Pilgrimage to Greece – in the footsteps of Saint Paul

USA – ATHENS

Group meeting at the airport. Flight to Europe.

ATHENS

Arrival in Athens. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in, dinner, overnight stay.

ATHENS

After breakfast, we begin our tour of Athens, exploring all the key attractions of the city. Our itinerary covers the Acropolis, adorned with the remains of the Parthenon – the majestic Temple of Athena Parthenos (the Virgin), constructed by the renowned Athenian architect, Kallikrates. We pass through the monumental Propylaea, see the Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion with its distinctive porch, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Dionysus Theatre, Areopagus Hill where St. Paul delivered his speech, as well as the ancient Greek and Roman Agora and Plaka – the oldest district in the city.

Next, our attention is drawn to the impressive Olympieion, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Arch of Hadrian, and the reconstructed Panathenaic Stadium, known as Kallimarmaro, where the first modern Olympic Games took place. We also have the opportunity to meet the famous Greek guards, dressed in traditional attire, standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We do not forget to stroll through the gardens of Queen Amalia.

METEORA

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to Kalambaka for a visit to the Meteora – the famous Byzantine monasteries suspended on rocky shelves, constructed by monks on inaccessible, club-shaped rocks.

According to legend, St. Athanasius, the founder of the oldest and largest monastery known as the Great Meteoron, ascended to the rocks on the back of an eagle. We explore one of these mystical monasteries and then proceed to a Byzantine icon workshop, where we witness the process of icon writing.

Check in to a hotel in Kalambaka, where dinner and overnight accommodation await.

DELPHI - PELOPONNESE

After breakfast, check-out, and travel towards Delphi, making a stop at Thermopylae along the way – the site of the famous battle between the Greeks and the Persians, marked by the grave of Leonidas. Upon arrival in Delphi, we explore the Delphic Oracle, a pilgrimage site for ancient Greeks seeking divine guidance on matters of politics, war, and love.

We visit the most captivating parts of the ancient oracle, including the Sacred Precinct with the Temple of Apollo, where the Pythia delivered prophecies, the Treasury of the Athenians, the magnificent theater capable of seating 5,000 spectators, the “sacred” Castalian Spring, and the museum featuring the renowned statue of the Delphic Charioteer.

Check in to a hotel on the Peloponnese, have dinner, and spend the night.

CORINTH CANAL - MYCENAE

After breakfast, we embark on a tour of the ancient landmarks in Argolis: the Corinth Canal – a brief stop, followed by an exploration of the remnants of ancient Corinth from the time of St. Paul. We then head to Mycenae, where we tour the fortress and the tomb of Agamemnon (the Treasury of Atreus).

Next, we visit Epidaurus – the most famous ancient theater (known for its phenomenal acoustics) and the sanctuary of Asklepios. We proceed to Kenchreai (ruins of the port) – from here, St. Paul sailed to Ephesus, concluding his second missionary journey.

Return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

NAFPLION

After breakfast, we take a trip to Nafplio – the heart of Argolis with the famous Palamidi Fortress. In antiquity, it played an important role as a port city overlooking the Argolic Gulf; nowadays, it is an elegant resort. As the first capital of modern Greece, it is visited for its extraordinary character influenced by Venetian and Turkish influences. The enchanting narrow lanes, adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, create an inviting ambiance as they weave through a tapestry of shops showcasing unique handicrafts, alongside an array of restaurants and cafes.

We also visit Bourtzi Castle, an old mosque, the parliamentary mosque, and the Church of St. Spyridon. Then, there is a holy mass at the Polish Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

Free time for shopping. Return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

CRUISE TO SANTORINI

After breakfast, transfer to the port in Piraeus. Boarding the ferry, sailing to Santorini. Tour of the island, accommodation in the hotel, relaxation, dinner, overnight stay.

SANTORINI

After breakfast, we explore the lively town of Fira, where we admire the distinctive white houses with blue windows, giving the impression of being suspended on steep volcanic cliffs. We visit Oia, with its traditional narrow architecture and churches with blue domes. The village owes its unique atmosphere to narrow streets and Cycladic buildings carved and built into niches on the caldera slope, over 70 meters above sea level.

A walk among the pumice-built structures on the volcano slope.

Transfer to the hotel, check-in, dinner, overnight stay.

SANTORINI - ATHENS

After breakfast, you have free time to explore the island on your own. It’s an opportunity to wander through the city’s commercial district, filled with expensive clothing, handbags, and jewelry, and visit local cafes to taste excellent Greek delicacies.

In the afternoon, there is a return cruise to Piraeus, followed by transportation to Athens, where you enjoy a Greek evening on Athens’ square. This includes regional dishes, music, wine, and the chance to learn the syrtaki dance.

Check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

ATHENS - USA

Breakfast. Concluding last holy mass during the stay. Transfer to the airport. Return to the country.

See also:

PERU – Pilgrimage to the tomb of contemporary Polish martyrs in Pariacoto

Kenia 2024: przyroda Afryki