September 5-19, 2026

Join Bishop Talley and Msgr. Borger for the “Holy Land Part 2” — a pilgrimage to Turkey and Greece! Bring your Bible and follow in the footsteps of the early Church! Bishop and Monsignor will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass daily at many of these holy sites.

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Travel Itinerary*
*Subject to change

Day 1 – September 5: USA
Depart USA for overnight flight to Istanbul.

Day 2 – September 6: ISTANBUL ARRIVAL
Arrival in Istanbul. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (D)

Day 3 – September 7: ISTANBUL SIGHTSEEING TOUR
After breakfast we will start exploring the magnificent monuments of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. Visit the Chora Church, now known as Kariye Mosque, renowned for its vibrant mosaics and frescoes. The outer and inner narthexes are adorned with stunning sequential scenes, considered masterpieces of mosaic art, depicting the life and miracles of Jesus Christ and the life of the Virgin Mary. In the parecclesion, you’ll find frescoes illustrating religious stories from the Old Testament, including scenes of Judgement Day, Resurrection, and the Last Judgement. Next, we will head to the Phanari area to visit the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate, where we’ll explore the church and stroll around this historic district, once a Greek neighborhood during the Ottoman period. Our journey then takes us to the Sultanahmet area, where we will walk through the Roman Hippodrome, a stadium built by Roman emperors in 203 A.D. Our next stop will be the magnificent Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece constructed in the 6th century as a church. We will conclude our tour with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest markets, boasting over 3,500 shops Return to hotel for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Day 4 – September 8: ISTANBUL – THYATİRA – PERGAMON – IZMİR
After breakfast we will check out and depart for Izmir to explore three of the cities that received the letters of John: – Pergamum (Revelation 2: 12-17), now called Bergama, was the rival city of Alexandria in the arts and letters. On a visit to this city we will see its Greco-Roman Theatre, the Temple of Trajan and altar of Zeus. The Pergamum church characterizes the church from the time of Constantine (313-600 AD). At that time Christianity became the official religion of the Roman state. In this way, the church began to spread around the world. Thyatira (Revelation 2: 18-29), which was an important trade center in ancient times, is now called Akrisar meaning White Castle. A letter to this Church was the longest of all the letters of the Apocalypse and the message it delivers is also among the toughest. (Revelation 2: 8-11), at the time it was called Smyrna, which means bitter. The origin of the word Smyrna derives from “myrrh”, which was one of the components that served to embalm the dead (John 19:39). In this city, we will enjoy a panoramic visit and then visit the church of St. Polycarp. Dinner and overnight Izmir. (B/D)

Day 5 – September 9: IZMIR / SARDIS / PHILADELPHIA / PAMUKKALE
After breakfast we will check out and drive to the city of Sardis (Revelation 3: 1-6), whose ruins bear near the present village of Sarte and Philadelphia (Revelation 3: 7-13). There, we will visit their respective churches. Philadelphia lies in a valley at the foot of a mountain plateau. The location of the city is now occupied by a small Turkish village name Shehr Allah, meaning “city of God”. Pamukkale is one of the most breathtaking places in the world. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B/D)

Day 6 – September 10: PAMUKKALE – HIERAPOLIS – LAODICEA – KUSADASI
After Breakfast and check-out we will see the ancient city of Hierapolis. We continue to Laodicea (Revelation 3: 14-22) that was located at the site of the modern city of Denizli, where we will visit one of the seven churches. The hot springs of Hierapolis, mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Colossians (Col 4:13), meaning “Holy City”, a UNESCO world heritage site, classified for its hot springs and the ruins of the ancient capital of Phrygia, where Saint Philip is buried and Colossus, whose church was mentioned in the Epistle to the Colossians. The hot springs of Hierapolis helped in the treatment of health problems, while the cold waters of Colossi were good to drink. We will move to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Day 7 – September 11: KUSADASI – EPHESUS
After breakfast we will head to Ephesus. Ancient Ephesus was the Roman capital of Asia Minor and an important center for Christianity from AD 50s. During AD 52-54 Saint Paul lived here working with the congregation and organizing his missionary activity and taught the Word of God (Acts 20:31) and this is where he wrote the Epistle to Corinthians I. Additionally this was one of the seven cities found in the Book of Revelation (Acts 2:1-7), indicating a strong church. We will visit the house of the Virgin Mary where she lived with John, on the hill behind the city. After this amazing experience we will have lunch and then visit the Basilica of St. John as well as the ruins of the famous Diana’s temple with the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, the Arch of Hercules, the Temple of Hadrian, the Agora and the Greco-Roman theater. The day will conclude with dinner and overnight. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B/D)

