Day 1: Departure – Pilgrimage of Faith Begins

Spiritual Focus: Beginning the pilgrimage

Suggested Scripture: Genesis 12:1–4 — “Go from your country… to the land I will show you.”

Mass: Not scheduled (travel day

Depart the United States on your overnight international flight to Izmir, Turkey. As your pilgrimage begins, take time for quiet prayer and reflection, entrusting your journey to the Lord. Just as Abraham was called to leave his homeland and follow God into an unknown future, this pilgrimage invites each traveler to step out in faith and openness to grace.

During the flight, complimentary meals and beverages will be served. Pilgrims are encouraged to use this time to begin preparing spiritually for the days ahead—perhaps through personal prayer, reading the Scriptures associated with the pilgrimage, or reflecting on the lives of the Apostles and early Christians whose footsteps we will soon follow.

Overnight aboard your international flight.

Day 2: Arrival in Izmir – Welcome to Kusadasi

Spiritual Focus: Preparation and welcome

Suggested Scripture: Psalm 121 — “Our help is from the Lord.”

Mass: Evening Mass at hotel or local chapel (subject to availability)

Arrive at Izmir International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and driver. After collecting your luggage, begin the journey along the beautiful Aegean coast toward the seaside town of Kusadasi, one of Turkey’s most charming coastal destinations.

Kusadasi, whose name means “Bird Island,” has long served as a gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus and many of the biblical sites connected with the early Church. The drive offers views of the sparkling Aegean Sea and the surrounding countryside that once formed part of the Roman province of Asia Minor.

Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and take some time to settle in after your journey. If schedules permit, celebrate Mass at the hotel chapel or a nearby church, offering prayers of thanksgiving for a safe arrival and asking God’s blessing upon the pilgrimage ahead.

Dinner will be served at the hotel. The evening is intentionally peaceful, allowing pilgrims to rest from travel and prepare spiritually for the holy places that will be encountered in the coming days.

Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 3: Ephesus – St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary

Spiritual Focus: Mary and the Early Church

Suggested Scripture: John 19:26–27 — “Behold your mother.”

Mass: Celebrated at or near the House of the Virgin Mary (subject to permission)

Following breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the Basilica of St. John, constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian in the sixth century. This basilica was built over the traditional burial site of St. John the Apostle, the beloved disciple of Christ and author of the Gospel of John, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. The site stands as a powerful reminder of the deep roots of Christianity in this region.

Continue to the extraordinary archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of the Roman world. Walking along its marble streets, pilgrims will encounter remarkable monuments including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater—where St. Paul once preached to the Ephesians—and the remains of temples, marketplaces, and homes that reveal the daily life of this once-great city.

Ephesus was a crucial center of early Christianity. St. Paul lived and preached here for several years, and according to ancient tradition, St. John brought the Blessed Virgin Mary to Ephesus, where she spent her final years

The spiritual highlight of the day is the visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a humble stone dwelling located on a peaceful hillside overlooking the region. This sacred place has long been revered by Christians and has been visited by several Popes. Here pilgrims will have the opportunity to celebrate Mass, offering prayers through the intercession of the Blessed Mother and reflecting on Mary’s faithful witness to Christ.

After time for prayer and personal devotion, return to Kusadasi.

Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 4: Ferry to Samos – An Island of Peace and Reflection

Spiritual Focus: Contemplation and rest in God

Suggested Scripture: Mark 6:31 — “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

Mass: Celebrated at a local parish or hotel (subject to availability)

This morning, depart Kusadasi for the nearby Greek island of Samos, traveling by ferry across the tranquil waters of the Aegean Sea.

Samos is a lush and beautiful island known for its vineyards, mountain landscapes, and charming harbor towns. In ancient times it was an important cultural center of the Greek world, and today it offers pilgrims a peaceful environment for reflection during the journey.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy time to explore the island’s harbor area, walk along the waterfront, or simply enjoy the serene surroundings.

If possible, celebrate Mass at a local parish or chapel, giving thanks for the blessings of the pilgrimage and reflecting on the beauty of God’s creation that surrounds us.

Dinner and overnight in Samos.

Day 5: Patmos – The Cave of the Apocalypse

Spiritual Focus: Revelation and perseverance in faith

Suggested Scripture: Revelation 1:9–11

Mass: Celebrated at the Cave of the Apocalypse or nearby chapel (subject to permission)

Depart Samos by ferry and travel to the sacred island of Patmos, a place forever connected with the final book of Sacred Scripture.

Patmos is revered as the island where St. John the Apostle was exiled by the Roman authorities during the reign of Emperor Domitian. During his exile here, St. John received the divine visions recorded in the Book of Revelation, offering hope and encouragement to the early Christian communities facing persecution.

Visit the Cave of the Apocalypse, the very place where tradition holds that St. John heard the voice of God and recorded the prophetic visions that would become part of the New Testament. This deeply moving site invites pilgrims to reflect on the mystery of God’s revelation and the enduring promise of Christ’s victory.

Continue to the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, an imposing medieval monastery built in the eleventh century. From its hilltop location, the monastery overlooks the entire island and houses important relics, manuscripts, and icons.

