May 26 – June 6, 2025

Join Fr. Anthony Coci (pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tiffin, OH) on a pilgrimage to Greece & Turkey — also referred to as “The Holy Land Part 2”! Walk in the footsteps of St. Paul. St. John, and the Blessed Mother. Your pilgrimage will include a 3-day cruise sailing to Mykonos, Crete, and Santorini!! Visit the locations in which St. Paul preached the Gospel including Athens, Corinth, Berea, Philippi, Thessaloniki, and more.  Visit the home of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ephesus and the Isle of Patmos, upon which St. John received the vision of the Book of Revelation. We will also tour many great historical sites and discover the beauty of the Byzantine influence in art and architecture. Your chaplain will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass daily at many of these holy sites.

CLICK HERE to Download the REGISTRATION FORM

Travel Itinerary
**Subject to change

May 26 – Depart USA
Transatlantic flight from USA towards Athens.

May 27 – Arrival Athens
Upon arrival meet with your guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

May 28 – Tour Athens of St. Paul
In 51 AD, St. Paul traveled from Berea to Athens by boat. His boat anchored at Faliron that used to be the main port serving Athens. St. Paul traveled from port to Athens. While waiting for Silas & Timothy to come from Macedonia, he spent most of his time talking with citizens at the Synagogues and the Agora. The Athenians took an interest in his teachings and invited him to present it more analytically at the Aeropagus, the hill west of Acropolis. Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and gave his famous Aeropagus Sermon, emphasizing the need to know God rather than worship the unknown as described in Acts 17:16-34. Dinner and overnight.

May 29 – Tour Corinth of St. Paul
This morning you drive to Corinth, a city that inspired of St. Paul’s most familiar letter. You will visit the Archeological Museum, the Market Place, and Temples. Walk among the ruins and stand on the Bema where Paul stood. Read Paul’s letter to the Corinthians and visualize his address to the Gentiles as he began the task of building Corinth’s church. Imagine where Aquila and Priscilla lived and where they had their tent making business. Acts 18:9-11: “Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

May 30 – Embarkation 3 Day Cruise & Mykonos
This morning, you sail from Athens, starting your Three-Day Cruise. Your first port of call is the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of the Windmills. Experience the waterfront lined up with shops and cafes, and then stroll the charming walkways through a maze of whitewashed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.

May 31 – Ancient Ephesus – The house of Virgin Mary & Patmos
Docking in Turkey, enjoy a tour of Ephesus, the city of the Bible and one of the largest restorations still in progress with miles of ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city including the Agora, the Odeon, the Library, the marble-paved main Street, the Baths, Trajan’s Fountain, the Residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, and Temple of Hadrian. The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C., could accommodate 24,000 spectators and it is famous even nowadays for its acoustics. End with a visit to the House of Virgin Mary. This afternoon we visit the Isle of Patmos, under statutory protection as a historic monument. Here we have a tour to see the fortified monastery of St. John and the cave claimed to be where John received the Revelation. Return to the ship.

Jun 1 – Heraklion & Santorini
This morning we wake up at Heraklion, Crete, the home of the great Minoan Civilization. OPTIONAL tour, to discover Heraklion the capital, and the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. Return to our cruise ship to sail to Santorini. Upon arrival in Santorini you will tender to the old port you may take the cable car up to the town of Fira. Enjoy a walk around the town of Fira before returning back to the ship. Overnight on board our cruise ship.

Jun 2 – Cruise Disembarkation and visit the Meteora Monasteries
Upon disembarkation at the port of Athens, meet your guide and driver and begin your journey towards Meteora. Here will see the world famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched precariously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves, then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. Continue to Kalambala for Dinner and Overnight.

Jun 3 – Berea Tour
This morning we drive to Berea, as described in Acts 17:10-15: “Paul and Silas go to Berea and preach at the Synagogue. Many of the Jews became believers, but Paul’s ministry was cut short.” While you are in Berea, you will see St. Paul’s Bema, where he preached to the local Jews in 54 AD. Continue to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

