Journey through the heart of ancient Greece as we follow in the footsteps of St. Paul, exploring the sacred sites where Christianity first took root in Europe. From Thessaloniki and Philippi, where Paul preached and baptized the first European converts, to the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, the Areopagus in Athens, and the ancient city of Corinth, this pilgrimage brings the Acts of the Apostles and the letters of St. Paul vividly to life. Our journey continues with a spectacular three-night Aegean cruise, visiting the beautiful Greek islands of Mykonos, Crete, and Santorini, as well as ancient Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the island of Patmos, where St. John received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. Combining sacred history, breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and opportunities for prayer and fellowship, this unforgettable pilgrimage invites you to experience the world of the Apostles and deepen your understanding of the early Church.

Dr. Troy Hinkel holds a master’s degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a doctorate in Modern European History with an emphasis on Church/State relations from the University of Kansas. Troy is the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Holy Family School of Faith and devotes his time to teaching as well as being a spiritual director/mentor to Catholic young adult professionals, adult parishioners, and business and lay leaders in the Greater Kansas City area. Troy is also the Co-Founder of the lay movement called, “The Movement of the Holy Family,” which renews the home and family life through encouraging its members to evangelize through friendship, good conversation, and praying the rosary. Troy and Laura, his wife of 28 years, have six children and reside in Lenexa, Kansas.

Welcome to Greece!

Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, we will be met by our local representative and transferred to our hotel, with time to rest and settle in after our journey. Thessaloniki provides the perfect beginning to our pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Paul. Founded in 315 B.C. and flourishing during the Roman and Byzantine eras, it was here around 50 A.D. that St. Paul proclaimed the Gospel and established a Christian community to whom he would later address his Letters to the Thessalonians. This evening, we gather for dinner as we prepare to begin our journey through the lands of the early Church.

Today we begin walking in the footsteps of St. Paul as we travel to Kavala, ancient Neapolis, the port where Paul, accompanied by Silas, Luke, and Timothy, first set foot in Europe. From its picturesque harbor, we continue to Philippi, where Paul preached the Gospel and established the first Christian community in Europe. Here we visit the Baptistery of St. Lydia, recalling the conversion and baptism of Lydia, the first recorded Christian convert in Europe. We then explore the remarkable ruins of ancient Philippi, including the Roman Forum, early Christian basilicas, ancient theatre, and the prison traditionally associated with St. Paul. Surrounded by the landscape where these events unfolded, we reflect on the beginnings of Christianity in Europe and the extraordinary missionary journey that would change the course of history.

Our day begins with Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception before setting out to discover Thessaloniki and its rich Christian heritage. We walk to the Roman Agora and visit the magnificent Church of Hagia Sophia, one of the city’s oldest churches and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Time permitting, we will also visit the Byzantine Church of St. Demetrios, honoring the early Christian martyr and patron saint of Thessaloniki. We then travel to Ano Poli, the historic Upper City, where the ancient ramparts offer sweeping views over Thessaloniki and the gulf. Our journey culminates at the Monastery of Vlatadon, traditionally associated with the place where St. Paul preached during his time in the city. In this peaceful setting, we reflect upon Paul’s Letters to the Thessalonians, among the earliest writings of the New Testament, and the enduring faith of the Christian community he helped establish here.

Today we leave Thessaloniki and travel to Veria, ancient Berea, a city remembered in the Acts of the Apostles for the people who eagerly received St. Paul’s message and searched the Scriptures each day. Here we visit the Bema of St. Paul, commemorating the place where the Apostle preached to the Bereans in 49 A.D. Surrounded by beautiful mosaics depicting Paul and his ministry, we reflect on the openness and devotion of this early Christian community. From Veria, we continue through the scenic countryside of northern Greece to Kalambaka, nestled beneath the dramatic rock formations of Meteora. We settle into our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay, anticipating tomorrow’s visit to the extraordinary monasteries perched high above the valley.

