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FOOTSTEPS OF
ST. PAUL -GREECE

TBD

Day 10 (TBD)

START OF GREECE TOUR in Athens / Piraeus (Cruise Embarkation) / Mykonos, Greek Isle

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(Per Person, DBL Occ., based on 25 pax min; Excluding Flights)

After breakfast, we embark on the MS Celestyal Olympia Cruise ship for a wonderful 3-night cruise to the Greek Islands and Kusaclasi. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily while on board and an allinclusive drinks package (unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks). Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands, is your first stop. This charming, 'mountainous island is known for the hundreds of tiny chapels, white-washed buildings and beautiful windmills that dot its landscape. Don't miss taking a stroll down Mykonos Town, where mazes of narrow streets link the whitewashed buildings and traditional life continues amidst the bustling activity. Enjoy free time to explore this little paradise in the middle of the Aegean Sea.

Note: In Mykonos, a free shuttle will be provided by the Cruise line. Then we walk to Mykonos town which is 5 min. walk from where the bus will drop us off. Close to the windmills is a nice Catholic Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. (B/L/D, Daily Mass)

Day 11 (TBD)
Cruise to Kusadasi / Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary/Patmos (Greece)

This morning, our next stop is at the Turkish port of Kusadasi for an included excursion to the ruins of Ephesus where Paul the Apostle spent three years during his ministry and where its inhabitants were the recipients of Paul’s famous epistle. Ancient Ephesus was the Roman capital of Asia Minor and an important center for Christianity from AD 50s. During AD52-54 Saint Paul lived here working with the congregation and organizing his missionary activity and taught the Word of God (Acts 20:31) and this is where he wrote the Epistle to Corinthians I. Additionally this was one of the seven cities found in the Book of Revelation (Acts 2:1-7), indicating a strong church.

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We will then visit the house of Virgin Mary where she lived with John, on the hill behind the city. After this amazing experience we will have lunch and then visit the Basilica of St. John as well as the ruins of the famous Diana’s temple with the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, the Arch of Hercules, the Temple of Hadrian, the Agora and the Greco-Roman theater. Continue our cruise to the island of Patmos, a beautiful and spiritual island where in 95 AD, St. John the Theologian - one of the twelve disciples of Jesus – was sent into exile. St. John remained on the island for eighteen months during which time he lived in a cave below the hilltop temple of Diana. In this cave exists a small hole in the rock wall, from which derived a series of oracular messages that Prochoros, a disciple of St. John, transcribed as the Biblical chapter of Revelations. During his time in the sacred cave, now known as the Holy Grotto of the Revelation, St. John also composed the Fourth Gospel. During our time there we will visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian UNESCO World Heritage Site where we will see the Holy Grotto as well as priceless icons and manuscripts. Afterwards, we drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque harbor. (B/L/D, Daily Mass)

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Day 12 (TBD)
Cruise to Heraklion (Crete) and Santorini (Greece)

In the morning the ship will dock at the port of Heraklion on the island of Crete. In Heraklion, Paul met the owner and captain of the ship, who warned him about continuing his journey to Rome. Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands.

Take an optional tour on your own to Heraklion (this is not included in our group package) 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, we visit the island of Santorini which is the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands, known as the “Black Pearl of the Aegean”. On this volcanic Santorini, we will enjoy the breathtaking Panoramic View.

Latest excavations have suggested that Santorini might be the lost sight of the Atlantis. You may choose to take an optional panoramic bus tour viewing some of the most spectacular scenery of the Aegean (This shore excursion is not included in our group package). Travel through countless villages and settlements with delicate architecture and beauties eventually arriving in Oia. During your time in Oia, visit the many narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques. Upon returning to the ship, view the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea, & Nea Kameni. You must return to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment is provided on board. (B/L/D, Daily Mass)

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Day 13 (TBD)
Disembark in Piraeus /Corinth /Cenchrea / Athens (Greece)

Breakfast on board and early arrival in Piraeus. After disembarking, we will head toward ancient Corinth (Acts18.1- 18). It was in ancient Corinth where Paul came and worked, established a thriving church and writing two of the epistles, which are now part of the New Testament. We will see all the sites that are associated with his ministry: The Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio’s seat, the pillars, stairs, and the place of public worship, where Paul preached. All these visits will certainly enhance the understanding of Corinthians I and II. We will celebrate mass in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked.

The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. After the visit to ancient Corinth we return to Athens, the foundation of democracy. We will visit the ancient Greek port of Cenchrea (Acts 18:18) where Paul was during his second missionary journey and the ruin of the early Christian 5th Century basilica. Next stop is Athens. We visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Areopagus where Paul preached the Truth to the nation (Acts 17:22). From atop Mars Hill we view the Agora below, the ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life. Additional sites viewed during our panoramic bus tour are, the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace. (B/D, Daily Mass)

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Day 14 (TBD)
Athens/ Delphi/ Kalambaka (Greece)

Following breakfast, we depart Athens this morning to drive up to the spectacular Meteora, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a mountainous region of stunning scenery. Stop at Deplhi on the way. Prepare for a long drive, 6 hrs. to Kalambaka. Arrive Kalambaka in the afternoon and time on your own for a restful night. Overnight and dinner in Kalambaka. (B/D, Daily Mass)

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Day 15 (TBD)
Kalambaka / Meteora / Thessalonica (Greece)

Following breakfast, we will visit the spectacular Meteora, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a mountainous region of stunning scenery. You will see hundred-year-old Byzantine monasteries on top of huge rocks, during the Middle Ages, first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation. We will visit the most famous of them, which is now a popular museum, the Great Meteoron, to admire superb icons, old manuscripts, unique mosaics and frescoes.

