an optional group morning hike with a meditation and enjoying time together sharing our stories.<\/strong><\/p>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\"><b>Overnight: Davani Meteora Hotel,&nbsp;<strong>Kalambaka<\/strong><\/b><\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<hr>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Day 5 &#8211; August 19 &#8211; Wednesday<\/h2>\n<figure style=\"width: 434px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grecotour.com\/img\/cms\/grecia\/creta\/region-heraklion\/ciudad-heraklion\/loggia-heraklion-creta-grecia.jpg\" alt=\"La Loggia de Heraklion | Creta - GrecoTour\" width=\"434\" height=\"359\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Venetian Heraklion Loggia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Crete<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>&nbsp;Today we&#8217;ll fly to the Island of Crete, to Heraklion and check into our hotel, Metropole Urban Hotel.&nbsp; We&#8217;ll have a 2-hour tour to include the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/73\/%CE%98%CE%B5%CE%AC_%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD_%CE%8C%CF%86%CE%B5%CF%89%CE%BD_6393_%28cropped%29.JPG\/960px-%CE%98%CE%B5%CE%AC_%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD_%CE%8C%CF%86%CE%B5%CF%89%CE%BD_6393_%28cropped%29.JPG\" alt=\"undefined\" width=\"286\" height=\"388\"><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<ul class=\"uitk-typelist uitk-typelist-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-size-2 uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-margin-blockstart-three\">\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Heraklion Loggia<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Morosini Fountain&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Historical Museum of Crete&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong style=\"text-align: center;\">The rest of our day at leisure until the evening when we&#8217;ll gather for our group&#8217;s Dinner Celebration and share our stories and enjoy each other&#8217;s company.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">The<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">name&nbsp;<\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Heraklion<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">is&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">derived&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">from&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">ancient&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">port&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">of&nbsp;<\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Heracleium<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">which&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">served&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">as&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">harbor&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">for&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">ancient&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">city&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">of&nbsp;<\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">K<\/span><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">nossos<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">.&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">The&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">name&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">is&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">associated&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">with&nbsp;<\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Heracles<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">(Hercules)&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">in&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Greek&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">mythology,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">reflecting&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">city&#8217;s&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">historical&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">significance&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">and&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">cultural&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">heritage.&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Heraklion&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">is&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">largest&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">city&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">on&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">island&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">of&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Crete&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">and&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">serves&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">as&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">its&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">administrative&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">capital,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">with&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">a&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">rich&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">history&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">that&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">dates&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">back&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">to&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Minoan&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">civilization.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">In 1669 the city was ceded to the Turks after a siege of more than 20 years. Turkish rule ended after an <a class=\"md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/insurrection\" data-term=\"insurrection\" data-type=\"EB\">i<\/a>nsurrection&nbsp;(1897) by the Greek population, demanding union with&nbsp;Greece. The city was part of the international protectorate of Crete (1897\u20131913) and then became part of Greece. During the 1941 German airborne invasion of Crete in&nbsp;World War II, the city suffered heavy damage from bombing. After the war the city gained considerable commercial prominence, with a new harbor with moles, an airport, and several hotels to serve the tourist trade. Among the port\u2019s principal exports are grapes, olives and&nbsp;olive oil, wine, carobs, citrus, almonds, and vegetables. Numerous earthquakes\u2014notably in 1664, 1856, and 1926\u2014have taken their toll of the city\u2019s buildings and monuments, including many fine churches and mosques. A modern museum contains one on the finest collections of Minoan&nbsp;antiquities in Greece.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"grey-box w-100 grey-box-top\">\n<div class=\"grey-box-content mx-auto w-100\">\n<div class=\"page2ref-true topic-content topic-type-REGULAR\" data-student-article=\"false\">\n<div class=\"reading-channel\" data-ay-injected=\"true\">\n<div class=\"ai-qna-module ai-top-questions-module module-spacing ai-tq collapsed font-sans-serif\">\n<div class=\"ai-qna-answer answer p-10\" data-loaded=\"true\">\n<div class=\"answer-content\">\n<p><strong>Crete<\/strong> holds a significant place in Greek history because it was home to the&nbsp;Minoan civilization, a Bronze Age culture that flourished from about 3000 BCE to 1100 BCE. Crete was the first center of high civilization in the Aegean Sea. The Minoans built great cities and palaces, traded throughout the Levant, and used writing. Their art included pottery, seals, and frescoes.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 598px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/place\/6062135\/0cfb1163-ec34-43cb-8078-1b609aeb5cdb.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&amp;rw=598&amp;ra=fit\" alt=\"Morosini Fountain showing a fountain\" width=\"598\" height=\"336\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Morosini Fountain &#8211; Heraklion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Around 1500 BCE, mainland Greeks from Mycenae began to influence Minoan affairs. After a major earthquake destroyed Knossos and other centers around 1450 BCE, power shifted to the Mycenaeans. Crete played a supporting role in the revival of Greek civilization, and its myths, legends, and laws fascinated the Greeks<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"md-sentinel--spy-target\"><strong>Crete<\/strong>, island in the eastern&nbsp;Mediterranean Sea&nbsp;that is one of 13 administrative regions (<em>perif\u00e9reies<\/em>) of&nbsp;Greece.