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Princeton Seminary Expeditions is a premier travel program designed for anyone who wants to explore the world’s most remarkable destinations while engaging in deep theological learning and reflection.
Our thoughtfully curated itineraries transport you to places rich in theological significance, offering exclusive access to scholars, sacred sites, and unique cultural experiences.
Led by Princeton Seminary’s distinguished faculty, each small-group expedition offers a unique opportunity to explore history, culture, and faith through an immersive experience.
Princeton Seminary Expeditions combines intellectual rigor with the highest standard of comfort and hospitality. Enjoy world-class accommodations, private guided tours, and intimate discussions with leading scholars—all in a setting designed for deep reflection and renewal.
Led by Dr. Jonathan Lee Walton, President, Princeton Theological Seminary
Journey through the heart of classical Greece and the Aegean world on this enriching exploration of Athens, several Greek islands, and the vast Greco-Roman site of Ephesus in Türkiye.
Begin with three nights in Athens, staying near lively Syntagma Square. With expert local guides, explore the city’s most celebrated landmarks, including the Parthenon, the exceptional Acropolis Museum, and the Museum of Cycladic Art. Spend a full day visiting the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, long considered the spiritual center of the ancient world.
Then you’ll board the 50-cabin luxury mega yacht Emerald Azzurra, a privately chartered vessel designed for comfort and service of the highest caliber. During a four-night cruise to archaeologically rich ports, Dr. Walton will be part of a team of onboard experts offering both formal presentations and informal conversations that deepen your understanding of the region’s history, culture, and enduring significance.
Visit the sacred island of Delos, mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, before continuing to Mykonos to swim in its clear waters and stroll its picturesque cobblestone streets. Cross to Türkiye to walk the marble-lined avenues of ancient Ephesus and experience the vibrant coastal town of Kuşadası. Return to Greece to explore the partially reconstructed Bronze Age palace of Knossos on Crete before disembarking in Athens.
Extend your journey with an optional three-night post-tour in the storied Peloponnese. From your seaside base in Nafplion, explore ancient Corinth, the citadel of Mycenae, and the beautifully preserved theater of Epidaurus before returning to Athens for a final evening in this timeless city.
Begin your journey with an overnight flight to Athens, Greece. Rest and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
Overnight: Hotel Grande Bretagne, Classic Room
Arrive in Athens and transfer to the five-star Hotel Grande Bretagne, located steps from historic Syntagma Square. Enjoy welcome drinks, a program orientation, and an opening lecture followed by a festive welcome dinner at the hotel.
Meals: R D
The day begins with Lecture #2, followed by a guided walking tour of the Plaka and Ancient Agora. Enjoy a “Taste of Athens” lunch at a local restaurant, then choose an optional afternoon visit to one of three museums: Museum of Cycladic Art, Benaki Museum, or the Byzantine & Christian Museum.
Evening free to dine and explore on your own.
Meals: B L
Embark on a full-day excursion to Delphi, one of Greece’s most iconic archaeological sites. Return to Athens in the evening for leisure time and dinner on your own.
Overnight: Aboard the Emerald Azzurra – Night 1
Enjoy an early-morning visit to the Acropolis, followed by the Acropolis Museum and lunch in Athens. In the afternoon, transfer to the port of Piraeus to embark the Emerald Azzurra. Celebrate your voyage with the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner on board.
Meals: B L R D
Overnight: Aboard the Emerald Azzurra – Night 2
Begin with Lecture #3, then a guided exploration of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and mythological birthplace of Apollo. After Lecture #4, enjoy lunch as you cruise to Mykonos, where the afternoon is free to explore.
Meals: B L D
Overnight: Aboard the Emerald Azzurra – Night 3
Take a short drive from Kusadasi to Ephesus for a morning of discovery at one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities. Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch ashore, followed by an optional visit to the Ephesus Museum or free time to explore Kusadasi. Later, attend Lectures #5 and #6 on board.
Overnight: Aboard the Emerald Azzurra – Night 4
Visit the Palace of Knossos, legendary home of King Minos. Continue cruising towards Piraeus with afternoon Lectures #7 and #8; Captain’s farewell reception and dinner on board.
Disembark in Piraeus and travel to the Peloponnese, exploring Ancient Corinth and the archaeological site of Nemea before arriving in the port town of Nafplion. Pause en route for a leisurely taverna lunch of fresh local specialties. Enjoy an evening at leisure to discover Nafplion by night—stroll lamplit squares, dine at a seaside taverna, or soak in the romantic atmosphere of Greece’s first capital.
AMPHITRYON HOTEL (B with main program, L)
Explore the Lion Gate and monumental beehive tombs at Mycenae, once the seat of Agamemnon and central to Homeric legend. Continue to Epidaurus to experience the remarkable acoustics of its 4th-century BCE theater, then pause for lunch and a wine tasting at a local winery, where native grape varieties and ancient traditions make Greek wines truly distinctive. Return to Nafplion in the evening with free time to enjoy dinner on your own in its seaside tavernas.
