Greece

Ancient history, natural beauty, and an idyllic climate all combine in Greece to create a wonderfully attractive country. It is the place where the apostle Paul preached; the home of the Greek heroes; a land full of ruined temples and theatres where almost every hill has inspired a major poem. The weather is warm and so is the sea. It is the perfect place to unwind and to visit uniquely evocative places.

Our three-star hotel is in the town of Nea Makri, on the Aegean coast between Marathon and Cape Sounion. It is located only 150m from the sea and has en-suite, air-conditioned rooms. A walk along the attractive sea front will take you to the harbour and a sandy beach.

Being an authentic Greek town, away from the tourist traps, Nea Makri gives a real flavour of the country. It provides an excellent location to unwind as you relax in the hotel garden around the swimming pool, visit a traditional taverna by the marina or walk along the coast to the site of the battle at Marathon.

We will stay in Hotel Thomas Beach and its recently-built sister hotel, which are 100m apart. We will be able to use the facilities in both hotels. One hotel has an indoor swimming pool and the meeting room, while the other has an outdoor pool in the hotel garden, and the restaurant. 

Our optional excursion package includes three excursions: Corinth, Nea Styra, and Athens with Cape Sounion. 

Athens is on everyone’s list of must-visit destinations. It has been home to some of the most famous characters in history, such as Plato and Socrates; it is the city of architecture, drama, music and philosophy. Today it is as full of energy as it has been for the last 3,000 years, and it is still dominated by the Acropolis: a 100m high rock formation crowned with the beautiful Parthenon temple and littered with grand buildings. A guide will join us in Athens and the cost of the Acropolis entrance is also included.

Heading south, we will stop to see the Corinth canal, a stunning channel cut 63m down into the rock, with azure blue water glistening at the bottom. We then travel on to the Acrocorinth, an ancient ruined fort that stands high above the surrounding terrain with amazing views. There will also be the chance to visit the ruins of ancient Corinth (entry payable locally). This city was dominated in ancient times by the temple to Venus, but St. Paul saw large numbers turn to Jesus and experience His revolution in their lives.

We will also take a cruise by ferry to Nea Styra. There are excellent views of the surrounding countryside and mountains as we cross the Aegean sea. At Nea Styra there is a sandy beach, as well as a waterfront with shops and tavernas.

At the end of each day we will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner at our hotel and meet together for a helpful Bible talk.