<\/div>\n<section id=\"ref1\" data-level=\"1\" data-has-spy=\"true\">\n<p class=\"topic-paragraph\">Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and the largest of the&nbsp;islands&nbsp;forming part of modern Greece. It is relatively long and narrow, stretching for 160 miles (260 km) on its east-west&nbsp;axis&nbsp;and varying in width from 7.5 to 37 miles (12 to 60 km). The administrative centre is Ir\u00e1kleio (<span id=\"ref704060\"><\/span>Heraklion; historically Candia), on the north coast. Area 3,218 square miles (8,336 square km). Pop. (2001) 594,368; (2011) 623,065.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"ref214776\" data-level=\"1\" data-has-spy=\"true\">\n<p class=\"topic-paragraph\">Crete is dominated by harsh mountains rising out of the sea. The island\u2019s east-west mountainous range consists of four main groups that rise to the island\u2019s highest point,&nbsp;\u00cddi&nbsp;mountain, 8,058 feet (2,456 metres) in elevation. To the west the&nbsp;Lefk\u00e1 (\u201cWhite\u201d) Mountains&nbsp;reach 8,045 feet (2,452 metres), and to the east the D\u00edkti Mountains extend to 7,047 feet (2,148 metres) in elevation. Those mountains rise above the high upland plains of N\u00edda, Omal\u00f3s, and Las\u00edthi and are marked by several&nbsp;gorges, the best known of which is the Samari\u00e1 Gorge. The gradually sloping northern coast provides several natural harbours and coastal plains, where such major towns as&nbsp;Chani\u00e1&nbsp;(Khani\u00e1; historically Canea),&nbsp;R\u00e9thymno&nbsp;(R\u00e9thimnon; historically Rhithymna), and Ir\u00e1kleio are located. The&nbsp;<span id=\"ref172299\"><\/span>Mesara&nbsp;(Mess\u00e1ra) Plain extends along the south-central part of the island for about 18 miles (29 km) and is Crete\u2019s major expanse of flatlands. Sandy and pebble-strewn beaches dot the coastline. Crete has six small&nbsp;rivers as well as springs, seasonal watercourses and ponds, one natural freshwater lake (Lake Kourn\u00e1s), and several artificial lakes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"topic-paragraph\">Crete\u2019s climate varies between temperate and subtropical, with an annual average precipitation of about 25 inches (640 mm) and hot dry summers. Winter temperatures are relatively mild. The air in the mountains is temperate and cool.&nbsp;Precipitation in that region is much higher than elsewhere on the island, and the mountains are often covered with snow in the winter (November to May), which may remain on the highest peaks throughout much of the year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"topic-paragraph\">The Cretan landscape is dominated by characteristic Mediterranean scrub (maquis&nbsp;or garigue).&nbsp;Palm&nbsp;trees are&nbsp;intermittent&nbsp;along the coasts, and cedars can be found in the east. An array of plant species (notably flowers) thrive in the moderate climate, many of them native to the island. Hundreds of migratory bird species visit Crete, and there are some small wild animals. The&nbsp;<em>agr\u00edmi<\/em>, or wild goat, is found in remote mountainous areas and on offshore islands, where it finds protection in wildlife reserves.&nbsp;Endemic species of wild plants are especially plentiful in and around the Samari\u00e1 Gorge, the centrepiece of Samari\u00e1 National Park, in the southern part of the island in Omal\u00f3s about 26 miles (42 km) south of Chani\u00e1.<\/p>\n<p>Cretans are known for their&nbsp;hospitality and vitality, and much emphasis is placed on bonds between family members.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"ref214778\" data-level=\"1\" data-has-spy=\"true\">\n<p class=\"topic-paragraph\">Unemployment is relatively low on Crete, with a large proportion of its&nbsp;labour force&nbsp;employed in the services sector, notably in occupations related to tourism.&nbsp;Tourism&nbsp;has replaced agriculture as the economic mainstay of the island and contributes a large proportion of the&nbsp;gross domestic product. Since the 1970s\u2014when the number of tourists visiting the island increased dramatically\u2014much of the traffic has come in the form of package tours for people who prefer to enjoy the sunshine and amenities of hotels along the coast rather than trekking in the mountains and staying in the smaller towns and villages. Cruise ships also provide a large proportion of tourists, while large numbers of summer residents and retirees from northern&nbsp;Europe also add to the population.<\/p>\n<div class=\"module-spacing\">\n<div class=\"marketing-INLINE_SUBSCRIPTION marketing-content\" data-marketing-id=\"INLINE_SUBSCRIPTION\">\n<div class=\"student-promo-banner-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"student-promo-banner d-flex flex-column align-items-center bg-blue rounded p-20\">\n<div class=\"student-promo-banner-button-wrapper d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center ml-auto mr-auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com\/licensed-image?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDHlMwvnmO6iDJshUmjvJJXfM_iL0ZsxWwo4YHpBVNDytiWNsx0D_qcQxRku76NubOFvlLOmCPl9-D97iS9ZKQKNA&amp;s=19\" width=\"448\" height=\"259\">Only about one-third of Crete\u2019s total area can be cultivated, and its farmers have traditionally worked small patches of land with little help from mechanization. The one exception is the Mesara Plain, which is relatively well watered and is one of the few areas that can be farmed efficiently using large machinery, but even there the grain crops are for domestic consumption only. Despite its inefficient agriculture, Crete is one of Greece\u2019s leading regions for producing olives and olive oil,&nbsp;grapes,&nbsp;vegetables&nbsp;(tomatoes,&nbsp;potatoes,&nbsp;cucumbers, peppers, and&nbsp;zucchini),&nbsp;fruits&nbsp;(oranges), and&nbsp;carob&nbsp;beans (the flour made from which is used in a variety of foods). Most of that produce is exported. Grapes are used for both wines and raisins and as table grapes, and Crete\u2019s&nbsp;olive&nbsp;trees provide more than one-third of the total national olive crop. In addition to vegetables and fruits, the island produces&nbsp;nuts, herbs, and&nbsp;honey, and for decades Cretans have&nbsp;prospered&nbsp;by using plastic hothouses to grow vegetables and flowers for the winter market in Europe. Stock breeding of sheep and goats is widespread, providing the island\u2019s greatly esteemed&nbsp;yogurt&nbsp;as well as edible meat.&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Minoan-civilization\">Britannica<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"uitk-image-media alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/lodging\/36000000\/35560000\/35557300\/35557246\/111c5c1e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&amp;rw=1200&amp;ra=fit\" alt=\"Front of property\" width=\"268\" height=\"201\"><\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"uitk-image-media alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/images.trvl-media.com\/lodging\/36000000\/35560000\/35557300\/35557246\/fbf872ba.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&amp;rw=1200&amp;ra=fit\" alt=\"Superior Connecting Rooms with Balcony and City View | Minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished\" width=\"334\" height=\"223\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<section data-stid=\"location-modal-editorial\">\n<div class=\"uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-three uitk-spacing-padding-blockend-three\">\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme\">We&#8217;ll check into our hotel,<strong> Metropole Urban Hotel<\/strong> located in Heraklion town center.&nbsp; Don&#8217;t miss out on a visit to Dinosauria Park. Other nearby attractions are as follows: Natural History Museum of Crete and Historical Museum of Crete are cultural highlights, and some of the area&#8217;s notable landmarks include <strong>Venetian Walls<\/strong> and <strong>Heraklion Loggia (refer to top of page)<\/strong>.<\/div>\n<div class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme\"><span class=\"gs_cit_txt\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-sups=\"1,2,3,4,5,6\" data-hover-id=\"1\"><span class=\"gs_tkn\">The&nbsp;<\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Loggia&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">in&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Heraklion<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">is&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">a&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">significant&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Venetian&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">architectural&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">monument,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">constructed&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">between&nbsp;<\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">1626&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">and&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">1628<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">by&nbsp;<\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Francesco&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Morosini<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">.