Tour 161

Greece Pilgrimage

In the Footsteps of St. Paul with Greek Isles Cruise!

11 days

Tour 161

Greece Pilgrimage

In the Footsteps of St. Paul with Greek Isles Cruise!

11 days

Thessaloniki · Philippi · Kavala · Kalambaka · Meteora · Delphi · Athens · Corinth · Cruise (Celestyal Cruises) · Mykonos · Kusadasi · Ephesus (Mary's House) · Patmos · Heraklion · Santorini

Thessaloniki · Philippi · Kavala · Kalambaka · Meteora · Delphi · Athens · Corinth · Cruise (Celestyal Cruises) · Mykonos · Kusadasi · Ephesus (Mary's House) · Patmos · Heraklion · Santorini

For eleven days you will follow the footsteps of St. Paul and experience beautiful sites throughout Greece. Visit Philippi where Paul the Apostle delivered his first sermon and established the first Church in Europe, Mars Hill in Athens where he spoke to the Athenians, Corinth and the site of St. Paul’s trials by Gallio, and more! You will even visit the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus in Turkey where she lived until her Assumption according to Catholic Doctrine. A popular Pilgrimage site, this Shrine has even received several papal visits and blessings. On your 3-day cruise you will discover the captivating and beautiful Greek Islands like Mykonos, Crete, and Santorini.

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Your trip includes

Centrally located hotels or similar
The Met Hotel
Thessaloniki, Greece
Amalia Hotel Kalambaka
Kalambaka, Greece
Amalia Hotel Delphi
Delphi, Greece
Athens Marriott Hotel
Athens, Greece
Celestyal Cruises Cruise Lines (outside cabin with picture window)
Athens, Greece
Group Size

Group Size may vary between 18 to maximum 33, always
accompanied by a Catholic Priest and Tour Guide throughout.

Not Included
  • Lunches on day 2 - 7, Meals not mentioned, Tips to your guide and driver
Optional
Travel Protection

Providing you coverage for situations that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.

Cancel For Any Reason Waiver

A Cancellation Waiver – allowing you to cancel your trip and receive a refund anytime – up until 48 hours prior to departure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart for Greece

Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Onboard, meals will be served to you.

Day 2: Arrive in Thessaloniki

Upon landing at Makedonia Thessaloniki Airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/-or driver. Board the bus to transfer to your hotel. Enjoy some time to relax after check-in. After a delicious meal, overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 3: Philippi - Kavala - Thessaloniki

After breakfast, start your journey in Greece with the first stop of the day in Philippi. Philippi was the city where Saint Paul the Apostle delivered his first sermon and, he established the 1st church in Europe. “And from there (He went) to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman Colony. We remained in this city some days”. (Acts 16:12-18). It is also the site where Saint Paul baptized a woman named Lydia, the first convert to Christianity in Europe. Visit the Roman Forum, where Saint Paul cast a spirit out of a fortune-telling woman. View the prison (now in ruins) where Saint Paul and Silas were thrown into by the owners of the fortune-tellers. Continue to the modern port city of Kavala, which was once the ancient Neapolis. This port is where Saint Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy landed when they sailed into Europe.Close to the port we can view a beautiful mosaic depicting St. Paul (the Call to Macedonia) and the arrival of the Apostle In town.Remains of ancient columns mark where St Paul tide his boat escorted by Silas.The mosaic can be seen at St. Nicholas church by the port This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala.

After enjoying this city by the sea, return to Thessaloniki for a delicious meal and restful overnight.