This morning we journey into one of Greece’s most breathtaking and spiritually inspiring landscapes, the Meteora Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rising dramatically from the plains of Thessaly, immense stone pillars are crowned by centuries-old monasteries that seem suspended between heaven and earth. We will visit these remarkable sanctuaries, admire their beautiful Byzantine frescoes, and discover the traditions of prayer and contemplation that have drawn monks to Meteora for centuries and continue today. Surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty and profound stillness, Meteora offers a memorable opportunity for reflection on a life devoted to God. This afternoon, we leave Kalambaka and travel south toward Athens, where the next chapter of our journey in the footsteps of St. Paul awaits.

Today we explore Athens, the cradle of Western civilization and a city forever connected to the missionary journey of St. Paul. We ascend the Acropolis to see the magnificent Parthenon, Propylaea, and Erechtheion, enduring symbols of the ancient world. From there, we walk to the Areopagus, or Mars Hill, where Paul proclaimed the Gospel to the Athenians and delivered his famous sermon about the “Unknown God.” We continue to the Ancient Agora, once the bustling center of Athenian public life, commerce, and worship. Our day concludes with a panoramic tour highlighting the Parliament Building, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Presidential Palace, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch. Against the remarkable backdrop of ancient Athens, we reflect on Paul’s courage in bringing the message of Christ into the very heart of the pagan world.

Today we travel along the scenic coastal road to Ancient Corinth, stopping first at the impressive Corinth Canal, which connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas. We then step into the world of St. Paul in Ancient Corinth, where the Apostle lived and preached for approximately 18 months. Here we visit the Bema of St. Paul, recalling his appearance before the Roman proconsul Gallio, as well as the Temple of Apollo, the ancient Agora, and Peirene Fountain. It was during his time in Corinth that Paul established a thriving Christian community to whom he would later address his Letters to the Corinthians. After exploring this remarkable archaeological site, we return to Athens, where the remainder of the afternoon is free to enjoy the charming streets, shops, and cafés of Plaka and Monastiraki.

After breakfast, we check out of our Athens hotel and transfer to the port, where we board our Celestyal cruise shipand begin the next chapter of our pilgrimage, a journey across the beautiful Aegean Sea. Settle into your cabin, explore the ship, and enjoy the excitement of setting sail for the Greek Isles.

Our first destination is Mykonos, one of Greece’s most iconic islands. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to wander its picturesque waterfront and winding cobblestone lanes, surrounded by brilliant whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, colorful shops, and the island’s famous windmills. As evening falls over the Aegean, we return to our ship and sail overnight, anticipating the sacred and historic destinations still ahead.

This morning we arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey, gateway to the magnificent ancient city of Ephesus, where St. Paul lived and preached and helped establish one of the earliest Christian communities. We walk through the remarkable ruins of this once-great city and visit the House of the Virgin Mary.

We then sail to the beautiful Greek island of Patmos, forever associated with St. John the Apostle. Here we visit the sacred Cave of the Apocalypse, where tradition holds that St. John received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation, and the Monastery of St. John, dramatically situated above the island. Today brings us into the world of two great Apostles and offers a powerful encounter with the places that helped shape the earliest centuries of our Christian faith.

This morning we arrive on the island of Crete, where we visit the legendary Palace of Knossos, the remarkable center of the ancient Minoan civilization and one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites.

We then return to our ship and continue across the Aegean to breathtaking Santorini, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, brilliant whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, and spectacular views over the sparkling sea. Enjoy free time to explore this unforgettable island, stroll its charming streets, and take in the beauty of one of the most iconic destinations in Greece.

After a day combining ancient history with the splendor of the Greek Isles, we return to our ship for our final evening at sea.

This morning, our Aegean cruise comes to an end as we arrive back in Athens. After disembarking, we transfer to Athens International Airport for our return flight home. As we say farewell to Greece, we carry with us much more than memories of beautiful landscapes and ancient places.

We return home having walked in the footsteps of St. Paul and St. John, prayed in places where the early Church took root, and encountered the people, places, and events that helped spread the Gospel throughout the ancient world. May the friendships formed, experiences shared, and faith renewed during our pilgrimage continue to inspire us long after our journey has ended.