The pilgrimage starts with a flight from Las Vegas to Istanbul, Turkey. For the next couple of days, we will embark on a spiritual journey to experience the well known pilgrimage sites and culture of Turkey & Greece.

Arrive in Istanbul and welcomed by your guide and driver waiting outside of the terminal at the airport and transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight at Istanbul hotel.

Begin the day with a scenic morning Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia while taking in iconic views of Istanbul’s skyline, historic palaces, and waterfront mansions. After the cruise, continue with visits to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, where you can explore vibrant stalls filled with local goods, spices, sweets, and souvenirs.

After breakfast and check-out, begin with a visit to Hippodrome Square, once the sporting and social hub of Constantinople, home to historic monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column. Learn from your guide how city leaders protected Constantinople throughout history. Next, explore the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and one of the most important Christian sites in the world. Then, visit Topkapı Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, now a museum housing treasures, porcelain, weapons, and sacred relics. In the afternoon, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Thessaloniki — an important New Testament city where St. Paul preached and established a church. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow pilgrims. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Today, the New Testament books of 1 & 2 Thessalonians come to life as we explore the charming port city of Thessaloniki, visiting the old city walls, the recently excavated Forum, St. George Church (a Roman monument turned church), the Galerius Arch along the ancient Via Egnatia, the White Tower, and the Basilica of St. Demetrius. We then travel to Philippi, where St. Paul preached his first sermon in Europe, visiting Lydia’s baptismal site and a Roman-era crypt believed to have held Paul in prison, along with the Acropolis, Market Place, Basilica, and Theatre, before returning to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

Today we journey to Kalambaka to visit the awe-inspiring monasteries of Meteora, where, from a Catholic Christian perspective, we encounter a profound witness to a life dedicated to prayer, asceticism, and union with God, reflecting the shared monastic roots of the early Church. Time is provided for reflection before dinner and overnight in Meteora.

Today we visit Berea, where St. Paul preached to a community praised in Scripture for receiving the Word of God with openness and examining it with faith (Acts 17:10–12). We reflect at the Bema, surrounded by mosaics depicting his missionary journey, giving thanks for the early Church’s witness and our own call to live the Gospel with conviction. We then continue our journey to Athens, arriving for hotel check-in, followed by dinner and overnight

This morning, accompanied by your English-speaking Tour Director, transfer to the port of Piraeus to board a ferry to the charming island of Mykonos, known as the “Isle of Windmills.” Upon arrival, enjoy time exploring the picturesque waterfront, quaint shops, and winding pathways lined with iconic whitewashed houses. Take in the beauty and relaxed atmosphere of this beloved Greek island. Overnight in Mykonos.

We transfer to the port and sail across the Aegean Sea to the world-renowned island of Santorini. Upon arrival, marvel at the dramatic caldera cliffs rising above the sea. Transfer to your hotel and, in the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour introducing you to the island’s breathtaking views and unique character. Overnight in Santorini.

After a final morning in Santorini, transfer to the port for your return journey to the mainland. Upon arrival in Athens, continue to your hotel and settle in. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Travel to the ancient city of Corinth, where St. Paul lived, preached, and established a thriving Christian community. Visit the Archaeological Museum, the marketplace, and the temples, and stand at the Bema where Paul stood before Gallio. Continue to Athens to explore its rich historical and spiritual heritage, including the Acropolis with the Parthenon and Erechtheum. Stand on Mars Hill, where St. Paul proclaimed the message of the “Unknown God,” and visit the Agora, once the center of Athenian life. View the House of Parliament, Presidential Palace, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Celebrate Mass at the Bema Seat of St. Paul in Corinth. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

At agreed time, a group transfer to Athens International Airport to catch our flight back home.