Day 4: Thessaloniki City Tour – Veria - Kalambaka

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. In the winter of 49-50 A.D., Saint Paul wrote two epistles to the Thessalonians. These letters urged Christians to “live blamelessly” and to refrain from living idly while they wait for the second coming of Christ. While in Thessaloniki, you will witness several ancient artifacts, such as the triumphal Arch of Galerius found at the start of Via Egnatia. Due to the convenient location, this arch was once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire and constructed to honor the Roman Emperor Galerius following the Roman victory over the Persians.  We also see St. Demetrios Church with its valuable mosaics and frescoes and from here we walk to view  the Roman Agora, a place St Paul was preaching. Then drive to the upper town which offers a marvelous view of the city. We drive through the modern church of St Paul and reach the site where the Monastery of Vlatadon was built and is believed to be the location where Jason’s house once stood and where St Paul was accommodated during his visit to Thessaloniki.  Following the city-tour we drive to VERIA (Berea). According to historical resources, Paul the Apostle had visited Veria at least twice between 50 AD and 57 AD in order to teach the life of Jesus to the people of the region. The Apostle of the Nations was warmly welcomed since his first visit and his preaching had a great impact on the Verians and the Jews.
Paul’s the Apostle passage through Veria and the impact of his preaching, reveal the significance of the town at the first steps of Christianity and the important role that the town played for the spreading and establishment the Christian faith in Greece. In the modern city stands a “Triptych monument” in remembrance of St Paul’s work. The monument includes three steps that were removed from a salvage dig at a nearby school property. The steps were reputed to have been from the location of the ancient synagogue. The display is made of colorful mosaic tile and displays three panels: the Macedonian man vision St Paul, and the address to the Bereans.

We continue   to Kalambaka. This evening, you will have a wonderful meal and a relaxing overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 5: Meteora - Delphi

After breakfast, board the motorcoach for a short drive to the Meteora Monasteries. In the eleventh century, some monks settled within caves. However, as the Turkish occupation increased, the monks were forced to move their settlements higher upon the rocks until they were unreachable by any opposing enemy. These settlements became Monasteries by bringing building and lifting materials by ladders and baskets. Notorious for preserving the Hellenic religion as well as their academics and arts. During your visit, you will be able to view stunning Byzantine art, as well as the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the monastery. Continue to Delphi for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Delphi - Athens

Today, visit the center of the ancient world (navel) of the earth, Delphi. Its prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. We visit the religious center of the ancient Greeks, of the so-called “Gentiles”, we learn more about their religion and how “extremely religious in every way” they used to be (Acts 17, 22) and we finally realize how difficult was the task of St Paul to christianize them. In the museum, among other impressive artifacts, we see the “Gallio inscription” which is a precise chronological anchor for the Book of Acts, which places Apostle Paul in Corinth in 51 AD and helps to determine a timeline for Paul and his travels.Visit the site and the museum and continue to Athens “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found, also, an altar with this inscription “to an unknown God”. What, therefore, you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you” Athens is one of the most glorious cities in the world and the cradle of western civilization as we know it today. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Athens.

Day 7: Athens - Excursion to Corinth

After breakfast at the hotel, start with a tour of the oldest city in the world, Athens! Visit the rock that has dominated the panorama of Athens for twenty-five centuries, the Acropolis. At the Acropolis, you will see the ruins of the Parthenon, Erectheum, and Propylene. After, you will ascend Mars Hill of where Saint Paul spoke to the Athenians about the one and only God (Acts 17:22). While in this city, view the ancient Agora, the former public center of Athenian life. It held the focus of a political, commercial, social, religious, and cultural center. As you are in the former political center, proceed with a drive through the city to view the House of Parliament on Syntagma Square. Also, have the opportunity to view the University of Athens, the oldest higher education institute in Greece and, the National Library of Greece that holds 4,500 Greek manuscripts. Visit Panathenaic Stadium, the beautifully marbled multi-purpose stadium. It is home to the Olympian Zeus and the site of the first modern-era Olympics (1896). Following your visit to Athens, you will proceed to ancient Corinth. Under the shadow of the towering Acropolis, Saint Paul lived in Corinth for two years. While here, Saint Paul felt great grief over what the Gentile Church in Corinth has become. As a result, he wrote four letters, all with the overarching theme of love. In Corinth, have the opportunity to view the remains of the first century shops, the site of the Saint Pauls trial by Gallio, the Fountain of Peirene, and the Temple of Apollo. Following your visit to Corinth, return to Athens for a delicious meal and overnight.

