Explore 9 Biblical Sites Greece and Ephesus with Steve & Janet Ray on their Mediterranean pilgrimage cruise and “Seminar at Sea” in the Footsteps of St. Paul
September 8-18, 2020 11 Days | 9 Nights
Journey in footsteps of St. Paul and the apostles through the cities of Thessaloniki, Philippi, Neapolis, Athens, Ancient Corinth, Ephesus, Crete, Patmos, and Rhodes. We have planned tours included in the price for all excursions except Mykonos and Santorini. But you can visit these sites on your own.
Day 1 – Tuesday, September 8, 2020: Depart USA Depart on overnight flights to Athens, Greece.
Day 2 – Wednesday, September 9, 2020: Arrive in Greece Arrive in Athens and board your flight to Thessaloniki. After landing, meet your local tour manager and transfer via private motor coach to your hotel. Check-in and freshen up before enjoying a special Welcome dinner. Overnight in Thessaloniki. (D)
Day 3 – Thursday, September 10,2020: Thessaloniki After breakfast, take a tour of Thessaloniki, the home of the Thessalonians, to whom St. Paul addressed two of his epistles. Visit the White Tower, Church of St. George, and the churches of St. Demetrius and St. Sophia. Celebrate Mass and hear Steve’s brief talk on Paul’s two letters to the Thessalonians before an afternoon at leisure to explore the city. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki. (B|D)
Day 4 – Friday, September 11, 2020: Philippi and Kavala Visit Kavala where Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy first set foot in Europe. Following the Via Egnatia walking on the actual stones on which Paul trod, travel to Philippi, where Paul first preached the Gospel on European soil. Celebrate Mass outdoors on the river’s edge where Paul baptized Lydia, his first European convert. Sit in the Roman theatre for Steve’s talk “What Must I Do To Be Saved” (Acts 16:30). Celebrate Mass and see ancient Phillipi where St. Paul and St. Sylas preached and were imprisoned. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki. (B|D)
Day 5 – Saturday, September 12, 2020: Athens This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour. Visit the Acropolis, Mars Hill, see the House of Parliament, and more. Stand on Mars Hill where Paul spoke to the Athenians and hears Steve’s talk on Paul methods of evangelization. Enjoy lunch on your own. Celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of St. Dionysius. Dinner and overnight in Athens. (B|D)
Day 6 – Sunday, September 13, 2020: Ancient Corinth Drive along the beautiful coastal road to Corinth, home to Paul for 18 months. See the Bema (Judgment Seat) where was presented for judgment. Celebrate an outdoor Mass. Lunch as a group at the Corinth Canal. Return to Athens in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight in Athens. (B|L|D)
Day 7 – Monday, September 14, 2020: Cruise Embarkation | Mykonos After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Piraeus for embarkation on our ship the Celestyal Olympia. Celebrate Mass onboard en route to Mykonos. Explore the highlights of the first port in Mykonos with your tour manager and enjoy time at leisure in the city. Seminar talks by Steve Ray and Fr. James Conlon on the shop to be announced. (B|D)
Day 8 – Tuesday, September 15, 2020: Ephesus, Turkey | Patmos, Greece This morning port in Kusadasi then drive to Ephesus and tour the ancient city. Visit the House of Mary and celebrate Mass there. Return to the ship for Steve’s “Life and Teaching of St. Paul” and enjoy the beautiful sights of the Mediterranean Sea as you set sail for Patmos to visit St. John’s Monastery and the Grotto of the Apocalypse. (B|D)
Note: The current tourist status in Turkey allows cruise ship passengers to exit the ship and participate in the Ephesus excursion.
Day 9 – Wednesday, September 16, 2020: Rhodes Port in Rhodes this morning and take a medieval tour of the island, including stops at the Acropolis of Lindos and Citadel of the Knights. Celebrate Mass at Santa Maria Monastery. Lunch will be served back on the ship, followed by free time in the afternoon. (B|L|D)
Day 10 – Thursday, September 17, 2020: Crete | Santorini This morning port at the Isle of Crete, celebrate Mass at St. John the Baptist Church, and enjoy the morning at leisure. Continue to Santorini, for your final relaxing afternoon at port for shopping, exploring, and time at leisure. Dinner tonight on board the ship. (B|D)
Day 11 – Friday, September 18, 2020: Return Home Depart to the airport for your return flights home.**
*Itinerary is tentative and subject to change **Pending flight availability. May require additional overnight in Athens with added cost. Air arrangements will be confirmed nine months prior to departure.
B=Breakfast | L=Lunch | D=Dinner