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Your Host
Pastoral Associate & Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish
Your Chaplain
Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Tucson
Additional hotel accommodations to be announced. Stay tuned!
Today we embark on our pilgrimage with an overnight flight(s) from Phoenix (PHX) to Athens (ATH). Enjoy meals and refreshments served on the plane.
Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, we will meet our guides and drivers. We will be transferred to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight Athens
This morning, we will visit the famous Meteora Monasteries. Here, we will see the world-famous Byzantine monasteries perched precariously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history dates back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves, then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, which were later transformed into monasteries. We will continue to Athens for dinner and an overnight stay. Morning Mass will be held at the Catholic Church of Athens or at the hotel in Kalambaka.
Overnight Kalambaka
After breakfast, we visit Berea where Saint Paul preached in the Synagogue (Acts 17:10-15). We see St. Paul’s Bema where he addressed the local Jews in 54 AD. Continuing to Thessaloniki (Acts 17:1-9), we visit the agora where Paul preached and the House of Jason, his host. We also visit St. Demetrius Basilica and the Galerius Arch. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki. Mass at the Bema of Saint Paul in Berea.
Overnight Thessaloniki
In Philippi (Acts 16:11-40), we visit “Lydia’s Baptistry” where Lydia was baptized, and the site of Paul and Silas’ imprisonment. Then, we head to Kavala (Ancient Neapolis), where Paul, Timothy, and Silas first landed. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki. Mass at Philippi at Lydia’s St. Paul’s Baptistry.
Overnight Thessaloniki
Early morning flight today from Thessaloniki to Athens. Upon arrival at the airport, we will be transferred to Lavrion Port for our cruise embarkation. First stop, the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. Experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes and then stroll the charming walkways through a maze of whitewashed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment. Mass at St. Barbara Catholic Church at Lavrion port (time permitting, if not on board).
Overnight aboard ship
Docking in Turkey, we will enjoy an included tour of Ephesus, the city of the Bible and one of the largest restorations still in progress with miles of ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city including the Agora, the Odeon, the Library, and the Great Theatre. You will continue to the House of the Virgin Mary. Celebrate Mass here. This afternoon we will visit the Isle of Patmos, under statutory protection as a historic monument. Here we will have an included tour to see the fortified monastery of St. John and the cave claimed to be where John received the Revelation. Back on the ship.
Overnight aboard ship
All day docked at the island of Rhodes where Ancient Greece meets Medieval Times and the romance of the island! Optional shore excursion to the Acropolis of Lindos, the Bay of St Paul where Saint Paul docked with his boat and walking tour in the Medieval town. Mass at Saint Maria Catholic Church.
Overnight aboard ship
Crete is the largest and most rugged of the Greek islands. Take an optional tour to Heraklion and the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. This afternoon visits the island of Santorini which is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. The town of Thira where white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs, is accessible by footpath, cable-car, or mule. Again, you will return to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment. Mass at the Catholic Church of Santorini.
Overnight aboard cruise
Visit Corinth (Acts 18:1-18), exploring the Archaeological Museum, Market Place, and Temples. Stand on the Bema where Paul preached and visit sites associated with Aquila and Priscilla. Return to Athens for Dinner and an overnight stay. Mass at the Bema of Saint Paul in Corinth.
Overnight Athens
Apostle Paul traveled to Athens (Acts 17:16-34), preaching at the Aeropagus. We visit the Acropolis, Mars Hill, and the Agora where Paul addressed the Athenians. See the Olympic Stadium and enjoy free time in Plaka. Dinner and overnight in Athens. Mass at the Catholic Church of Athens.
Overnight Athens
With a renewed sense of pilgrimage and an invigorated love of our Catholic faith, we will board our plane for our flight home.
