Greece & Turkey Pilgrimage with Fr. Andrew Wakefield & Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church
Greece & Turkey Pilgrimage
Eleven days in the footsteps of St. Paul, from Athens and Corinth to Philippi and Thessaloniki, with a three-night Greek Isles cruise to Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos and Santorini.
Your chaplain
Fr. Andrew Wakefield
Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church
“You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God.”
Ephesians 2:19
St. Paul’s letter to the Church at Ephesus, where he spent three years. We walk its ancient streets and pray at the House of the Virgin Mary on Mt. Koressos.
The Library of Celsus · Ephesus
Greece & Turkey, April 5 to 15, 2027
Eleven days, nine nights in Athens, aboard ship, in Kalambaka and in Thessaloniki, with Corinth, Ephesus, Patmos, Delphi, Meteora, Berea and Philippi along the way.
Begins in Athens and ends in Thessaloniki
OvernightVisit
Nights: 3 Athens, 3 aboard ship, 1 Kalambaka, 2 Thessaloniki.
Arrival in Athens
Upon arrival in Athens, you will collect your bags and transfer to the hotel for check-in followed by a welcome dinner where you will meet the group.
Athens
Today our tour takes us to the Acropolis and the ruins of the Parthenon, and Mars Hill with a view to the Ancient Agora of Athens: St. Paul addressed the judges of Athens at Mars Hill. We will also enjoy a panoramic tour of other ancient sites and landmarks of modern Athens.
Ancient Corinth & Cenchreae
Today we’ll visit Corinth (Acts 18:1-18), exploring the Archaeological Museum, Market Place, and Temples. We will stand on the Bema and celebrate Mass where St. Paul preached and visit sites associated with Aquila and Priscilla. Following lunch we’ll visit Cenchreae, the ancient port from which St. Paul set sail for Syria at the end of his second missionary journey.
Mykonos
Following breakfast, we will transfer to Lavrion Port for our cruise embarkation. First stop, the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. Experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes and then stroll the charming walkways through a maze of whitewashed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment. Mass at St. Barbara Catholic Church at Lavrion port.
Kusadasi, Ephesus & Patmos
This morning we arrive in Kusadasi, where we debark our cruise ship and make our way to Ephesus, site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and where St. Paul spent three years during his ministry. We’ll visit Mt. Koressos and the humble chapel that lies on the site of the little house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Later we arrive at the island of Patmos and the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, who received the Revelation here that forms the last book of the New Testament.
Santorini
Today we visit the island of Santorini, which is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. The town of Thira, where white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs, is accessible by footpath, cable-car, or mule. Again, you will return to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment. Mass at the Catholic Church of Santorini.
Delphi & Meteora
After we disembark from the cruise ship, we’ll begin our journey to Metéora; en route we’ll stop in Delphi. We will visit the Treasury of Athens, the Theater, an archeological museum, and the first monument built in the ancient world to “One God.” After lunch we’ll continue to Metéora, where we will ascend huge granite rocks to view architectural wonders that are over 700 years old. We visit the monastery of Metamorphosis with its church and museum containing priceless historic and religious treasures.
Berea & Thessaloniki
We start today by visiting Berea, and the bema where St. Paul preached. After, we’ll head to Thessaloniki to walk the places where St. Paul walked, including the Agora where he preached and the walls where St. Jason’s home was and where St. Paul also lived. We will also see St. George Church, the Galerius Arch, and the Basilica of St. Sophia and St. Demetrios.
Kavala & Philippi
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for our guided tour beginning with Kavala, the port where St. Paul first landed with Timothy and Silas. We then continue to Philippi, where St. Paul was imprisoned. We will view the prison, the marketplace, basilica, and theater. We will have Mass today at the river where Lydia, one of the first Christians in Europe, was baptized. We’ll also visit Amphipolis, the famous starting point of Alexander the Great on his mission to “conquer the world.” We will have a farewell dinner tonight marking the end of our pilgrimage together.
