mon - fri 9am - 5pm EST

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Your Trip Includes:
† Round Trip Airfare from New Zealand
† Flights:
      One way from Athens to Dubrovnik
      One way from Split to Rome

† 21 nights accommodations at 3 & 4-star hotels:
      Sep 22-24  |  2 nights: Grand Gulsoy, Istanbul, Turkey
      Sep 24-26  |  2 nights: Buyuk Truva, Canakkale, Turkey
      Sep 26-27  |  1 night: Lucy Hotel, Kavala, Turkey
      Sep 27-28  |  1 night: Capsis Hotel, Thessaloniki, Greece
      Sep 28-29  |  1 night: Amalia Hotel, Kalambaka, Greece
      Sep 29-30  |  1 night: Amalia Hotel, Delphi, Greece
      Sep 30-Oct 4  |  4 night cruise: Cruise Celestyal Cruises, Outside cabins
      Oct 04-06  |  2 nights: Titania Hotel, Athens, Greece
      Oct 06-11  |  5 nights: Pansion Sulic, Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina
      Oct 11-13  |  2 nights: Casa per Ferie Cappuccini Religious House, Rome, Italy

† Transfers as per itinerary
† Breakfast & dinner Daily (all meals included while on the cruise)
† Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
† Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
† Assistance of a professional guide(s) throughout
† Arrangements for Mass daily & spiritual activities
† Cruise Port Taxes and Fees
† Cruise Excursions:
      September 30: Mykonos shuttle bus
      October  01:  Ancient Ephesus plus House of Virgin Mary
      October  01:  Patmos/Monastery & Grotto
      October  02:  Old city of Rhodes and Philerimos
      October  03:  Heraklion/Knossos
      October  03:  Santorini and Oia
† Luggage handling (1 piece per person)

Not Included:
Lunches (except while on cruise), Drinks with dinners, Tips to your guide & driver, Tour escort in Rome.

Day 1 | Sunday September 22, 2013: Arrive Istanbul
Upon arrival you will be introduced to your guide and driver. Afternoon is at leisure before dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 | Monday September 23, 2013: Istanbul
The day starts with a walk across the Byzantine Hippodrome where chariot-races were held. Then we visit the famous Blue Mosque, the Imperial Church of Byzantine Emperors, with its priceless colored tiles and the 1500 year old St. Sophia. In the afternoon visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace to view its famous museums and pleasure gardens. End the day wandering round the covered Grand Bazaar, the largest in the world (with some 4,000 shops), before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 | Tuesday Sepember 24, 2013: Istanbul – Canakkale (Gallipoli)
After breakfast we depart Istanbul and travel west across "Trace," the European portion of Turkey. As we travel, the Sea of Marmara with thousands of summer homes will provide the scenery. Stop at the ANZAC cove on the Gallipoli peninsula, which was the landing site of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps on April 25, 1915 during World War I. If time allows, visit the Museum of Gallipoli; our bus will board a ferry for the scenic crossing of the Dardanelles to our lodging this evening in picturesque Çanakkale. Dinner is at the hotel.

Day 4 | Wednesday September 25, 2013: Canakkale (Gallipoli)
After breakfast visit the ancient city of Troy, with 4000 year old history recalling the epic struggle of the Iliad. Continue to Alexandria Troas, once a city with tall buildings and a major port on the Aegean. The city was visited twice by Paul on his second journey. Paul had wanted to go to north into Bithynia, but instead he and his companion Timothy were deflected to the Aegean coast. In the night, a Macedonian appeared to Paul calling him to cross the Aegean to Neapolis and Philippi; this is noted as the inspiration and beginning of the spread of Christianity into Europe. Our last visit of the day is to Assos where you can see Temple of Athena, marketplace, city walls dating from the time of Hermias, and Aristotle. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 | Thursday September 26, 2013: Canakkale - Kavala
Today we will cross border in Ispala and continue to Kavala, Greece for time at leisure before dinner and overnight.

Day 6 | Friday September 27, 2013: Kavala - Phillippi - Thessaloniki
Today we visit Philippi where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity. "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). Here Paul baptized a woman named Lydia, who became the first Christian convert in Europe. The Roman forum, completely excavated, 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 Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke, and Timothy first set foot in Europe. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 7 | Saturday September 28, 2013: Thessaloniki – Kalambaka - Meteora
Paul preached in Thessaloniki during the winters of 49-50 AD and wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. Today we enjoy a city tour to see the ramparts of the city, the triumphal Arch of Galerius starting at the Via Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire. In the afternoon depart for Kalambaka, Meteora Monasteries to enjoy dinner and overnight.

