Arrive at Thessaloniki International Airport Makedonia. After exiting the Arrival’s Hall, you will be greeted by our local Trinity Tour Travels guide and driver. 

Mass of thanksgiving is celebrated this day at the Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception. Lunch and a City Bus Tour of Thessaloniki to include a visit to the churches of St. Demetrius and of St. Sophia (contingent on arrival time).

Check-in, dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki

Breakfast at the hotel and a full day ahead! We first travel to Lydia Springs, Philippi. Accompanied by Silas, Timothy and possibly Luke, it is believed that St. Paul first preached on European soil in Philippi in 49 or 50 AD. We visit the site where Lydia (dealer of expensive purple cloth) converted to Christianity and see the ruins of a small church or prayer house known as the Basilica of St. Paul, as it was identified by a mosaic inscription on the pavement dated around 343. We visit a crypt from the Roman Empire, which is believed to have served as a prison for St. Paul. Rich in scriptural history in accordance with the Acts of the Apostles, Philippi is home to an abundant spiritual treasure of our faith. We travel to the beautiful seaport of Kavala. Renamed Christoupolis (“City of Christ”) in the Middle Ages, it was the first city in Europe to accept Christianity. 

Mass this day is celebrated “open air” on the grounds where Lydia was baptized.

Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Breakfast at the hotel prior to visiting the first of the Meteora Monasteries, contingent on the schedule availability. We stop along the way to visit Berea (Veria) in Macedonia (northern Greece), where St. Paul fled from Thessaloniki (Acts 17:10) and taught there in the synagogue. He found here many who were eager to receive the Gospel to compare it with Hebrew scriptures. It is also here that St. Luke notes (Acts 17:12) that many believed, and “honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few, came to Jesus.” St. Paul was made to flee Berea to Athens but left Silas and Timothy to care for the believers here. We visit the “Triptych Monument,” which is reputed to be ruins of the ancient synagogue where St. Paul taught. We see a magnificent display made of colorful mosaic tiles, which depicts the teachings of St. Paul. 

Check-in, dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit more of Kalambaka, where we see the most fascinating characteristic of this settlement in the Meteora rocks. Forming a spectacular precipice on the northern part of the skyline, Kalambaka is renowned for its historic monasteries which are perched precariously on the cliffs of these towering rock formations. These ancient Monasteries of Meteora create an “otherworldly” atmosphere to say the least! Lunch and travel to Athens this afternoon.

Check-in, Mass, dinner and overnight in Athens.

Following breakfast at the hotel, a full day of touring one of the oldest-named cities in the world, Athens. We begin with a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first Olympic Games in 1896. This historic stadium was rebuilt on the excavation site of the stadium built by Herodes Atticus around 144 AD. It is the only stadium in the world built entirely from marble and remains the point from where the Olympic Flame handover ceremony to the host nation takes place. We then wander around Plaka, the Old Town, the Acropolis and its museum, and visit the Herodion amphitheater (The Odeon of Herodes). The day continues with a visit to the Parthenon and Mars Hill or “The Areopagus,” where St. Paul preached against the idolatry of the Greeks (Acts 17: 16-34). A stroll through the colorful flea market in Monastiraki, the heart of Athens. Free time this afternoon. 

Mass this day is celebrated at St. Dennis.

Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Corinth, one of the most historic cities in the world. St. Paul lived and preached here between 51 and 52 AD. Tradition maintains that he loved Corinth more than any other city in the pagan world. Two of his epistles are named in honor of this beloved city. We visit the Corinth Canal for its awe-inspiring and breathtaking views and then on to Ancient Corinth. It is here where St. Paul wrote his letters. We see the Bema of St. Paul, a large, elevated rostrum at the center of the Roman Forum. The Bema is where St. Paul was accused of false teachings and where his trial took place. We visit the Corinth Market before returning to Athens in the afternoon.

Mass this day is celebrated “open air” in Corinth.

 Dinner and overnight in Athens.

After breakfast in Athens, we drive to the charming Port of Lavrio to embark on a 5-day, 4-night cruise of Greek islands. We board the Celestyal Discovery, with its relaxing lounges and authentic Greek cuisine, to arrive on Mykonos this afternoon.