Return home
With a renewed sense of pilgrimage and an invigorated love of our Catholic faith, we say farewell to our fellow pilgrims as the pilgrimage comes to a close this morning.
What’s included
Everything below is covered by the package price.
Your hotels and cruise
Four-star hotels on land: three nights in Athens, one in Kalambaka and two in Thessaloniki, with three nights aboard a Greek Isles cruise ship between Athens and Meteora. Hotels and ship are subject to final confirmation; if one changes, it is replaced with one of the same standard.
“Our pilgrimage to Greece, Turkey, and the Holy Land was a blessing for all 100 participants and my assistants.”
“Thank you for taking care of the day to day details, leaving all of us free to focus on prayer and spiritual growth”
“Canterbury Pilgrimages is excellent!”
Questions pilgrims ask
Short answers to what most people want to know before they put down a deposit.
It is a touring pilgrimage by motorcoach and ship, not a walking one. Expect about 2 to 3 miles of walking on a typical day. Days usually start around 7am, with departure by 9am, and end back at the hotel between 5pm and 6pm. The Acropolis, Mars Hill and Ephesus have worn, slippery stone, the Meteora monasteries are reached by steps cut into the rock, and on Santorini the town of Thira sits high on the cliffs.
You can have a room to yourself, with a single room supplement of $999, or share a room. If you would like to share, we will do our best to match you with a roommate. If we cannot find a match by January 5, 2027, the single room supplement applies. Couples, families, friends and singles are all welcome, and plenty of pilgrims come on their own.
Lunches on land, dinner in Athens on April 7 and in Thessaloniki on April 13, donations at Masses, souvenirs, laundry and the cost of your passport. All meals are included on the cruise. A typical lunch costs about $15 to $20. Tips for restaurant and hotel staff are included. Tips for your tour director and driver are at your discretion: as a guide, $8 to $10 per person per day for your tour guide and $6 to $8 for your driver. Travel insurance if you choose it, and a 3% fee if you pay by card. Abroad, we recommend paying for most things by credit card, which is accepted almost everywhere and comes with protection that cash does not; bring a couple hundred U.S. dollars in cash for emergencies. When a card machine or ATM asks whether to pay in dollars or in the local currency (euros in Greece, Turkish lira in Turkey), choose the local currency; it is almost always cheaper.
Cancel in writing. Up to January 5, 2027 (90 days before departure), everything you have paid is returned except $200. After that date, the $450 deposit and any costs we cannot recover are kept. Travel insurance may cover a cancellation, depending on the reason.
Fr. Andrew Wakefield leads the group from Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church.
More answers in the FAQ below and in our Support Center, or call us at +1 (800) 653-0017.
Price per person
Per person, including roundtrip group airfare.
Shared rooms are always doubles with two beds. If you would like us to match you with a roommate, tell us when you book and we will do our best. Please note that if we cannot find you a match by the final payment date of January 5, 2027, the single room supplement will apply.
Couples, families, friends, singles, all are welcome!
Some pilgrims come as a couple, some bring the whole family, some come with a friend from the parish, and plenty come on their own. Everyone is welcome.
$200 per person is non-refundable.
Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
Check
ACH bank transfer
Zelle
Cash, money order or cashier’s check
In the footsteps of St. Paul
April 5 to 15, 2027, with Fr. Andrew Wakefield and Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church. Reserve today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Questions? Call +1 (800) 653-0017 or email hello@canterburypilgrimages.com.
Secure your spot today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Frequently asked questions
This is an active program that covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect a wake-up call around 7am, departure by 9am and a return to the hotel between 5pm and 6pm. You should be able to walk 2 to 3 miles a day at a moderate pace, with uneven surfaces, stairs and slopes. The Acropolis and Mars Hill have worn, slippery stone, the Meteora monasteries are reached by steps cut into the rock, and on Santorini the town of Thira sits high on the cliffs.