Day 8 | Sunday September 29, 2013: Kalambaka - Delphi
After breakfast we will visit Delphi, the center of the ancient world (navel) of the earth, whose 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 Phthios. Visit the site and the museum before dinner and overnight in Delphi.

Day 9 | Monday September 30, 2013: Delphi - Athens - Board Cruise Ship to Mykonos (cruise)
In the morning we depart from Delphi to travel to Athens where we embark on our cruise, where the first port-of-call is Mykonos. Mykonos is the most cosmopolitan of all Greek islands and attracts many visitors from around the globe. You will go to Hora, the island's capital, where you'll enjoy a walking tour in the narrow cobbled streets of the town, passing by boutiques, elegant nightclubs, and white washed houses until reaching Alefkandra. Alefkandra is a charming corner of Hora known also as the "Venice" of Mykonos. The houses were built starting in the mid-18th century on the sea with wooden balconies and were homes to wealthy merchants and captains. At one of the famous restaurants of Alefkandra you'll enjoy the sunset while drinking refreshments accompanied by Greek meze. Return to Mykonos Town (Hora) from where you'll take the ship's shuttle back to the port to meet the ship.

Day 10 | Tuesday October 1, 2013: Kusadasi - Ephesus - Patmos (cruise)
We begin our day at Kusadasi, a lively Turkish port, and drive through the colorful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley, it is here where you visit the humble Chapel on the site of the house where The Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. The site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for pilgrimage. Continue to Ancient Ephesus and walk through the Magnesian Gate, entrance to the ancient city. Walk through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre where St. Paul preached, which is the largest theatre in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 people. Return to your motor coach along the Arcadian Way where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John that was erected over his grave in the 6th-century by the Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi.

Our journey continues to Patmos and the village of Chora where the monastery of St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you walk uphill towards the entrance of the monastery, marvel at this magnificent structure built 900 years ago. View the courtyard, the monk's dining room, and the old bakery before you visit the main Church, noting its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, see the priceless ecclesiastical treasures housed in the beautiful but small museum- books and manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval textiles, vestments, and jewelry. Return to your motor coach to continue to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse where above stands the Monastery of the Apocalypse, a sub-unit of the main monastery. Here you will see the silver niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the Revelation as well as the three-fold crack made by the voice of God emphasizing the honor of the Holy Trinity. Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque harbor.

Day 11 | Wednesday October 2, 2013: Rhodes (cruise)
The Acropolis of ancient Rhodes used to be an important educational and recreational centre for the island; it stands proudly on the hill of St. Stephanos, also called Monte Smith. We wander through the ruins of the Hellenistic Temple of Apollo with its amazing columns and see, further below, the restored Ancient Stadium of Diagoras that once hosted games in honor of the sun god Helios. At the top of the hill, the feature of prominence is the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes. Witnesses of a bygone grandeur are the columns of the Temple of Pythian Apollo, the fragments of the Temple of Athena Polias, and the Temple of Zeus. Our next destination is the hill of Philerimos above the homonymous bay, once “hosted” ancient Ialyssos, one of the three Rhodian cities that participated in the Trojan War. Stone steps surrounded by cypresses lead to the Gothic Monastery of Our Lady of Philerimos, dedicated to the Virgin Mary (the Life Giving Source). Visit the Byzantine Church of St. George Hostos with rare frescoes from the 14th and 15th-century. Here also resides the “Golgotha,” a path of 12 copper reliefs that depict the Passion of Christ. The group will then return to the city of Rhodes where to stroll through the Street of the Knights, all the way up to the Palace of the Grand Master. Castello, a true masterpiece of architecture, today functions as a Byzantine Museum with significant exhibits.

Day 12 | Thursday October 3, 2013: Heraklion - Crete – Santorini (cruise)
The ancient city of Knossos, with constant habitation from the Neolithic era until the 5th-century, is beyond doubt the land that “gave birth” to the first civilization of Europe- the Minoans; a fact that renders this Minoan settlement a “rich” destination, both historically and culturally. With your tour guide as a host of the Cretan culture, you will cross the picturesque city of Heraklion towards the Kephala Hill, where the principal seat of the Minoan civilization stood for centuries. The first excavations began in 1878 by the Heraklian Minos Kalokairinos. In the 1900s, the excavations by the British Sir Arthur Evans were to complete the scientific research, bringing to light the Minoan palace in its entirety that was, according to tradition, the residence of the wise King Minos. Return to our ship for lunch as we cruise to Santorini. The idyllic island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all Greek islands. In the town of Thira, white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs, accessible by cable-car or mule. Return back to the ship for overnight.

