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Home , Kechries, Lion of Amphipolis, Thessaloniki, Veria

May 25 - June 3, 2022 FOOTSTEPS OF APOSTLE PAUL

Dear Friends, I am Father Brendan Kelly, a Catholic priest of the of Lincoln Nebraska ordained in 2005, the Year of the Eucharist. I have been a Nebraskan for over 20 years since I came to our state for seminary studies in 2000. Before that, I grew up in a small town in northeast Indiana near Chicago and on a small dairy farm in Co. , Ireland. There I learned the blessings (and hard work) of rural life, as well as a reverence for ancient things. After returning to the States, I received an education that focused on the Great Books of the Western World. Relying on both pagan and Christian sources, most of these studies find their foundations in the life and writings of Ancient Greece. This pilgrimage to Greece strikes me as a great opportunity to get to know St. Paul and St. John better. During the journey, I will offer Catholic Mass and confession daily for all who are interested, and I will lead devotions with you where appropriate. Beyond the many religious sites that are the focus of this journey, I am excited to explore the “Cradle of Civilization” with you. It is the birthplace of democracy, western , literature, politics, and home to the first Olympic Games. Together we will explore this ancient land and have the opportunity to visit lots of amazing places - some of them specially designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. We will see one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World (2 if you take the extension), the Acropolis, lots of old monasteries and temples, ancient ruins, art, and much more. Walk with me in the footsteps of St. Paul throughout Greece where he preached the Holy Word of God. Make history and the come alive for you. And, while in that historic and beautiful corner of the world, consider the option of extending your trip for a 4-day cruise to Kusadasi and () and the beautiful and exotic islands of Mykonos, Patmos, , and Santorini at the end of the tour. A pilgrimage always brings surprises and helps the pilgrims to grow spiritually. This one is limited to between 20 and 30 pilgrims and it might fill up fast. I will offer the special pilgrimage blessing to all who come with us. No one ever returns unchanged. I look forward to meeting you and sharing this spiritual pilgrimage of the life and journey of St. with you.