April is spring in Greece and western Turkey: mild, often sunny days with cooler evenings, and the odd shower. It can be windy at sea and on the islands, and cooler at Meteora. Bring layers, a light jacket, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes.
Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date, and passport cards are not accepted for international travel. We need your passport details at least 90 days before departure. The cruise calls at Kusadasi in Turkey, so entry rules for both Greece and Turkey apply; rules can change, so we will let you know before departure if anything new applies to your trip.
Three nights aboard ship, from Lavrion to Mykonos, Kusadasi for Ephesus, Patmos and Santorini, with breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard each day. Dinner is on your own in Athens on April 7 and in Thessaloniki on April 13.
Yes. The price includes group airfare; if you book your own flights, the price is reduced by $1,000. Tell us at registration so we can line your arrival up with the group’s in Athens on April 6 and its departure from Thessaloniki on April 15.
Final payment is due on January 5, 2027, 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
We strongly encourage travel insurance for all of our pilgrims, and we partner with Allianz Travel Insurance to offer affordable coverage. Most of our pilgrims choose the Classic Plan. Insurance can be quoted and purchased after registration.
A pilgrimage is not a vacation or excursion but a unique spiritual journey that provides many opportunities to deepen your relationship with God and enrich your Catholic faith by bringing Scripture to life. Pilgrimages offer the opportunity to let Christ draw you near.
More questions are answered in our Support Center, covering booking, payments, travel insurance, passports and what to expect on pilgrimage.
Faith, Law, & Medicine: Greece & Turkey Pilgrimage
Faith, Law & Medicine
Ten days in Greece and Turkey on the foundations of law and medicine, from the Areopagus and Corinth to the healing sanctuaries of Epidaurus and Kos and the House of the Virgin Mary at Ephesus.
Your hosts and lecturers
Joshua McCaig, JD, MBA, MS
Founding President, Catholic Bar Association
Joshua McCaig is the founding president of the Catholic Bar Association, a national organization for Catholic legal professionals founded in 2015, and a co-founder of the Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance. A graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, he earned his law degree with the inaugural class of Ave Maria School of Law.
Msgr. Stuart Swetland, S.T.D.
President, Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas
Msgr. Stuart Swetland has been president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, since 2014. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he was ordained a priest in 1991 and named a Prelate of Honor by St. John Paul II in 2000.
Nikolas T. Nikas
President and General Counsel, Bioethics Defense Fund
Nikolas T. Nikas is president and general counsel of Bioethics Defense Fund. He has litigated constitutional cases, drafted model pro-life legislation and testified before the U.S. Senate.
John Thorp, MD
Professor of Medicine, University of North Carolina
Dr. John Thorp is the McAllister Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
“Behold, your mother.”
John 19:27
Our Lord’s words to St. John at the foot of the Cross. Tradition holds that St. John brought Our Lady to Ephesus, and our last full day ends at the House of the Virgin Mary in the hills above the ancient city.
The House of the Virgin Mary · Ephesus
Greece & Turkey, May 24 to June 2, 2027
Ten days, eight nights in Athens, Nafplio, Kos and Kusadasi, with Corinth, Epidaurus, the Asklepieion of Kos and Ephesus along the way. Mass is celebrated each day of the pilgrimage.
Begins in Athens and ends in Kusadasi
OvernightVisit
Nights: 3 Athens, 1 Nafplio, 2 Kos, 1 or 2 Kusadasi.
Departure
The day has arrived, and we depart the United States on our overnight flight to Greece.
Arrival in Athens
Upon arrival in Athens, we transfer to our hotel and take time to rest and adjust after the journey. We gather as a group for our first evening together and a welcome dinner.