AMPHITRYON HOTEL (B, L)
Return to Athens and check in to the Xenodocheio Milos Hotel, overlooking Old Parliament Square and near the National Gardens. Enjoy free time and lunch at leisure before an optional guided visit to the renowned Archaeological Museum, home to treasures such as the gold of Mycenae. Conclude the journey with a festive farewell dinner at the hotel’s celebrated restaurant, where contemporary Greek cuisine is crafted with seasonal flair.
XENODOCHEIO MILOS (B, D)
Transfer to Athens International Airport for flights home. (B)
PROGRAM RATESPer person, double occupancy $2,990Per person, single occupancy $3,890
GROUP SIZEA minimum of 12 people is required to operate the extension; maximum of 22.
In March 2022, Emerald Cruises launched the Emerald Azzurra, a sleek mega-yacht designed to explore ports and harbors inaccessible to larger ships. Measuring 360 feet in length with just 50 spacious cabins, this stunning vessel offers a modern, Scandinavian-inspired ambiance. Forty-four cabins feature step-out balconies and modern amenities. All cabins, except the premium suites, have beds that can be configured as either two twins or a queen, while the premium suites feature fixed king beds. Each cabin also includes flat-screen TVs, stocked mini-bars, and bathrooms equipped with hair dryers, plush robes, and premium bath products.
The Azzurra offers inviting public spaces designed for relaxation and comfort, including multiple lounges and outdoor areas where you can soak in the views. Delight in fresh, locally sourced cuisine prepared by expert chefs, served either in the elegant Reflections Restaurant or al fresco on The Terrace. Indulge in a range of luxurious amenities: unwind with a dip in the infinity pool or soak in the outdoor hot tub. Savor handcrafted cocktails at the open-air Sky Bar or in the elegant Horizon Bar & Lounge, which also converts to a lecture room with full A/V capabilities. Rejuvenate your body and mind at the Wellness Center with soothing massages, revitalizing facials, and a cutting-edge infrared sauna. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the yacht, and explore onshore with a selection of bikes, including e-bikes, available for guests.
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All accommodations, included meals, and excursions as specified in the itinerary, including seven breakfasts, six lunches, five dinners, three hotel nights, and four nights aboard Emerald Azzurra • Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures, and presentations • Transfers for all participants on group arrival and departure dates • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides, and drivers • Gratuities to shipboard personnel • Port charges • Entrance fees • Welcome and farewell wine receptions • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with group lunches and dinners and on board Emerald Azzurra • Filtered water on motorcoaches • Complete packet of pre-departure information • Professional tour managers throughout the program
U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport and visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers or airport transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary • Dishes and beverages not part of the included meals • Premium alcoholic drinks • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, fax, Internet, and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature
Daily activities can involve up to two miles of walking, often through older quarters and historic sites where the terrain may be cobblestoned or uneven. Many historic buildings lack elevators, and some stairs do not have handrails. While the ship is equipped with elevators connecting all passenger decks, participants should be comfortable navigating stairs in rolling seas. Certain shore excursions may require boarding a tender to go ashore. Staff and crew will be available to assist as needed.
My program’s sponsoring organization Princeton Seminary Expedition (“PSE”) and Criterion Travel (“CT”) accept no liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline ticket in conjunction with this tour. The air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. Participants should consider purchasing refundable airline tickets or insurance for airfare in the unlikely event that plans change or the trip is cancelled.
Travel insurance for trip cancellation and interruption, medical problems, baggage loss and delay, etc., is highly recommended. Trip cancellation policies that apply to this expedition are included in this brochure. Information about travel insurance will be sent to confirmed participants.
This program is limited to 84 participants, including travelers from Princeton Seminary Expeditions, the Archaeological Institute of America, Princeton Journeys and Harvard Alumni Travels.
Tour rates are based on current fuel prices, currency values, taxes, tariffs, and a minimum number of participants. While every effort will be made to maintain the listed rates, they are subject to change. Should significant adjustments occur, updated details and costs will be shared prior to departure.
Complete Terms and Conditions including a Statement of Responsibility will be made available at time of registration, or in advance upon request. A signed “Terms & Conditions, Release from Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Clause” is required from
each applicant prior to participation on the tour.
The itinerary presented for this tour is subject to modification and change by Princeton Seminary Expedition and Criterion Travel, the tour operator. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned; however, should unforeseen world events and conditions require the itinerary to be altered, Princeton Seminary Expedition and the tour operator reserve the right to do so for the safety and best interest of the group. Any extra expenses incurred in this situation are the responsibility of the participant.
California Seller of Travel Program CST #2088800-40