Sincerely, Fr. Brendan Kelly

Call Executive Travel’s Group Department today at 402-435-8888. City Wall

May 25, 2022 - Wednesday which stood alongside the old , was accommodated during his visit to Traveling to Thessaloniki, Greece at the foot of the plateau where Apostle Paul Thessaloniki. Lunch, served at one of the Our wonderful adventure begins as we take visited. Kavala, the place where Paul first local taverns, is nothing but a meal for a an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece. landed and stepped onto European ground, Queen! The evening is at leisure. B | L Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal is easily spotted from far away. At the peak service as you start your dream vacation. of old-town, proudly stands the fortress. The “Paul came to Thessaloniki with and fortress is a landmark of Kavala and one of following his usual custom, he went to the May 26, 2022 - Thursday its most stunning sights as well as the peak of where he used the Jewish Thessaloniki the peninsula of Panagia (mother of ), scriptures as the source for his preaching.” dominated by the Acropolis of Kavala. We (:2) Welcome to Thessaloniki! Upon arrival, continue on to , a Roman garrison we meet our private tour guide and take a town and the chief city in the province of short drive to the center of town. We will . It was here that Paul won his May 29, 2022 - Sunday enjoy a panoramic city-and- orientation tour first European convert, established the first Veria & Aigai/ prior to checking in to our centrally located church in , and baptized a woman Breakfast is served before we head out to hotel. Thessaloniki is the second-largest named Lydia. We will visit the market place experience yet two more stunning sites. Our city of Greece and the most important (where Paul and Silas were brought before first stop is Veria. During the night, Paul and center of the area; a port-city of the Aegean the rulers) and the cistern which tradition Silas left Thessaloniki for Veria with the help Sea. It is a modern metropolis bearing the identifies as the place where Paul was of Christians. They walked for a while on Via marks of its stormy (and glorious) history imprisoned. Return to Thessaloniki in time Egnatia Road, through the lush green fruitful with a cosmopolitan character which gives for dinner. B | D and beautiful area. Veria was a very busy it a special beauty and charm. Evidence city with a flourishing synagogue. As soon of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman “Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made history remains, especially around Ano as they got there, Paul and Silas visited the a direct voyage to and the synagogue. It is said that the of Veria Poli (the upper town). During Roman following day to Neapolis” (:11) times, Thessaloniki became an important were more polite than those in Thessaloniki “After meeting with the believers at and heard with great interest Paul preaching crossroads on the Via Egnatia, where the Lydia’s house, Paul and Silas leave Luke road running east from to the provinces behind in Philippi” and travel along the Via the Holy Gospel. Today, at the spot where of Pontus and Asia met the road running Egnatia through and .” Paul, the Apostle, preached the Christian north from to the River Danube. (Acts 17:1) faith, there is a religious monument, the The ruins of Roman Emperor ’ 4th- so-called “St Paul’s Tribune”. In this spot, century palace include the that has May 28, 2022 - Saturday there are Roman plates dating back to the been both a church and a . Much of Thessaloniki 1st century and according to tradition, Paul Thessaloniki was destroyed in the Great Fire After a hearty breakfast, we become was standing on them while preaching. The of 1917 and the rebuilt 20th-century city has acquainted with this great city where monument is decorated with impressive a modern European layout. A late lunch/early Paul wrote two epistles to the ancient murals. We continue to Aigai, a dinner is served before we take a good rest Thessalonians. Built by King UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of and get rid of our jet-lag. An exciting journey and named after the sister of Alexander the Aigai, the ancient first capital of the Kingdom is ahead of us! Great, the city flourished under the Byzantine of Macedonia, was discovered in the 19th B (during flight) | L or D (depending on final Empire and its most important buildings century. The most important remains are the arrival time) dated from those days. Today it is considered monumental palace, lavishly decorated with the Greek “Queen of the North”. Our city tour and painted stuccoes, and the burial May 27, 2022 - Friday takes us along the waterfront to the massive ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of Amphipolis, Kavala & Phillipi White Tower and nearby Triumphal Arch of which date from the 11th century B.C. One After a rich breakfast, we head out to Galerius, built in 303 AD. We also see St. of the royal tombs in the Great Tumulus is visit the beautiful city of Kavala (ancient Demetrios Church with its valuable mosaics identified as that of Philip II, who conquered Neapolis). We travel along the Via Egnatia and frescoes and then drive to the upper town all the Greek cities, paving the way for his road (constructed by the Romans in the 2nd which offers a marvelous view of the city. The son Alexander and the expansion of the century BC) and drive through Apollonia. We site where the monastery of Vlatadon was Hellenistic world. Lunch is served in a local make a stop at Amphipolis to admire the built is believed to be the location where tavern before we head back to Thessaloniki magnificent stone-carved Jason’s house once stood and where Paul for an evening of relaxation. B | L Mars Hill Acropolis (Erechtheion)

