September 11 - 21, 2024
From $5,395*
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DAY 1 September 11: DEPART DTW - Begin our pilgrimage with an overnight flight to Greece.
DAY 2 September 12: THESSALONIKI - Arrive at the Thessaloniki airport and transfer via private motor coach to your hotel. Check in and freshen up before enjoying a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Thessaloniki. D
DAY 3 September 13: THESSALONIKI – After breakfast, take a tour of Thessaloniki (Acts 17:1-9), the home of the Thessalonians, to whom St. Paul addressed two of his epistles. Visit the White Tower, Church of St. George, Statue of Alexander the Great, and the churches of St. Demetrius and St. Sophia. Celebrate Mass at the Thessaloniki Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Lunch on your own before a 1-hour drive to Berea where St. Paul preached as they searched the scriptures (Acts 17:10-15). Have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore the city. Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Thessaloniki. B|D
DAY 4 September 14: KAVALA / PHILIPPI– Visit Kavala where Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy first set foot in Europe. Travel to Philippi, where St. Paul first preached the Gospel on European soil (Acts 16:12). Celebrate Mass outdoors on the river’s edge where Paul baptized Lydia, his first European convert. See ancient Philippi where St. Paul and St. Silas preached and were imprisoned. Following the Via Egnatia back to Kavala (Ancient Neapolis, Acts 16:11), stop to walk on the actual stones on which Paul walked. Late group lunch at a local restaurant and see the mosaic of St. Paul’s visit nearby. Drive back to Thessaloniki for dinner at the hotel and overnight in Thessaloniki. B|D
DAY 5 September 15: ATHENS - This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. From Athens Airport, depart to the city center and enjoy a panoramic city tour. Visit the Acropolis, Mars Hill, see the House of Parliament, and more. Stand on Mars Hill where St. Paul spoke to the Athenians. Enjoy lunch on your own. Celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of St. Dionysius. In the evening, dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Athens. B|D
DAY 6 September 16: CRUISE EMBARKATION / MYKONOS (ON SHIP) - This morning, transfer from our hotel to Lavrion for embarkation on our ship, the Celestyal Discovery, and begin our Iconic Aegean Cruise. Celebrate Mass onboard en route to Mykonos. Explore the highlights of the first port in Mykonos with your tour manager and enjoy time at leisure in the city. Dinner onboard the ship. B|L|D*
DAY 7 September 17: KUSADASI / EPHESUS / PATMOS (ON SHIP) – This morning port in Kusadasi then drive to Ephesus (Acts 19). Visit the House of Mary and celebrate Mass there. Tour the ancient city of Ephesus that hosted the 3rd Ecumenical Council (AD 431) including 24,000-seat theatre and the church of Mary. Enjoy the beautiful sights of the Mediterranean Sea as you set sail for Patmos where St. John received his revelation which is the last book of the Bible (Rev 1:9). Visit St. John’s Monastery and the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Go shopping along the shore as time permits. Dinner onboard the ship. B|L|D*
DAY 8 September 18: RHODES (ON SHIP) - Port in Rhodes this morning and take a medieval tour of the island, including stops at the Acropolis of Lindos and Citadel of the Knights. Steep hike to see the port where St. Paul landed (Acts 21:1). Celebrate Mass at Santa Maria Monastery. Time at leisure this afternoon with dinner onboard the ship. B|L*|D
DAY 9 September 19: CRETE / SANTORINI (ON SHIP) - This morning port at the Isle of Crete (Titus 1:5). Celebrate Mass at St. John the Baptist Church, and enjoy the morning at leisure. Continue to Santorini, for your final relaxing afternoon at port for shopping, exploring, and time at leisure. Dinner tonight on board the ship. B|L|D*
DAY 10 September 20: ATHENS / CORINTH - This morning disembark your ship in Athens and drive along the beautiful coastal road to Corinth, home to St. Paul for 18 months (Acts 18:1-22). Cross over the amazing Corinth Canal dug between two seas. Tour ancient Corinth. See the Bema (judgment seat) where St. Paul was presented for judgment. Celebrate an outdoor Mass. See the biblical Erastus Stone (Romans 16:23). Lunch as a group at the Corinth Canal. Return to Athens in the late afternoon. Farewell Dinner with Greek live music tonight and overnight in Athens. B|L|D
DAY 11 September 21: RETURN TO USA - Depart to the airport for your return flight home after an incredible spiritual journey in the footsteps of St Paul.
* Price is for double occupancy. See online registration or "stateroom options" for single supplement costs
What’s Included
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International airfare from USA
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Domestic airfare from Thessaloniki to Athens
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4 star hotels w/ porterage service
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Breakfast daily, 9 dinners (including Farewell Dinner in Athens) and 5 lunches (on ship)
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English speaking tour escort throughout land portion of pilgrimage
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Luxury Motor Coach
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Entrance fees to all churches, museums and activities per itinerary
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Daily Holy Mass with Msgr Pat in beautiful churches
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Guided tours that include Thessaloniki, Philippi, Athens, Ephesus, Patmos, Rhodes and Corinth
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Personal whisper sets
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Tips for tour escort and guides
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4 Night Iconic Aegean Summer Cruise on the Celestyal Discovery
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Select drinks included with meals
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Entertainment and daily activities on board
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* meals available onboard ship, but daily activities may warrant dining at personal expense onshore.