Day 8 – September 12: CRUISE – PATMOS
Breakfast at hotel and check- out. Transfer to the port, to embark the cruise to the Greek islands. Over lunch, the ship will head to the island of Patmos, a beautiful and spiritual island where in 95 AD, St. John the Theologian – one of the twelve disciples of Jesus – was sent into exile. St. John remained on the island for eighteen months during which time he lived in a cave below the hilltop temple of Diana. In this cave exists a small hole in the rock wall, from which derived a series of oracular messages that Prochoros, a disciple of St. John, transcribed as the Biblical chapter of Revelations. During his time in the sacred cave, now known as the Holy Grotto of the Revelation, St. John also composed the Fourth Gospel. During our time there we will visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian UNESCO World Heritage Site where we will see the Holy Grotto as well as priceless icons and manuscripts. Overnight on Board. (B/L/D)

Day 9 – September 13: HERAKLION (CRETE) – SANTORINI
Breakfast on board. In the morning the ship will dock at the port of Heraklion on the island of Crete. In Heraklion Paul met the owner and captain of the ship, who warned him about continuing his journey to Rome. You can take a tour (optional) to the Palace of Knossos, the center of the Minoan civilization. After lunch, the ship will travel to the most beautiful island in the Aegean Sea known as the “Black Pearl of the Aegean”, the volcanic Santorini where we will enjoy the breathtaking Panoramic View. Latest excavations have suggested that Santorini might be the lost sight of Atlantis. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 10 – September 14: LAVRIO/CORINTH-CENCHREA ATHENS SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Breakfast on board. Disembark at Lavrio port and drive towards Ancient Corinth (Acts 18.1-18). It was in Ancient Corinth where Paul came and worked, established a thriving church and writing two of the epistles, which are now part of the New Testament. We will see all the sites that are associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio’s seat, the pillars, stairs, and the place of public worship, where Paul preached. All these visits will certainly enhance the understanding of Corinthians I and II. Before ending the tour and return to Athens, we will visit the ancient Greek port of Cenchrea (Acts 18:18) where Paul was during his second missionary journey and the ruin of the early Christian 5th Century Basilica. Next stop will be Athens where we will have city tour visiting the main points of interest in town: the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Areopagus where Paul preached the Truth to the nation (Acts 17:22). Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Athens. (B/D)

Day 11 – September 15: ATHENS – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA
After Breakfast and check-out we head to Delphi, the center of the ancient world, the “omphalos” (navel) of the earth. Visit the archaeological site and museum. The museum houses an impressive collection associated with Ancient Delphi, including the earliest known notation of a melody, the famous Charioteer, golden treasures discovered beneath the Sacred Way, and fragments of reliefs from the Siphnian Treasury. Close to the exit is the inscription that mentions the Roman proconsul Gallio. The reference to proconsul Gallio in the inscription provides an important marker for developing a chronology of the life of Apostle Paul by relating it to the trial of Paul in Achaea mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (18:12-17). Continue to Kalambaka for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Day 12 – September 16: METEORA – VERIA – THESSALONIKI
After Breakfast and check-out we will explore the spectacular Meteora, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a mountainous region of stunning scenery. You will see hundred-year-old Byzantine monasteries on top of huge rocks, during the Middle Ages, first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation. We will visit the most famous of them, which is now a popular museum, the Great Meteoron, to admire superb icons, old manuscripts, unique mosaics and frescoes. Departure to Veria (Berea), another town evangelized by Paul (Acts 17.10- 14). When Saint Paul visited this town in AD50, he came across a more noble Jewish community where he preached and created an important Church. This is where Paul met Sopatros, who would later become a valuable comrade who followed him on his return journey to Asia. We will visit the ancient synagogue where we will see the Byzantine mosaic in the monument commemorating his preaching. Continue to Thessaloniki for check-in and dinner. (B/D)