Athens
We begin our pilgrimage at the Acropolis, exploring the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, which reflect not only classical religious devotion but also ideals of harmony, logic, and proportion that would later influence Christian understandings of justice and the common good. Descending to the Areopagus, we stand at the very place where St. Paul addressed the Athenian philosophers. The Areopagus in ancient Greece was a court which dealt with serious crimes and religious matters. We continue to the Ancient Agora, once the heart of public life in the city. Here we walk past, among other things, the Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaestus.
Corinth & Nafplio
Today we travel to Corinth, a major city in the Roman Empire and a key site in the missionary life of St. Paul. We visit the Bema, where Paul stood before the proconsul Gallio, and walk along the Lechaion Road to see the ruins of temples, fountains, and marketplaces. A highlight of the visit is the pavement inscription of Erastus, identifying a city official who is also mentioned in Paul’s letters. This inscription gives us a rare glimpse into the lives of early Christian converts who were also active participants in public administration. We see the Temple of Apollo and other visible layers of Roman urban life. We move on to Nafplio, a seaport town with a long and layered history, where we spend the evening.
Nafplio, Epidaurus & Athens
This morning we explore Nafplio, including the Palamidi Fortress, a symbol of civil authority and order from a time when the Catholic Republic of Venice extended its power eastward in the Mediterranean. We visit Epidaurus, home to an ancient healing sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius. We walk through the remains of the temples, treatment areas, and the sacred spring, learning how healing was understood in a culture that blended religion, ritual, and early medical practice. The site includes the Epidaurus Theater, famous for its acoustics and used in performances thought to promote wellness. We will return to Athens.
Athens & Kos
This morning we fly from Athens to Kos, the birthplace of Hippocrates. After arriving on the island, we transfer to our hotel and have the afternoon free to explore the town’s harbor, visit the Castle of the Knights, or enjoy time along the Aegean waterfront.
Kos
We visit the Asklepieion of Kos, a large healing complex terraced into a wooded hillside. Here we walk among the altar platforms, treatment rooms, and porticoes, where the Hippocratic School took shape. It was in places like this that physicians began to formalize ethical standards: commitments to confidentiality, non-maleficence, and professional integrity. We also visit the Plane Tree of Hippocrates, a site where he is said to have taught. In the afternoon, we return to town and have time to rest or explore the local market streets and seaside paths.
Kos, Bodrum & Kusadasi
This morning we take a short ferry across the Aegean to Bodrum, on the Turkish coast. After clearing passport control, we travel inland by private coach to Kusadasi, a coastal city not far from Ephesus, which was one of the great cities of Roman Asia. Upon arrival, we check in and enjoy a restful evening as we enter the final leg of our journey.
Ephesus
We spend the day in Ephesus, a city that once served as a crossroads of trade, religion, and governance. Our visit includes the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, the Terrace Houses, and the Great Theater, all of which give us insight into the daily and civic life of this important Roman center. We continue to the Church of the Virgin Mary, the likely site of the Council of Ephesus, where the title Theotokos was affirmed and Christ’s full humanity and divinity were defended. We conclude at the House of the Virgin Mary, a quiet pilgrimage site in the forested hills above the ruins. It is believed that the Virgin Mary was taken here by St. John and lived here towards the end of her life. Your flight home from Izmir (ADB) may depart either tonight or tomorrow; if it departs tomorrow, an overnight is required.
Return home
Your flight home from Izmir (ADB) may depart either the previous night or today. Later today we will arrive back at home, with a deeper understanding of the foundations of our professional vocations, and of our Catholic faith.
What’s included
Everything below is covered by the package price.
Your hotels in Greece and Turkey
Four-star hotels throughout: three nights in Athens, one in Nafplio, two in Kos and two in Kusadasi (the second only if your flight home leaves on June 2). Hotels are subject to final confirmation; if a hotel changes, it is replaced with one of the same standard.
“This is the first time I can completely trust a company for every detail.”
“Their communication was perfect in every way.”
“Going on a Canterbury Pilgrimage was a wonderful way to see the world through the lens of the Church!”