May 30, 2022 - Monday Bouletarion (council chamber) and open Gulf of to the west and Cenchraea, Meteora - Kalambaka discussion was encouraged in the Agora on the , to the east. It made After a filling breakfast, we board our (market place). Paul - who was trained as a huge profits by taxing cargoes that were motorcoach and travel to Kalambaka and young man in the art of debating in Greek - transported overland between the two ports Meteora. Meteora is the second-biggest would have been delighted at an opportunity to avoid the dangerous waters around the and most important group of monasteries in to spread the Good News of Jesus in the . The first attempt to build a Greece after those in (which can cultural heart of the ancient world, among canal across the isthmus at Corinth was be visited by men only). The first mention of its numerous pagan temples, altars, statues, started by Emperor Nero in 66AD but was their history is traced back to the 11th century and monuments. Paul was invited to speak to soon abandoned. The present-day Corinth when the first hermits settled here. The the Areopagus (the Athenian council) which Canal was completed in 1893 (we will make a rock monasteries have been characterized met on Mars Hill. It was only a short distance stop to admire the impressive canal). During by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of from the foot of the Acropolis, dominated our visit, we will walk along the Lechaion cultural heritage and they form one of the by the and built as a temple to Way - a marble-paved road linking the port most important stations in the world. Before Athena in the 5th century BC. We continue of with the city. On reaching the visiting two of the monasteries, we stop for by motorcoach through the city to see the heart of the settlement, the road passed lunch at Kyria Ketty, an experience in itself. House of Parliament at , through an imposing Propylaion (ceremonial The evening is spent in the shadow of the the soldiers in their picturesque uniforms gateway) before citizens climbed a flight impressive rocks, this is truly a unique place guarding the Presidential Palace and Tomb of steps leading up into the agora (market to overnight. B | L of the Unknown Soldier. We will also see place). Here, overlooked by the council the Library, the University, the Panathenaic chamber and the colonnaded stoas (covered May 31, 2022 - Tuesday Stadium where the first Olympics of the walkways with shops), Paul was placed on a - Athens modern era were held, the Temple of the stone platform before the Roman proconsul In the peaceful morning light, we travel to Olympian Zeus, and Adrian’s Arch. Enjoy and accused of breaking the religious laws visit the -Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, a late lunch at a typical Greek tavern and by members of the Jewish synagogue. The set at the foot of Mount Parnassos in a the evening is yours to enjoy more of the area is rich in vineyards and lunch today spectacular landscape. Considered for many city. Don’t miss old-town (Plaka) with its is enjoyed at a local winery while learning centuries the cultural and religious center numerous shops (open till late!), enjoy about the mythical Nemea-Agiorgitiko wine of the Hellenic world, it is also home to the people-watching, or take a stroll around the and the world-famous Corinthian raisins ”Oracle” and Apollo’s Sanctuary, one of the 7 Acropolis hill at sunset; it doesn’t get much (currants). On our way back to Athens, we wonders of the world. prettier! B | L will make a stop at , the port where Paul stopped during his second missionary Our last stop today is at the magnificent “People of Athens! I see that in every way UNESCO World Heritage site of Hosios journey, where he had his hair cut to fulfill a you are very religious. For as I walked vow, probably the Nazirite vow. B | L (Saint) Lucas. A stunning monastery around and looked carefully at your objects decorated with mosaics on a gold background of worship, I even found an altar with this and superb marble works. Sitting peacefully June 3, 2022 - Friday inscription: to an unknown god. So you are Traveling home under the oak tree, we steal a quiet moment ignorant of the very thing you worship - and for a sweet surprise before heading off to the All too soon, your vacation has ended. this is what I am going to proclaim to you.” Transfer to Athens airport in plenty of time heart of Athens. As the sun sets behind the (Acts 17:22-23) Parthenon, we finish our day with a great to check in for our flight and to clear security. meal and an evening at leisure. B | D You may do some last-minute shopping at June 2, 2022 - Thursday the duty-free stores before boarding and flying west across The Atlantic Ocean back June 1, 2022 - Wednesday After breakfast, we take a short drive to to the . B | Meals during flights Athens Ancient Corinth. After a delightful breakfast, we head The ancient Greek city of Corinth was We offer a 3-night cruise to Mykonos, out to discover Athens, one of the most destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC but was Kusadasi (Ephesus), Patmos (St. Jonh’s glorious cities in the world, and the cradle rebuilt a century later by Julius Caesar. In Revelation), Crete, and Santorini. See the of western civilization as we know it today. the time of Paul, Corinth was a busy Roman separate insert. Founded seven thousand years ago, the trading city on the narrow strip of land city flourished in the fifth century BC when between the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Itinerary subject to change. Athenian democracy was practiced in the Sea. It had two harbors - Lechaeum on the B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner To register contact:

1212 O Street • Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone: 402-435-8888 (ask for Group Department) Fax: 402-435-2735 [email protected] www.executivetravel.com

