Greece «In the footsteps of saint Paul»

From May 18 to 31, 2025 (14 days / 12 nights)

Experience a group pilgrimage to Greece, accompanied by Fr. Joseph de Viveiros, CR and Natalia Kononenko in the spring of 2025.

THIS JOURNEY IS GUIDED IN ENGLISH.

6,270.00$7,744.00$


Type : Aux sources de la foi
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CULTURAL TRIPS

Profil : Pèlerinage chrétien

CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGES

Description

*Tour in collaboration with Novalis / LIVING WITH CHRIST

Join us for an unforgettable pilgrimage in Greece, following in the footsteps of Saint Paul and the early Christians. This spiritual journey will take you through iconic sites of Christian faith and allow you to discover the cultural and historical heritage of Greece. You will also embark on a fascinating cruise to explore the Greek islands and the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey. This journey is a unique opportunity to deepen your faith, an invitation to contemplation, prayer, and the discovery of the roots of Christianity.

 

Highlights

  • Excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus, a crucial site for Christian history and the life of Saint Paul
  • Exploration of the suspended monasteries of Kalambaka
  • Discovery of the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Patmos

 

Additional Features

  • Presence of Father Joseph de Viveiros for an enriching spiritual experience
  • Visit to iconic archaeological sites offering a deep dive into history
  • Free time in Athens and Mykonos to explore at your own pace
  • Fr. Joseph de Viveiros, CR

    Fr. Joseph de Viveiros, CR

    Born in São Miguel, Azores and grew up in North Bay, ON. He has been a Resurrectionist since 1986 (presently serving at the Vicar-Provincial) and a priest since 1992. He holds several degrees in Theology. He has been a pastor, math teacher, consultant with the Archdiocese of Toronto and Director of Liturgy for World Youth Day 2002. Currently, he is the Board Chaplain for the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic School Board, North Bay. Over the years, he has accompanied many groups to the Holy Land and in the footsteps of St. Paul in Turkey.

  • Natalia Kononenko

    Natalia Kononenko

    Natalia Kononenko has been the Editor of “Living with Christ” for the past 10 years. Born and raised in Ukraine, Natalia has been a long-time resident in Toronto for almost three decades. Natalia obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Christianity and Culture from University of St. Michael’s College, and a Master of Divinity degree from Regis College – both at the University of Toronto. Outside of work, Natalia enjoys reading, nature and all things outdoors with her husband and two boys. She is excited to meet the new “Living with Christ” pilgrims and go on this journey of faith to discover what God has planned for us!

  • DAY 1 | SUNDAY MAY 18, 2025 | DEPARTURE FROM TORONTO

    Departure from Toronto Pearson Airport for your overnight transatlantic flight to Athens, Greece.

  • DAY 2 | MONDAY MAY 19, 2025 | ARRIVAL AT ATHENS

    Arrival at Athens Airport and transfer to the vibrant city of Athens, the cradle of Western civilization with over 3,400 years of recorded history. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic orientation tour of the city before checking in to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

  • DAY 3 | TUESDAY MAY 20, 2025 | ATHENS

    Today, we explore the heart of Athens, starting with a visit to the Acropolis, home to the iconic Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Then, ascend Mars Hill (Areopagus), where the Apostle Paul addressed the Athenian council. From this vantage point, you’ll have a view of the ancient Agora, the marketplace of Athens. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the lively Monastiraki and Plaka districts, known for their charming streets filled with shops and traditional taverns. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

  • DAY 4 | WEDNESDAY MAY 21, 2025 | ATHENS – CORINTH – ATHENS

    This morning, we head to ancient Corinth, where Paul established a Christian community and penned his epistles. Explore the ruins, including the Bema, where Paul was judged by the tribunal. Drive by Cenchreae, one of the two ancient ports of Corinth, before stopping at the impressive Corinth Canal, which connects the Ionian and Aegean seas. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

  • DAY 5 | THURSDAY MAY 22, 2025 | ATHENS

    Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore Athens on your own. You can visit additional landmarks, enjoy the city’s vibrant culture, or simply relax in one of its many cafés. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

  • DAY 6 | FRIDAY MAY 23, 2025 | CRUISE EMBARKATION: PIRAEUS – MYKONOS

    Today, we depart from Athens to embark on a cruise at the port of Piraeus. Our first stop is the picturesque island of Mykonos, known for its whitewashed cuboid buildings, winding streets, and iconic windmills. After exploring the island’s charm, return to the ship for dinner and overnight. Lunch included onboard.

  • DAY 7 | SATURDAY MAY 24, 2025 | CRUISE: SANTORINI

    Arrive at the stunning island of Santorini, famous for its breathtaking caldera views, blue-domed churches, and the romantic village of Oia. Take a guided excursion to explore this island’s most photogenic spots, followed by time to discover Fira, the bustling island center. Return to the ship by cable car for dinner and overnight. Lunch included onboard.