&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">It&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">served&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">as&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">a&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">public&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">gathering&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">place&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">for&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">aristocracy,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">where&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">they&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">discussed&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">economic&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">and&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">political&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">matters,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">and&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">it&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">also&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">functioned&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">as&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">a&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">social&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">club.&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">The&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Loggia&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">is&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">notable&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">for&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">its&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">blend&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">of&nbsp;<\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Doric&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">and&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Ionic&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">styles<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">reflecting&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Palladian&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">architecture<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">of&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Venetian&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">period.&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Today,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">it&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">houses&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Heraklion&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">City&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Hall<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">maintaining&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">its&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">role&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">as&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">a&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">center&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">of&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">civic&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">life&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">and&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">historical&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">significance&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">in&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">city.&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\"><\/section>\n<section aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\"><b><b><b>Overnight: <strong>Metropole Urban Hotel<\/strong><\/b><\/b><\/b><\/p>\n<hr>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Day 6 &#8211; August 20 &#8211; Thursday<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Meals Included: Breakfast<\/strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" style=\"text-align: center;\" src=\"https:\/\/evendo-pimcore-unified-modified.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com\/public\/assets\/Images\/Product%20Images\/0001\/b4a0c9ea-7ab4-4ce2-9036-bf047ed272b8.jpg\" width=\"249\" height=\"166\"><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Heraklion, Crete<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">After breakfast we&#8217;ll visit the ancient site of Knossos. The rest of the day is at our leisure.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 332px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" style=\"text-align: center;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/71\/125071-050-EBF2AAD6\/Portion-palace-Minoan-Knossos-Greece-Crete.jpg?w=400&amp;h=300&amp;c=crop\" alt=\"Knossos\" width=\"332\" height=\"249\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Knossos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Knossos<\/strong>, city in ancient Crete, capital of the legendary king Minos, and the principal cent&nbsp;of the Minoan, the earliest of the Aegean&nbsp;civilizations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The site of Knossos stands on a knoll between the confluence of two streams and is located about 5 miles (8 km) inland from Crete\u2019s northern coast. Excavations were begun at Knossos under Sir Arthur Evans in 1900 and revealed a palace and surrounding buildings that were the center of a sophisticated Bronze Age.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Overnight: <strong>Metropole Urban Hotel<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<hr>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Day 7 &#8211; August 21 &#8211; Friday<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Crete<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>After breakfast, we&#8217;ll<\/strong> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/39\/Crete_Iraklio4_tango7174.jpg\/250px-Crete_Iraklio4_tango7174.jpg\" width=\"353\" height=\"282\"><strong>tour <span class=\"gloss-quot\">&#8216;<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gloss-text\"><strong>Saint Menas&#8217; Cathedral<\/strong> across the square.&nbsp; <\/span>The cathedral has a <strong>cruciform<\/strong> structure with a central dome based on a high spandrel, while internally there are also elements of a three-aisle&nbsp;basilica.&nbsp; It has two bell towers, one each in the northeastern and southeastern corners. The exterior floor plan of the cathedral is 43.2 metres (142&nbsp;ft) long and 29.5 metres (97&nbsp;ft) wide, with an interior area of 1,350 square metres (14,500&nbsp;sq&nbsp;ft).<\/p>\n<p>The right aisle is dedicated to Apostle Titos and the left aisle to the Ten Martyrs of Crete. The inside of the church has gone through many changes with new additions. With plans of the architect Anastasios Orlandos the woodcut icon screen was replaced by another one made of marble, the same happened with the bishop&#8217;s seat. The religious painting of the church was assigned to Saint Kartakis, who followed the principles of&nbsp;Byzantine iconography.<sup id=\"cite_ref-heraklion_4-2\" class=\"reference\"><\/sup><\/p>\n<p>It is the largest cathedral in Crete and one of the largest in Greece.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We&#8217;ll have the rest of the day at our leisure until the evening when we&#8217;ll gather for our group&#8217;s Dinner Celebration and share ou<strong style=\"text-align: center;\">r stories and find out more about each other.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Overnight: <strong>Metropole Urban Hotel<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Day 8 &#8211; August 22 &#8211; Saturday<\/h2>\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":rc:\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong style=\"text-align: center;\">Included meal: Breakfast, <strong> Celebration Dinner<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"Itinerary_day-title__dDSv_ Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Ferry to Santorini&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-title-:R1snkvff9ubqraH1:-3\">\n<h3 class=\"Itinerary_day-section-title__ueUn5 Itinerary_day-overnight-title__kHBQo Text_style--heading-4__mlkdE Text_text__salSY\" aria-label=\"Santorini for 2 nights\"><span class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3484 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Santorini-a-View-near-the-top.