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In the Footsteps of St. Paul: Greece & Turkey
Follow in the footsteps of St. Paul himself and embark on a transformative pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey!
Explore the vibrant cities of Athens and Corinth, where St. Paul wrote some of his most powerful letters that continue to inspire and guide us today. Cruise to the enchanting city of Ephesus in Turkey, where tradition holds that the Blessed Virgin Mary spent her last days on earth. Step onto the sacred grounds of Patmos, where the Apostle John wrote the book of Revelations, and walk in the very footsteps of St. Paul and his disciples as they traveled to Greece to share the Good News!
This pilgrimage offers not only a spiritual journey but also a chance to experience the stunning natural beauty and ancient architecture of Greece and Turkey. From majestic scenery to historic sites, this pilgrimage promises to be a life-changing experience for every traveler.
Don't miss this chance to walk the path of St. Paul and immerse yourself in the richness of our faith and history!
Interested in the Footsteps of St. Paul Pilgrimage? Speak with an agent now.
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Sample Itinerary -
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View of the Acropolis in Athens
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Day 1: Departure
Depart the USA to Athens, Greece from your local airport. Enjoy a full meal and inflight entertainment (movies, music, etc.) on your overnight flight.
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Streets of Monastiraki
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Day 2: Arrival
Arrive at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens, where you will be greeted by our local Trinity Tour Travels guide and driver who will escort you to Athens. Begin your pilgrimage by a half day of touring one of the oldest named cities in the world, Athens. Driving to Panathenaic Stadium pass by the Prime Minister’s Residence, ex Royal Palace and Zappion Hall.
We begin with a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first Olympic Games in 1896. This historic stadium was rebuilt on the excavation site of the stadium built by Herodes Atticus around 144AD. It is the only stadium in the world built entirely from marble and remains the point from where the Olympic Flame handover ceremony to the host nation takes place.
Then, passing by Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, the panoramic drive continues around Syntagma Square, National Garden, St. Paul’s church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House, Catholic Cathedral, Academy, University, Russia Orthodox Church and National Library. We then wander around Plaka, the Old Town of Athens.
A stroll through the colorful flea market follows in Monastiraki, the heart of Athens. Just after, proceed to the hotel in Athens for check-in, dinner and overnight.
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Parthenon
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Day 3: Athens
Following breakfast at the hotel, we conclude visits of Athens, by visiting the Acropolis with its Parthenon, and the Mars Hill or “The Areopagus”, where St. Paul preached against the idolatry of the Greeks (Acts 17: 16-34). Continue with a pleasant short walk passing by (not visiting) Herodion (The Odeon of Herodes) and Dionysus Theatre, in order to visit the Acropolis Museum. Main attractions such as votines, artefacts of everyday life, statues from archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you.
A stroll through the colorful flea market in Monastiraki, the heart of Athens. Free time this afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Athens.
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Ancient Corinth
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Day 4: Athens | Corinth
Following breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Corinth, one of the most historic cities in the world. St. Paul lived and preached here between 51 and 52 AD. Tradition maintains that he loved Corinth more than any other city in the pagan world. Two of his epistles are named in honor of this beloved city. We visit the Corinth Canal for its awe-inspiring and breathtaking views and then on to Ancient Corinth. It is here where St. Paul wrote his letters. We see the Bema of St. Paul, a large, elevated rostrum at the center of the Roman Forum. The Bema is where St. Paul was accused of false teachings and where his trial took place. We visit the Corinth Market before returning to Athens in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Athens.
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Mykonos
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Day 5: Athens | Aegean Cruise of Greek Islands
After our last breakfast in Athens, we drive to the charming Port of Lavrio to embark on a 4-day, 3-night cruise of Greek islands. We board the Celestyal Olympia, with its relaxing lounges and authentic Greek cuisine, to arrive in Mykonos this afternoon. With its magnificent golden beaches, delightful windmills, winding marble streets and pristine white houses with colorful domes, this picturesque town houses historical treasures and a joyful, vibrant culture! Winding through the narrow, labyrinthine streets of Mykonos Town, we see the iconic Church of Panagia Paraportiani. This whitewashed architectural marvel is one of the numerous churches and chapels to be visited. Each is adorned with religious icons and amazing frescoes. We visit the charming area of Mykonos Little Venice with its colorful, idyllic Venetian houses and remarkable sunsets against the backdrop of the azure Aegean Sea! Dinner and overnight onboard. Departure to Kusadasi.