  • DAY 8 | SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025 | CRUISE: KUSADASI – PATMOS

    Our cruise continues with a stop in Kusadasi, Turkey, for an excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus. Walk through the marble streets, visit the Temple of Hadrian, the Celsus Library, and the site of the Temple of Artemis. In the afternoon, we arrive at the island of Patmos, where we will visit the Grotto of St. John, where the Book of Revelation was written, and the Monastery of St. John. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. Lunch included onboard.

  • DAY 9 | MONDAY MAY 26, 2025 | CRUISE DISEMBARKATION: PIRAEUS – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA

    After disembarking in Piraeus, we travel to Delphi, the site of the famous Oracle of Apollo. Explore the ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, the theater, and the Castalian Spring. In the afternoon, continue to Kalambaka, nestled at the foot of the Meteora Monasteries. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

  • DAY 10 | TUESDAY MAY 27, 2025 | KALAMBAKA – VERIA – THESSALONIKI

    This morning, visit the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries, perched high on sandstone cliffs. After touring one of these spiritual sanctuaries, we travel to Veria (Berea), where Paul’s teachings were warmly received. In the evening, we arrive in Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

  • DAY 11 | WEDNESDAY MAY 28, 2025 | THESSALONIKI

    Begin the day with a tour of Thessaloniki, visiting its famous Byzantine churches, including St. Sophia and St. Dimitrius. Drive along the city’s seaside and explore landmarks such as the Rotonda, the Arch of Galerius, and the White Tower. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

  • DAY 12 ǀ THURSDAY MAY 29, 2025 | THESSALONIKI – PHILIPPI – KAVALA

    Today we head to Philippi, where Paul preached his first sermon on European soil. Visit the site where Lydia, the first Christian woman in Europe, was baptized, as well as the prison where Paul was held. Continue to Kavala, the ancient Neapolis, before returning to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.

  • DAY 13 ǀ FRIDAY MAY 30, 2025 | THESSALONIKI – THERMOPYLAE – ATHENS

    Depart Thessaloniki for Athens, with a stop at Thermopylae, the site of the famous battle between the Spartans and the Persians. Arrive in Athens in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.

  • DAY 14 ǀ SATURDAY MAY 31, 2025 | DEPARTURE FROM ATHENS

    After breakfast, transfer to Athens Airport for your return flight to Toronto, filled with cherished memories of your journey through Greece.***Itinéraire sujet à changement ***

PRICES

  • Early bird discount: $6,270 / pers. (double occupancy)
    100$ early-bird discount if you register before January 18th, 2025.
  • Regular price: $6,370 / pers. (double occupancy)
  • Single room supplement: + $1,349 / pers.
  • Standard outside cabin supplement (cruise, limited availability): + $125 / pers. (based on double occupancy)

*Spiritours offers the option of room pairing; however, in the rare event that we are unable to find a suitable match, any additional costs for single occupancy will be the responsibility of the participant.

* All prices are based on the exchange rate as of June 28, 2024.

 

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES

  • Round-trip flights Toronto-Athens with Air Canada
  • 12 nights of double occupancy accommodation, including 9 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels and 3 nights on board the cruise ship (in an interior cabin, exterior cabin option available at extra cost)
  • 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 12 dinners
  • Transportation by private air-conditioned coach
  • All visits included in the program
  • Whispers set – headsets
  • Services of an English-speaking guide, a Novalis tour leader, and a spiritual director
  • All taxes

 

THE PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Meals not mentioned and personal expenses
  • Drinks at meals
  • Visits not mentioned
  • Contribution to the Travel Agents Client Compensation Fund (currently free)

 

REGISTRATION

Deadline to register: March 18th, 2025 (60 days before departure or when the maximum number of passengers has been reached). It is possible to register after this date, but a supplement may apply.

 

To register
You can register on our website (see top right of the trip web page) or download and fill in the PDF form and send it to us with your $750 deposit. Please register as soon as possible, as places are limited. Please enclose a photocopy of your passport with your registration (international travel only).

 

Travel insurance
For travel insurance, contact us to find out your policy rates.

 

Nb of participants
Minimum 30 – Maximum 50

 

Required documentation
All Canadian travellers to Greece must be in possession of a passport that is still valid three months after the planned return date.

 

For more information, please contact:

Shaina-Solange Louis-Jean
(514) 374-7965, ext. 200
shaina.LJ@spiritours.com

Travel SAFELY

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N’oubliez pas vos achats! / Don't forget your shopping!

Avant de partir, n’oubliez pas de vérifier votre panier d’achats, réserver le voyage de ressourcement de vos rêves aujourd’hui avant qu’il n’y ait plus de place. / Before you leave, don't forget to check your shopping cart, book your dream retreat today before it sells out.