CULTURAL TRIPS
CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGES
Join us for an unforgettable pilgrimage to Greece, in the footsteps of St. Paul and the early Christians. This spiritual journey will take you to sites emblematic of the Christian faith, and introduce you to Greece’s rich cultural and historical heritage. You’ll also embark on a fascinating cruise to discover the Greek islands and the ruins of the city of Ephesus in Turkey. This trip is a unique opportunity to deepen your faith, an invitation to contemplation, prayer and the discovery of the roots of Christianity.
*Associated trip in partnership with Novalis / Prions en Église
Highlights
Highlights
Edouard Shatov is a priest and member of the Augustinians of the Assumption. Of Russian origin, he lived in France, England and Romania before coming to Canada. Passionate about the Word of God, history and art, he knows the Holy Land well, having visited it several times. Author of the book “Un pèlerin russe au XXIe siècle” (A Russian Pilgrim in the 21st Century) published by Médiaspaul, he directs the “Culture et Foi” Center at Montmartre in Quebec City, as well as being a columnist for Radio VM.
French by birth and living in Montreal for the past ten years, Marie Zissis holds a doctorate in Canadian history. Deeply involved with Catholic youth since her teens, she was a chaplain in France, then assiduously attended the student parishes of the universities where she studied, both in France and in Quebec. Now a publisher with Novalis and editor-in-chief of Prier la Parole, she regularly writes literary columns for the magazines Rencontre and Parabole.
Departure from Canada on an overnight transatlantic flight.
Arrival at Athens airport where we meet our driver and guide, then depart for the city. Afternoon free to explore Athens, weather permitting. Overnight in Athens.
After breakfast, visit the ruins of the Parthenon, the Erectheion and the Propylaea. Then visit Mars Hill, where Paul preached to the Athenians about the one God. Discover the Acropolis, overlooking the ancient Agora. Panoramic tour of the city, including the University, the House of Parliament, the Panathenaic Stadium, Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Overnight in Athens.
After breakfast, departure for ancient Corinth, where the apostle Paul lived and preached, and wrote his letters to the Corinthians. Visit the archaeological museum and temples. Discover the ancient port of Cenchrean and the Corinth Canal en route to Athens. Overnight in Athens.
Departure from the hotel and transfer to the port of Piraeus to board our cruise ship. First stop in Mykonos, with free time to explore and enjoy the island. Overnight on board.
Wake up in Kusadasi and visit the ancient city of Ephesus, famous for its Temple of Diana and the House of St. John. Sail to Patmos at noon to visit the Monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation. Overnight on board.
Arrival in Santorini, a volcanic island with romantic sunsets. Excursion to the villages of Oia and Fira, with free time to explore their narrow streets, stores and restaurants. Return to the ship by cable car for dinner and overnight on board.
After breakfast, departure from our hotel and drive to Delphi. Visit the Temple of Apollo, the Theater and the Archaeological Museum. Overnight stay in Delphi.
After breakfast, departure for Kalambaka to visit the hanging Byzantine monasteries of Meteora. Visit two monasteries to discover monastic life. Overnight stay in Kalambaka.
Departure for Veria, where St. Paul escaped the hostility of Thessalonica. Visit to the Apostle’s monument, the Bema. Continuation to Thessalonica to visit the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius and the Roman Forum. Overnight in Thessalonica.
After breakfast, drive to Philippi along the ancient Via Egnatia. Visit the archaeological site of Philippi, St. Paul’s Prison and the Archaeological Museum. Discover Lydia Square, then drive to Kavala, the ancient site of Neapolis, and visit the port. Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Return to Athens, passing through some magnificent towns and villages. Stop at Thermopylae to visit the site of the famous ancient battle. Overnight in Athens.
Free day to relax and enjoy the city at your own pace. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Today we say goodbye to Greece. Transfer to the airport for our return flight.
PRICE
Early booking: $5,999 / pers. (double occupancy). Early-bird discount of $100 if booked before January 5, 2025.
Regular price: $6,099 / pers. (double occupancy)
Outside std cabin supplement (cruise, limited number): $125/person (double occupancy)
Balcony supplement (cruise, limited number): $1240/person (double occupancy)
Single room supplement: + $1,349/person (with int. and ext. cabins during the cruise, but extra +830 for cabins with balcony in addition to the supplement of $1,349/person).
*Spiritours offers the possibility of pairing, but exceptionally, Spiritours cannot assume additional charges for single occupancy if we are unable to match you.
* All prices are based on the exchange rate in effect on June 28, 2024.
PACKAGE INCLUDES
Round-trip flights Montreal-Athens with Transat or similaite
12 nights’ accommodation based on double occupancy, including 9 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels and 3 nights aboard the cruise ship (in inside cabin, outside cabin option extra $)
12 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 12 dinners
Transportation in private air-conditioned coach
All program visits
Whispers set – headphones
Services of a French-speaking guide, a Novalis guide and a spiritual leader
All taxes
THE PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Meals not mentioned and personal expenses
Beverages with meals
Tours not mentioned
Contribution to the Fonds d’Indemnisation des Clients d’Agents de Voyages (currently free)
REGISTRATION
Registration deadline: March 5, 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 premium.
No. of participants
Minimum 30 – Maximum 50
Documentation required: All Canadian travelers to Europe must be in possession of a passport valid for at least three months beyond the planned return date.
For further information, please contact
Shaina-Solange Louis-Jean
(514) 374-7965, ext. 200
shaina.LJ@spiritours.com
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