After time for prayer and personal exploration of the island’s picturesque town of Chora, return by ferry to Samos. And take the flight to Athens

Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Day 6:Ancient Corinth

Spiritual Focus: St. Paul and missionary discipleship

Suggested Scripture: Acts 18:1–11

Mass: Celebrated in the Corinth area (subject to availability)

Board the bus for a full day tour to Ancient Corinth, a major center of commerce and culture during the Roman period and an important location in the missionary journeys of St. Paul. Paul lived and preached here for nearly two years, establishing a Christian community that would later receive two of his most famous epistles.

Pilgrims will visit the archaeological site, including the Bema, where St. Paul stood before the Roman governor Gallio. The ruins of temples, marketplaces, and basilicas reveal the importance of this city during the time of the early Church.

Reflect on the words of St. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, which continue to guide the Church today in matters of faith, unity, and charity.

Return to Athens.

Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Day 7: Athens – Acropolis, Mars Hill and the Ancient Agora

Spiritual Focus: Evangelization of the ancient world

Suggested Scripture: Acts 17:22–31

Mass: Celebrated in Athens (subject to availability)

Begin the day with a guided exploration of Athens, the cradle of Western philosophy, democracy, and culture.

Visit the magnificent Acropolis, the ancient citadel rising above the city and crowned by the Parthenon. This UNESCO World Heritage Site represents one of the greatest architectural achievements of the ancient world.

Continue to Mars Hill (Areopagus), the place where St. Paul delivered his famous sermon to the Athenians, boldly proclaiming the Gospel to a society steeped in philosophy and pagan traditions.

Nearby is the Ancient Agora, once the heart of civic life in Athens and a place where the early Christian message began to encounter the Greek intellectual tradition.

The afternoon may offer free time for personal exploration in the historic Plaka district, known for its narrow streets, small shops, and traditional cafés.

Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Day 8: Meteora – Monasteries in the Sk

Spiritual Focus: The call to holiness and prayer

Suggested Scripture: Colossians 3:1–2

Mass: Celebrated at a monastery or local church (subject to availability)

Depart Athens and travel north into the dramatic landscape of Meteora, one of the most awe-inspiring spiritual destinations in all of Greece.

Meteora is famous for its monasteries perched atop towering rock formations that rise dramatically from the valley floor. Beginning in the fourteenth century, monks built these monasteries in search of solitude, prayer, and closeness to God.

Visit St. Stephanos Monastery and possibly another of the active monasteries depending on opening schedules. These monasteries continue to serve as centers of Orthodox Christian monastic life.

Pilgrims will also have the opportunity to visit local icon workshops, where traditional Byzantine iconography is still practiced

Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 9: Vergina and Thessaloniki

Spiritual Focus: The Gospel in Macedonia

Suggested Scripture: Acts 16:9–15

Mass: Celebrated in Thessaloniki (subject to availability)

Travel to Vergina, site of the ancient Macedonian royal tombs and one of Greece’s most important archaeological discoveries. The underground museum houses remarkable treasures and the tomb traditionally associated with King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great.

Continue to Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece and a place closely associated with the missionary work of St. Paul.

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Thessaloniki, viewing key historical and religious landmarks that illustrate the city’s long and complex history as a crossroads of cultures and faith traditions.

Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 10: Philippi and Kavala – The Birth of Christianity in Europe

Spiritual Focus: Baptism and the growth of the Church

Suggested Scripture: Acts 16:11–15

Mass: Celebrated at St. Lydia’s Baptistery (subject to permission)

Travel eastward to the ancient city of Philippi, where St. Paul established one of the first Christian communities in Europe.

Visit the Baptistery of St. Lydia, traditionally believed to be the place where Lydia became the first European convert to Christianity. This site holds special significance as a symbol of the spread of the Gospel across the continent.

Explore the impressive ruins of Philippi, including the Roman forum and the remains of early Christian basilicas that testify to the growth of the Church in this region

Continue to the nearby coastal city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where St. Paul first arrived in Europe during his missionary journeys.

After some free time for lunch and exploration along the harbor, return to Thessaloniki.

Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 11: Flight to Istanbul – The Meeting of Continents

Spiritual Focus: Unity of East and West

Suggested Scripture: Ephesians 2:13–18

Mass: Evening Mass at hotel or local church (subject to availability)

Travel by air from Thessaloniki to Istanbul, the historic city where Europe and Asia meet.

Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul served for centuries as the capital of the Byzantine Empire and one of the most important centers of Christianity in the world.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and take time to relax before dinner.

Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 12: Istanbul – Faith at the Crossroads of History

Spiritual Focus: Christianity through history

Suggested Scripture: Hebrews 13:8 — “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Mass: Farewell Mass (subject to availability)

Today enjoy a full-day guided tour of Istanbul, a city where layers of Christian, Byzantine, and Ottoman history intertwine.

Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, originally built in the sixth century as the cathedral of Constantinople and long considered the greatest church in Christendom. Its vast dome and remarkable architecture testify to the faith and artistry of the Byzantine Empire.

Continue to the Blue Mosque, one of the most impressive examples of Ottoman architecture, and the Hippodrome, which served as the social and political center of ancient Constantinople.

Celebrate a Farewell Mass, giving thanks to God for the blessings and graces received during this pilgrimage.

Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 13: Return to the United State

Spiritual Focus: Sent forth in mission

Suggested Scripture: Matthew 28:19–20

Mass: Not scheduled (travel day)

After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your return flight home.

As the pilgrimage concludes, pilgrims carry with them renewed faith, deeper understanding of Sacred Scripture, and lasting memories of walking in the footsteps of the Apostles and the early Church.

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