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Oct 06, 2023

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Nov 03, 2023

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Mar 15, 2024

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Apr 12, 2024

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Jul 19, 2024

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Sep 20, 2024

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Oct 18, 2024

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Nov 03, 2024

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The Footsteps of St. Paul with Optional Aegean Cruise

Trip Length

08 Days

Current Weather

Trip Type

1-800-CATHOLIC

Trip Overview & Highlight

Follow St. Paul’s journey as he described in the New Testament as he set out to convert the known world. From Thessaloniki to Delphi and beyond, relive St. Paul’s teachings to the ancient Greeks and enjoy an optional cruise.

Highlights

  • Tour of Thessaloniki, including the Roman Market, Byzantine churches.
  • The cave and well of the Apostle Paul, Aristotle’s Square, and the statue of Alexander the Great.
  • Visit the famous monasteries of Kalambaka, perched atop soaring cliffs
  • Visit ancient sites in the city of Athens, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Erechteum and the Agora
  • Visit Corinth, briefly home to Paul, where he preached to the Corinthians about Jesus Christ
  • Enjoy a day of leisure to explore the ancient city of Athens

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What’s Included

  • International airfare from New York gateway
  • 7 nights hotel accommodations
  • Breakfast Daily and 2 Dinners
  • Ground & Air Transportation
  • Sightseeing & Entrance fees
  • Professional English Speaking Tour Director throughout
  • Private motorcoach & driver
  • Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person

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Prices & Dates

Prices are based on double occupancy: all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will accommodate triples/quads whenever possible. Please call for further details.

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Itinerary

DAY 1: NEW YORK, NY

We depart from our local International Airport for our journey to Greece. Dinner and breakfast will be served on flight.

DAY 2: THESSALONIKI

Arrival in Thessaloniki, a city that is over 2300 years old. It was built in 316 BC by Kassandros, the Macedonian King, and was named after his wife, Thessalonika, the sister of Alexander the Great. Later the city flourished under the Byzantine Empire. Our tour includes the Roman Market, theatre and baths, Arch of Galerius, the City walls, Chain Tower and Citadel, the white tower, Byzantine churches, the cave and well of the Apostle Paul, House of Jason, Monastery of Vlattadon, Aristotle’s Square, and statue of Alexander the Great. We also visit the archaeological museum with the treasures of Vergina. Dinner and overnight in Thessalonika. (D)

DAY 3: THESSALONIKI

Today we visit the beautiful town of Kavala, called Neapolis in the days of Paul (Acts 16: 11). It was to the church in this city Paul wrote his letters to the Thessalonians. From here we continue to Philippi. This is the city of the church to whom the letter of Philippians was written and where the Word of God began being preached to the European nations. We see the Baptistry of Lydia, the ancient theater and visit the place where Paul was flogged and imprisoned. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki. (B,D)

DAY 4: KALAMBAKA

We drive to Veria (ancient Berea), where the Christian congregations were devoted to Paul’s works. We stop for a visit at the monument dedicated to the Apostle. Then we continue to Kalambaka to visit the famous monasteries. Perched atop soaring cliffs, gigantic rocks have been etched by time into a variety of shapes rooted deeply in the ground yet completely isolated from the world around them. The Monasteries with their wooden galleries and corniced rooftops hang precariously over the breath-taking abysses, with the Pindus range at their back. We return to Kalambaka, for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 5: ATHENS

After breakfast, we depart through the mountainous Greek countryside arriving in Delphi, the center of the ancient world – the “Omphalos” (“Naval – of the Earth”) whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic universe. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty lay the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Visit the treasury of the Athenians, the temple of Apollo and the museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Continue to Athens for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 6: ATHENS

City sightseeing includes a visit to the world-renowned Acropolis, with the ruins of the Parthenon, Erechtheum and Propylea. Then, we ascend Mars Hill, where Paul preached (Acts 17:16, 22). Also, view the Agora (ancient market place, and former center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace. We then Depart for Corinth with a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, which separates Peloponnese from the Greek mainland and connects the two seas (Ionian and Aegean). Later visit Corinth which was home for Paul for eighteen months. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Bema, the Market Place and the Temples. From the Bema at Corinth, Paul spoke to the Corinthians about our Lord and Savior Christ. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight at our hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: ATHENS

Today we have a full day at leisure to pursue personal interests. Perhaps a visit to the Plaka to shop or eat in one of the many fine restaurants. (B,D)

DAY 8: NEW YORK, NY

Today our journey ends with good memories as we bid farewell to our new Greek friends. We are transferred to Athens airport for our flight home. Arrival the same day.

Extensions

DAY 8: MYKONOS

Transfer to the port of Piraeus for embarkation on our cruise ship. Enjoy the many shipboard activities or just relax while sailing to the Island of Mykonos with its jet-set atmosphere, whitewashed buildings, sidewalk cafes, 360 churches and chic shops. Here we will see the Archeological Museum and Temples. (B,L,D) .