ONLINE REGISTRATION LINK: https://fs28.formsite.com/vLu8mE/CATGR22/

Package Price: Group airfare: Per person in a shared double room: $3,495 We offer group airfare. Pricing and specific itinerary will be available Per person in a single room: $4,195 by the end of July 2021. All registered travelers will be notified. Limited number of single rooms available. Tour Activity Level: LEVEL 1 2 3 4 Triple rooms are not available on this trip. This tour involves a considerable amount of walking, stairs, longer We offer “Pair & Share” service for our Solo travelers. Ask us to assist periods of standing, outdoor activities, and steep areas within the in finding your roommate! places visited. This trip is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. Comfortable, sturdy shoes/boots are recommended. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required upon signing up. Deposit can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Balance is due on February 1, 2022, and is non-refundable. Balance can be paid by Travel Insurance: cash or check. Credit card payment(s) (any payment applied to the We recommend travel insurance to help protect you and your trip tour after the deposit) will access a 3.5% fee. investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we Registering for this tour signifies that you agree with our terms and offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services. For rates conditions which can be found at executivetravel.com/eti-home/ and plan highlights, please ask us. vacation/escorted-tours. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. The tour will be materialized with a minimum of 20 travelers and a maximum of 30 travelers. A valid passport is necessary to travel to Greece. No visa is required by October 2020 for American citizens. It is the traveler’s responsibility to verify all passport and visa requirements. We recommend you check https://travel.state.gov/ The price quoted within this brochure is based on a USD/ exchange rate of 1.20. We reserve content.travel.html. the right to adjust the price at final payment if the exchange rate increases.

Included: Hotel Accommodation: • 8 nights during the tour in Greece at local 3+ and 4-star hotels Final accommodations are confirmed with the delivery of your • 8 x breakfast travel documents, 30 days prior to departure. • 6 x lunch (day 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9) Not Included: • 2 x dinner (day 3, 7) • Airfare • All transportation as per tour program • Airline baggage fees for your second checked bag. Your first • Admissions to all sites mentioned in the tour program checked piece up to 50 lbs is free • Full-time English-speaking professional tour guide • Travel insurance • Baggage handling at hotels (one piece per person) • Personal expenses • Headphones where required • Meals and beverages other than mentioned in the tour • Fr. Brendan Kelly will be leading this pilgrimage tour program • Detailed travel documents, handed out three weeks prior to • Entrances to monuments and/or museums other than departure (hard-copy and electronic) mentioned • All local taxes and fees as per October 1, 2020 • Gratuities to guides and drivers (estimate $8 per day) • Professional fee, $75 per person, due at time of registration • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Call Executive Travel’s Group Department today at 402-435-8888. Space is limited. 7/27/2021 Cruise Extension