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"588\" height=\"315\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Santorini-a-View-near-the-top.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Santorini-a-View-near-the-top-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Santorini-a-View-near-the-top-1024x549.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Santorini-a-View-near-the-top-768x412.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px\" \/><\/span><\/h3>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":rk:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<p class=\"AccommodationCard_accommodation-card-title__SR_4n Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\">We&#8217;ll take a ferry&nbsp;to <strong>Santorini, arriving at 2:30pm.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"AccommodationCard_accommodation-card-title__SR_4n Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\">We&#8217;ll check in to our sophisticated hotel, located in <strong>Kamari,<\/strong> a seaside village on Santorini, the <strong>Mar &#8216;n&#8217; Mar Crown Hotel and Suites<\/strong> and enjoy the rest of our day at leisure.&nbsp; You\u2019ve seen the photos\u2014now get ready to star in them yourself.<\/p>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-title-:R1snkvff9ubqraH1:-3\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":rs:\">\n<div>\n<h2 class=\"Itinerary_day-title__dDSv_ Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\" style=\"text-align: center;\">&nbsp;Santorini<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<p class=\"Text_text__salSY Text_style--body-1__cHqut Markdown_markdown--body__aoloW\">You&#8217;re free to explore Santorini from dramatic black-sand beaches and jagged cliff-lined shores and back to the island\u2019s beloved whitewashed buildings and sprays of bright fuchsia bougainvillea vines.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"Text_text__salSY Text_style--body-1__cHqut Markdown_markdown--list__HaBB1\">\n<li>Visit the archaeological excavations at<strong>&nbsp;Akrotiri,<\/strong>&nbsp;a settlement buried in volcanic ash, where richly pigmented Bronze Age frescoes and other Minoan artifacts survived a devastating volcano eruption in the 16th Century BCE.<\/li>\n<li>\n<figure style=\"width: 327px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a.storyblok.com\/f\/53624\/1092x731\/fa633760da\/mar_n_mar_santorini_hotel_suites.JPG\/m\/560x375\" alt=\"\" width=\"327\" height=\"219\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mar &#8216;n&#8217; Mar Crown Hotel and Suites<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You can eat your way through traditional dishes\u2014like moussaka, a hearty eggplant dish, or tomato fritters.<\/li>\n<li>See&nbsp;<strong>Mount Profitis Ilias<\/strong>, the highest point on all of Santorini and home to the&nbsp;<strong>Prophet Elias Monastery<\/strong>&nbsp;which sits perched atop the summit.<\/li>\n<li>Stop in small, picturesque&nbsp;<strong>Pyrgos<\/strong>, and weave through the steep streets of this slightly off-the-beaten-path village.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>Enjoy our hotels outdoor pool, views of the Aegean Sea, and a spa lounge where you can treat yourself to spa services like a massage.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">In the evening we&#8217;ll join our group for our <\/span><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Celebration Dinner<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">.<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"AccommodationCard_accommodation-card-title__SR_4n Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\"><strong>Overnight: Santorini &#8211; Mar &#8216;n&#8217; Mar Crown Hotel and Suites<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":rs:\">\n<hr>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-0\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1c:\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-0\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1c:\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1g:\">\n<h2 class=\"Itinerary_day-title__dDSv_ Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Day 9: August 23 &#8211; Sunday<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4338\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4338\" style=\"width: 475px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4338\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Parian-Beach-Resort.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"475\" height=\"315\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4338\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Parian Village Beach Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"Itinerary_day-title__dDSv_ Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h2 class=\"Itinerary_day-title__dDSv_ Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Paros<\/h2>\n<p>We&#8217;ll take a ferry to the Island of Paros for the next 3 days.&nbsp; Today we&#8217;ll have a day at our leisure until the evening when we&#8217;ll meet for our special <strong>dinner<\/strong>.&nbsp; Tomorrow we&#8217;ll have a tour.<\/p>\n<section data-stid=\"location-modal-editorial\">\n<div class=\"uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-three uitk-spacing-padding-blockend-three\">\n<div class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme\">Located in Paros,<strong> Parian Village Beach Hotel<\/strong> &#8211; Adults Only is in the suburbs and near the beach. We are located in the Port of Parikia. This and the Port of Naxos are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda. Aqua Paros &#8211; Water Park and Aqua Fun Water Park are also worth visiting.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-unset\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-gap-three uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-three uitk-spacing-padding-blockend-three\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex-item\">\n<h4 class=\"uitk-heading uitk-heading-6\">What&#8217;s nearby<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"uitk-typelist uitk-typelist-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-size-2 uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-margin-blockstart-three\">\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Livadia Beach &#8211; \u202a10 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Krios Beach &#8211; \u202a15 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Marcelo Beach &#8211; \u202a19 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Port of Parikia &#8211; \u202a10 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Paros Archaeological Museum &#8211; \u202a16 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Panagia Ekatontapiliani &#8211; \u202a15 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-gap-three uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-three uitk-spacing-padding-blockend-three\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex-item\">\n<h4 class=\"uitk-heading uitk-heading-6\">Getting around<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"uitk-typelist uitk-typelist-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-size-2 uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-margin-blockstart-three\">\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-icon-alternate uitk-typelist-item-bullet-icon uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-bullet-icon-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Mykonos (JMK-Mykonos Island National)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-icon-alternate uitk-typelist-item-bullet-icon uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-bullet-icon-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Parikia (PAS-Paros National) &#8211; \u202a19 min drive\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-gap-three uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-three uitk-spacing-padding-blockend-unset\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex-item\">\n<h4 class=\"uitk-heading uitk-heading-6\">Restaurants this side of the dirt pathway<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"uitk-typelist uitk-typelist-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-size-2 uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-margin-blockstart-three\">\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Tango