Departure to Veria (Berea), another town evangelized by Paul (Acts 17.10-14). When Saint Paul visited this town in AD50, he came across a more “noble” Jewish community where he preached and created an important Church. This is where Paul met Sopatros, who would later become a valuable comrade who followed him on his return journey to Asia. We will visit the ancient synagogue where we will see the Byzantine mosaic in the monument commemorating his preaching. According to tradition it was at this place where he preached. We will continue to Thessalonica, dinner and overnight. (B/D, Daily Mass)

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Day 16 (TBD)
Berea/Philippi / Kavala/Thessalonica (Greece)

Departure to Veria (Berea), another town evangelized by Paul (Acts 17.10-14). When Saint Paul visited this town in AD50, he came across a more “noble” Jewish community where he preached and created an important Church. This

is where Paul met Sopatros, who would later become a valuable comrade who

followed him on his return journey to Asia. We will visit the ancient synagogue where we will see the Byzantine mosaic in the monument commemorating his preaching. According to tradition it was at this place where he preached.

Next, we will visit Philippi, the town where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity. “And from there (He went) to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman Colony. We remained in this city some days…” (Acts 16:11-12). Paul arrived here with his disciples, Timothy, Silas and Luke on the winter of AD 49 to AD50. There the first Christian baptism was performed, of a woman named Lydia. Although they were prosecuted and arrested, they received God’s help to escape from prison

(Acts 16: 25-26) where there was the conversion of the jailer (Acts 16: 31). We will visit the Roman Theatre, probable site of the prison where Paul and Silas were arrested. We will continue towards the city of Kavala, the ancient city of Neapolis (Acts 16:11) where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. It was later renamed Christoupolis, meaning city of Christ, because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. We will visit the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis. We drive to Thessalonica and visit St. Demetrius Basilica, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert, before returning to the hotel for our final night. Dinner and overnight in Thessalonica. (B/D, Daily Mass)

INCLUDED IN TOUR PACKAGE

EXCLUDED IN TOUR PACKAGE

  • 12 night's hotel accommodation in 4*/5* on half-board basis (Daily Breakfast & Dinner) including one dinner in Athens at a Local restaurant

  • With 3 nights Cave Hotel in Cappadoccia

  • Flights from Izmir to Kayserri + 1 check-in luggage

  • Flights from Kayserri to Athens + 1 check-in luggage

  • Entrance fees include as per itinerary

  • Whisper sets

  • Porterage at hotels of 1 large suitcase per person (excluding on cruise)

  • All transfer & tours with Deluxe fully equipped motor- coach with A/C

  • Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner) as per program

  • Istanbul-Bandirma Fast Ferry Ticket

  • Bosphorous River Cruise in Istanbul

  • Private Daily Masses

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NOTE: Pricing is based on DBI occupancy per person, 25 pax minimum is required; excluding flights if the group is less than 25 pax, the price can go up.

  • International Flights

  • Travel Insurance - Strongly recommended!

  • Turkish entry visa

  • Lunch Meals on the land tours; Cruise includes all meals

  • Gratuities for tour guides, driver, hotel/room staff

  • Love offering for priest; Church Donations

  • Personal expenses

  • Airport Trolleys

  • Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia (Optional) - $270/pp

  • Group Shirt

  • Any other services not mentioned above

3-DAY GREEK ISLES CRUISE INCLUSIONS (MS CELESTYAL OLYMPIA)

CAN BE OFFERED AS OPTIONAL TOURS:

  • Cabin accommodations in Standard Inside

  • Outside Cabin Upper Deck, XA Category, MS Celestyal

  • Olympia with Add-on Option to Upgrade (at own expense)

  • Full board (Breakfast — Lunch —Dinner) during the Cruise

  • All-inclusive drinks package (unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)

  • Local guides used on cruise excursions

  • Entertainment on board

  • Port charges security and other services/tips (gratuities) included

  • Two Shore excursions included (Heraklion & Kusadasi- Ephesus) OR Her-02: Knossos Palace: First European Civilization; Kus-01:The House of Virgin Mary and Ancient Ephesus OR St. John's Cave in Patmos; depending on the ship's offer at the time of booking

  • TURKEY ONLY - $2723 Land only excl. Int'l Flights/ pp

  • DBL Occ.

  • GREECE ONLY - $2,860 Land + Cruise only, excl. Int'l

  • Flights/pp DBL Occ.

  • BOTH TURKEY & GREECE -$ $5,558 excl. Int'l Flights/pp

  • DBL Occ.

  • CAN BE OFFERED AS OPTIONAL TOURS:

  • **Installment Payments are provided**

OPTIONAL: We offer Travel Insurance Policies providing you coverage for

both pre-existing conditions and those that may arise during your trip,

including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and

so much more. Please call Xenia for details.

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