St. Paul in Greece pilgrimage

Pilgrimage to St. Paul in Greece - with 3 days cruise

St. Paul - Pilgrimage to Greece with the cruise
St. Paul

Athens, Greece

INCLUDED:
- 7 nights in 3* or 4* hotels
- Buffet breakfast and dinner daily
- One dinner in “Plaka” Old Athens with Greek music and folk dances
- High class tourist coach
- English speaking escort throughout the tour
- Local guides as per itinerary
- Entrance fees to sites/museums
- Assistance at the airport and port
- Porterage of one piece of luggage
- Daily holy mass arrangements

CRUISE SERVICES:
- Accommodations in cabins Sea View A/B class or inside D/DA category
- All meals while on board
- Of shore excursions:
- PATMOS - St John’s Monastery & the Grotto of Revelations
- KUSADASI - The House Of Virgin Mary & Ephesus
- CRETE - Palace of Knossos
- SANTORINI - Local Winery, Pyrgos Village & Fira Town or RHODES ISLAND

NOT INCLUDED:
- Extra meals, drinks, extra visits, personal expenses,
- Port tax on cruise
- Tips for guides on land portion of tour
- Tips for cruise staff
- Embarkation/disembarkation fees, one day visa at Turkish port

Pilgrimage to St. Paul in Greece - with 3 days cruise St. Paul Athens, Greece INCLUDED: - 7 nights in 3* or 4* hotels - Buffet breakfast and dinner daily - One dinner in “Plaka” Old Athens with Greek music and folk dances - High class tourist coach - English speaking escort throughout the tour - Local guides as per itinerary - Entrance fees to sites/museums - Assistance at the airport and port - Porterage of one piece of luggage - Daily holy mass arrangements CRUISE SERVICES: - Accommodations in cabins Sea View A/B class or inside D/DA category - All meals while on board - Of shore excursions: - PATMOS - St John’s Monastery & the Grotto of Revelations - KUSADASI - The House Of Virgin Mary & Ephesus - CRETE - Palace of Knossos - SANTORINI - Local Winery, Pyrgos Village & Fira Town or RHODES ISLAND NOT INCLUDED: - Extra meals, drinks, extra visits, personal expenses, - Port tax on cruise - Tips for guides on land portion of tour - Tips for cruise staff - Embarkation/disembarkation fees, one day visa at Turkish port

Day 1: Depart USA - Greece, Thessaloniki, Thursday September 25th Our pilgrimage to the ancient civilization and first Christian communities in Europe where St. Paul preached starts with flight to Europe, to Greece and Thessaloniki (Salonica).

Day 2: Arrival to Greece We will arrive in Thessaloniki and today our readings from the Acts 17:1-9 and "Letter to the Thessalonians" will become more alive. After a short bus city tour we'll transfer you to our hotel, where we stay next three nights. Dinner and overnight is in this ancient city.	Greece flag

Day 3: Kavala - Thessaloniki On our full day excursion today are Kavala, which occupies the site of ancient Neapolis and Philippi (Acts 16:12-40, Phil.), that today lies as a major archaeological site near Krinides where St. Paul and St. Silas were imprisoned after St. Paul's first sermon in what we today call Europe. Here we meet with the women named Lydia form Thyatira (Rev.2: 18-29 and Acts.16: 14 -15) who became first convert. After visiting the ruins of the great Acropolis, the Market Place, Theatre and Forum we will drive back to Thessaloniki, dinner and overnight.	Philippi (Acts 16:12-40, Phil.)

Day 4: Thessaloniki After breakfast we start our sightseeing tour by visit to St. George Church, the Galerius Arch, built a little before 305 AD. in commemoration of Galerius's victory over the Persians in 297. Next are the most beautiful basilica in the city St. Demitrius where saint was imprisoned tortured and buried, we continue to Church of Aghioi Apostoloi (the Holy Apostles) and in the afternoon visit Berea where St. Paul and St. Silas left after being accused by Jewish community. Dinner and overnight is in Thessaloniki.