Mar &#8211; \u202a5 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Paralia &#8211; \u202a5 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Blu Lounge &#8211; \u202a5 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Mario Restaurant &#8211; \u202a10 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Cavo D&#8217;oro &#8211; \u202a12 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 class=\"uitk-heading uitk-heading-6\">Restaurants from the other side of the dirt pathway where the Paros Parking Lot is<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"uitk-typelist uitk-typelist-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-size-2 uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-margin-blockstart-three\">\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Nisea Breakfast &amp; More &#8211; \u202a1 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Filoxenia,Paros &#8211; \u202a1 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Aether Rooftop &#8211; \u202a2 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">Ephessus &#8211; \u202a2 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uitk-typelist-item uitk-typelist-item-bullet-none uitk-typelist-item-orientation-stacked uitk-typelist-item-size-2 uitk-typelist-item-default-theme uitk-typelist-item-indent\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-flex-direction-column uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-one\"><span class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme uitk-layout-flex-item\">AEOLI \u03a4\u03c3\u03b9\u03c0\u03bf\u03c5\u03c1\u03bf\u03c4\u03b1\u03b2\u03b5\u03c1\u03bd\u03b5\u03af\u03bf\u03bd &#8211; \u202a3 min walk\u202c<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Overnight: Parian Village Beach Hotel &#8211; Paros<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\":r8:\" class=\"Itinerary_day-title__dDSv_ Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Day 10: August 24 -Monday<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Included meal: Breakfast<\/strong><\/p>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":rc:\">\n<h2 class=\"Itinerary_day-title__dDSv_ Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.worldatlas.com\/r\/w1200\/upload\/68\/5d\/ef\/panagia-ekatontapiliani-greece.jpg\" alt=\"What and Where Is The Church of 100 Doors?\" width=\"405\" height=\"270\"><\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"Itinerary_day-title__dDSv_ Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\" style=\"text-align: center;\">&nbsp;Tour of Paros Island&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"grid-item voyage-date-container col-xs-pad-15-bottom col-md-pad-0-bottom col-md-pad-15-right top-spacing-30\">\n<div class=\"voyage-details-offers offers-container bottom-spacing-15 top-spacing-15\">\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Church of 100 Doors<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/cms.inspirato.com\/ImageGen.ashx?image=%2Fmedia%2F9454468%2Fgettyimages-968250938.jpg&amp;width=1081.5\" alt=\"Paros, Greece | Destination Highlights | Inspirato\" width=\"418\" height=\"235\">We&#8217;ll explore the island and particularly the Church of 100 Doors. It&#8217;s <span class=\"gs_tkn\">a&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">historic&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Byzantine&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">church&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">complex,<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">known&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">as&nbsp;<\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Panagia&nbsp;<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\"><strong>Ekatontapiliani.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">The&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">name&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">&#8220;Ekatontapiliani&#8221;&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">translates&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">to&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">&#8220;the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">church&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">with&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">100&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">gates,&#8221;&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">although&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">church&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">currently&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">has&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">only&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">99&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">visible&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">doors.&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">The&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">church&#8217;s&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">origins&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">are&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">linked&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">to&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Saint&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Helen,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">mother&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">of&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Emperor&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Constantine&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Great,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">who&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">is&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">said&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">to&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">have&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">founded&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">church&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">during&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">her&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">pilgrimage&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">to&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Holy&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Land.&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">The&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">church&#8217;s&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">architecture&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">and&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">art&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">are&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">as&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">impressive&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">as&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">its&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">history,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">making&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">it&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">a&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">significant&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">early&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Christian&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">monument&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">in&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Greece.&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">It&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">is&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">a&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">renowned<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/span><strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Marian&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">pilgrimage&nbsp;<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"gs_tkn\"><strong>church<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">and&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">a&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">testament&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">to&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">island&#8217;s&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">remarkable&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">history.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/sothebysrealty.