Day 13 – September 17: THESSALONIKI – PHILIPPI / KAVALA – THESSALONIKI
After breakfast we begin with a trip to Philippi, the town where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity. “And from there (He went) to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman Colony. We remained in this city some days…” (Acts 16:12- 18). Paul arrived here with Silas and Luke on the winter of AD 49 to AD 50. There the first Christian baptism was performed, of a woman named Lydia. Although they were prosecuted and arrested, they received God’s help to escape from prison (Acts 16: 11-23) where there was the conversion of the jailer (Acts 16: 23-26). We will visit the Roman Theatre, probable site of the prison where Paul and Silas were arrested. We continue towards the city of Kavala and the ancient city of Neapolis (Acts 16:11) where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. It was later renamed Christoupolis, meaning city of God, because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. We will visit the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Day 14 – September 18: THESSALONIKI – ATHENS
Breakfast at hotel and check out. Morning sightseeing tour of Thessaloniki, where Paul preached the gospel in the second and third missionary journey. For the early Christians of this city, he wrote epistles “To the Thessalonians.”. We will visit the Cathedral of St. Demetrius, the Protector Saint of the city, the Church of Saint Sofia, the great Church of Saint George which is hosted in a medieval building, the Byzantine temple of “Panagia Chalkeon”, the historical Church of Prophet Elias, the White Tower and the Byzantine fortress of the city, the triumphal Arch of Galerius starting at the Via Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire. Drive back to Athens for our final night. (B/D)

Day 15 – September 19: ATHENS – DEPARTURE
Today we transfer to the airport for our return flight home. (B)

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. The flight schedule could affect the first and last days of the pilgrimage. You must be physically fit and capable of walking on uneven terrain and being on your feet all day. Foreign entities do not have the “American Disabilities Act”. You are responsible for handling your own luggage.

To register for this pilgrimage please read, complete and sign the registration form, and return with your deposit. I understand that countries may implement or change health requirements at anytime and I will abide by the requirements of the countries I am in visiting and transferring through. 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. By registering for this pilgrimage I acknowledge and accept this possibility.

[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

$5,859.00 per person Cash or Check (based on a minimum of 40 participants with double occupancy). (Credit cards accepted at full price of $6,152.00) If less than 40 pilgrims, price will be adjusted based on total number of pilgrims. Airfare 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

Overnights in 4-star hotels
2-nights on cruise, outside cabin
Meals per itinerary
English speaking tour escort / guide throughout
Private motor coach throughout
Transfers from international airport
Entrance fees as noted in itinerary
Tips to guides and drivers
Taxes and fuel surcharge (subject to increase 30 days prior to departure)

Not Included

Roundtrip airfare (Group Air: To be added once airlines publish their rates and routes.)
Optional Travel Insurance – (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!! NOTE: Some countries may require travel insurance. This affiliated link is to our trusted provider.)
Lunches & beverages w/meals, except where noted in the itinerary
Transportation to/from Domestic Airport
Items of personal nature
Any item(s) not specifically mentioned
Airline-imposed baggage fees
VERY limited single rooms. Single rooms are not guaranteed. Please call Maggie for availability 419-290-8782.

**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!