Day 5: Meteora, Kalambaka After early morning departure from Salonica we will drive along the beautiful coast and than through valley towards Kalambaka and Meteora, most beautiful Byzantine monasteries. The word Meteora means literally 'hovering in the air' as all the monasteries were built on top of the high rocks. First monks have lived here in the caves already in 11th century. The Church of the Transfiguration is the best known of the Monasteries and is built upon the highest rock. Founded by Athanasios the Meteorite, well-known figures in Orthodox monasticism. Construction of this monastery started in 1382 and it has priceless religious treasures as Byzantine murals, icons etc…We are in Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.	Meteora - Byzantine Monastery

Day 6: Kalambaka, Delphi Early morning departure for our visit to Delphi, located on slope of the Holy Mountain of Parnassos, surrounded by a forest of pines, lay the shrine of the God Apollo. The sites of the temple of Apollo and Athena Pronaia were considered sacred sites as early as the Mycenaean period. We will visit the sixth-century temple of Apollo, the Theatre and the Museum, which contains, among other archaeological treasures, the unique Bronze statue Charioteer (Heniochos). Dinner and overnight in your hotel in Delphi.	Athens, statue of Apollo

Day 7: Delphi, Athens, Acropolis We will leave Delphi for Athens, on the way we will have a visit to medieval monastery “Ossios Loukas”, (Saint Luke) and a chapel Saint Barbara dating to 800 AD. Continue to Athens for afternoon tour of Athens (Acts 17: 16-34) exploring the city. Acropolis with Parthenon the greatest monument of antiquity, dedicated to the goddess Athena, Erechtheum and than view the Areopagus (Areios Pagos = Hill of Ares) visited by Pope John Paul ll same hill where St. Paul gave his famous sermon of "Unknown God". We will also visit the ancient Agora that was the commercial and religious center of the life of Athens. One day for Athens is not enough for sure, but most of the sites interesting from pilgrim point of view will be absorbed.

Day 8: Athens, Corinth This morning after Holy Mass we'll drive to Corinth, one of the oldest towns of Greece, where St. Paul came after he left Athens and. After a stop at the ancient Corinth (18: 1-18; Cori.) we again meet with the St. Paul, here he remained for one and a half-year. We will be visiting marketplace where the Apostle preached to the Corinthians, the Temple of Apollo and the Corinth Museum. Returning back across the Corinthian Canal, started by Nero we will make a short stop at what used to be ancient port of Cenchreae now just some remains of the same, it was that from here St. Paul sailed to Ephesus, nowadays Turkey. After return to Athens some short time for rest at the hotel before leaving for “Plaka”, the old quarter of the city for our last minute shopping and tonight our dinner will be in one of the taverns with the Greek cuisine and "bouzuoki" music. Overnight in Athens.	Corinth canal

Day 9: Cruise strats from Piraeus, Mykonos Today we’ll leave Athens earloy in the morning for Piraeus and at 11:00 a.m. sail into the Aegean Sea. Our first island is one of the islands belonging to the Cyclades group of islands. This mountainous island of Mykonos has about 400 churches. City of a picturesque white houses and island's trademark the charming windmills. Place has a unique architecture of Byzantine and Western characteristics. To visit are Church of the Virgin Paraportiani, on the main square Cathedral and an old Catholic Church and many boutiques and taverns along tiny paved streets. Return on board of the ship.	Mykonos - one of many churches in the town

Day 10: Kusadasi, Patmos St. John's Cave This morning you will arrive at the Turkish port city of Kusadasi. From here the will travel to Ephesus, where the Blessed Virgin Mary lived with St. John in a small house on the hill behind the city. Here you will have Mass before traveling down to the ancient city where you can walk the marble roads rutted by wheels of countless chariots and pass the ruins of architectural masterpieces. It is here that St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, and where he was arrested and cast out of the city. In the afternoon you will visit the island of Patmos, where St. John wrote the apocalyptic Book of Revelations. On our excursion we will visit the cave where Saint lived, now the site of a monastery housing priceless icons and manuscripts. Return to the ship.