Day 13 | Friday October 4, 2013: Piraeus (Athens Port) - Athens City Tour
“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…” (Acts 17:23). After breakfast we visit the Acropolis to see the ruins of the Parthenon, Erectheum, and Propylae. Afterwards, we ascend Mars Hill where 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. We continue through the city to see the House of Parliament on Syntagma Square, the evzones in their picturesque uniforms guarding the Presidential Palace, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also see the Library, the University, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympics of the modern era were held, the temple of the Olympian Zeus, and Adrian’s Arch. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Athens.

Day 14 | Saturday October 5, 2013: Athens - Excursion to Corinth
After breakfast we will enjoy a tour to Ancient Corinth. Under the shadow of the towering Acropolis, it was here that St. Paul preached and lived for two years. The vigorous and mostly Gentile Church he founded here in 50 A.D. caused him much grief and prompted him to write at least four letters to them. Visit the ruins of the ancient city where Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. See the remains of the first century shops, the Agora where Paul's trial by Gallio took place, the Fountain of Peirene, Temple of Apollo, and the Bema. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

Day 15 | Sunday October 6, 2013: Athens - Dubrovnik - Medjugorje
Today marks the end of our stay in Greece. Enjoy a relaxing day for personal exploration before our evening flight to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a tour guide/ driver who will then take you on the 2 ½ hour drive by private coach to the village of Medjugorje. Once there, you'll be introduced to your host family in whose modern and comfortable house you will be staying for the next five nights.

Days 15-18 | Monday-Thursday October 7-10, 2013: Medjugorje - Dubrovnik - Medjugorje
Experience the beauty and peace of this simple village. During your stay in Medjugorje you will have the opportunity to share faith with pilgrims from all over the world. Here are some of the activities you'll be sharing with our fellow pilgrims: Each morning at 10:00 am we assemble at St James Church for the English-language Mass (Feast days and Sundays English Mass is at Noon). Follow the path up Apparition Hill where the visionaries first encountered Our Lady. Touch and pray before the cross that commemorates the spot where Mary first appeared to the visionaries. Each evening at 5:00 pm we will join the villagers and pilgrims to pray the rosary. The apparition takes place at 5:40pm and then stay on for Croatian Mass. Don't miss on Tuesdays and Saturdays Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and on Fridays Veneration of the Cross in the Church. Each evening during Croatian Mass, there is the Blessing of the Sick and blessing of the items you have with you. We will have the opportunity to climb Krizevac Mountain, where in 1933 the villagers built a 30' high cross on the anniversary of Jesus' crucifixion. Visit and pray at "Blue Cross", which is a place of great healings and graces- a very special place at the base of Apparition Hill. We will visit the community of Cenacolo. During our stay in Medjugorje we will also enjoy a full day excursion to the Old City of Dubrovnik.

Day 19 | Friday October 11, 2013: Medjugorje - Split - Rome
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Medjugorje before an afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight to Rome. Upon arrival the group will be transferred to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 20 | Saturday October 12, 2013: Free Day in Rome
We will organize a trip to The Abbey of Tre Fontane where St Paul was beheaded and the famous Basilica of St Paul’s outside the Walls housing St Paul’s tomb where we can seek Paul’s intercession for today. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure in Rome for last-minute sightseeing or shopping. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 21 | Sunday October 13, 2013: Vatican City for Papal Blessing - End of Pilgrimage
After breakfast, we will be transferred to Vatican City to experience the Papal Blessing at St. Peter's Basilica. After heartfelt farewells, your pilgrimage will then come to an end; you will be transferred to Rome Airport for your return flights.

Travel Dates Tour   Air & Land   Sept 22 - Oct 13, 2013 Turkey, Greece, Medjugorje & Rome   NZ $8,799             Pilgrimage Upgrades:   Single Supplement / Solo Traveler $1,285

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Pilgriamge Map
Rhodes, Greece
Santorini, Greece
Apparition Hill, Medjugorje
Dubrovnik, Croatia
St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, Italy
St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome, Italy
Michelangelo's Pieta, St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, Italy		The Sistine Chapel, The Vatican, Rome, Italy

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