The Journey of St. Paul by Land & Sea

Itinerary

Day 1: Wednesday, September 25 - Depart for Athens

Depart on independent flights to Athens, Greece. 

Day 2: Thursday, September 26 - Athens

Arrive in Athens and head to your hotel for check-in. Take time to explore the area, rest, or freshen up. Celebrate Mass at the Catholic Cathedral and gather for a group welcome dinner. Overnight in Athens.  

Day 3: Friday, September 27 - Corinth | Athens

Your first full day begins with a morning trip to Corinth, a bustling Roman city with two vibrant ports. This city was a hub of activity when St. Paul visited and preached between 52 and 53 C.E. and again between 57 and 58 C.E.  Explore ancient Corinth with a guided tour, discovering its remarkable landmarks like the Agora with its significant structures, the Temple of Apollo, the Peirene fountain, the Lechaion Road, and the Bema, where St. Paul faced the tribunal, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles. Celebrate an outdoor Mass. Return to Athens and experience local cuisine with dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Athens.

Day 4: Saturday, September 28 - Areopagus Hill | Acropolis | Athens (Piraeus) Embarkation

Check out of the hotel to experience a memorable day in Athens, the birthplace of democracy and western civilization. Explore this city as St. Paul once did, seeing the hill of Areopagus where he delivered his famous “Men of Athens” speech. Visit the incomparable Acropolis, the epitome of Ancient Greece. Celebrate Mass before transferring to Piraeus for embarkation on the Celebrity Infinity. Dinner and overnight on the ship.  (Ship departs 5:00PM)

Day 5: Sunday, September 29 -  Day at Sea

Celebrate Mass on the ship and group reflection. Explore the ship amenities, including the restaurants, shows, pools, and onboard activities. Overnight onboard the ship. (Day at sea)

Day 6: Monday, September 30 - Santorini 

Take a tender boat to the enchanting island of Santorini and be transported to the picturesque town of Fira via a delightful cable car ride. There, you’ll be greeted by the iconic Greek seascape, featuring charming, whitewashed houses with stunning sea-blue rooftops. Celebrate Mass and enjoy free time for shopping and exploring. Return to the ship for overnight. (Tendered 8:00AM to 10:00PM) 

Day 7: Tuesday, October 1 - Kusadasi | Ephesus

The ship docks in the morning at the port of Kusadasi, where you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Ephesus, a historically significant site mentioned in Acts 19. The first stop will be the House of Mary, a revered pilgrimage site, to celebrate Mass. Next, explore the captivating ancient city of Ephesus, home to remarkable landmarks such as the 24,000-seat theater and the church of Mary, which was the venue for the 4th Ecumenical Council.  Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (Docked 9:00AM to 9:00PM)

Day 8: Wednesday, October 2 - Mykonos

Arrive at the island of Mykonos, known for its whitewashed villages sprinkled with blue and jade green. Celebrate Mass onboard the ship before tendering for free time to explore and relax on the sandy beaches. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (Tendered 8:00AM to 6:00PM)

Day 9: Thursday, October 3 - Volos | Meteora

Celebrate Mass onboard the ship. Then, begin the day with a private excursion to Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the dark, sandstone pinnacles soaring dramatically from the Thessaly plain, crowned with six historic monasteries that seem to defy gravity. The roots of this sacred site trace back to the 10th century C.E., when hermits, monks, and ascetics sought solace and spiritual enlightenment amidst the striking crags. Explore two of the incredible monasteries renowned for their intricate construction and adorned with remarkable frescoes that depict centuries of devotion and history. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (Docked 8:00AM to 7:00PM)

Day 10: Friday, October 4 - Thessaloniki | Veria/Berea | Vergina

Embark on a captivating tour of Thessaloniki, the city of the Thessalonians, to whom St. Paul addressed two of his epistles (Acts 17:1-9). Explore the places where St. Paul lived and preached. After celebrating Mass at the Cathedral, journey to Veria/Berea, where St. Paul’s influence is still evident through a beautiful modern mosaic dedicated to the Apostle Paul. Continue to Vergina, where the ruins of ancient Aigai lie, serving as the resting place of the Macedonian kings. Discover the captivating royal tomb of King Philip and explore the historic sites surrounding the area. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (Docked 8:00AM to 6:00PM)

Day 11: Saturday, October 5 - Kavala | Philippi

Travel to the coastal town of Kavala, where St. Paul first set foot on European soil en route to Philippi. Guided by a local expert, explore the rich history and captivating archaeological site of Philippi, named after Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. Discover monuments spanning the Ancient, Roman and Byzantine eras. See the dungeon where St. Paul was held prisoner and the site where he baptized St. Lydia, the first Christian in Europe. Celebrate Mass at Lydia’s Spring. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (Docked 8:00AM to 6:00PM)

Day 12: Sunday, October 6 - Day at Sea

Celebrate Mass on the ship, and group reflection by guest speaker. Explore the ship amenities, including the restaurants, shows, pools, and onboard activities. Overnight onboard the ship. (Day at Sea)

Day 13: Monday, October 7 - Disembark at Athens (Piraeus) 

Upon disembarking, transfer to the Athens airport for your return flights home or extend your trip, exploring the abundance of historical riches in Athens. (Arrival 5:00AM)

Itinerary is tentative and subject to change