DAY 9: EPHESUS/PATMOS

This morning we arrive in Ephesus to visit the “Seven Wonder of the Ancient World” It is here St. Paul spent many years and wrote his Letter to the Ephesians. Then sail to the island of Patmos and visit the Monastery and the Grotto of St. John the Divine. It is here St. John wrote the Book of Revelation. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: CRETE/SANTORINI

We arrive in Crete where Paul and Titus visited in support of the Early Church. We will have time to visit the fantastic ruins before sailing to Santorini one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. There will be time to walk the cobble streets. (B,L,D)

DAY 11: ATHENS

Today we disembark and are transferred to our hotel in Athens to enjoy a free day. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. (B,D)

DAY 12: ATHENS

Today we leave the beautiful city of Athens, Greece with beautiful memories of our Journey of the Steps of St. Paul, and we are transferred to the Airport for our flight back home to New York.
*(B,L,D) = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Essential Information & Weather

Weather

Greece has a typical Mediterranean climate, which lends itself to mild and often wet winters and dry summers. The country is mostly sunny throughout the year. The northern part of the country can be very cold during the winters, even receiving snow in some areas. Winter is milder to the south.
Summer:
Summer is easily the busiest time of year for Greek tourism. It’s when most people decide to visit the country, and because of this, most places you visit will be crowded with people. As a result, accommodations will also be a lot more expensive. Furthermore, the summers in Greece are known to be extremely hot and dry (heat waves of 100°F/40°C are pretty common).

Spring and fall:
The seasons of spring and fall are widely considered to be the best time to go to Greece. Since this is considered to be Greece’s low season, you’ll find that prices are more affordable during this time. You also won’t have to fight as many crowds as you would during the summertime. Major sites and beaches in particular are much easier to enjoy during the spring and fall months because of the lack of crowds.

Winter:
Although the weather during the winter can be rather chilly and wet, it’s usually fairly reasonable, with an occasional bright and sunny day thrown into the mix. Of course, there’s also the chance you might see some snow while you’re in Greece.

Packing List

The following suggested packing list is for a general week to ten-day trip in Greece. Please consider the season of travel and type of trip to adjust.

• 7-9 x underwear, socks,
• 2-3 x loose, lightweight trousers or skirts– one full length and one cropped pair would be ideal!
• 3-4 x shorts
• 2 x long, loose shirts
• 4-5 x t-shirts or tops
• 2-3 evening tops
• 1-2 x swimming gear
• 1-2 x sweater or cardigan
• 1-2 x sandals or flip flops
• 1-2 pairs of comfortable walking/running shoes
• 1 x pair of more formal shoes
• 1 rain/wind-proof jacket
• 2-3 sweaters or other colder-weather gear
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• toiletries
• 1 x beach bag
• 1 x day bag
• 1 x evening bag
• European adapter
• Phone, camera and any other electronics needed
• passport and travel docs
• insurance

Passports

Please make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months following your return from the destination.

Visa

Visas are not required for stays less than 90 days.

Currency & Exchange

The currency of Greece is the Euro, which breaks into 100 cents. You will be able to exchange dollars for Euros in most hotels, as well as at banks and registered money exchanges. ATMs can be found throughout the country, and most major credit/debit cards can be used to withdraw cash.

Though most merchants prefer cash, credit and debit cards are accepted at most larger businesses — especially aimed at tourists. Make sure you always have smaller denominations while out, as vendors tend to not have change whenever you’re looking to purchase a gift.
Before traveling, try to ascertain what fees your credit card company or bank of choice might take for transactions, to avoid any unhappy surprises.

Tipping is customary, but not obligatory. There is no standard for you to follow, but consider rounding up on restaurant bills or taxis. Using cash ensures that the tip remains in your server’s pockets.

Phone & Internet Connectivity

Internet connectivity on your mobile device is available throughout most of the country, but unless you have unlimited roaming, your bill may leave you a nasty surprise. To avoid extra fees, you may want to turn off cellular data and take advantage of the many free WiFi hotspots available at cafes, restaurants, hotel lobbies and other tourist-facing establishment. Of course, while on water, connectivity tends to be reduced to basic 3G or 2G connections, so be advised.

If your mobile phone allows for it, and you are in need of constant connectivity, you can always purchase a local SIM card and a prepaid plan. This provides you with. Local phone number and internet access, allowing for your mobile phone to double as a modem through the mobile hotspot function.

Electricity and Adapters

In Greece the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. Check out the following pictures.
• Type C: also known as the standard “”Euro”” plug. This socket also works with plug E and plug F.
• Type F: also known as “”Schuko””. This socket also works with plug C and plug E.
Type C: This socket also works with plug E and F

Dress & Modesty Norms

Away from the beaches, informal wear is far less than the norm. most Greeks will dress up to go out, and not doing so is considered a faux pas. Most monasteries and to a lesser extent churches impose a fairly strict dress code for visitors: no shorts, with women expected to cover their arms and wear skirts (though most Greek women visitors will be in trousers); the necessary wraps are sometimes provided on the spot.

Greeks are fiercely proud, hospitable, direct, and warm. You’ll know when you are in a local’s favor (or not) quite quickly – they will let you know without delay. Greek culture is more laid back and informal, and not well known for punctuality. Religion plays an important role in Greek life, even for those who don’t adhere to daily practices. Weddings, funerals, name days, baptisms, saint days – there’s always a reason to mark the day, and you’ll get to experience a unique aspect of Greek cultural life.

Food & Water

Water: The public drinking water in Greece is safe to drink, although it can be slightly brackish in some locales near the sea and on the islands. For that reason, many people prefer the bottled water available at restaurants, hotels, cafes, food stores, and kiosks. The days when Greek restaurants automatically served glasses of cold fresh water are gone; you can ask for the tap or house water — be sure to do so before the waiter opens bottled water.

Timezone

Greece is +3 hours UTC. You can find up-to-date time information here: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

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From The Pilgrimage

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