Day 11: Crete and Santorini Today group will enjoy two excursions on the island of Crete and Santorini. – see descriptions of the excursions below.

Day 12: Athens flight back home to the U.S. Return to Piraeus by Athens at 7:00 am, after breakfast on board we leave for Athens International airport, late in the morning checking for our flight back home to the US – arrival same day.

OF SHORE EXCURSIONS DURING THE 3 DAYS CRUISE: KUSADASI - The House Of Virgin Mary & Ephesus Depart the thriving town of Kusadasi and drive along the highway in order to reach Mt Koressos. Situated in a small valley, it is here where you will visit the humble chapel, which lies on the site of the little house where The Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still favors this belief and the site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican, for pilgrimage. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus and accompanied by your Turkish guide, walk through the Magnesian Gate, which is the entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus and The Great Theatre, where St. Paul preached, which is the largest theatre in antiquity having a capacity of 24,000 people. Walk back to your motorcoach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century AD by the Emperor Justinian. And just downhill is the site of the famous Temple of Diana, today in ruins. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi to shop for every conceivable item, such as carpets, jewellery, local souvenirs, leather goods and Turkish delights. PATMOS - St John’s Monastery & the Grotto of Revelations Depart the port of Scala by motorcoach and enjoy a short drive up to the Monastery of St. John, which has been magnificently built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you follow your guide and walk uphill towards the entrance of the Monastery, marvel at this impressive structure, which was built 900 years ago. View the courtyard, the Monks’ dining room and the old bakery before visiting the main church with its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Your next point of interest is the beautiful but small museum which houses priceless ecclesiastical treasures such as books and manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval textiles and vestments as well as jewellery. At the end of your visit, return to your motorcoach and continue on to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse, where above stands the church of the Apocalypse, a sub-unit of the main Monastery. Take care as you walk down the steps to visit the Grotto! Once inside, see the silver niches in the wall, that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of Revelations as well as the three-fold crack, made by the Voice of God, emphasizing the honor of the Trinity. After this splendid glory, return to the port and the ship. CRETE - Palace of Knossos From the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion town, enjoy a short drive to Knossos, once the capital city of the prehistoric Minoan civilization, and thought to be the basis for the original Labyrinth housing the mythological Minotaur. Upon arrival, follow your guide and visit a section of the excavated and partially reconstructed Palace of King Minos, as well as the surrounding area. Housed in the King’s Palace is the Hall of the Royal Guard, decorated with frescoes and shields, the Hall of the Double Axes, and the King’s Chamber, housing the alabaster throne amidst paintings of griffins and lilies? And of course, the Queen’s Apartment, adorned with murals of dolphins and spirals reminding us of the legend of the Labyrinth. After this extensive visit, return to your motorcoach and drive back to Heraklion. Before returning to the ship by motorcoach, enjoy a guided tour of the extraordinary Archaeological Museum, viewing the unique items from the Minoan culture or, for those that do not wish to do so, enjoy free time in the town, browsing at the many shops available. SANTORINI - Local Winery, Pyrgos Village & Fira Town Enjoy a short trip by local caique, to Athenios harbor. Board your waiting motorcoach and drive up the long, steep winding road, marveling at the spectacular views of the caldera, seen in the distance. Continue on, until you reach the traditional Greek village of Pyrgos. As you drive through the village, note its unique Cycladic architecture. From here, enjoy a short photo stop at Profitis Elias, the highest point of the island. Your next stop will be a local winery. Follow your guide into the winery, where you will watch a visual presentation of wine production. Enjoy a glass of the local wine produced accompanied by cheese and crackers. Afterwards, make your way to Fira Town, where you will have free time on your own. Here is the ideal spot to gaze down upon the Kamenes, the two black volcanic islets in the Caldera Bay. Take the cable car down to the small pier of Scala from where the vessel’s tenders will take you back to the ship.

call or e-mail us for your PARISH GROUP with the date and departure city JERICO JOURNEYS - PILGRIMAGE TO ST. PAUL GREECE TOLL FREE - 1 877 - 453 7426