Introduction: biblical location of the vision to the Apostle Pricing: Embark on a weekend discovery taking John, as recorded in Revelation 1:9. you to some of the most beautiful and Per person in a shared double cabin culturally enriched destinations in the Most scholars agree with the authenticity $1,095 Aegean, minus the crowds. A journey of his authorship. And you will visit this very place! Al Per person in a single cabin back in time is ahead! This may be a $1,395 short cruise but you will be amazed at just how much you will see. Mykonos and June 5, 2022 - Sunday A limited number of single cabins available. its famous windmills, Kusadasi in Turkey, Crete - Santorini the stopping off point for Ephesus, the Welcome to Crete, Greece’s largest Triples and Quadruples not recommended. site of one of the Seven Wonders of the island, a place of mystery, myths and Ancient World, and the fabulous Greek legends. There’s the chance to take in Included: islands of Patmos, Crete, and Santorini. the bustling city of and some • Private transfer with English speaking of Crete’s extraordinary archaeology and assistance (hotel-port-hotel-airport) Some of the highlights are six contrasting history. You can also learn more about • 3-Night Cruise aboard Celestyal ports in four days, evenings in Mykonos the art and creativity of the Minoans. We Olympia in XA-category stateroom and Patmos, Crete’s incredible Palace of have included a complimentary visit to • 1 night in Athens, May 16-17, 2022 , and Santorini sunset (weather the Palace of Knossos, once the home permitting). Your voyage around the of Europe’s oldest civilization and the • Onboard dining beautiful Aegean may seem like a dream setting for the legend of the Greek hero • Unlimited classic drinks by the time you return and is a wonderful Theseus and the Minotaur. Your odyssey • 2 excursions (Ephesus and Knossos) way to end the Footsteps of Apostle continues as you will be spending an - additional excursions can be Paul’s journey! evening in Santorini, whose stunning purchased onboard or pre-booked face is instantly recognizable across the (ask us for the electronic PDF with all June 3, 2022 - Friday world. She will take your breath away, choices) Embarkation - Mykonos with her soaring landscapes, clusters of • Onboard entertainment Enjoy a laid back breakfast and morning whitewashed houses in the capital Fira, • Gratuities in Athens. Around 10 AM, you will and of course the iconic blue-domed • Port taxes leave the historic and classical capital church at Oia. Don’t forget to try one of • Local taxes and fees as per 8/31/2020 of Greece and transfer to , the many restaurants jostling for position the port of Athens. Off you go to the at the edge of the caldera. AI Not Included: first destination, the beautiful island • Fr. Brendan Kelly (cruise is fully of Mykonos, also known as the Island June 6, 2022 - Monday of the Winds. Take an evening stroll English spoken) Disembarkation - Athens at leisure • Meals/drinks other than mentioned through the atmospheric Old Town with Upon disembarkation, we have arranged its immaculate whitewashed houses, • Entrance fees to museums/sites not for a private transfer to our centrally mentioned in the inclusions winding alleys, lovely little churches, located hotel. The day is at leisure to and delightful restaurants at the water’s enjoy Athens and do some last souvenir- • Personal expenses and anything not edge. You will undoubtedly recognize the shopping or just relax and people-watch. mentioned in the inclusions picture-postcard white windmills sitting side by side, overlooking the sea. B | AI B Airfare: See separate insert for group airfare. June 4, 2022 - Saturday June 7, 2022 - Tuesday Kusadasi - Ephesus - Patmos Traveling home Travel Insurance: You will arrive in the colorful Turkish beach All too soon, your vacation has ended. For full pricing grid and highlights, please town of Kusadasi in the morning. This is Upon disembarkation, we have arranged ask us. the coastal gateway to the Hellenistic for a private transfer to Athens airport in ruins of Ephesus, famed for one of the plenty of time to check in for our flight Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and to clear security. You may do some *Locally inspired regional cuisine, house wine, the Temple of Artemis. A complimentary last-minute shopping at the duty-free beer, soft drinks, teas, , cocktails, and excursion is included to this iconic site, stores before boarding and flying west branded spirits while onboard. Premium wines, one of the undoubted highlights of our across The Atlantic Ocean back to the Champagnes, high-end spirits, fresh fruit juice journey. Patmos is next! One of the United States. B | meals during flights available at a supplement. Snacks are available northernmost islands in the Dodecanese for purchase outside of dining times, specialty is one of the smallest with a charm all its Itinerary subject to change restaurants available at an additional charge. own. Patmos is famous for being the B = Breakfast AI = All Inclusive duringcruise* 7/27/2021 JOIN OUR GROUP AIRFARE!

Group airfare, economy class, is offered with Delta Airlines at $1,695 per person including taxes and fees:

May 25, 2022 Omaha* - Minneapolis 3:25 PM - 4:51 PM May 25, 2022 Minneapolis - 7:26 PM - 10:55 AM (May 26, 2022) May 26, 2022 Amsterdam - Athens 12:20 PM - 4:35 PM May 26, 2022 Athens - Thessaloniki 5:45 PM - 6:40 PM

June 3, 2022 Athens - Atlanta 12:20 PM - 5:35 PM June 3, 2022 Atlanta - Omaha* 7:20 PM - 8:52 PM

For travelers with cruise extension returning from Athens on June 7:

June 7, 2022 Athens - Atlanta 12:20 PM - 5:35 PM June 7, 2022 Atlanta - Omaha* 7:20 PM - 8:52 PM

*Ask us for airfare from a different hometown/state (a small difference in pricing may occur).

Group airfare comes with seat assignments 30 days prior to departure. Executive Travel cannot confirm precise seat numbers earlier than 30 days prior to your departure and therefore cannot guarantee the availability of specific seating on the aircraft. We do our best to honor your preferences (window, aisle).

Premium seating upgrades are not available when traveling on a group air contract. If you have frequent flyer miles (SkyMiles), please note those cannot be used to upgrade to Delta Comfort Plus but only be used for upgrades to business or first class when traveling on a group air contract. Contact us if you have any questions about this and kindly note that certain exceptions may exist.

Airfare is subject to change until tickets are issued, 30 days prior to departure.

RESERVE YOUR AIRFARE WHEN SIGNING UP!

7/27/2021