DAY 1 & 2 (Oct 19 & 20): Depart Detroit / Arrive Thessaloniki

Fly from Detroit to Thessaloniki.  After check in at our hotel there will be time to relax before we go to the famous “Ladadika” neighborhood for our welcome dinner. Overnight in Thessaloniki.  D

 

DAY 3 (Oct 21): Amphipolis, Kavala (Neapolis), Philippi / Thessaloniki

On the way to Philippi stop at Amphipolis (visited by Paul on his way from Philippi to Thessaloniki) where we view the impressive Lion statue. On to Philippi where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe. We will see where Paul and Sylas were imprisoned, see the ruins of one of the largest churches ever constructed, walk on Egnatia Road, and visit the ancient market (Agora). We will celebrate Mass near the creek where Lydia was baptized. Our day continues to Kavala (biblical Neapolis), the port where Paul, Sylas, Timothy and Luke first set foot in Europe. We will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, see the Roman aqueduct and enjoy a stroll at its picturesque fishing port. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.  B | D

 

DAY 4 (Oct 22): Thessaloniki, Veria / Kalambaka

Today we take a panoramic tour of Thessaloniki where Paul lived and preached. We will see the famous White Tower, the Roman market, and the Arch of Galerious, before arriving at the church of Saint Sofia. We then visit the Basilica of St. Dimitrios and its famous crypt, then go to the “upper city,” with its impressive Theodosian walls, and stunning views of the city and the Gulf of Thermaikos. Around mid-day,  we travel to the beautiful town of Veria (biblical Berea) where Paul met the “noble Jewish community.”  After Mass at the open air shrine, we see the ancient synagogue and a modern shrine (Byzantine mosaic) commemorating Paul’s preaching.  We will continue our drive to arrive in Kalambaka for dinner and overnight. B | D

 

DAY 5 (Oct 23):  Meteora / Delphi

After Mass, we visit Meteora. Amazing rock formations have provided sacred retreat for a number of monasteries over the centuries. Meteora belongs to UNESCO's list of world heritage monuments. We then cross the mountains of central Greece to arrive in Delphi for dinner and overnight.  B | D

​

DAY 6 (Oct 24): Delphi / Athens

After Mass, we carry on to the slopes of Mt Parnassos with great views of the gulf of Corinth.  Delphi used to be the most sacred spot in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in the antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred way, and visit the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle). We continue to the local museum with the famous bronze statue of the Charioteer. After some free time, we continue to Athens for dinner and overnight. B | D

 

DAY 7 (Oct 25): Mykonos / On Cruise

Today we begin our exciting cruise in the Aegean waters and Turkey. First stop is enchanting Mykonos where you can stroll the whitewashed streets of Chora and enjoy beautiful scenery, marvelous sunset and picturesque Cycladic colors. Overnight and Mass on board. AI

​

DAY 8 (Oct 26): Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, Monastery of St. John, Cave of the Revelation

This morning, we will arrive at the port of Kusadasi (ancient Ephesus) where St. Paul lived for three years and wrote 1 Corinthians. We will visit Diana’s temple, the Odeon, the Arch of Hercules, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Agora and the Greco-Roman theater. We continue to the House of Virgin Mary where she lived with John and where we celebrate Mass. We then depart for Patmos, the place of exile of St. John. We visit the monastery of St. John, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the Grotto of the Revelation, a cave where St. John lived during his exile and wrote the book of the Revelation. We then set sail to Crete, one of St. Paul’s stops during his journey to Rome.  AI

 

DAY 9 (Oct 27): Heraklion, Santorini
During our included excursion we will visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos. We then sail to the beautiful and romantic island of Santorini. This afternoon we take the funicular up to Fira town or join an optional excursion to see the villages of Santorini and the famous Oia. Overnight and Mass on board.  AI
 

DAY 10 (Oct 28): Ancient Corinth / Nemea/ Athens

Arrive back in Piraeus. We will meet our guide and depart towards the Peloponnese. We will make a stop to see the Corinth Canal, and continue to Lechaion and Cenchreae the ancient port from where Paul sailed from Corinth to Syria. On to ancient Corinth where St. Paul lived for 18 months and wrote 1 Thessalonians.  We will continue to the near-by region of Nemea to visit a local winery for a tasting and dinner. We then return to Athens for overnight.  Mass at the Cathedral of St Dennis. B | L

​

DAY 11 (Oct 29): Athens

Today we visit the Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike. We will stop at Mars Hill where Paul delivered his well-known sermon. We then continue along Apostolou Pavlou Street toward Thisio and the ancient Agora where Paul spoke to the Athenians. We will see the church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary, a 10th century arched basilica, the church of Kapnikarea, Plaka, Anafiotika and to Syntagma Square.  We then board our coach for a panoramic tour including the Panathinaikon Stadium, the Zappeion, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and many more before we conclude back to our hotel for some rest. In the evening, we will gather again and head for our farewell dinner with live Greek music and a folk dance show. Be prepared to join in and dance like the Zorba! Return to our hotel for the night.  Mass at the Cathedral of St Dennis. B | D

 

DAY 12 (Oct 30): Departure

After breakfast, we board our coach for the transfer to the Athens airport for our return flight home after an incredible spiritual journey. B