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Louis Cruises, which operates three-, four- and seven-day Greek Islands and Turkey cruises, is offering new “Pilgrimage Voyages” to locations resonant with history and Christianity. The seven-day voyages are scheduled to depart October 18 and October 25 from the port of Lavrion in Athens to Thessaloniki and Kavala, Greece; Istanbul, Dikili and Kusadasi, Turkey; and then Patmos, Syros and Athens, Greece. The cruises are operated on the 895-passenger ORIENT QUEEN.
In Thessaloniki, travelers will visit the ancient walls, the House of Jason and the Agora before delving into Veria. Next it is on to tour Kavala (biblical Neapolis), Philippi and the Baptistery of Lydia. Participants will attend a worship service on the river where Paul’s first European convert, Lydia, was baptized. In Istanbul, pilgrims will explore Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. The next stop is Dikili to view the treasures of Pergamon. Visitors then will visit Ancient Ephesus in Kusadasi and the House of Virgin Mary. Patmos includes visits to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Monastery of St. John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse where St. John the Divine dictated the Christian scriptural Book of Revelation.
Prices start at $USD1,560 per person, double occupancy. Rates include port charges of $USD262 per person and the shore excursion package for all tours offered at the various ports. Louis cruises can be booked at the company’s website or through most major tour operators that pay commissions to travel agents.
See also: Louis Cruises unveils faith-based “Pilgrimage Voyages” Mediterranean cruise, land itinerary
