Pilgrims depart the United States on overnight transatlantic flights to Thessaloniki, Greece. Meals and beverages will be served onboard as pilgrims prepare prayerfully for this Catholic pilgrimage in the Footsteps of Saint Paul.

Upon arrival at Thessaloniki Airport, meet your local guide and board your motorcoach. Visit the Church of Saint Demetrius and the crypt of the city’s patron saint. Continue to the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for the opening Holy Mass of the pilgrimage. Transfer to the hotel for check-in and a welcome dinner. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

After breakfast, depart for Philippi, where Saint Paul first preached the Gospel on European soil. Visit the Baptistery of Saint Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe, to celebrate Holy Mass with a renewal of Baptismal Promises. Continue to the archaeological site of Philippi, including the Roman Forum, ancient theater, Early Christian basilica remains, and the traditional prison of Saints Paul and Silas. Proceed to Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Saint Paul first arrived in Europe. Visit the Apostle Paul Monument and Saint Nicholas Church with its outdoor mosaic memorial commemorating the Apostle’s arrival. Return to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

After breakfast, we celebrate Mass at the Catholic Cathedral of the Veroia The Apostle Paul’s Bema. Visit the Monastery of Vlatadon, traditionally associated with Saint Paul’s stay in Thessaloniki near the House of Jason. Continue to Beroea and visit Saint Paul’s Bema, commemorating his preaching alongside Silas. Proceed to Kalambaka, situated at the foot of the spectacular Meteora rock formations. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

After breakfast, visit the breathtaking Meteora Monasteries, one of the most remarkable centers of Christian monastic life in Greece. Pilgrims will visit two active monasteries and reflect on the witness of prayer, ascetic life, sacred art, and Orthodox Christian spirituality. Time permitting, visit a local icon workshop or religious shop. Celebrate Holy Mass in Kalambaka. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

After breakfast, we depart for Athens. En route, stop at Thermopylae to view the monument honoring King Leonidas and the Spartans. Upon arrival in Athens, visit the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, named for the disciple of Saint Paul and first bishop of Athens. Celebrate Holy Mass before continuing to the historic Plaka district for a walking tour through its charming streets and traditional atmosphere. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, celebrate Holy Mass at the Catholic Cathedral Saint Dionysus.

Depart for Ancient Corinth, stopping first at the impressive Corinth Canal. Continue to the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, where Saint Paul lived, preached, and worked alongside Aquila and Priscilla. Visit the museum and the Bema, associated with Saint Paul’s ministry and trial before Gallio. Continue to Cenchreae, the ancient port from which Saint Paul sailed toward Ephesus. Return to Athens. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, transfer to the port and embark on your three-night Aegean cruise. Following boarding and the required safety drill, enjoy lunch onboard. Celebrate Holy Mass on the ship, subject to cruise arrangements. This evening, arrive in Mykonos and enjoy time to explore the picturesque port area before returning to the ship. Dinner and overnight onboard.

Arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey, and begin your excursion to the House of the Virgin Mary, traditionally believed to be the final earthly home of Our Blessed Mother. Continue to ancient Ephesus, one of the most important cities of the Early Christian Church, where Saint Paul preached and helped establish a thriving Christian community. Return to the ship for Holy Mass and lunch, subject to cruise timing. Later arrive on the island of Patmos to visit the Cave of the Apocalypse. Here Saint John received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. We then visit the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian. Dinner and overnight onboard.

Arrive in Santorini, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, stunning caldera views, and whitewashed villages overlooking the Aegean Sea. Enjoy an included excursion to the picturesque village of Oia, with time to stroll through its charming streets, take photographs, and appreciate the beauty of one of Greece’s most iconic islands. Return to the ship to celebrate Holy Mass and lunch, subject to cruise schedule. Dinner and overnight onboard.

Disembark in Athens and transfer to the Catholic Cathedral Saint Dionysus for Mass. Continue with a guided tour of Athens, including the Acropolis and the Areopagus, where Saint Paul delivered his famous sermon proclaiming the One True God to the Athenians. Panoramic sightseeing may include the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Academy of Athens, University of Athens, and the National Library. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at the hotel celebrating the completion of your spiritual pilgrimage. Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, transfer to Athens Airport for your return flight to the United States, bringing home treasured memories and spiritual blessings from your pilgrimage in the Footsteps of Saint Paul.