With its magnificent golden beaches, delightful windmills, winding marble streets and pristine white houses with colorful domes, these picturesque townhouses are historical treasures and a joyful, vibrant culture! Enjoy exploring on your own or secure an excursion of the island pre-departure or once onboard the Celestyal. (additional fee). Plan to stroll through the winding narrow, labyrinthine streets of Mykonos Town and try to visit the iconic Church of Panagia Paraportiani! This whitewashed architectural marvel is one of the numerous churches/chapels we encourage you to visit. Each is adorned with religious icons and amazing frescoes. We suggest a visit to the charming area of Mykonos Little Venice with its colorful, idyllic Venetian houses and remarkable sunsets against the backdrop of the azure Aegean Sea! Dinner and overnight onboard. Departure to Kusadasi.

Mass this day is celebrated on board the Celestyal Discovery.

********************IMPORTANT NOTE:*********************

Guided excursions while cruising are provided on Patmos, Kusadasi and Rhodes. 

For Mykonos, Crete and Santorini, excursion options will be emailed to you approximately 4 months prior to departure when they become available from the cruise line (additional fees apply). You also have the opportunity to book excursions once on the ship. If you choose to explore these islands on your own, we recommend planning ahead to make the most of your visit!

Breakfast onboard as we arrive at the beach resort town of Kusadasi, Turkey. On Turkey’s central Aegean Sea coast, Kusadasi serves as the gateway for our next destination, the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. The first Christian community in Ephesus was established by the beloved apostle, John, and was developed by St. Paul. St. Paul stayed here for over 3 years and wrote his letters to the Ephesians while in captivity. Well known as the final resting place of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ephesus is also home to the Basilica of St. John, which honors the beloved apostle of Jesus, who was charged with Our Lady’s care.

We visit the humble home of the mother of God, which is nestled amidst tranquil, green hills of the Bulbul Mountains and have personal time for prayer and reflection. 

We return onboard to journey to the sacred and serene island of Patmos, where the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelations. We tour the Grotto of St. John, built around the cave where he wrote and lived in isolation for two years (95-97 AD), and see the stone, which is said to have been used as his pillow. Following this very memorable day, we return to the port. 

Dinner and overnight aboard ship to Rhodes.

An early morning docking in Rhodes. A day tour of Rhodes begins with the exploration of the impressive Acropolis of Lindos to visit the Doric Temple of Athena, built in 330 BC. We visit the Church of the Virgin Mary, adorned with magnificent frescoes from the 15th century, visit the Knight’s Quarter, stroll through the Gate d’Amboise, walk along the Street of the Knights, and visit the Rhodes Medieval Town known for its bakeries, souvenirs, and art! So much Greek history, architecture, and food to experience! 

Mass, dinner, and overnight onboard ship to Crete.

Breakfast onboard prior to arrival at Heraklion, on the beautiful and largest of the Greek Islands, Crete. We recommend visiting the Koules Fortress, built in the early 16th century at the entrance of the old port of Heraklion. While here, plan to visit the Venetian Loggia, an eye-catching edifice built in 1620 that still serves as the Town Hall of Heraklion. Visit the grand Cathedral of St. Agios Minas (patron saint of the city), the Basilica of St. Mark, and the medieval monastery of St. Catherine. Time permitting, visit the city of Knosses, the place known for the very first civilization in Europe, the Minoans. It is presumed to be the oldest city in all of Europe.

Reboard the ship after exploring Crete to cruise to the majestic island of Santorini. Renowned for its breathtaking, dramatic, and rocky landscapes, cliff-side whitewashed houses with blue roofs and unforgettable sunsets, this caldera offers some of the most enthralling views in the world. A huge volcanic eruption in the 17th century shaped this unique crater (caldera), now known as the island of Santorini, that is well-known for its red and black volcanic beaches and charming people! We suggest visiting the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Church of Panagia Episkopi prior to reboarding the ship.

(Excursions for touring Crete and Santorini are available onboard).

Mass, dinner and overnight onboard to return to Lavrio.

Following breakfast, check-out, and deboarding ship, transfer to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens for your return flight home to the USA. You take home memories of the unforgettable Footsteps of St. Paul: servant, preacher of the Gospel, ambassador for Christ…and prisoner for all.

Opa!

A note from Trinity Tours Travels:

We are honored to have you travel with us and appreciate your trust in Trinity Tour Travels for your pilgrimage! Though every effort will sincerely be made to follow the above itinerary, it should be considered as a template of the journey rather than a “contract” of sites to be visited. There are times when local religious or national holidays, weather, traffic challenges, etc., may cause us to make changes in our schedule. This MAY result in a change in the sequence of sites visited or, on rare occasions, the missing of some certain site visits entirely. 

As with all in life, we encourage the acceptance of possible change with a cheerful heart; after all, it is sometimes the unexpected that often makes the most beautiful memories! Enjoy your trip to the fullest and relish every moment!