DAY 1: ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

Depart today on board your overnight transatlantic jet flight to Athens, arriving the following day. Enjoy a full meal service as well as in-flight entertainment such as movies, music, etc.

DAY 2: ARRIVAL IN ATHENS

After arriving in Athens, you will meet your dedicated pilgrimage director and local guide and transfer to your hotel. This day will be dedicated to leisure and adjusting to the new time zone. Mass, dinner, and overnight in Athens. (D)

DAY 3: ANCIENT CORINTH ~ ATHENS TOUR WITH ACROPOLIS & MARS HILL

After breakfast, we will board our motor coach and make our way to the Ancient Corinth site passing the Corinth Canal. Here the Apostle Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. The mostly Gentile Church he founded here caused him much grief and prompted from him at least four letters. It is from Corinth, also, that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians. On our return, we visit the ruins of Cenchaeae, the harbor from which St. Paul sailed to Ephesus (Acts 18:18). Continue to Athens. We will visit the Acropolis, the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens. Afterwards, we will ascend Mars Hill where St. Paul spoke to the ancient Athenians about the one and only God. “From here we have an excellent view of the ancient agora; former center of the Athenian public life. Drive to the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square. See views of government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, and National Library. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

DAY 4: TOUR OF DELPHI ~ DRIVE TO KALAMBAKA

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, we load the bus and drive northbound through the picturesque village of Arachova where we will later reach Delphi. Delphi is considered the navel (omphalos) of the ancient world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pithios. Visit the site and the museum where we can see, among other archaeological treasures, the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer. Free time for lunch and continue to Kalambaka. Check-in at hotel, dinner and overnight. (B, D)

DAY 5: METEORA ~ BEROEA ~ TOUR OF THESSALONIKI

Today we will marvel at Meteora, the supernatural mix of natural landscape and human-made constructions. Meteora is not only a unique witness of monastic life and art in Greece, but also an incredible place to mesmerize at amazing views, green valleys and steep rock formations that will leave you breathless. Continue to Beroea to visit St. Paul’s Bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the “more noble” church. Free time for lunch and drive to Thessaloniki. St. Paul preached in the city and wrote two epistles to the Ancient Thessalonians. Visit the old city ramparts, the Forum, St. George’s church, the ancient Roman monument which transformed into a church and Galerius Arch which rises over the famous via Egnatia. We will also see the beautiful Basilicas of martyred Christian and former distinguished member of the Roman army, St. Demetrius as well as St. Sophia. While in Thessaloniki, Check-in at hotel, dinner and overnight. (B, D)

DAY 6: PHILIPPI ~ KAVALA

After breakfast, we leave Thessaloniki to visit Philippi where St. Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity. Here Paul baptized a “certain woman named Lydia” the first Christian convert in Europe. During our time in Philippi, Lastly, we will visit the Roman forum, completely excavated, which is from after Paul’s time. Among the ruins, located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road, is the prison where Paul and Silas were thrown. Continue into the modern port city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where St. Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke, and Timothy, first set foot in Europe. Free time for lunch and a walk on the beautiful seaside promenade of the city before returning back to Thessaloniki for dinner & overnight. (B, D)

DAY 7: DRIVE TO ATHENS THROUGH THERMOPYLAE

After breakfast drive southbound to Athens. On the way we will stop at Thermopylae where Leonidas, the 300 Spartans, and 800 more Greeks defended their land in 480 BC. Continue to Athens for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

DAY 8: EMBARK ON AEGEAN CRUISE ~ MYKONOS

Awaken refreshed this morning and ready to begin your 3-night cruise around the Greek Isles and Turkey. Head first to mountainous Mykonos with its iconic windmills and brilliant whitewashed houses. Wander through the narrow winding streets, do a little shopping, or sit in a café to people-watch. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: DAY 2 OF CRUISE: EPHESUS ~ PATMOS

Visit the Turkish port of Kusadasi for an included excursion to the Ephesus Archaeological site, the former capital of the Roman province of Asia. Walk in the footsteps of Paul, who lived and preached here, and meditate on what life must have been like for the early Ephesian Christians in this pagan society. Also, see the House of Mary, where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her last days. Continue your cruise to the island of Patmos, the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” where you can join an excursion to see the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse. Here, John the Evangelist received the visions that he recorded in the Book of the Revelation during his exile. While on Patmos. (B, D)

DAY 10: DAY 3 OF CRUISE: CRETE ~ SANTORINI

The first port of call today is Heraklion, Crete. Enjoy an excursion to nearby KNOSSOS, the center of the 3000 BC Minoan civilization and historic site of mythology’s tales about the Minotaur and the labyrinth. Afternoon call (weather permitting) at Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” An optional excursion (not included), that will take you to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world’s most glorious panoramic views, is available. In the early evening, we board the ship for the return trip to Athens. (B, D)

DAY 11: A FREE DAY IN ATHENS

Upon our return to Athens, we disembark the cruise ship and transfer to our hotel. Free day at leisure to relax, shop, dine, and explore the city of Athens. Dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

DAY 12: OUR JOURNEY HOME

After an early breakfast and whole-hearted farewells, you will transfer to the Athens airport for your return flight(s) home. (B)