Father Tony invites you on pilgrimage in the footsteps of St Paul. Join us as we embark on a transformative pilgrimage to Greece and Western Turkey, a sacred journey that seamlessly weaves together faith, history, and culture. This spiritual odyssey invites pilgrims to explore the rich tapestry of Greece's Catholic history, tracing the footsteps of early Christian communities such as Thessaloniki, Phillipi, Corinth and Ephesus. This pilgrimage will enrich our understanding and appreciation of St Paul’s incredible discernment and teachings given to the churches he founded, and all Christians who have followed, through his sacred epistles.
Throughout the pilgrimage, daily reflections, prayers, and Masses will deepen the spiritual experience, fostering a sense of community among the pilgrims. The Catholic pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St Paul promises not only a historical exploration and the incredible natural beauty of the Aegean Islands, but more importantly, a profound encounter with the roots of Christianity, forging lasting memories and a strengthened faith. We hope you will join us!
DAYS 1 & 2 : Detroit > Thessaloniki
We depart USA en route to Greece, with complimentary meals and beverages served aloft. Upon arrival Thessaloniki, we will be greeted by our tour escort and transferred via private motor coach to the Capsis Hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel before retiring for the evening. Overnight in Thessaloniki. D
DAY 3 : Thessaloniki / Berea
After breakfast, we celebrate Holy Mass at the Thessaloniki Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. After, we have a tour of Thessaloniki (Acts 17:1-9), the home of the Thessalonians, to whom St. Paul addressed two of his epistles. We will visit the churches of St. George, St. Demetrius and St. Sophia. We then depart for Berea where St. Paul preached as they searched the scriptures (Acts 17:10-15). Upon arrival, lunch at ταβερνα πλατανος (the Plane Tree Tavern) before we visit the berma where St Paul preached. We return to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Thessaloniki. B|L|D
DAY 4: Philippi / Kavala
Travel to Philippi, where Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy first set foot in Europe. It is here St. Paul and St. Silas preached the Gospel and were imprisoned. We will celebrate Holy Mass outdoors on the river’s edge where Paul baptized Lydia, his first European convert. Following the Via Egnatia back to Kavala (Ancient Neapolis), we will have lunch at the seaside restaurant Πρώτο Κατσίκι (First Goat), before viewing a beautiful mosaic of St. Paul. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner at the hotel B|L|D
DAY 5: Athens
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. From Athens Airport, depart to the city center and enjoy a panoramic city tour including the House of Parliament and the Olympic Stadium. We then visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon, and Mars Hill where St. Paul spoke to the Athenians. Lunch on our own before we celebrate Holy Mass at the Chapel of St Joseph. In the evening, dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Athens. B|D
DAY 6: Cruise Embarkation / Mykonos (On Ship)
This morning, transfer from our hotel to Lavrion for embarkation on our ship, the Celestyal Discovery, and begin our Iconic Aegean Cruise. Celebrate Mass onboard en route to Mykonos. Explore the highlights of the first port in Mykonos with your tour manager and enjoy time at leisure in the city. Dinner onboard the ship. B|L|D*
DAY 7: Kusadasi / Ephesus / Patmos (On Ship)
This morning port in Kusadasi then drive to Ephesus (Acts 19). Visit the House of Mary and celebrate Mass there. Tour the ancient city of Ephesus that hosted the 3rd Ecumenical Council (AD 431) including 24,000-seat theatre and the church of Mary. Enjoy the beautiful sights of the Mediterranean Sea as you set sail for Patmos where St. John received his revelation which is the last book of the Bible (Rev 1:9). Visit St. John’s Monastery and the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Go shopping along the shore as time permits. Dinner onboard the ship. B|L|D*
DAY 8: Rhodes (On Ship)
Port in Rhodes this morning and take a medieval tour of the island, including stops at the Acropolis of Lindos and Citadel of the Knights. Steep hike to see the port where St. Paul landed (Acts 21:1). Celebrate Mass at Santa Maria Monastery. Time at leisure this afternoon with dinner onboard the ship. B|L*|D
DAY 9: Crete / Santorini (On Ship)
This morning port at the Isle of Crete (Titus 1:5). Celebrate Mass at St. John the Baptist Church, and enjoy the morning at leisure. Continue to Santorini, for your final relaxing afternoon at port for shopping, exploring, and time at leisure. Dinner tonight on board the ship. B|L|D*
DAY 10: Athens / Corinth
This morning disembark our ship in Lavrion and drive to Corinth, home to St. Paul for 18 months (Acts 18:1-22). Cross over the amazing Corinth Canal dug between two seas. Tour ancient Corinth and celebrate an outdoor Mass in the shadow of the Temple of Apollo, under which St Paul also preached the Gospel. See the biblical Erastus Stone (Romans 16:23). Lunch as a group before returning to Athens. Farewell Dinner and overnight in Athens. B|L|D
DAY 11: Return to USA
Depart to the airport for your return flight home after an incredible spiritual journey in the footsteps of St Paul.
* Price is for double occupancy. See online registration or "stateroom options" for single supplement costs
* Price is well educated estimate, however, final price may vary after international airfare and land rates are published in 2025.