September 26, Thursday - Day 1:

DEPART FOR GREECE

Depart on an overnight flight to Greece. This is a land-only package. Please book your own flights. A group transfer will be provided in Athens on Saturday morning at 11 AM.

September 27, Friday - Day 2:

WE HAVE ARRIVED IN ATHENS

This morning, we arrive in Athens where we meet our English-speaking Greek guide who will accompany us during the land portion of the trip. Our first stop is the Catholic Church of St. Dennis where we celebrate Mass. We have time to explore the ancient Plaka section of the city before we settle into the hotel and enjoy dinner before getting a well-deserved night of rest. Overnight in Athens. (D)

September 28, Sunday - Day 3:

ATHENS

Following Mass with the local Catholic faithful in Athens, we embark on a city tour. Athens is one of the most glorious cities in the world and the cradle of Western civilization as we know it. On our tour we visit the rock that has dominated the panorama of Athens for twenty-five centuries, the Acropolis. At the Acropolis, we see the ruins of the Parthenon, Erechtheum, and Propylaea. Ascend Mars Hill, where Saint Paul spoke to the Athenians about the one and only God (Acts 17:22). See the ancient Agora, the former public center of Athenian life. The afternoon and dinner are at leisure to explore the city on your own. Overnight in Athens. (B) 

September 29, Monday - Day 4:

EMBARK ON A 4-DAY AEGEAN CRUISE: 1ST STOP MYKONOS

Following breakfast, we proceed to the port to board our 4-day cruise aboard the Celestyal Olympia. Settle into our cabins and explore the ship. Beverages are included, so be sure to grab a cool drink and meet on the deck as we depart the mainland to enjoy the beautiful views of the city. Our first stop is the island of Mykonos, the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands which attract visitors from all over the world. After docking in the early evening, we transfer to Hora, the island’s capital, where we have time at leisure to explore the narrow, cobbled streets of the city. Pass by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs, and whitewashed houses to arrive in Alefkandra. This section of Mykonos is known as the “Venice of Mykonos” as the homes with wooden balconies are built on the sea. Historically, these homes were of the wealthy merchants and captains. Mass will be celebrated on the ship. You may chosoe to have dinner in Mykons on your own or have dinner on the ship before we disembark. In port from 7PM -2AM Return to the cruise ship for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

September 30, Tuesday - Day 5:

CRUISE: SANTORINI

This morning, we wake up docked near the idyllic island of Santorini, definitely the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. We disembark via tender which takes us to the dock in Santorini. We take the cable car to visit Thira with its iconic white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes, and glittering boutiques that cling to steep cliffs. Mass is celebrated - St. John Catholic Church (TBC). You can purchase one of the many shore excursions on the ship to visit Santorini or stroll the island alone. A cable car ride is included. You may have lunch on the island or return to the ship for the included lunch. We sail at 2 PM. Relax on the ship in the afternoon and enjoy the boat's various activities. Dinner is on the boat. (B, L, D)

October 01, Wednesday - Day 6:

CRUISE: RHODES - THE ISLAND OF KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN

The island of Rhodes is a mix of Roman and Byzantine architectural styles. Rhodes was one of the most important seafaring and trading centers in the Eastern Mediterranean, during ancient times in 1309 by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem. It is now under the protection of UNESCO. We arrive Rhodes at 9AM and having a walking tour of Rhodes in the morning. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the island on your own or enjoy the beach. We may return to the ship for our included lunch or enjoy lunch on our own in town before we celebrate Mass at SantaMaria Catholic Church of Rhodes (a 5-minute walk from the port). An optional excursion to Lindos may be purchased on the ship. The ship sails at 5PM. Dinner and overnight on the ship. (B, L, D)

October 02, Thursday - Day 7:

CRUISE: KUSADASI – EPHESUS (MARY’S HOUSE) - PATMOS (THE HOLY ISLAND)

We arrive early at the lively Turkish port of Kusadasi. Our included shore excursion takes us to the small village of Mt. Koressos to visit the small stone chapel on the site where the Virgin Mary spent her last days following Christ’s crucifixion. Following Mass, we continue to ancient Ephesus and begin our walking tour, which takes us through the most magnificent excavations in the world. The last stop on the walking tour is the Great Theater, which has a capacity of 25,000 people, where Saint Paul preached. On the return of our walking tour, follow the exact route that Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession via the Arcadian Way. This main street runs from the Great Theater to the main city’s harbor. Upon arrival in Kusadasi, enjoy free time to explore on our own before returning to the ship, which sails at noon to our next stop of Patmos, where we visit the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian. This marvelous structure was built nine hundred years ago and continues to be supported by the walls of a strong fortification. In addition to the stunning main church that contains outstanding frescoes, we view the beautiful courtyard, dining room, and bakery. Our tour continues to the small museum, where we see priceless ecclesiastical treasures such as books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, textiles, vestments, and jewelry. Board the bus, which takes us to the Monastery and Grotto of the Apocalypse. In this grotto, experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the site of where the Book of Revelation was written. Then return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

October 03, Friday - Day 8:

CORINTH OF ST. PAUL

After disembarkation, we drive to ancient Corinth. Under the shadow of the towering Parthenon, Saint Paul lived in Corinth for two years. While here, he felt great grief over the way that the Gentile Church in Corinth had become. As a result, he was prompted to write four letters, all with the overarching theme of love. In Corinth, we have the opportunity to view the remains of the first century shops, the site of Saint Paul’s trial by Gallio, the Fountain of Peirene, and the Temple of Apollo. We celebrate Mass at the Steps of St. Paul in ancient Corinth. Enjoy a stop at a local winery to learn the art of wine making the Greek way. Lunch is included. In the late afternoon, we return to Athens. Tonight we are together again for our farewell dinner. (B, Special dinner)

October 04, Saturday, Day 9:
WE ARE GOING HOME!

Today marks the end of our pilgrimage. We say our heartfelt farewells to a journey that will last in our memory forever. There will be one group transfer to the airport based on the majority of the group’s flight departure time.

WELCOME HOME