May 2 - 12, 2026
Greece
St. Catherine of Siena Parish Pilgrimage to Greece
Join us on the pilgrimage of a lifetime in the footsteps of St. Paul as we journey through Greece, deepening our faith while exploring the very places where the Apostle to the Gentiles ministered, suffered, and proclaimed the Gospel. Along the way, we’ll celebrate daily Mass, reflect together as a community, and take in the beauty of God’s creation. This pilgrimage is an invitation not only to explore the history of the early Church, but to renew our own commitment to Christ. I hope you’ll come with me on this unforgettable spiritual adventure!
—Fr. Tim Hedrick, Chaplain
TOUR INCLUSIONS
• Nine nights’ accommodations
• Three nights in Thessaloniki in a four-star hotel
• Three nights in Athens in a four-star hotel
• Three nights aboard the Celestyal Discovery
• Continental breakfast daily
• Four lunches
• Seven dinners with wine, including a welcome and farewell dinner
• Luxury motor coach for airport transfers in Greece, for those on Group Air
• Luxury motor coach for all specified touring
• Flight from Thessaloniki to Athens on May 6, 2026 for all passengers
• Local, Catholic tour manager while in Greece
• Local guides according to the itinerary
• Sightseeing and entrance fees according to the itinerary
• Arrangements of daily Mass including donations in unique and historic churches (all locations are tentative and subject to confirmation)
• Hotel & city taxes and porterage for one piece of luggage
• Personal audio devices for group tours
• Gratuities payable to local tour manager, guides, drivers, hotel staff, cruise staff, and servers
THE TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Tour Manager from the USA
• Meals not specifically identified
• Beverages with meals unless specified
• Gratuities for meals, taxis, or excursions taken on one’s own
• Other personal expenses
• Items not specifically mentioned above
• Travel insurance
ITINERARY
Day 1: Saturday, May 2 - Depart USA
Depart on independent overnight flights to Thessaloniki, Greece, to begin your pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Paul.
Day 2: Sunday, May 3 - Arrival in Thessaloniki
Arrive in Thessaloniki and transfer to your hotel. Celebrate an opening Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, then enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 3: Monday, May 4 - Philippi & Kavala
Travel to Philippi, where Paul first preached on European soil (Acts 16). Celebrate Mass at the riverside site of Lydia’s baptism, then explore the ruins of Philippi, including the forum and prison of Paul and Silas. Continue to Kavala, ancient Neapolis, Paul’s port of entry into Europe, and walk along the Via Egnatia where he and his companions first landed. Enjoy a group lunch before returning to Thessaloniki. Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 4: Tuesday, May 5 - Berea | Thessaloniki
Visit Berea, where the people welcomed Paul’s preaching and searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:10–12). Celebrate Mass and return to Thessaloniki for an afternoon panoramic tour, including the White Tower, the Church of St. George, and the Basilica of St. Demetrius. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 5: Wednesday, May 6 - Flight to Athens
Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport for a short flight to Athens. Upon arrival, visit the Areopagus, where Paul addressed the philosophers (Acts 17), and the Acropolis. Celebrate Mass at St. Paul’s Church before checking into your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
Day 6: Thursday, May 7 - Corinth
Excursion Travel to Corinth, where Paul lived and preached for eighteen months (Acts 18). Explore the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, and the Bema where Paul was judged. Celebrate Mass at the Church of the Holy Apostles and stop at the Corinth Canal before returning to Athens for dinner. Overnight in Athens.
Day 7: Friday, May 8 - Embarkation | Mykonos
Transfer to the port of Lavrion for a midday embarkation on your three-night Aegean cruise. Lunch is served onboard as the ship departs for Mykonos. In the evening, stroll through the town before reboarding the ship. Overnight onboard in Mykonos.
Day 8: Saturday, May 9 - Kusadasi (Ephesus) | Patmos
Arrive in Kusadasi and drive to Ephesus, where Paul spent more than two years preaching the Gospel (Acts 19). Celebrate Mass at the House of the Virgin Mary, then tour the Theater of Ephesus, the Library of Celsus, and the Church of Mary, where the Council of Ephesus was held. In the afternoon, sail to Patmos and visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian and the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Sunday, May 10 - Heraklion (Crete) | Santorini
This morning dock in Heraklion, Crete, where Paul left Titus to organize the Church (Titus 1:5). In the afternoon, arrive in Santorini and admire its whitewashed chapels and blue-domed churches overlooking the Aegean. Celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Fira and enjoy free time before returning to the ship. Overnight onboard in Santorini.
Day 10: Monday, May 11 - Athens Disembarkation
Disembark in Lavrion and return to Athens. Celebrate Mass at St. Paul’s Church and spend the afternoon at leisure for reflection or shopping. Conclude the evening with a festive Farewell Dinner featuring live Greek music. Overnight in Athens.
Day 11: Tuesday, May 12 - Return Home
Transfer to Athens Airport for return flights to the USA, carrying home the graces of walking in the footsteps of St. Paul.
CABIN OPTIONS
Jr. Balcony Suite
Upper Deck:
-Double Occupancy $6,799 *per person
-Single Supplement + $2,300
Lower Deck:
-Double Occupancy $6,699 *per person
-Single Supplement + $2,300
Balcony
Double Occupancy $6,299 *per person
Single Supplement $2,500
Interior Cabin
Double Occupancy $5,199 *per person
Single Supplement $1,800
*All cabin types and pricing are limited and subject to availability when booking.
*Prices are per person
*These prices reflect a $200 per person Early Booking Discount for deposits received before December 31, 2025 and a $160 per person Check Discount for those paying the remaining balance by check after the initial deposit.
OPTIONAL GROUP AIR + $1,300
New Orleans (MSY) to Thessaloniki (SKG), returning from Athens (ATH)
TRAVEL PROTECTION:
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel protection is highly recommended.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION TERMS:
Deposit: $1,000 per person due upon registration
Second Deposit: $1,250 additional due on or before December 31, 2025
Final Payment: Balance due on or before January 31, 2026
Please note late payments will incur a $50 late fee.
All cancellations must be received in writing. Payments are non-refundable and subject to CTS Terms and Conditions, including the CTS Liability Release. CTS reserves the right to cancel any reservation if payments are not made according to the payment schedule. A $25 fee will be added to any reinstated reservation.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? REVIEW OUR FAQs.