Day 8: Athens - Start 3-day Cruise (Celestyal Cruises) to Mykonos

Following breakfast, proceed to the Piraeus port, where you will board your 3-day cruise. Your first stop will be the Island of Mykonos, the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands that attract visitors from all over the world. After docking, transfer to Hora, the capital of the island. Enjoy a walking tour that will take you on the narrow cobbled streets of the city. Pass by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs, and white-washed houses to arrive in Alefkandra. This part of Mykonos, known as the “Venice of Mykonos”, as homes have wooden balconies and are built on the sea. Historically, these homes were of the wealthy merchants and captains. Return to the cruise ship for dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Kusadasi - Ephesus (Mary's House) - Patmos

Enjoy breakfast on board in the lively Turkish port of Kusadasi. We then transfer to the small village of Mt. Koressos. Visit the stone chapel situated upon the site, where the Virgin Mary spent her last days following the crucifixion of Christ. Following this visit, walk through the Magnesian Gate to the ancient Ephesus. Enjoy a walking tour that will take you through the most magnificent excavations in the world. Some of the sites include the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the Scholastica, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus. The last stop on the walking tour is the Great Theatre. The largest ancient theatre with a capacity of 25,000 people and is a site where Saint Paul preached. Follow the exact route that Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession via the Arcadian Way. This main street runs from the Great Theatre to the city harbor. Upon arrival in Kusadasi, enjoy free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship. The cruise journey continues to Patmos, where you will transfer to the village of Chora. While in this capital, visit the monastery of Saint John the Theologian. This marvelous structure, built nine-hundred years ago, continues to be supported by the walls of a strong fortification. In addition to the stunning main church that contains outstanding frescoes, you will have the opportunity to view the beautiful courtyard, dining room, and bakery. Visit the small museum, where you will view priceless ecclesiastical treasures such as books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, textiles, vestments, and jewelry. Board the bus and transfer to the monastery. Visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse believed to mark the spot where John of Patmos received his visions that he recorded in the Book of Revelation. The silver niches in the wall mark the pillow and ledge were used as a desk by the author. View the three-fold crack made by the voice of God, who emphasized the importance of honoring the Holy Trinity. Your day will culminate with a transfer to the port of Scala. While in this quaint and picturesque harbor, enjoy free time before returning to the ship.

Day 10: Heraklion - Santorini

This morning awaken and transfer to the largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion. While in this administrative capital, visit the in 1899 discovered ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos. The palace is currently partially reconstructed and believed to have been the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. Here is where Saint Paul met the owner/-and captain of the ship and was warned by him of continuing his journey to spread Christianity in Rome. Following this historical visit, embark by ship to the idyllic island of Santorini. Santorini is definitively the most breathtaking island of all of the Greek Islands. Upon arrival in Santorini, visit Thira with its iconic white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes, and glittering boutiques that cling to cliffs. This evening enjoy your last dinner and overnight on the cruise ship.

Day 11: Return Home

Today marks the end of your cruise. Following disembarkation, you will say your heartfelt farewells to a journey that will last in your memory forever. Transfer to the Athens airport for your return flight(s) home.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.

 

Why buy “With Airfare” from 206 Tours

If you do not buy Airfare from 206 Tours

3 Day Cruises (Iconic Aegean)
“4 Greek Islands & Turkey”
Day Ports Arival Departure
Friday ATHENS (PIRAEUS), Greece 11:00
MYKONOS, Greece 18:00 23:00
Saturday KUSADASI (Ephesus), Turkey 07:00 12:00
PATMOS, Greece 16:00 21:00
Sunday CRETE (HERAKLION), Greece 07:00 11:30
SANTORINI, Greece 16:30 21:00
Monday ATHENS (PIRAEUS), Greece 06:00

*If continuing on your own please keep in mind disembarkation of the cruise ship is between 7-9 am – we recommend to book a flight / ferry after 12 noon

Special Clergy Discount

A Clergy Discount is available to all members of “Clergy” within the Catholic Church. This includes Seminarians, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters, Priests, Monsignors, Bishops, Cardinals, and His Holiness.

Click Here to learn more!