Questions pilgrims ask
Short answers to what most people want to know before they put down a deposit.
It is a touring pilgrimage by motorcoach, with a flight from Athens to Kos and a ferry to Bodrum. Expect about 2 to 3 miles of walking on a typical day. Days usually start around 7am and end back at the hotel between 5pm and 6pm. The Acropolis, Corinth, Epidaurus and Ephesus have uneven ground, stairs and real slopes, often in the sun with little shade.
You can have a room to yourself, with a single room supplement of $1,195, or share a room. If you would like to share, we will do our best to match you with a roommate. If we cannot find a match by February 23, 2027, the single room supplement applies. Couples, families, friends and singles are all welcome, and plenty of pilgrims come on their own.
International airfare, since this pilgrimage is priced land only; group flights are available from $1,290 per person. Lunches, donations at Masses, souvenirs and laundry, and the cost of a passport if you need one. A typical lunch costs about $15 to $20. Tips are at your discretion: as a guide, $8 to $10 per person per day for your tour guide and $6 to $8 for your driver. Travel insurance if you choose it, and a 3% fee if you pay by card. Abroad, we recommend paying for most things by credit card, which is accepted almost everywhere and comes with protection that cash does not; bring a couple hundred U.S. dollars in cash for emergencies. When a card machine or ATM asks whether to pay in dollars or in the local currency (euros in Greece, Turkish lira in Turkey), choose the local currency; it is almost always cheaper.
Cancel in writing. Up to February 23, 2027 (90 days before departure), everything you have paid is returned except $200. After that date, the $450 deposit and any costs we cannot recover are kept. Travel insurance may cover a cancellation, depending on the reason.
Joshua McCaig of the Catholic Bar Association hosts the group, with Msgr. Stuart Swetland as chaplain and guest lecturers Nikolas T. Nikas and Dr. John Thorp.
More answers in the FAQ below and in our Support Center, or call us at +1 (800) 653-0017.
Price per person
Per person, land only: international airfare is not included. Group flights are available from 36 U.S. airports, from $1,290 to $1,790 per person depending on the airport; choose yours at registration or book your own flights.
Shared rooms are always doubles with two beds. If you would like us to match you with a roommate, tell us when you book and we will do our best. Please note that if we cannot find you a match by the final payment date of February 23, 2027, the single room supplement will apply.
Couples, families, friends, singles, all are welcome!
Some pilgrims come as a couple, some bring the whole family, some come with a friend from the parish, and plenty come on their own. Everyone is welcome.
$200 per person is non-refundable.
Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
Check
ACH bank transfer
Zelle
Cash, money order or cashier’s check
Faith, Law & Medicine in Greece and Turkey
May 24 to June 2, 2027, with Joshua McCaig, Msgr. Stuart Swetland, Nikolas T. Nikas and Dr. John Thorp. Reserve today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Questions? Call +1 (800) 653-0017 or email hello@canterburypilgrimages.com.
Secure your spot today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Frequently asked questions
It is built around the Catholic vocations of law and medicine, with two guest lecturers, Nikolas T. Nikas in law and Dr. John Thorp in medicine, travelling with the group. Everyone is welcome to join.
This is an active program that covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect a wake-up call around 7am, departure by 9am and a return to the hotel between 5pm and 6pm. You should be able to walk 2 to 3 miles a day at a moderate pace, with uneven surfaces, stairs and significant slopes at the archaeological sites, often in the open with little shade.
Late May is usually warm and sunny in Greece and western Turkey, with hot afternoons at Corinth, Epidaurus and Ephesus. Bring sun protection, a hat, a refillable water bottle and comfortable walking shoes.
Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date, and passport cards are not accepted for international travel. We cross from Greece into Turkey by ferry, so check the current entry rules for Turkey for your passport; we will let you know before departure if anything applies to your trip. We need your passport details at least 90 days before departure.