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Paros-island-Greece-Sothebys-International-Realty.jpg\" alt=\"Paros - Greece Sotheby's International Realty\" width=\"341\" height=\"227\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;ll have the rest of the day at our leisure.<\/p>\n<section data-stid=\"location-modal-editorial\">\n<div class=\"uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-three uitk-spacing-padding-blockend-three\">\n<div class=\"uitk-text uitk-type-300 uitk-text-default-theme\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-unset\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-gap-three uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-three uitk-spacing-padding-blockend-three\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex-item\">\n<h4>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n<h4>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n<h4>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Overnight: Parian Village Beach Hotel &#8211; Paros<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1g:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<h2 id=\":rs:\" class=\"Itinerary_day-title__dDSv_ Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Day 11: August 25 \u2013 Tuesday<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4352 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Parian-Village-Beach-Hotel-bedroom1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Parian-Village-Beach-Hotel-bedroom1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Parian-Village-Beach-Hotel-bedroom1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Parian-Village-Beach-Hotel-bedroom1.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4353 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Parian-Village-Beach-Hotel-pool-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Parian-Village-Beach-Hotel-pool-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Parian-Village-Beach-Hotel-pool-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Parian-Village-Beach-Hotel-pool.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/>Included meal: Breakfast, Dinner<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Paros<\/h2>\n<p><strong> We&#8217;ll have a day at our leisure until the evening when we&#8217;ll gather for our group&#8217;s Dinner Celebration and share our stories and find out how everybody is doing.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-0\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1g:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<p><strong>Overnight: Parian Village Beach Hotel &#8211; Paros<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-title-:R1snkvff9ubqraH1:-0\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":R669snkvff9ubqra:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r14:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-title-:R1snkvff9ubqraH1:-0\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<article id=\"post-16424\" class=\"post-16424 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<div class=\"grid-item voyage-date-container col-xs-pad-15-bottom col-md-pad-0-bottom col-md-pad-15-right top-spacing-30\">\n<div class=\"voyage-details-offers offers-container bottom-spacing-15 top-spacing-15\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":rc:\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-title-:R1snkvff9ubqraH1:-3\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":rs:\">\n<h2 id=\":rs:\" class=\"Itinerary_day-title__dDSv_ Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Day 12: August 26 \u2013 Wednesday<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Included meal: Breakfast, Celebration in Athens<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"Itinerary_day-title__dDSv_ Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Athens Via Mykonos Island<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"grid-item voyage-date-container col-xs-pad-15-bottom col-md-pad-0-bottom col-md-pad-15-right top-spacing-30\">\n<div class=\"voyage-details-offers offers-container bottom-spacing-15 top-spacing-15\">\n<div class=\"voyage-details-offers offers-container bottom-spacing-15 top-spacing-15\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2372 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Church-of-the-Lady-of-the-Rosary-Mykonos2-293x300.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 293px) 100vw, 293px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Church-of-the-Lady-of-the-Rosary-Mykonos2-293x300.jpg 293w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Church-of-the-Lady-of-the-Rosary-Mykonos2.jpg 695w\" alt=\"\" width=\"293\" height=\"300\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2363 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Church-of-the-Lady-of-the-Rosary-Mykonos1-225x300.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Church-of-the-Lady-of-the-Rosary-Mykonos1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Church-of-the-Lady-of-the-Rosary-Mykonos1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Church-of-the-Lady-of-the-Rosary-Mykonos1.jpg 1100w\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\"><strong>We\u2019ll travel by ferry to Mykonos and tour it for about an hour, have lunch and be on our way to Athens.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll stroll along the harbor to Alefcandra Square near the picturesque windmills of Mykonos. We\u2019ll explore the&nbsp;<strong>Church of the Virgin of St. Rosary<\/strong>&nbsp;which is a Catholic Church. The icon above the Holy Table depicts the Madonna and Child between St. Dominic, the apostle of piety of St.Rosary, and St. Catherine of Sienna. It was transported to Mykonos from Venice in 1715.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>There will be many chances to feel the divine presence throughout our Divine Greece Tour. And this church is no exception. The divine is everywhere, especially for those devoted to the Divine Mother, when you light candles and ask for Her guidance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-title-:R1snkvff9ubqraH1:-2\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r8:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<h3 id=\"day-title-:R1snkvff9ubqraH1:-2\" class=\"Itinerary_day-section-title__ueUn5 Itinerary_day-overnight-title__kHBQo Text_style--heading-4__mlkdE Text_text__salSY\" aria-label=\"Mykonos for 2 nights\"><span class=\"Text_style--body-1__cHqut Text_text__salSY\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3482 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Mykonos-White-wash-houses.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 485px) 100vw, 485px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Mykonos-White-wash-houses.jpg 1102w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Mykonos-White-wash-houses-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Mykonos-White-wash-houses-1024x669.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Mykonos-White-wash-houses-768x502.jpg 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"485\" height=\"317\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"AccommodationCard_accommodation-card-content__EDT8A\">\n<div tabindex=\"-1\">\n<p>Chora is one of the most popular summer destinations for Greek and foreign tourists alike. The narrow cobblestone paths and the enchanting old historic houses with their blue windows will capture all visitors\u2019 interest as if by a spell.<\/p>\n<p>Enjoy Alefkandra, also called Little Venice, along the old harbor \u2014perched right alongside the Aegean Sea shoreline and inspired by its Italian namesake\u2014where the colorful sun-splashed residences seem to melt into the water, their balconies hanging over the sea.<\/p>\n<p>Check out the&nbsp;<strong>Holy Church of Panagia Paraportiani,<\/strong>&nbsp;a&nbsp;Byzantine-era, whitewashed facade with intriguing curves and its name literally means&nbsp;<strong>\u201cOur Lady of the Side Gate<\/strong>\u201d in Greek, as its entrance was found in the side gate of the entrance to the Kastro area.&nbsp; It\u2019s a unique, bizarre even, architectural masterpiece.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-4171 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Holy-Church-of-Panagia-Paraportiani-%CE%A7%CF%8E%CF%81%CE%B1-Mikonos-846-00-Greece-300x165.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Holy-Church-of-Panagia-Paraportiani-\u03a7\u03ce\u03c1\u03b1-Mikonos-846-00-Greece-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Holy-Church-of-Panagia-Paraportiani-\u03a7\u03ce\u03c1\u03b1-Mikonos-846-00-Greece-1024x564.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Holy-Church-of-Panagia-Paraportiani-\u03a7\u03ce\u03c1\u03b1-Mikonos-846-00-Greece-768x423.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Holy-Church-of-Panagia-Paraportiani-\u03a7\u03ce\u03c1\u03b1-Mikonos-846-00-Greece-1536x846.