Jun 4 – Ancient Philippi & Kavala
St. Paul visited Philippi together with Silas during his Second Missionary Journey. Our first Biblical encounter with Philippi is through Acts 16:11-40. “At the time, Philippi had no synagogues and very few Jews, so Paul decides to wait for the Sabbath and go to the riverbanks outside the city. There he began to talk to the women that gathered there, amongst them, Lydia [the first person to be Baptized in European soil] she and her whole household became believers.” During your tour in Philippi, you will have the opportunity to visit and study your Bible in the actual place where the Baptism took place called “Lydia’s Baptistry.” You will also see the place where Paul and Silas were imprisoned and freed by a violent earthquake. From there, you will continue to Kavala; the site was used to be Ancient Neapolis that Paul, Timothy, and Silas landed. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Jun 5 – Thessaloniki Tour & The places of St. Paul
St.Paul came to Thessaloniki and went straight to the Synagogue. Acts 17:1-9, “Paul preached in the Synagogue for three consecutive Sabbaths, and he gained many followers who believed.” A couple of the Jews who were not persuaded created an uproar and attacked the House of Jason, one of the believers Paul was staying with during his visit. During your tour, you will have the Biblical Experience of those verses as you will see the agora in Thessaloniki, where Paul preached to the local Jews, as well as the House of Jason, where he lived! You will also have the opportunity to visit St. Demetrius Basilica, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert, and see the Galerius Arch rising over the famous via Egnatia. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Jun 6 – Depart Greece
Flight home from Thessaloniki to USA.

NOTES: While no changes are anticipated, there may be occasions when sequence and days of visits may change and certain alterations become necessary due to changes beyond our control. We are not responsible for any changes to entry/travel requirements put into effect by Governments, Health Organizations, Airlines, transfer countries, arriving countries, return country, museums, Churches, restaurants etc. We are not responsible for any or all changes / cancellations / interruptions caused by Force majeure. Arriving and departing flights may affect the first and last day itinerary. All Mass locations are pending and subject to final confirmation.

You must be physically fit and capable of walking on uneven terrain, stairs, and being on your feet all day. Just a FYI – Foreign entities do not have the “American Disabilities Act” and most facilities are not equipped. Everyone is responsible for handling their own luggage and keeping pace with the group.

To register for this pilgrimage please read, complete and sign the registration form, and the Health release form and return with your deposit. In todays uncertain times all prices are subject to change prior to departure due to major currency fluctuations, changes in fuel prices and/or unforeseen economic circumstances beyond our control.

[Click to download Travel Itinerary & Terms and Conditions or Registration Form]

For additional information, questions, or to join us contact us at 419-290-8782 or maggie@CatholicFaithJourneys.com

LAND-ONLY COST

$4,359.00 per person Cash or Check (based on a minimum of 25 participants with double occupancy). Add 5% if paying with credit card. If less than 25 pilgrims, price will be adjusted based on total number of pilgrims. Deposit must be received no later than December 15th, 2024! Airfare from Detroit will be confirmed once we have enough pilgrims; you may then purchase the group air in addition to the Land-only cost. Pilgrims may leave from ANY AIRPORT, but please contact Maggie to arrange flights from another domestic or international airport. DO NOT BOOK AIRFARE WITHOUT SPEAKING WITH MAGGIE!

Included

7 nights in 4-star hotels
3-nights cruise, outside cabin with porthole window
Alcoholic drinks package on 3-day cruise
Breakfast and dinner daily (lunch when on cruise ship)
English speaking tour escort / guide throughout
Private motor coach throughout
Transfers from international airport
Entrance fees as noted in itinerary
Private Mass arrangements daily
Taxes and fuel surcharge (subject to increase 30 days prior to departure)

Not Included

Roundtrip airfare (Airfare from Detroit will be confirmed once we have enough pilgrims)
Optional Travel Insurance – (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!! NOTE: Some countries may require travel insurance. This affiliated link is to our trusted provider.)
Lunches & beverages w/meals unless otherwise noted
All tips to drivers, escorts, and guides
Transportation to/from Detroit Metro Airport
Items of personal nature
Any item(s) not specifically mentioned
Airline-imposed baggage fees
Limited Single Rooms/outside cabin with porthole window additional $1,8492 per person

**Catholic Faith Journeys, LLC cannot change the cancellation terms or conditions based on the issuance of any warning or advisory issued by the State Department or Center of Disease Control, or the occurrence of any terror, health or other incident in one or more of the places this pilgrimage is scheduled to visit. All cancellation penalties remain in full force and effect. You are strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect your financial investment and any health issues you may have while traveling.

Click Here to Download the Registration Form!