NEW
CULTURAL TRIPS
CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGES
*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
Additional Features
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 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!
Departure from Toronto Pearson Airport for your overnight transatlantic flight to Athens, Greece.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
*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
THE PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE
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
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