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Holy-Church-of-Panagia-Paraportiani-\u03a7\u03ce\u03c1\u03b1-Mikonos-846-00-Greece.jpg 1802w\" alt=\"\" width=\"396\" height=\"218\">Construction of this church started in 1425 and was not completed until the 17th century. This impressive, whitewashed church actually consists of five separate churches which are joined: the four churches (dedicated to&nbsp;<a class=\"mw-redirect\" title=\"Saint Eustathios\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Saint_Eustathios\">Saint Eustathios<\/a>,&nbsp;Saint Sozon,&nbsp;Saints Anargyroi&nbsp;and&nbsp;Saint Anastasia) are at ground level and constitute the base of the fifth church that has been built above them.<\/p>\n<p>Chora will accommodate your every need appealing to all tastes and preferences.&nbsp; There\u2019s more to see on your own.&nbsp; The rest of the day is free for your leisure.<\/p>\n<p>Explore Little Venice with a stroll along the Old Harbor; visit the island\u2019s famous beach clubs, hike down (or grab a taxi) to&nbsp;<strong>Armenistis Lighthouse<\/strong>, one of the oldest in Greece; or get inspired in Matogianni Street\u2019s shops and galleries.&nbsp; There are numerous restaurants to choose from:<\/p>\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex uitk-layout-flex-gap-three uitk-spacing uitk-spacing-padding-blockstart-three uitk-spacing-padding-blockend-three\">\n<div class=\"uitk-layout-flex-item\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<p class=\"Text_text__salSY Text_style--body-1__cHqut Markdown_markdown--body__aoloW\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2347 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Mykonos-Windmills-300x153.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Mykonos-Windmills-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Mykonos-Windmills.jpg 652w\" alt=\"\" width=\"473\" height=\"241\">Mykonos Town\u2019s is close by. Check out the \u201c<strong>Tria Pigadia<\/strong>\u201d (\u201cThree Wells\u201d, in English). The legend says that unmarried girls will find husbands after drinking a sip of water from each well! I say, \u201cfind yourself first, have some divine experiences on this journey and love will follow\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_text__salSY Text_style--body-1__cHqut Markdown_markdown--body__aoloW\">Surrender to the soft, salty air on The Island of The Winds with its&nbsp;<b>famous windmills,<\/b>&nbsp;dating back to the 16th century, when islanders used wind power to grind grain.&nbsp; There are 16 windmills in total, and while they are no longer operational, they stand as a monument to early innovation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The views here are spectacular: From this hilltop perch, you can see Chora and the harbor in the distance.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/cf.bstatic.com\/xdata\/images\/hotel\/max1024x768\/242930593.jpg?k=645fe6b58155f9b12db486418d603c73c6caacc21b864007a8c1e3f9777c5f20&amp;o=\" alt=\"a table in a restaurant with glasses and flowers at Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre by IHG in Athens\" width=\"297\" height=\"198\"><\/p>\n<p>Marvel at the sapphire blue water of the Aegean Sea that matches the blue domes of some of the churches which we\u2019ll be taking a look at.<\/p>\n<p>At the picturesque fish port you will find many taverns to enjoy the local cuisine. Charming little shops and boutiques, as well as restaurants and clubs compete for your attention and when the night comes, Chora changes gear, dresses up and becomes an endless party inviting everyone to join in.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<p><strong>This evening we\u2019ll join our group for a celebration dinner in Athens.<\/strong><\/p>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r8:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<p class=\"Text_text__salSY Text_style--body-1__cHqut Markdown_markdown--body__aoloW\"><strong>Overnight: Athens &#8211; Crowne Plaza Hotel &#8211; City Centre<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-item voyage-date-container col-xs-pad-15-bottom col-md-pad-0-bottom col-md-pad-15-right top-spacing-30\">\n<div class=\"voyage-details-offers offers-container bottom-spacing-15 top-spacing-15\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-title-:R1snkvff9ubqraH1:-1\">\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\":R6a9snkvff9ubqra:\" class=\"Itinerary_day-title__dDSv_ Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Day 13<strong>&#8211; August 27 &#8211; Thursday<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h4 class=\"Itinerary_day-title__dDSv_ Text_style--heading-5__fzK9F Text_text__salSY\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Included meal: Breakfast&nbsp;<\/h4>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Tour of the Acropolis &#8211; Athens<\/strong><\/h2>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":R6a9snkvff9ubqra:\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4228 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Greece-300x209.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"209\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Greece-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Greece-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Au-Greece.jpg 927w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Nothing can prepare you for the sheer sense of awe you\u2019ll feel when you come face-to-face with Athens, where ancient architecture and artifacts coexist with modern life. Meet up with your dedicated local guide, who will introduce you to the highlights of this bustling capital.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_text__salSY Text_style--body-1__cHqut Markdown_markdown--body__aoloW\">Meet up with your dedicated local guide, who will introduce you to the highlights of this bustling capital.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"Text_text__salSY Text_style--body-1__cHqut Markdown_markdown--list__HaBB1\">\n<li>Pass by the <strong>Panathenaic Stadium<\/strong>, built entirely out of marble\u2014the only such stadium in the world.<\/li>\n<li>Continue to <strong>Syntagma Square<\/strong>, home to the neoclassical Greek Parliament building, and admire the plaza\u2019s imposing marble steps, fountain, lush shade trees, and the elite ceremonial guards known as the Evzones.<\/li>\n<li>\n<figure style=\"width: 326px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/9\/93\/L%27Olympieion_%28Ath%C3%A8nes%29_%2830776483926%29.jpg\/330px-L%27Olympieion_%28Ath%C3%A8nes%29_%2830776483926%29.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"326\" height=\"217\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Temple of Zeus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Reflect on the <strong>Arch of Hadrian,<\/strong> built to honor the Roman emperor, and imagine how its Pentelic marble stones were carted more than 11 miles from Mount Pentelikon in 131 A.D.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"gs_tkn\">&nbsp;View the remains of the sixth-century&nbsp;<strong>Temple of Zeus<\/strong> and gaze up at its 16 ornate Corinthian columns.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>The&nbsp;<span class=\"gs_tkn\">temple&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">was&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">renowned&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">for&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">its&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">grandeur,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">featuring&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">104&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">colossal&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Corinthian&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">columns&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">and&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">a&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">massive&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">statue&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">of&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Zeus.