Pilgrimage to Greece & Turkey – In the Steps of Saint Paul Under The Spiritual Direction Of Fr. Martin Silva

Your pilgrimage begins as you depart from San Francisco on an overnight international flight to Greece. Enjoy in-flight meals and services as you prepare your heart and mind for this spiritual journey in the footsteps of St. Paul and the early Christians.

Upon arrival in the historic city of Athens, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour escort. We will transfer to your hotel for check-in and time to rest after your journey. In the evening, gather with your fellow pilgrims for a welcome dinner, offering a first opportunity to connect and reflect on the days ahead.

After breakfast, we will board our motor coach and make our way to Ancient Corinth site passing the Corinth Canal. Here the Apostle Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. The mostly Gentile Church he founded here caused him much grief and prompted from him at least four letters. It is from Corinth, also, that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians. On our return, we visit the ruins of Cenchaeae, the harbor from which St. Paul sailed to Ephesus (Acts 18:18). Continue to Athens. We will visit the Acropolis, the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens. Afterwards, we will ascend Mars Hill where St. Paul spoke to the ancient Athenians about the one and only God. From here we have an excellent view of the ancient agora; former center of Athenian public life. Drive to the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square. See views of government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, and National Library.

This morning we drive northbound through the picturesque village of Arachova where we will later reach Delphi. Delphi is considered the navel (omphalos) of the ancient world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pithios. Visit the site and the museum where we can see, among other archaeological treasures, the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer. Free time for lunch and continue to Kalambaka.

Today we will marvel at Meteora, the supernatural mix of natural landscape and human-made constructions. Meteora is not only a unique witness of monastic life and art in Greece, but also an incredible place to mesmerize at amazing views, green valleys and steep rock formations that will leave you breathless. Continue to Beroea to visit St. Paul’s Bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the “more noble” church. Free time for lunch and drive to Thessaloniki. St. Paul preached in the city and wrote two epistles to the Ancient Thessalonians. Visit the old city ramparts, the Forum, St. George’s church, the ancient Roman monument which transformed into a church and Galerius Arch which rises over the famous via Egnatia. We will also see the beautiful Basilicas of martyred Christian and former distinguished member of the Roman army, St. Demetrius as well as St. Sophia.

After breakfast, we leave Thessaloniki to visit Philippi where St. Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity. Here Paul baptized a “certain woman named Lydia” the first Christian convert in Europe. Lastly, we will visit The Roman forum, completely excavated, which is from after Paul’s time. Among the ruins, located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road, is the prison where Paul and Silas were thrown. Continue into the modern port city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where St. Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke, and Timothy first set foot in Europe. Free time for lunch and a walk on the beautiful seaside promenade of the city before returning to Thessaloniki for dinner & overnight.

Today we cross the Greek – Turkish border and continue to Istanbul. Formerly Constantinople, Istanbul is a profound destination for a Catholic pilgrimage, bridging Eastern and Western Christianity with a rich history of early ecumenical councils, Byzantine art, and martyrdom.

After breakfast, we begin our full day exploring the historic treasures of Istanbul. Our first stop is the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and once the greatest Christian cathedral in the world. We continue to the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, where chariot races were once held, followed by a visit to the stunning Blue Mosque, renowned for its beautiful blue Iznik tiles and grand domes. Next, we visit the Chora Church, famous for its breathtaking mosaics and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ. We then descend into the mysterious Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir supported by hundreds of marble columns. After a full day of sightseeing and discovery, we return for dinner and overnight.

This morning we fly to Izmir and drive to Ephesus. Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7), major port city on the Aegean, was the commercial, political, and religious center of all of Asia Minor. After a lunatic completely burned the Temple of Diana (Artemis) on the night that Alexander the Great was born in 356 B.C., the Ephesians worked for 120 years to complete a magnificent re‐ constructed temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The city became part of the Roman Empire in the second century B.C. As a Roman capital of Asia Minor, Ephesus boasted a population approaching 250,000 people. The Apostle Paul’s first visit to Ephesus was brief—during his second missionary tour (Acts 18:19-21). His second visit lasted about three years— during his third missionary tour (Acts 19:1 to 20:31). Walk the marble-paved street with grooves made by chariot wheels. See the Fountain of Trojan, the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Visit the Chapel of the Virgin Mary (Double Church), where the Third Ancient Council con‐ vened. Enjoy St. John’s Basilica (built on the site of the Apostle John’s tomb) and ponder the remains of the Temple of Diana.

Today we drive to Miletus, home of ancient philosopher Thales (640-546 B.C.), one of the fathers of Greek geometry, astronomy, and philosophy. It was here, in the first Christian century, that the Apostle Paul, on his third missionary journey, called for the Ephesians elders and preached a powerful message to them (Acts 20:15-38). It was also here that Paul left his friend Trophi‐ mus, who was too ill to continue (II Timothy 4:20). As a port at the mouth of the Meander River, Miletus was a natural outlet for Phrygian trade. Like the one at Ephesus, however, Miletus’s sea Harbour eventually filled with silt, and commerce dwindled. The city’s remote quietness makes it special to devout students of Scripture. Its ancient ruins include the marvelous 15,000-seat theatre. Nearby, at Didyma, visit the massive Temple to Apollo, one of the most impressive sites in Anatolia. Ordinary people did not reside in ancient Didyma. This was home only to a priestly family whose oracle came from Delphi and who lived in luxury, as they guarded their temple treasuries supplied by the people they deceived.

After breakfast, we transfer to Izmir Airport for our short flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, we meet our tour escort and begin our visit to the historic Grand Bazaar. One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar features 61 streets and over 4,000 shops. Enjoy free time to browse a vibrant selection of handmade goods, including carpets, lanterns, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs, while experiencing the rich local culture. We then transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our return journey home. As we depart, we carry with us not only memories of the sacred places we have visited, but also a renewed faith and deeper connection to Christ. May the graces receive throughout this pilgrimage continue to guide us in our daily lives, strengthening our hearts, our families, and our communities.