10-DAY GREECE & TURKEY

PILGRIMAGE

WITH 3-DAY CCRUISE

ABOUT YOUR TRIP

Our world-class pilgrimage to Greece follows in the “Footsteps of St. Paul,” and will be an unforgettable experience. Christians have been going on pilgrimages from the very beginning of our faith. Your journey includes some of the most historically significant sites and beautiful places in the world. Strengthen your faith with visits to the House of the Virgin Mary, Ancient Ephesus, and Philippi, where St. Paul established the first church in Europe.

Tours typically include other sites like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the monasteries of Meteora, and the beautiful whitewashed towns of Mykonos and Santorini.

Under Nativity’s excellent organization and leadership, our pilgrimages offer complete itineraries that include round-trip airfare, first-class hotel accommodations, breakfast, dinner, all transportation, daily Masses, and more!

ITINERARY

Today: Your pilgrimage begins today as you depart on your overnight flight to Greece. Meals and drinks served aloft.

Today: We arrive and are greeted by our guide. A panoramic tour in Athens. Transport to our hotel. Balance of day at leisure.

Evening: Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel.

Today: We visit the 11th-century Monastery of Kaisariani, consecrated to the Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple. A tour of the monastery captures our minds before prayer and reflection. Moving on, we visit Athens to see points where Paul had his famous confrontation, the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and Hadrian’s Arch. We have an opportunity to celebrate mass at a local church.

Evening: Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel.

Today: The excursion to Delphi brings us through the ancient sights of the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi. Explore the history more deeply as we visit other ruins and museums.

Evening: Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel.

Today: We eat breakfast and embark on a cruise through the Greek Isles. Enjoy the enrapturing scenery of Island beaches, warm sun, and the blue sea. We touch land at Mykonos in the afternoon and have time at this charming town filled with restaurants, shops, and old-world appeal. In the evening, the discos come alive. Don’t forget to set aside time to see the magnificent sunset.

Evening: We return to the ship for dinner and to retire for the night. Sail on to Ephesus.

Today: We find ourselves at Mt. Koressos. Tucked away in a small valley, the Virgin Mary is known to have spent her last days in a small house at the site of this humble chapel we visit. Moving on to Ephesus, we pass through the Magnesian Gate and enter into perhaps the most incredible excavation we will see on this trip. See the Great Theatre where St. Paul preached, which held a crowd of up to 24,000 people. Moving back, we pass along the Arcadian Way, walking in the footsteps of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra. Enjoy some time exploring the beautiful town of Kusadasi before we board the ship for lunch and head to Patmos. We arrive at Skala Harbow and quaint white houses, shopping, restaurants, and colorful flowers. Home to the cave where St. John lived and is believed to have written the book of Revelation, Patmos also offers us the chance to visit the nearby monastery, filled with precious icons and manuscripts (guided tour is optional).

Evening: We return to the ship for dinner and to retire for the night. Sail on to Crete.

Today: We visit the ruins of Knossos, a short drive from Heklion’s center. We also see the Knossos Palace, Venetian fortresses, museums, as well as fine examples of Greek aesthetic architecture. The outdoor market, teeming with life, must be seen and appreciated as all essential and not-so-essential goods are bought and sold. Back on our ship, we sail to Santorini where the stunning landscape is highlighted with the volcanic crater barely submerged in the sea. The island of Santorini is home to many shops and cafes scattered among scenic white houses where will have the chance to visit (guided tour is optional).

Evening: We return to the ship for dinner as we wind down the evening.

Today: Returning from our cruise, we move on to Corinth, where St. Paul spent over a year evangelizing. Paul stayed here working with Priscilla and Aquila before being put on trial. We celebrate the liturgy in Corinth and reflect on the letters he wrote while there. In the evening, farewell dinner.

Evening: A farewell dinner and overnight in your hotel.

Today: Mass is celebrated at the beautiful cathedral in Athens before we visit the Athens Archeological Museum. Relax and enjoy the day, taking in everything Athens has to offer.

Evening: Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel.

Today: This morning we will transfer to the airport to catch our return flight home.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Round-trip airfare

All airport taxes and fuel surcharges

First-class hotels

Prices based on double occupancy

Land transportation

Breakfast and dinner

Sightseeing/admissions fees

Daily Masses

Professional local guides

Printed promotional brochures and marketing materials

Medical Protection Plan

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Trip cancellation insurance (strongly recommended)

Passport & visa costs

Tips for the tour manager, guides, and driver

Personal items/expenses (hotel extras, laundry, phone calls, etc.)

PLAN A TRIP

 

Booking your spiritual journey with Nativity Pilgrimage relieves you of all the hassles. There is no need to worry about the logistics such as flights, hotels, guides and timing. Invite your parish, family & friends and let Nativity do the rest! When you choose Nativity Pilgrimage you won’t have to worry about the details; hotels, flights, Mass venues, language and cultural barriers or marketing materials.

Our team is always available to ensure the process is simple and seamless. We provide comprehensive support, process all reservations, handle all accounting, invoicing and payment processing, issue travel documents and answer any questions that come up during the process.

We will walk you through all of your options for each itinerary and our expert team will make sure we create the pilgrimage of a lifetime.

LETS START PLANNING

TRAVEL PROTECTION

 

Although travel insurance is optional, it is highly recommended. Be prepared for unforeseen events that can leave you to cancel your trip, or worse, with out-of-pocket expenses! We have partnered with Trawick Insurance to offer you coverage for the unexpected. Buy it now upon registration to get “cancel for any reason.” There are 2 options for travel insurance:

  1. Buy directly online through our website after submitting the application
  2. Buy insurance from your own insurance company.
TRAVEL INSURANCE

UPCOMING TRIPS