11Days

Greece Pilgrimage

In the Footsteps of St. Paul with Greek Isle Cruise

Spiritual Director: Fr. Jonathan Bakkelund

Group Leader: Julie Sherwood

April 21 - May 1, 2023

*Optional Post Tour to Malta:  May 1 - 5, 2023 |

JB042123

Greece Pilgrimage

In the Footsteps of St. Paul with Greek Isle Cruise

Spiritual Director:
Fr. Jonathan Bakkelund

Group Leader:
Julie Sherwood

April 21 - May 1, 2023

*Optional Post Tour to Malta:
May 1 - 5, 2023 |

JB042123

Thessaloniki · Phillippi · Kavala · Kalambaka · Delphi · Corinth · Athens · Kusadasi · Ephesus (Mary's House) · Patmos · Heraklion · Santorini

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Thessaloniki · Phillippi · Kavala · Kalambaka · Delphi · Corinth · Athens · 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.

Fr. Jonathan Bakkelund


pilgrimage map
DATES & PRICES
Any Questions?  Contact:
Danielle
Additional information
Terms & Conditions

Your trip includes

  • Round-trip airfare
  • All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Hotel accommodations (or similar) in double occupancy
         ~ 2 nights | April 22 - 24: Hotel Lazart, Thessaloniki
         ~ 2 nights | April 24 - 26: Hotel Amalia, Kalambaka
         ~ 2 night | April 26 - 28: Athens Avenue Hotel, Athens
         ~ 3 nights | April 28 - May 1: Celestyal Cruises Cruise Lines , (outside cabin)
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Breakfast and Dinner daily in Greece
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner daily while on Cruise
  • Wine and Mineral Water with dinners
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Whisper headsets where needed
  • Assistance of a professional Tour Escort throughout local Guide(s)
  • Assistance of local Guide(s) where needed
  • Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities
  • Tips to Hotel, Restaurant Staff, and Porters in Greece
  • Port Taxes and Fees
  • All Tips included while on Cruise
  • Shore excursions while on ship include:
      ~ Mykonos - Walking tour
      ~ Kusadasi - Ephesus & the house of the Virgin Mary
      ~ Patmos - Monastery of St. John & Grotto of Apocalypse
      ~ Crete - Palace of Knossos
      ~ Santorini and Thira & Oia Village
Centrally located hotels or similar
hotel
Hotel Lazart
Thessaloniki, Greece
hotel
Hotel Amalia
Kalambaka, Greece
hotel
Athens Avenue Hotel
Athens, Greece
Not included
  • Lunches on Days 2 - 7, Meals and Beverages not mentioned, Tips to your Guide & 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: Friday - April 21 - Depart for Greece

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

Day 2: Saturday - April 22 - Arrival 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: Sunday - April 23 - 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. After enjoying this city by the sea, return to Thessaloniki for a delicious meal and restful overnight.

Day 4: Monday - April 24 - Thessaloniki City Tour - 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. Following the city-tour, transfer to Kalambaka. This evening, you will have a wonderful meal and a relaxing overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 5: Tuesday - April 25 - Meteora - Kalambaka

After breakfast, board the motor coach 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. Dinner and overnightin Kalambaka

Day 6: Wednesday - April 26 - Delphi - Athens

Today drive to Delphi, 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. 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: Thursday - April 27 - 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, this is 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 which 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: Friday - April 28 - 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 is known as the "Venice of Mykonos", as homes have wooden balconies and are built on the sea. Historically, these homes were of wealthy merchants and captains. Return to the cruise ship for dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Saturday - April 29 - 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, and 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 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. On your transfer back to Kusadasi, have the opportunity to view the Basilica of Saint John. In the sixth century, Emperor Justinian erected this structure over the grave of the evangelist, John. 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: Sunday - April 30 - Heraklion - Santorini

This morning awaken and transfer to the largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion. While in this administrative capital, visit a in 1899 discovered the 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: Monday - May 1 - 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. You will be transferred 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 -

Book your trip now

$400 Deposit is due at the time of Registration

USD
Dates & Prices

Dates

Select airport

Booking

Options & Upgrades

*All pricing is per person

Single Supplement / Solo Traveler Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Upon Request

Post Tour to Malta

*All pricing is per person

Malta Optional Post Tour:

May 1 - 5, 2023

  • Centrally located Hotel: (or similar)
      ~ 4 nights: Hotel AX The Palace, Malta
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Wine with dinners
  • Tour Escort throughout
  • Assistance of a professional local Christian guide(s)
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities

Itinerary
Day 11: Monday, May 1: Athens- Malta

This morning we disembark from the ship and take our flight to Malta. Upon arrival, collect your luggage from baggage claims and proceed to the Arrivals Hall, where you'll be met by a tour guide and/or driver and transferred to your hotel. Later, your guide will tell you about St. Paul and Christianity in the Maltese Islands. You will attend Mass at a local church before dinner at your hotel.

Day 12: Tuesday, May 2: Malta - The Three Cities - Valletta

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a full-day guided excursion to the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, where in 1530 the Knights of St. John settled on the east coast in the creeks of Grand Harbor. Next, see the Miraculous Statue of Jesus Christ the Redeemer in the Oratory of the Basilica, dedicated to the birth of the Virgin Mary in Senglea. Later, take a typical harbor boat tour from Vittoriosa across the Grand Harbor to Valletta and see its waterfront. You will also see St. Johns Co-Cathedral and Museum in Valletta, and visit the oratory, which houses the famous Caravaggio paintings. Dinner and a restful overnight.