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Patmos Island
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Day 6: Aegean Sea | Kusadasi | Ephesus | Patmos
Breakfast onboard as we arrive at the beach resort town of Kusadasi, Turkey. On Turkey’s central Aegean Sea coast, Kusadasi serves as the gateway for our next destination, the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. The first Christian community in Ephesus was established by the beloved apostle, John, and was developed by St. Paul. St. Paul stayed in Ephesus for over three years, where he wrote extensively, including his letter to the Corinthians while in captivity. Well known as the final resting place of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ephesus is also home to the Basilica of St. John, which honors the beloved apostle of Jesus, who was charged with Our Lady’s care. We visit the humble home of the mother of God, which is nestled amidst tranquil, green hills of the Bulbul Mountains and have personal time for prayer and reflection. We return onboard to journey to the sacred and serene island of Patmos, where the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelations. We tour the Grotto of St. John, built around the cave where he wrote and lived in isolation for two years (95-97 AD), and see the stone, which is said to have been used as his pillow. Following this very memorable day, we return to the port. Dinner and overnight onboard. Departure to Heraklion.
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Santorini
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Day 7: Aegean Sea | Crete | Santorini | Lavrio
Breakfast onboard and on to Heraklion, on the beautiful and largest of the Greek islands, Crete. We visit the Koules Fortress, built in the early 16th century at the entrance of the old port of Heraklion, and the Venetian Loggia, an eye-catching edifice built in 1620 that still serves as the Town Hall of Heraklion today. A visit to the grand and stunning Cathedral of St. Agios Minas (patron saint of the city), the Basilica of St. Mark, and the medieval monastery of St. Catherine before we visit the city of Knossos, the place known for the very first civilization in Europe, the Minoans. It is presumed to be the oldest city in all of Europe. We conclude our day on the unforgettable island of Crete and reboard the ship to the majestic island of Santorini. Renowned for its breathtaking, dramatic, and rocky landscapes, cliff-side whitewashed houses with blue roofs, and unforgettable sunsets, this caldera offers some of the most enthralling views in the world. A huge volcanic eruption in the 17th century shaped this unique crater (caldera), now known as the island of Santorini, and is well known for its red and black volcanic beaches and enchanting people! We visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Church of Panagia Episkopi prior to boarding the ship. Dinner and overnight onboard. Return to Lavrio.
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Monasteries in the distance of Meteora
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Day 8: Aegean Sea | Lavrio | Kalambaka
Following our last breakfast onboard, we disembark in Lavrio and head to the town of Kalambaka in Thessaly, on the northern side of Greece. The most fascinating characteristic of this modern settlement is the Meteora rocks that form a spectacular precipice on the northern part of the skyline. Kalambaka is renowned for its monasteries which are perched precariously on the cliffs of these towering rock formations. These ancient Monasteries of Meteora create an “otherworldly” atmosphere, to say the least! A visit to the monasteries as time permits prior to check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Kalambaka.
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Thessaloniki
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Day 9: Kalambaka | Thessaloniki
Breakfast at the hotel prior to visiting one or more of the Meteora Monasteries. We then depart to Thessaloniki, the co-capital of Greece. We stop along the way and visit Berea (Veria) in Macedonia (northern Greece), where St. Paul fled from Thessaloniki (Acts 17:10) and taught there in the synagogue. He found here many who were eager to receive the Gospel to compare it with Hebrew scriptures. It is also here that St. Luke notes (Acts 17:12) that many believed and “honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few, came to Jesus.” St. Paul was made to flee Berea to Athens but left Silas and Timothy to care for the believers here. We visit the “Triptych Monument,” which is reputed to be ruins of the ancient synagogue where St. Paul taught. We see a magnificent display made of colorful mosaic tiles, which depicts the teachings of St. Paul. We continue by bus to tour Thessaloniki, including the Basilica of St. Demetrius (patron saint) and the Church of St. Sophia, dating back to the 7th century. Check-in, dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
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Kavala
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Day 10: Thessaloniki | Lydia Springs, Philippi | Kavala
Breakfast at the hotel and a full day ahead! We first travel to Lydia Springs, Philippi. Accompanied by Silas, Timothy and possibly Luke, it is believed that St. Paul first preached on European soil in Philippi in 49 or 50 AD. We visit the site where Lydia (dealer of expensive purple cloth) converted to Christianity and see the ruins of a small church or prayer house known as the Basilica of St. Paul, as it was identified by a mosaic inscription on the pavement dated around 343. We visit a crypt from the Roman Empire, which is believed to have served as a prison for St. Paul. Rich in scriptural history in accordance with the Acts of the Apostles, Philippi is home to an abundant spiritual treasure of our faith. We travel to the beautiful seaport of Kavala. Renamed Christoupolis (“City of Christ”) in the Middle Ages, it was the first city in Europe to accept Christianity. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thessaloniki.
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Athens
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Day 11: Departure
Following breakfast and check-out at the hotel, you return to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens for your return flight home to the USA. You take with you memories of the unforgettable walk of St. Paul, servant, preacher of the Gospel, ambassador for Christ … and prisoner for all.
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*Mass will be celebrated each day.
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