International airfare is not included. Group flights are available from 36 U.S. airports, from $1,290 per person, and you choose your airport at registration. You may also book your own flights: plan to arrive in Athens on May 25 and to fly home from Izmir (ADB) on the evening of June 1 or on June 2.
Final payment is due on February 23, 2027, 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
We strongly encourage travel insurance for all of our pilgrims, and we partner with Allianz Travel Insurance to offer affordable coverage. Most of our pilgrims choose the Classic Plan. Insurance can be quoted and purchased after registration.
A pilgrimage is not a vacation or excursion but a unique spiritual journey that provides many opportunities to deepen your relationship with God and enrich your Catholic faith by bringing Scripture to life. Pilgrimages offer the opportunity to let Christ draw you near.
More questions are answered in our Support Center, covering booking, payments, travel insurance, passports and what to expect on pilgrimage.
Italy & Greece Pilgrimage with Holy Family Catholic Church
Italy & Greece Pilgrimage
Twelve days from Rome to Athens, from the Vatican and the tomb of St. Paul to Philippi, Thessaloniki, Meteora, Delphi and Corinth, with an optional pre-stay in Sorrento from October 2.
Your chaplain and group leader
Fr. Bill McNeeley
Sherri McNeeley
“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
St. Paul’s words near the end of his life. We pray at his burial site at St. Paul Outside the Walls, then follow his steps in Greece at Kavala, Philippi, Thessaloniki, Mars Hill and Corinth.
St. Paul · Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome
Italy & Greece, October 4 to 15, 2027
Twelve days, ten nights in Rome, Thessaloniki, Kalambaka, Delphi and Athens, with the Papal Audience, the major basilicas of Rome and the places St. Paul preached in Greece.
Begins in Rome and ends in Athens
OvernightVisit
Nights: 4 Rome, 1 Thessaloniki, 1 Kalambaka, 2 Delphi, 2 Athens.
Departure
Our pilgrimage begins as we board our flight(s) to Rome today.
Arrival in Rome
Upon arrival in Rome, we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy our welcome dinner for our pilgrimage.
Vatican City & The Papal Audience
We set out early to take our places in St. Peter’s Square by 7:30 for the Wednesday General Audience with the Holy Father (subject to his schedule). Pilgrims are encouraged to bring medals, rosaries, and other religious items for a blessing. The pope delivers a speech, followed by prayers and a homily, and concludes with a blessing. After lunch, we will tour the Vatican Museum, exploring the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel. Our day ends at St. Peter’s Basilica, where we view Michelangelo’s Pieta and the tomb of Pope St. John Paul II, and walk through the basilica, finishing at the Tomb of St. Peter.
Historic Rome and Catacombs
After breakfast, we will embark on a historic tour of Ancient Rome. We will stroll along cobblestone streets, lined with majestic stone pines, and visit the Colosseum, a grand amphitheater of the ancient world. Along the way we’ll stop for prayer at the Basilica of Saint Clement. Passing by the Roman Forum, we will witness the ruins of ancient government buildings. We’ll finish the day visiting the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, a resting place of several popes from the 2nd to 4th centuries. Optional walking tour of the Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps this evening.
Major Roman Basilicas
Today is dedicated to the Major Basilicas. We will start at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and visit the burial site of St. Paul. Next, we’re off to the Church of St. Mary Major where pilgrims can view what is said to be the wood relics of the Holy Crib of the Nativity of Jesus. After lunch, we visit the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the “Mother of all Churches in the World,” and the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. Here, we will celebrate Mass and have the opportunity to climb the Lateran Steps. Lastly, we’ll visit the Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme to see the relics of the Holy Cross which St. Helena brought from the Holy Land to Rome.
Flight to Thessaloniki, Kavala & Philippi
We bid farewell to Rome and fly to Thessaloniki, Greece, where we will meet our professional tour escort and depart for our guided tour beginning with Kavala, the port where Paul first landed with Timothy and Silas. We then continue on to Philippi, where Paul was imprisoned. View the prison, the marketplace, basilica, and theater. We’ll also visit Amphipolis, the famous starting point of Alexander the Great on his mission to “conquer the world.”
