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In The Footsteps of St Paul
w/ Msgr Pat Halfpenny
September 11 - 21, 2024
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DAY 1 September 11: DEPART DTW - Begin our pilgrimage with an overnight flight to Greece.
DAY 2 September 12: THESSALONIKI - Arrive at the Thessaloniki airport and transfer via private motor coach to the Capsis Hotel. Enjoy a late dinner at the hotel before a good night's rest. D
DAY 3 September 13: THESSALONIKI – After breakfast, we will walk to Thessaloniki Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to celebrate Holy Mass. We then have a tour of Thessaloniki (Acts 17:1-9), the home of the Thessalonians, to whom St. Paul addressed two of his epistles. Visit the White Tower, Church of St. George, Statue of Alexander the Great, and the churches of St. Demetrius and St. Sophia. After lunch on our own, we depart for Berea where St. Paul preached as they searched the scriptures (Acts 17:10-15). Return to to Thessaloniki with rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Thessaloniki. B|D
DAY 4 September 14: 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. After lunch we 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), stop to walk on the actual stones on which Paul walked. We will see the mosaic of St. Paul before we return o Thessaloniki for dinner at the hotel B|D
DAY 5 September 15: ATHENS - Early morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Athens. From Athens Airport, depart to the city center and enjoy a panoramic city tour. Visit the Acropolis, Mars Hill, see the House of Parliament, and more. Stand on Mars Hill where St. Paul spoke to the Athenians. Enjoy lunch on our own. Celebrate Holy Mass at the Chapel of St Joseph. Check-in at the Melia Hotel with time to relax before dinner at Taverna Vyzantino Plaka. Overnight in Athens. B|D
DAY 6 September 16: 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 (3PM. Deck 8) en route to Mykonos. Explore the highlights of the first port in Mykonos and enjoy time at leisure in the city. Dinner onboard the ship. B|L|D*
DAY 7 September 17: 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 we 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 September 18: 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 September 19: 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 our final relaxing afternoon at port for shopping, exploring, and time at leisure. Dinner tonight on board the ship. B|L|D*
DAY 10 September 20: ATHENS / CORINTH - This morning disembark our ship in Athens and drive along the beautiful coastal road 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. See the Bema (judgment seat) where St. Paul was presented for judgment. Celebrate an outdoor Mass. See the biblical Erastus Stone (Romans 16:23). Lunch as a group at Kolizeras Restaurant overlooking the Corinth Canal. Return to the Melia Hotel in Athens in the late afternoon. Farewell Dinner at Arcadia Restaurant and overnight in Athens. B|L|D
DAY 11 September 21: RETURN TO USA - Depart to the airport for our 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
What’s Included
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International airfare from USA
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Domestic airfare from Thessaloniki to Athens
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4 star hotels w/ porterage service
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Breakfast daily, 9 dinners (including Farewell Dinner in Athens) and 5 lunches (on ship)
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English speaking tour escort throughout land portion of pilgrimage
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Luxury Motor Coach
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Entrance fees to all churches, museums and activities per itinerary
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Daily Holy Mass with Msgr Pat in beautiful churches
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Guided tours that include Thessaloniki, Philippi, Athens, Ephesus, Patmos, Rhodes and Corinth
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Personal whisper sets
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Tips for tour escort and guides
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4 Night Iconic Aegean Summer Cruise on the Celestyal Discovery
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Select drinks included with meals
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Entertainment and daily activities on board
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* meals available onboard ship, but daily activities may warrant dining at personal expense onshore.