Ancient Greece & Ephesus

"For he was a veritable lion, a red lion, the great lion of God..."

Nearly two-thousand years ago, inspired by a dream, the Apostle Paul, traveled to Greece & Turkey, preaching the Gospel, establishing the first Christian communities in Europe. As a way to keep in touch with the fledgling congregations, he wrote letters to them that became the foundation of the New Testament. See where the Athenians, Corinthians, and Ephesians came from as we trace the route of St. Paul. Continue in his steps as we sail on the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea to the beautiful Greek islands of Mykonos, Patmos (where the exiled St. John wrote the Book of Revelation), Crete, and Santorini. Visit Ephesus, the site that tradition holds to be the final home of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Travel to the north of Greece to see the famous Greek Orthodox Monasteries built high up on the tops of natural rock formations before heading south to visit some of the most celebrated sites of Ancient Greece including Olympia on the Peloponnese Peninsula (site of the Olympic Games) and the 4th century Epidauras Amphitheater. Finally, experience the site of one of the most epic naval battles in history, the epic Battle of Lepanto, whose victory saved the Christian West!

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Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Evening flight departure from NY to Athens, Greece

Day 2

Mid-day arrival in Athens, one of the world's most ancient cities! Known as the cradle of western civilization, Athens has been the leading city of Greece since the first millennium BC and is famous for rich cultural achievements in the 5th century BC. Check-in at the Marriott hotel. This evening before dinner we will have an orientation meeting about our cruise.

Day 3

Morning embarkation on-board Celestyal Cruise Line’s beautiful ship, the “Olympia”, for a three night sailing on Aegean Sea to the Greek Isles, continuing in the steps of St. Paul. The first port of call will be in Mykonos with its iconic windmills and blue domed churches. Have time at leisure or take an optional island excursion. Overnight sailing to Kuşadasi, Turkey.

Day 4

Morning arrival at the port of Kuşadasi. Transfer to Ephesus where St. Paul first began the spread of Christianity (53-57 AD), establishing a strong and vibrant community, before relocating to Rome. See the ruins of the Agora where St. Paul preached, narrowly escaping a riot that erupted over his words in 57AD. Visit the ruins of St. John’s Basilica, built over the grave of the mighty Evangelist, who spent his last years in this city. Travel to Mt. Koressos to visit a humble chapel built over the original house traditionally believed to be the final home of the Blessed Virgin Mother. Return to the ship to set sail for Patmos, the island of St. John's exile. Upon arrival, visit St. John’s Monastery and the cave where he received the inspiration to dictate the Book of Revelation. Evening sailing southeast for Heraklion, Crete.

Day 5

Morning arrival in Heraklion, Crete, where St. Paul was shipwrecked on his way towards Rome. Here he encountered the captain of a ship who warned him of the danger of continuing his journey to Rome. Visit Heraklion at leisure or take an island tour. This afternoon set sail for the idyllic isle of Santorini; legendary site of the lost city of Atlantis. Anchor in the open sea off the port of Old Fira. Take a cable car ride to the fabled town of Thira. Optional shore excursion offered. Overnight sailing to Piraeus.

Day 6

Morning arrival in the port of Piraeus. Meet our guide and bus. Today we travel north to scenic Kalambaka (northwestern Greece). Stop along the way to visit the site commemorating the battle of Thermopylae. Early afternoon arrival in Kalambaka. Check-in at Hotel Amalia Kalambaka. This afternoon we will visit Metorea, a spectacular area of nearly inaccessible sandstone peaks, where 11th century monks, despite incredible odds, built several peak top monasteries. Visit one of the monasteries wherein are beautiful 16th century Byzantine frescoes.

Day 7

Morning departure south through central Greece, passing by the ancient city of Delphi; then on to Nafpaktos on the Gulf of Patros (formerly the Gulf of Lepanto), where the great naval battle of Oct. 7, 1571 was fought between an alliance of Christian forces known as the “Holy League” (under the command of Don Juan of Austria) and the Ottoman Turks who were threatening to control the Mediterranean, the gateway to the West. Despite the Holy League being greatly outnumbered, a victory was won for them and the Christian West was spared. Attributing the great success to Our Lady of the Rosary’s intercession, Pope Pius V declared October 7th henceforward to be the feast of Our Lady of Victory. Late afternoon arrival in Nafpaktos for check-in at the Hotel Nafs.

Day 8

This morning visit a gallery with great art and artifacts depicting the mighty Battle of Lepanto. Then enjoy an excursion south into the Peloponnesian Peninsula. We will cross over the Corinthian Gulf on one of the longest bridges in the world. Our first stop will be in Patras to visit the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Here you can venerate the relics of St. Andrew the Apostle. Then continue on to Olympia to visit one of the most celebrated sites of ancient Greece. It was here that the Olympic Games began, dating back to 776 BC. Visit the Archaeological Site and Museum. Return Nafpaktos for overnight.

Day 9

Morning departure for ancient cities of Nafpilon and Corinth as we make our way to Athens. Our first stop will be in Nafpilon to visit the Catholic Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior. Then visit Epidaurus and its ancient amphitheatre dating back to the 4th century BC. It is a marvel, built into a hillside and still hosting modern day performances. Then continue on to Corinth. Here visit the ruins of the site where St. Paul arrived in 50 AD and spent eighteen months building a thriving Christian community, writing the First Thessalonians, and most likely the Epistle to the Romans. Afternoon arrival at the Marriott Hotel (or similar) in Athens (2 nights).

Day 10

A full day to enjoy Athens and Cape Sounion! Considered the cradle of western civilization, Athens has been the leading city of Greece since the first millennium BC and is famous for its rich cultural heritage. Visit the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo, the Acropolis, the Parthenon and Mars Hill where St. Paul was brought before the Council and spoke of the Unknown God. Time permitting, enjoy a drive to Cape Sounion through the coastal road of Attica, the Riviera of Athens, and the breathtaking Temple of Poseidon. Return to our hotel for the overnight. Evening Farewell Dinner.