Thessaloniki
Today, we will walk the places where St. Paul walked in Thessalonica, including the Agora where he preached and the walls where Jason’s home was and where St. Paul also lived. We will also see St. George Church, the Galerius Arch, and the Church of Hagia Sophia and the Basilica of St. Demetrios. We drive to Kalambaka this afternoon.
Meteora Monastery
Today we will visit Metéora, where we will ascend huge granite rocks to view architectural wonders that are over 700 years old. Visit the monastery of Metamorphosis with its church and museum containing priceless historic and religious treasures. Later we drive to Delphi.
Delphi
After breakfast, we begin our exploration of Delphi, once considered the center of the ancient world. We will visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of Athens, the Theater, and the Stadium, where ancient Pythian Games were held. In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, housing the famous Charioteer of Delphi and other remarkable artifacts. Enjoy some leisure time in the modern town of Delphi or take in the scenic views of Mount Parnassus.
Delphi
This morning we continue exploring Delphi and its surroundings. Visit the Monastery of Hosios Loukas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning Byzantine mosaics. We’ll enjoy an afternoon in the charming mountain village of Arachova. We head to Athens in time for check-in and dinner.
Athens & Corinth
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Acropolis and the ruins of the Parthenon, and Mars Hill with a view to the Ancient Agora of Athens: St. Paul addressed the judges of Athens at Mars Hill. We will also enjoy a visit to the ancient city of Corinth before heading back to Athens. We’ll share a special farewell dinner tonight.
Return home
With a renewed sense of pilgrimage, and an invigorated love of our Catholic faith, we transfer to the Athens Airport and board our return flight(s) home.
Optional Sorrento pre-stay, October 2 to 5, 2027
Saturday, October 2: Depart for Naples, Italy. Our pre-stay in Sorrento begins as we board our flight(s) to Naples today.
Sunday, October 3: Arrival in Naples. Upon arrival in Naples, we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy dinner. Overnight in Sorrento.
Monday, October 4: Leisure day in Sorrento. After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll enjoy a full day to catch some rest and explore Sorrento at our own leisure, maybe taking a walking tour, going shopping, enjoying a wine tasting, or all of the above. We’ll save time for the Rosary and Mass later this afternoon, followed by dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Sorrento.
Tuesday, October 5: Leisure morning in Sorrento, transfer to Rome. We’ll start the day with Rosary and Mass this morning, followed by breakfast at the hotel. More free time on our own before departing Sorrento for Rome this afternoon. We’ll arrive at our hotel in Rome, check in and enjoy our welcome dinner for our pilgrimage. Overnight in Rome.
The itinerary continues on Wednesday, October 6 with the main pilgrimage.
What’s included
Everything below is covered by the package price.
Your hotels in Italy and Greece
Four-star hotels throughout: four nights in Rome, one in Thessaloniki, one in Kalambaka, two in Delphi and two in Athens, plus two nights in Sorrento for those joining the pre-stay. Hotels are subject to final confirmation; if a hotel changes, it is replaced with one of the same standard.
“Our pilgrimage to Greece, Turkey, and the Holy Land was a blessing for all 100 participants and my assistants.”
“As a group leader, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
“I am personally grateful for your considerable time and effort in making the trip a successful and prayerful experience.”
Questions pilgrims ask
Short answers to what most people want to know before they put down a deposit.
It is a touring pilgrimage by motorcoach, with one flight from Rome to Thessaloniki. Expect about 2 to 3 miles of walking on a typical day, with cobblestones in Rome, uneven ground at the ancient sites, and the main climbs at the Meteora monasteries, Delphi and the Acropolis. Days usually start with a wake-up call around 7am, departure by 9am and a return to the hotel between 5pm and 6pm.
