Greece

Depart via scheduled air service. The destination is Thessaloniki, Greece.

Arrive in Thessaloniki. Meet your Faith Journeys Tour Manager who will assist the group to awaiting chartered motorcoach for a panoramic tour of the city. Thessaloniki is a treasure trove of architecture as we’ll see the ramparts of the city, the Triumphan Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda (oldest of Thessaloniki’s churches), the Via Egnatia, Aristotelous Square, and the Monastery of Vlattadon. Celebrate Holy Mass at the local church of the Immaculate Conception. Late-afternoon hotel check-in. Evening Welcome Dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we will visit Kavala, known anciently as Neapolis, where Paul landed on his first voyage to Europe as we make our way to nearby Philippi. See magnificent places such as Lydia’s Baptistry and the great Amphipolis Lion statue. We will also marvel in the beauty of the Forum Romanum. Lunch, on own. We will visit Krinides (or Crenides), an area that includes the archaeological site of Philippi in the Kavala Prefecture. The area of Krinides was well known from the era of the early Macedonian Kings for its fertile soil and thermal water. It was also in Philippi that Paul met with a woman named Lydia, a purple-dye merchant who became the first Christian convert. Celebrate Mass at the special site where Lydia was baptized. Return to Thessaloniki for evening dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.This morning we will visit the Agora and Church of St. Demetrius constructed on the site of an ancient Roman bath. Also visit the Arch of Galerius and Rotunda which is the oldest of Thessaloniki’s churches. Continue through Berea (Veria) to see Paul’s Bema where both he and Silas preached to a Jewish settlement after leaving the Thessalonians and celebrate Mass. Lunch, on own. Visit Vergina, home of the burial site of the kings of Macedon, including the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. Continue to Kalambaka. Evening dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we will visit the Meteora Monasteries, the most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. We will start at the Meteora Monastery, then the Grand Meteoron Monastery which is built upon the highest rock and considered one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries. Lunch, on own. Continue to Delphi and celebrate Mass. Evening dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin our day in Delphi where we will visit the site of the Delphic oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and museum which houses a collection of items associated with ancient Delphi, including the earliest known notation of a melody. Lunch, on own. Continue to Athens. Celebrate Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Evening dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. Celebrate Mass at St. Dennis Catholic Cathedral. Explore the city of Athens beginning at the Acropolis, where see the Parthenon. Visit the Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill where the Apostle Paul gave his famous sermon about “The Unknown God.” Lunch, on own. Take a driving tour of the city to see the House of Parliament on Syntagma Square, the Library, University, and Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern-day Olympics were held. Also visit the Olympieion, a colossal ruined temple that was dedicated to Zeus. Continue to Corinth to visit the ruins of this ancient city including Bema (judgement seat) and the remnants of the first-century shops, the Fountain of Peirene, and Temple of Apollo. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Piraeus to embark on a 4 Day / 3 Night Greek Island cruise. Sail to the island of Mykonos to take in its legendary windmills, “Little Venice” where buildings have been constructed on the sea’s edge, sandy beaches, quaint shops, and cobbled streets. Evening dinner at one of the wonderful restaurants of Alefkandra. Return to Mykonos to take a shuttle back to our ship. Celebrate Mass onboard and overnight.

Breakfast onboard. Arrive in Kusadasi, a resort town on Turkey’s Aegean coast. Drive to Mt. Koressos to see the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed John took Mary to spend her last days and celebrate Mass. Visit the ruins of Ephesus, for many years the second largest city of the Roman Empire. See historical sites such as the Temple of Artemis, Fountain of Trajan, Baths of Scolastika, Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theatre where Paul preached. Lunch, on own. En route to Patmos, view the Basilica of St. John, which was built over his grave in the 6th century and see the Monastery of St. John. Visit the cave where John is said to have received his Revelation and if time permits, visit a few of the monasteries dedicated to John, including the mile high Monastery. Return to Scala to enjoy some free time before returning to our ship. Evening dinner and overnight.

Breakfast onboard. Visit Heraklion to see the ruins of Knossos Palace which is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. The palace appears as a maze of workrooms, living spaces, and store rooms. It is in Heraklion that Paul was warned about continuing his journey to Rome. Cruise to the town of Fira on the island of Santorini. The panoramic view of the blue Aegean water is magnificent from Fira and there is much to see and do: open-air cafes, charming boutiques, and museums. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.