In Greek mythology, Erato (Ancient Greek: Ἐρατώ) is one of the Greek Muses. The name would mean “desired” or “lovely”, if derived from the same root as Eros, as Apollonius of Rhodes playfully suggested in the invocation to Erato that begins Book III of his Argonautica.
Erato is the Muse of lyric poetry. In the Orphic hymn to the Muses, it is Erato who charms the sight. Since the Renaissance she has mostly been shown with a wreath of myrtle and roses, holding a lyre, or a small kithara, a musical instrument often associated with Apollo. In Simon Vouet’s representations, two turtle-doves are eating seeds at her feet. Other representations may show her holding a golden arrow, reminding one of the “eros”, the feeling that she inspires in everybody, and at times she is accompanied by the god Eros, holding a torch.
Aegean Dreams – Classical Inspiration
Day 1: Thessaloniki
- You will arrive at Thessaloniki where you will be met by our assistant and be transfered (privately) to your hotel
Day 2: Philippi – Lydia Village – Kavala – Thessaloniki
- Breakfast
- In the morning after breakfast we will drive east to Philippi, where Paul first preached the Gospel in Europe.
- We will also visit the Roman crypt where Paul was imprisoned.
- Next we head to the nearby village of Lydia where Paul baptized Lydia, the first baptism to take place in Europe.
- Next we will visit Kavala, for a lunch stop. The port of Kavala is thought to also be the ancient port of Neapolis where Paul landed after he sailed from Torad to Macedonia.
- On our way back to the hotel we will visit the Church of St. Demetrios with its wonderful mosaics and frescoes.
- Dinner in Thessaloniki & Overnight
Day 3: Thesssaloniki – Veria
- After breakfast we have a city tour of Thessalonki
- Head to Veria and visit the ancient site. This was Paul’s last stop in Macedonia before continuing on to Athens.
- We will also include a stop at the tomb of King Philippos the father of Alexander the Great.
- We then head to Kalambaka.
- Dinner in Kalambaka & Overnight
Day 4: Kalambaka (Meteora) – Delphi
- Breakfast
- This morning we visit the famous Meteora Monasteries. Christians arrived in this region in AD 800 initially occupying caves at the base of these huge natural spires. In the 1300s entire monasteries were built atop the cliffs. Originally reached by hinged ladders we now have roads and stairs that provide access. During Meteora’s heyday there were 24 monasteries but now only five remain.
- We will visit two of these for a fascinating and memorable experience.
- Continue to our hotel on Delphi.
- Dinner in Delphi
Day 5: Delphi – Athens
- After breakfast we will visit the location where the Oracles of Delphi once held court.
- We will walk the Sacred Way, visit Castalia Spring, the temple of Apollo and the sanctuary of Athena.
- Our tour continues with a visit to the museum, where we will see wonderful treasures including the famous 5th Century bronze statue of the Charioteer.
- This afternoon we depart for Athens where we will visit the famed Acropolis. Mars Hill where Paul addressed his followers will be one of our first stops.
- Dinner in Athens
Day 6 (It has to be a Monday): Piraeus – Mykonos
- This morning after breakfast we depart for Piraeus the port of Athens, where we will board our cruise ship, our home, for the next 4 days.
- We sail at 11am and arrive at Mykonos at 6pm.
- Stroll through the beautiful and picturesque allies of the city of Mykonos and depart at 11pm.
- Lunch & Dinner on the Cruise Ship
Day 7: Kusadasi (Ephesus) – Patmos
- Breakfast on the Cruise Ship
- Arrive Kusadasi (Ephesus) Turkey at 7am.
- A morning tour to Ephesus to see the historical sites including the Great Amphitheater where St. Paul was arrested and cast out of the city.
- Our ship departs for Patmos at 12 noon arriving at 400pm. This island is known as the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. Set sail at 9:00pm.
- Lunch & Dinner on the Cruise Ship
Day 8: Rhodes
- Breakfast on the Cruise Ship
- The beautiful island of Rhodes is our next destination, arriving at 7am.
- On a hill above the charming city of Lindos rises an ancient acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. Below lays the Bay of St. Paul, where the apostle landed during his voyages.
- Departure is at 6:00pm.
- Lunch & Dinner on the Cruise Ship
Day 9: Heraklion (Crete) – Santorini
- Breakfast on the Cruise Ship
- Crete is our next port or call.
- We arrive at 7am. Heraklion is the capital of Crete and its principal commercial port. It is also where the Palace of Knossos, the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture, is located.
- We leave at 11:30am for Santorini arriving at 4:30pm.
- With its steep flanks looming straight up from the sea and the tiny white village of Thira clinging high atop the cliffs, Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking and legendary of the Greek Isles.
- At 9:00pm we set sail for Athens.
- Lunch & Dinner on the Cruise Ship
Day 10: Piraeus (Athens) – Corinth – Mycenae – Athens
- Breakfast on the Cruise Ship
- We arrive Piraeus (Athens) at 7am and disembark around 8:30am.
- Our coach and guide will be waiting for us after we clear customs and we head out for a full day of touring, visiting Corinth and Mycenae.
- Our drive towards Mycenae will take us by the famous Lion’s Gate and the Tomb of Agamemnon.
- We will have lunch near Mycenae before we start back to Athens.
- Athens Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Athens
- Breakfast
- This morning we will have a sightseeing tour of Athens including the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
- We will stop at Mars Hill where Paul addressed his followers. And a special visit to The New Acropolis Museum.
- We will also visit Phaleron Bay, where every ship that arrived into Athens anchored.
- Tonight we will have a farewell dinner in a local Taverna in the Plaka where we will enjoy a typical Greek evening of food and entertainment.
Day 12: Athens
- Breakfast
- Private Transfer to the Airport for departure
“Don’t count every day of the week, make every day of the week count.”