Day 13: Wednesday, May 3: Malta - Mellieha - Gozo

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a full day's guided excursion to Gozo, a sister island of Malta. Here you'll visit the Mellieha Sanctuary of Our Lady, a Marian Shrine. The sanctuary was blessed by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Malta in 1990. The Sanctuary enjoys a picturesque view of the Valley of Our Lady, Mellieha Bay, Comino, and Gozo. Later, see Munxar Parish Church, a Baroque-style building dedicated to St. Paul, the Gozo Cathedral of the Assumption, and St. George's Basilica, known as the golden church of the "marble Basilica" of Gozo. The relics of St. Clement rest in the Baroque altar in the side chapel of St. Lazarus, one of eleven side chapels within the Basilica. Next, visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta'Pinu, Malta's most important pilgrimage site. The narrow rooms on either side of the alter are full of testaments of the local belief in the intercession of Our Lady. Lastly, return by ferry to Malta, and enjoy dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 14: Thursday, May 4: Malta - St. Paul's Bay - Mosta - Mdina - Rabat

After breakfast at your hotel, another full day's guided tour awaits. See St. Paul's Bay by boat, the Church of the Assumption of our Lady, St. Paul's Cathedral and Museum in Mdina, the medieval walled city, the Bastions, St. Paul's Catacombs, and St. Paul's Grotto. St. Paul's Grotto is said to be the place where St. Paul took refuge and prayed for three months while trying to convert the Maltese to Christianity following his shipwreck around 60 AD. Pope John Paul prayed in the grotto during his visit in 1990. Return to Malta for dinner and your last overnight.

Day 15: Friday, May 5: Malta to Home

This morning we board our return flights home.

Options and upgrades

*All pricing is per person

Single Supplement / Solo Traveler Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Upon Request

Post Tour to Malta

*All pricing is per person

Malta Optional Post Tour:

May 1 - 5, 2023

  • Centrally located Hotel: (or similar)
      ~ 4 nights: Hotel AX The Palace, Malta
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Wine with dinners
  • Tour Escort throughout
  • Assistance of a professional local Christian guide(s)
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities

Itinerary

Day 11: Monday, May 1: Athens- Malta

This morning we disembark from the ship and take our flight to Malta. Upon arrival, collect your luggage from baggage claims and proceed to the Arrivals Hall, where you'll be met by a tour guide and/or driver and transferred to your hotel. Later, your guide will tell you about St. Paul and Christianity in the Maltese Islands. You will attend Mass at a local church before dinner at your hotel.

Day 12: Tuesday, May 2: Malta - The Three Cities - Valletta

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a full-day guided excursion to the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, where in 1530 the Knights of St. John settled on the east coast in the creeks of Grand Harbor. Next, see the Miraculous Statue of Jesus Christ the Redeemer in the Oratory of the Basilica, dedicated to the birth of the Virgin Mary in Senglea. Later, take a typical harbor boat tour from Vittoriosa across the Grand Harbor to Valletta and see its waterfront. You will also see St. Johns Co-Cathedral and Museum in Valletta, and visit the oratory, which houses the famous Caravaggio paintings. Dinner and a restful overnight.

Day 13: Wednesday, May 3: Malta - Mellieha - Gozo

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a full day's guided excursion to Gozo, a sister island of Malta. Here you'll visit the Mellieha Sanctuary of Our Lady, a Marian Shrine. The sanctuary was blessed by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Malta in 1990. The Sanctuary enjoys a picturesque view of the Valley of Our Lady, Mellieha Bay, Comino, and Gozo. Later, see Munxar Parish Church, a Baroque-style building dedicated to St. Paul, the Gozo Cathedral of the Assumption, and St. George's Basilica, known as the golden church of the "marble Basilica" of Gozo. The relics of St. Clement rest in the Baroque altar in the side chapel of St. Lazarus, one of eleven side chapels within the Basilica. Next, visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta'Pinu, Malta's most important pilgrimage site. The narrow rooms on either side of the alter are full of testaments of the local belief in the intercession of Our Lady. Lastly, return by ferry to Malta, and enjoy dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 14: Thursday, May 4: Malta - St. Paul's Bay - Mosta - Mdina - Rabat

After breakfast at your hotel, another full day's guided tour awaits. See St. Paul's Bay by boat, the Church of the Assumption of our Lady, St. Paul's Cathedral and Museum in Mdina, the medieval walled city, the Bastions, St. Paul's Catacombs, and St. Paul's Grotto. St. Paul's Grotto is said to be the place where St. Paul took refuge and prayed for three months while trying to convert the Maltese to Christianity following his shipwreck around 60 AD. Pope John Paul prayed in the grotto during his visit in 1990. Return to Malta for dinner and your last overnight.

Day 15: Friday, May 5: Malta to Home

This morning we board our return flights home.

About your trip

pilgrimage map
  • Thessaloniki
  • Phillippi
  • Kavala
  • Delphi
  • Athens
  • Kusadasi
  • Ephesus (Mary's House)
  • Patmos
  • Santorini
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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.

Terms & Conditions

Know Before You Go

We promise to do all within our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us, please note should any problems arise during your trip you should first contact your local emergency contact in your destination country or the 206 Tours.

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Terms & Conditions

1-800-206-Tour (8687)   |   [email protected]

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Contact Us

Any questions?  Contact Us:
Danielle