Latin Mass Pilgrimage to
Greece & Ephesus

Latin Mass Pilgrimage to Greece & Ephesus

September 23rd-October 2nd, 2024

with Fr. Neal Nichols, FSSP

"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. Cross over the Corinth Canal enroute to the Peloponnese Peninsula. See the Byzantine city of Nafpilo and world heritage sites of Mystra and Sparta (place of fierce warriors). Explore the iconic Cape of Sounion and see the famed Temple of Poseidon. Climb the Acropolis of Athens to reach the Parthenon, the most important site of Ancient Greece. Contemplate on Mars Hill where St. Paul preached to the Athenians and take a tour of the city center to see the famous 2004 Olympic venues.

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Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Evening flight departure from New York to Athens

Day 2

Morning arrival in Athens. Upon arrival meet our guide and driver to begin a glorious week in Greece, spending the first three days exploring the magnificent Peloponnese Peninsula steeped in history. Traveling a short distance heading west, cross Isthmus of Corinth, a narrow bridge connecting the mainland of Greece with the Peloponnese Peninsula. Here marvel at the canal which allows ships to pass from the Ionian Sea to the Aegean Sea. Then continue to the nearby ancient ruins of Corinth to see where St. Paul arrived in 50 AD bringing the good news of Christianity. Here Paul met and worked closely with the early converts, Aquila and Priscilla, to establish the church in Corinth. Then continue south to the coastal city of Nafpilo for mid-afternoon check in and overnight.

Day 3

Full day excursion to Mystras and Sparta, two of the most important sites on the peninsula. In Mystras experience the remains of ancient Byzantine era from 13th century and learn about the influence of the Byzantine Empire and visit the Holy Mary Perybleptos, an amazing church. Continue on to Sparta, one of the most important Greek city-states and learn about the fierce Spartan warriors who fought at the Battle of Thermopylae 480 BC. Return to Nafpilo for overnight.

Day 4

This the morning enjoy some free time in Nafpilo, taking in the beautiful coastal views and architecture. Late morning departure for Athens making a stop at ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. It is considered one of the most well-preserved theaters of ancient Greece. Constructed in the 4th century, it is built into a side of a mountain and can hold up to 15000 spectators. This theater is acclaimed for the incredible acoustics attributed to it. Continuing north on a different route, we bid farewell to the Peloponnese Peninsula on the way to Athens. Late afternoon check-in at our hotel in Athens city center.

Day 5

This morning enjoy some free time in Athens. Late morning departure for nearby Port of Piraeus to board the Celestyal Cruise Line’s ship called the “Olympia”, for a marvelous three-night cruise on the Aegean Sea sailing to the Greek Isles. The first port of call will be in Mykonos with its iconic wind-mills and blue domed churches. Have time at leisure or take an optional island excursion. Overnight sailing to Kuşadasi, Turkey.

Day 6

Morning arrival at the port of Kuşadasi. Transfer to Ephesus, where St. Paul and the Apostles first introduced 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 great 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 southwest for ancient Crete.

Day 7

Morning arrival in Heraklion, Crete, where St. Paul was shipwrecked on his way to Rome. Here he met the captain of a ship who warned him of the danger of continuing his journey to Rome. Visit Heraklion at leisure or take an optional island tour. Afternoon sailing to idyllic 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 8

Morning arrival in Piraeus Port (Athens). Meet our guide and driver for a relaxed day of touring around the famed Cape of Sounion on the southern tip of the Attica Peninsula. See the iconic Temple of Poseidon, an important monument dating back to the golden era of Athens dating back to 449 BC. Return to Athens for a midafternoon check-in at hotel in the city center. Overnight in Athens.

Day 9

Morning tour of Athens, birthplace of democracy (508 BC) taking in the main sites including the most prominent site of Greece, the Acropolis of Athens. From atop the hill of the Acropolis take in the incredible views of the city. Also climb the Aeropagus (Mars Hill) where St. Paul preached to the Athenians. Then see the Panathenaic Stadium (2004 Olympic Venue), the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and the Catholic Cathedral Basilica of St. Dionysius the Areopagite. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight in Athens.