&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">It&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">served&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">as&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">a&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">major&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">religious&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">and&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">cultural&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">center&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">in&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">ancient&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">Athens&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">and&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">is&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">now&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">a&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">significant&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">historical&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">site&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">in&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"gs_tkn\">city.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<p class=\"Text_text__salSY Text_style--body-1__cHqut Markdown_markdown--body__aoloW\">We&#8217;ll see the crowning glory of the<strong> Acropolis,<\/strong> the <strong>Temple of Athena (on the left),<\/strong> also called Erechtheion, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the <strong>Golden Age of Athens,<\/strong> over 2500 years ago.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3479 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Acroplolis-Parthenon-1024x523.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"423\" height=\"216\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Acroplolis-Parthenon-1024x523.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Acroplolis-Parthenon-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Acroplolis-Parthenon-768x392.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Acroplolis-Parthenon.jpg 1167w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 423px) 100vw, 423px\" \/>And there&#8217;s that <strong>Parthenon<\/strong> (on the right) that stands as one of the most revered and recognized sites in the world. You may have seen these enduring icons of antiquity in books and film, but now you\u2019re stepping through the work of craftsmen who quarried and honed these marble blocks thousands of years ago.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The rest of your day is at your leisure.&nbsp; You can return with our group to our hotel. Or remain in this area and explore Plaka nearby until returning to our hotel at your leisure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":R6a9snkvff9ubqra:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<p><strong>Overnight: Athens &#8211; Crowne Plaza Athens &#8211; City Centre<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-title-:R1snkvff9ubqraH1:-2\">\n<hr>\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r8:\">\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day-by-day__zKVc1 Itinerary_day-by-day--expanded__mtJ9A\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-extension-title-2\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r1s:\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":r14:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC Itinerary_day--overnight__0FQQK\" aria-labelledby=\"day-title-:R1snkvff9ubqraH1:-0\">\n<section class=\"Itinerary_day__IPTLC\" aria-labelledby=\":R669snkvff9ubqra:\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown-wrapper__vq9CO\">\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<article id=\"post-16424\" class=\"post-16424 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Day 14: August 28 &#8211; Friday<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Meals Included:&nbsp; Celebration Dinner<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Athens<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2472 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Metropolitan-Church-of-Annunciation-of-Virgin-Mary1-300x171.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Metropolitan-Church-of-Annunciation-of-Virgin-Mary1-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Metropolitan-Church-of-Annunciation-of-Virgin-Mary1-1024x583.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Metropolitan-Church-of-Annunciation-of-Virgin-Mary1-768x437.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Au-Metropolitan-Church-of-Annunciation-of-Virgin-Mary1.jpg 1191w\" alt=\"\" width=\"444\" height=\"253\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">After breakfast, we&#8217;ll meet for a<strong> tour of Athens<\/strong> to include the following:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Drive by the Temple of Olympian Zeus \u2022 Drive to the Panathinaic Stadium where the Olympic Games were held for the first time in modern Athens in 1896 \u2022 Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watch the changing of the guards \u2022 Drive by the Academy, the old University, the National Library and Lycabettus Hill. \u2022 Drive up to Lycabettus Hill to enjoy the view of Athens \u2022 Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant tasting Greek cuisine \u2022 Drive to Plaka district, the Ancient Agora of Athens, the center of public ancient life \u2022 Visit the <span class=\"itinhead\">Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary which is located in <\/span>Metropolis Square.<\/p>\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The <span class=\"itinhead\">Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary is<\/span> a divine Marian sanctuary for those who are devoted to the Divine Mother and where legions of light wait for her to appear. There&#8217;s an impressive fresco of the Divine Mother located over the altar, refer above.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><span style=\"text-align: center;\">In the evening we&#8217;ll gather for a delightful dinner celebration and music entertainment<\/span>,<span style=\"text-align: center;\"> celebrating a successful completion of our Divine Greece Tour.&nbsp;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"Markdown_markdown__bT_w1\">\n<p><strong>Overnight: Athens &#8211; Crowne Plaza Athens &#8211; City Centre.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Day 15 &#8211; August 29 &#8211; Saturday<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Meals Included: Breakfast<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Athens Airport&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Flights to the next destination.<\/h3>\n<\/section>\n<hr>\n<div class=\"grid-item voyage-date-container col-xs-pad-15-bottom col-md-pad-0-bottom col-md-pad-15-right top-spacing-30\">\n<div class=\"voyage-details-offers offers-container bottom-spacing-15 top-spacing-15\">\n<p>Tip:<\/p>\n<p>Bring European electric plug adapter for your USA appliances.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>*CTS Tours reserves the right to make changes to this tour&#8217;s itinerary, <strong>Divine Greek Tour, <\/strong>that will be of benefit and will insure a successful completion of the tour.&nbsp; CTS Tours while follow it as best it can, with possible changes in the future, in hotels and the sequencing of events or additions or subtrations of events so it will run smoothly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>CTS Tours doesn&#8217;t guarantee the accuracy of a hotel&#8217;s description in their advertisement, however, currently, CTS is satisfied that it&#8217;s done it&#8217;s best to verify the information when possible. If a hotel is changed, in the future, it will be replaced with a hotel with an equivalent number of stars or better.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-item voyage-date-container col-xs-pad-15-bottom col-md-pad-0-bottom col-md-pad-15-right top-spacing-30\">\n<div class=\"voyage-details-offers offers-container bottom-spacing-15 top-spacing-15\">\n<p><a href=\"mailto:Contact@cabiz.net\">Contact@cabiz.net<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Divine Greece Tour &#8211; August 15 &#8211; 29, 2026 Thessaloniki, <a href=\"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/divinegreecetour\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2254,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[218,276,212,275,250,215,231,216,274,223,273],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-athens","category-crete","category-greece","category-heraklion","category-kalambaka","category-mediterranean","category-meteora","category-mykonos-greece","category-paros-island","category-santorini","category-thessaloniki"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2732"}],"version-history":[{"count":361,"href":"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2732\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4418,"href":"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2732\/revisions\/4418"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2254"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carieliin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}