Arrive at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens, where our local Trinity Tour Travels guide and driver will greet you. We begin our pilgrimage by traveling to Kalambaka, where a Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at the hotel. Free time and leisure this evening.

Dinner & overnight at the hotel in Kalambaka.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by an unforgettable visit to Kalambaka! World-renowned for its magnificent, one-of-a-kind landscape, we visit two of the Meteora (“monasteries hanging in the air”), which are perched precariously on the cliffs of the Meteora rock formations.

Returning to Athens, we celebrate Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Dionysius the Areopagite (Church of St. Denis) or at the hotel, predicated upon arrival time in Athens.

Dinner, leisure, overnight in Athens.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we celebrate Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Dionysius the Areopagite, followed by a tour of one of the oldest-named cities in the world, Athens. We begin with a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first Olympic Games in 1896. This historic stadium was rebuilt on the excavation site of the stadium built by Herodes Atticus around 144 AD. It is the only stadium in the world built entirely from marble and remains the point from where the Olympic Flame handover ceremony to the host nation takes place.

We pass by the Temple of Zeus, The Royal Palace, Syntagma Square, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldiers, the Arch of Hadrian, Hadrian’s Wall, the Olympic Complex of the 2004 Games, and the Academy University National Library.

A free afternoon follows for exploring this magnificent ancient city on your own.

Gala Welcome Dinner this night includes traditional Greek entertainment at a restaurant in the lively Plaka neighborhood!

Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Corinth via the bustling port city of Piraeus. One of the most historic cities in the world, Corinth, is where St. Paul lived and preached between 51 and 52 AD. Tradition maintains that he loved Corinth more than any other city in the pagan world. Two of his epistles are named in honor of this beloved city, where St. Paul wrote his letters. We see the Bema of St. Paul, a large, elevated rostrum (platform) at the center of the Roman Forum where St. Paul was accused of false teachings and where his trial took place. We explore archeological sites, including the Temple of Apollo and the Roman Agora. We see the pavement inscription of Erastus (who served as a deacon of St. Paul), the Roman Lechaion Road, the Lower Fountain of Peirene, and the imposing Acrocorinth. Mass is celebrated this day in outdoor Corinth. This afternoon we continue to Cenchreae, the eastern port of Corinth, from where St. Paul sailed to Ephesus. We enter Mycenae through the Lion Gate to see the Palace Complex, Royal Tombs, and several sanctuaries.

Dinner & overnight in Athens.

Following our hotel breakfast and Mass in Athens (Cathedral Basilica of St. Dionysius the Areopagite), we head to Lavrion Port to board the cruise ship to the exquisite island of Mykonos! Free afternoon to explore this majestic island on your own! You may take a shuttle for a small fee to Mykonos Town and take in sights such as the winding, labyrinthine streets of the famous Mykonos Town, the old port, the windmill area, the iconic Church of Paraportiani and the ever-charming Mykonos Little Venice! Explore this dream-like island's many quaint shops, cafes, restaurants and bars! An unforgettable evening ends with a remarkable sunset against the backdrop of the azure Aegean Sea!

Dinner & overnight aboard ship to Kusadasi.

This morning, we dock at the beach resort port town of Kusadasi. On Turkey’s central Aegean Sea coast, Kusadasi serves as the gateway for our next excursion destination, the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. Ephesus is the site of the 4th of Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Artemis, completed in 550 BC! Of major significance, the first Christian community in Ephesus was established by the beloved apostle, John, and was developed by St. Paul. St. Paul stayed in Ephesus for over three years, where he wrote extensively, including his letter to the Corinthians. A magnificent day of sightseeing in this ancient city! We see the Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, the Magnesian Gate, the Agora, the Odeon, the Houses of the Patrician, the Great Theatre, and Hadrian’s Temple.

Known as the final resting place of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ephesus is also home to the Basilica of St. John, which honors the beloved apostle of Jesus, who was charged with Our Lady’s care. Our day includes a soul-stirring visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, where tradition maintains St. John brought Our Lady after Jesus’ death and Resurrection. Mass this day is celebrated at the House of the Virgin Mary, nestled amidst the tranquil, green hills of the Bulbul Mountains (pending schedule approval). This afternoon, we sail to Patmos, known as “The Holy Island,” where St. John wrote the book of Revelations. We visit the Monastery of St. John, located near the grotto where the apostle is said to have received his Revelation. It is in this cave where St. John wrote and lived in isolation for two years (95-97 AD). Time permitting, we visit the cave and see the stone, which is said to have been used as his pillow. 

Dinner & overnight aboard ship to Rhodes.

An early morning docking in Rhodes. We begin the day on this historical island by traveling to the impressive Acropolis of Lindos to visit the Doric Temple of Athena, built in 330 BC. We continue to the Church of The Virgin Mary, adorned with magnificent frescoes from the 15th century, for prayer and reflection. While continuing our tour of Rhodes, we visit the Knights’ Quarter, stroll through the Gate d’Amboise, and walk along the Street of the Knights. A full morning of Greek history, mythology, and fascinating architecture! Free afternoon to explore Rhodes on your own, particularly the Rhodes Medieval Town, known for its bakeries, souvenirs and art shops! 

Mass, dinner, overnight aboard ship to Crete.

This morning we arrive in Heraklion, the capital of the largest of the Greek Islands, Crete. On this day, you are free to spend the day relaxing and exploring Crete on your own (the port is within walking distance to the Heraklion city center), or you may choose to purchase a “Shore Excursion” (a day tour of Crete guided by the cruise line agents) at an additional fee onboard. We reboard this afternoon and sail to the majestic island of Santorini! Renowned for its breathtaking, dramatic and rocky landscapes, cliff-side whitewashed houses with blue roofs and unforgettable sunsets, this caldera offers some of the most enthralling views in the world. A huge volcanic eruption in the 17th century shaped this unique crater (caldera), now known as the island of Santorini, and is well known for its red and black volcanic beaches and enchanting people! You may also wish to settle in town, relax, dine, or simply explore this awe-inspiring island on your own! You won’t want to miss a visit to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Church of Panagia Episkopi for their magnificent architecture! Shore excursion purchase is also available onboard for Santorini at an additional fee.

Mass, dinner, overnight aboard ship to Athens.

Breakfast and morning disembarkation In Lavrion Port, Athens. An airport transfer follows for our flight to Istanbul. Here, we will be met by our guide and driver for a tour of the Old City and the Hagia Sophia. We celebrate Mass at St. Esprit Church and then free time to explore the splendor of Istanbul!

Dinner & overnight at hotel in Istanbul.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we celebrate Mass at the Church of St. Anthony (or at Santa Maria Draperis, as schedule allows). We enjoy a full-day tour of Istanbul: We first visit Sultanahmet Square, known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Here, we tour the Blue Mosque, the masterpiece of Ottoman architecture with its intricate tile work, cascading domes and ethereal blue hue that blankets its interior, as well as Topkapi Palace Museum, the Basilica Underground Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.

Mass, dinner, overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we bid goodbye to our pilgrimage and this journey we will treasure forever! Depart to Istanbul Airport for our return flight home.