You can have a room to yourself, with a single room supplement of $1,000, or share a room. If you would like to share, we will do our best to match you with a roommate. If we cannot find a match by July 6, 2027, the single room supplement applies. Couples, families, friends and singles are all welcome, and plenty of pilgrims come on their own. The optional Sorrento pre-stay has its own single room supplement of $200.
Lunches, donations at Masses, souvenirs and laundry. A typical lunch costs about $15 to $20. Tips are at your discretion: as a guide, $8 to $10 per person per day for your tour guide and $6 to $8 for your driver. Travel insurance if you choose it, and a 3% fee if you pay by card. Abroad, we recommend paying for most things by credit card, which is accepted almost everywhere and comes with protection that cash does not; bring a couple hundred U.S. dollars in cash for emergencies. When a card machine or ATM asks whether to pay in dollars or in the local currency (euros in Italy and Greece), choose the local currency; it is almost always cheaper.
Cancel in writing. Up to July 6, 2027 (90 days before departure), everything you have paid is returned except $200. After that date, the $450 deposit and any costs we cannot recover are kept. Travel insurance may cover a cancellation, depending on the reason.
Fr. Bill McNeeley and Sherri McNeeley lead the group from Holy Family Catholic Church.
More answers in the FAQ below and in our Support Center, or call us at +1 (800) 653-0017.
Price per person
Per person, including roundtrip group airfare. If you book your own flights, the price is reduced by $1,000.
Shared rooms are always doubles with two beds. If you would like us to match you with a roommate, tell us when you book and we will do our best. Please note that if we cannot find you a match by the final payment date of July 6, 2027, the single room supplement will apply.
Couples, families, friends, singles, all are welcome!
Some pilgrims come as a couple, some bring the whole family, some come with a friend from the parish, and plenty come on their own. Everyone is welcome.
$200 per person is non-refundable.
Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
Check
ACH bank transfer
Zelle
Cash, money order or cashier’s check
Rome and the steps of St. Paul
October 4 to 15, 2027, with Holy Family Catholic Church and Fr. Bill McNeeley. Reserve today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Questions? Call +1 (800) 653-0017 or email hello@canterburypilgrimages.com.
Secure your spot today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Frequently asked questions
This is an active program that covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect a wake-up call around 7am, departure by 9am and a return to the hotel between 5pm and 6pm. You should be able to walk 2 to 3 miles a day at a moderate pace, with uneven surfaces, stairs, cobblestones and some steep slopes, including the steps up to the monasteries at Meteora and the climb at Delphi.
October is usually mild in Rome and warm in Greece, with sunny days and cooler evenings, especially in the mountains at Meteora and Delphi. Rain is possible. Bring layers, a light rain jacket, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes.
Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date, and passport cards are not accepted for international travel. We need your passport details at least 90 days before departure. Entry rules for Europe can change, so we will let you know before departure if anything new applies to your trip.
Rates are per person based on two pilgrims sharing a room. Shared rooms are always doubles with two beds. If you are travelling alone we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender; if we cannot, the single room supplement applies.
Yes. The price includes group airfare; if you book your own flights, the price is reduced by $1,000. Tell us at registration so we can line your arrival up with the group’s in Rome on October 5 and its departure from Athens on October 15, or with the pre-stay in Naples on October 3.
Final payment is due on July 6, 2027, 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
We strongly encourage travel insurance for all of our pilgrims, and we partner with Allianz Travel Insurance to offer affordable coverage. Most of our pilgrims choose the Classic Plan. Insurance can be quoted and purchased after registration.
A pilgrimage is not a vacation or excursion but a unique spiritual journey that provides many opportunities to deepen your relationship with God and enrich your Catholic faith by bringing Scripture to life. Pilgrimages offer the opportunity to let Christ draw you near.
More questions are answered in our Support Center, covering booking, payments, travel insurance, passports and what to expect on pilgrimage.