Earn a Free Trip

For groups of 20 or more, you may choose your own departure and earn FREE trips.

Ccontact us

Book your trip now

$ 400.00 Deposit is due at the time of Registration

Would you like to arrive earlier or stay later?

Let us know at the time of registration if you would like to arrive earlier, or stay later, than the scheduled tour dates, and pending availability, we will change your airline reservations accordingly, additional fees may apply. Pre- and/or post-stays at the hotel will cost an additional fee. These options should be available to you when registering online, or simply contact us: sales@206tours.com

About your trip

About Greece and Saint Paul

The important role that Greece has played in history is widely known; philosophy, the arts, medicine, democracy. But there is also a great page in the history of Christianity: early days of Christianity and the ministry of the Apostle Paul! This amazing man, moved by the Holy Spirit preached “good news” to Jews and Gentiles. Traveling along the major trade routes of the Roman empire and visiting large thriving communities of Asia Minor and Greece his mission was accomplished; Christianity became the biggest religion in the world. Our tours are not just tours; they are an inspiring journey to the actual places where the Apostle Paul lived and preached God’s word. Travel with our bible-oriented guides down timeless roads; take time to pray and rejoice in the ancient biblical sites; visit thousand-year-old Churches and temples; and encounter a unique spiritual experience that will help you to better understand “The Steps of Paul” selecting bible-oriented guides, incorporating lectures and providing printed material, for people to achieve a deeper understanding of the Apostle Paul and his work.

Upgrade to cabin with Balcony
“On a request basis; prices starting at:”

$390 per person in double occupancy
$1,130 per person in Single occupancy

Options and upgrades

Upgrade to cabin with Balcony
“On a request basis; prices starting at:”

$390 per person in double occupancy
$1,130 per person in Single occupancy

3 Day Cruises (Iconic Aegean)
“4 Greek Islands & Turkey”
Day Ports Arival Departure
Friday ATHENS (PIRAEUS), Greece 11:00
MYKONOS, Greece 18:00 23:00
Saturday KUSADASI (Ephesus), Turkey 07:00 12:00
PATMOS, Greece 16:00 21:00
Sunday CRETE (HERAKLION), Greece 07:00 11:30
SANTORINI, Greece 16:30 21:00
Monday ATHENS (PIRAEUS), Greece 06:00

*If continuing on your own please keep in mind disembarkation of the cruise ship is between 7-9 am – we recommend to book a flight / ferry after 12 noon

Special Clergy Discount

A Clergy Discount is available to all members of “Clergy” within the Catholic Church. This includes Seminarians, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters, Priests, Monsignors, Bishops, Cardinals, and His Holiness.

Click Here to learn more!

Earn a Free Trip

For groups of 20 or more, you may choose your own departure and earn FREE trips.

Ccontact us

Would you like to arrive earlier or stay later?

Let us know at the time of registration if you would like to arrive earlier, or stay later, than the scheduled tour dates, and pending availability, we will change your airline reservations accordingly, additional fees may apply. Pre- and/or post-stays at the hotel will cost an additional fee. These options should be available to you when registering online, or simply contact us: sales@206tours.com

About your trip

About Greece and Saint Paul

The important role that Greece has played in history is widely known; philosophy, the arts, medicine, democracy. But there is also a great page in the history of Christianity: early days of Christianity and the ministry of the Apostle Paul! This amazing man, moved by the Holy Spirit preached “good news” to Jews and Gentiles. Traveling along the major trade routes of the Roman empire and visiting large thriving communities of Asia Minor and Greece his mission was accomplished; Christianity became the biggest religion in the world. Our tours are not just tours; they are an inspiring journey to the actual places where the Apostle Paul lived and preached God’s word. Travel with our bible-oriented guides down timeless roads; take time to pray and rejoice in the ancient biblical sites; visit thousand-year-old Churches and temples; and encounter a unique spiritual experience that will help you to better understand “The Steps of Paul” selecting bible-oriented guides, incorporating lectures and providing printed material, for people to achieve a deeper understanding of the Apostle Paul and his work.

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know before you go to Greece

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