Greece in Footsteps of St. Paul with Greek Isle Cruise Package

Package Overview

The House of the Virgin Mary is a Catholic shrine located on Mt. Koressos in the vicinity of Ephesus, about 4.3 miles from Selcuk, Turkey. The house was discovered in the 19th century by following the descriptions in the reported visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824), a Roman Catholic nun and visionary, which were published as a book by Clemens Brentano after her death. Mary's House maintains a steady flow of pilgrimage since its discovery. Anne Catherine Emmerich was Beatified by Saint John Paul II on October 3, 2004. Catholic pilgrims visit the house based on the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John and lived there until her Assumption (according to Catholic doctrine) or Dormition. The shrine has merited several papal Apostolic Blessings and visits from several popes, the earliest pilgrimage coming from Pope Leo XIII in 1896, and the most recent in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI.
We promise to do all within our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Should any problems arise during your trip you should first contact the emergency number located in your Final Instruction Booklet. Your customized Final Instruction booklet will be provided in your final document package approximately 3 weeks prior to departure.

We pray that your pilgrimage will meet and exceed all of your expectations.
Please share with us your positive and constructive feedback upon your return!




How to Prepare for Your Pilgrimage:

Thank you for your desire and readiness to visit these places of grace and prayer. May the Almighty God, through the intercession of our Heavenly Mother, reward you for all the efforts you undertake to come! As we would like your trip to be as pleasant and helpful as possible. It is important to note that 206 Tours pilgrimages are packed full of spiritual activities and sightseeing. We do not include much free time for recreation, such as shopping. This is because our desire is to offer you the most comprehensive pilgrimage possible. However, all tours/activities are optional, and if you feel you are unable to keep up with the pace of the tour, manage the terrain, or would like free time for your own interests, you are welcome to refrain from participating in any aspects of the program you desire (of course, no refund can be issued for any aspects of the tour which you choose not to participate in).

It is also important to note that the amount of walking is significant, and the terrain varies greatly through out our tours. You will encounter hills, mountains, unpaved streets, cobblestone streets, etc. Please prayerfully consider whether or not you are up to such physical activities prior to registering. For this reason, we would like to offer you some recommendations, and we ask you sincerely to read them carefully.

A couple of weeks before your pilgrimage, one should begin preparing physically as well as spiritually.

1 - If not accustomed to physical activity begin walking "briskly" 1-2 times a day; build up to 2-3 miles with no
discomfort.

2 - If possible attend daily Mass or attempt to spend quiet time in church during lunch or after work.

3 - Pray for Jesus and His Blessed Mother to open your heart and mind to be responsive to new perspectives, ideas,
their words laid on your heart, etc.

4 - Begin praying the rosary daily ( Learn How to Pray the Rosary ) or at least the Apostle's Creed, 7 Our Father's, 7
Hail Mary's & 7 Glory Be's as Our Lady has requested; this takes about 5-7 minutes.Meals not mentioned
Tips to your guide and driver
Insurance and Supplemental Cancellation Protection.
Items of a personal nature, such as passport and visa fees, telephone calls, mini bar, laundry and lunches (when not mentioned).

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Depart for Greece

  Make your way to your local airport where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.

• Day 2 : Arrive Thessaloniki

  Upon landing at Makedonia Thessaloniki Airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival's hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. You will be escorted to the bus to be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy some time to relax after check in. This evening enjoy a delicious meal. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

• Day 3 : Philippi - Kavala - Thessaloniki

  After breakfast start your journey in Greece with the first stop of the day in Philippi. Philippi was the city to where Saint Paul the Apostle delivered his first sermon and where he established the first church in Europe. "And from there (He went) to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman Colony. We remained in this city some days..." (Acts 16:12-18). Also, it is the site of where Saint Paul baptized a woman named Lydia, the first convert to Christianity in Europe. Visit the Roman Forum where Saint Paul cast a spirit out of a fortune-telling woman. While here, you will have the opportunity to view the prison (now in ruins) of where Saint Paul and Silas were thrown into by the owners of the fortune-tellers. Continue to the modern port city of Kavala, which was once the ancient Neapolis. This port is where Saint Paul, Silas, Luke and Timothy landed when they sailed into Europe. After enjoying this city by the sea, return to Thessaloniki for a delicious meal and restful overnight.

• Day 4 : Thessaloniki - Meteora - Thessaloniki City - Tour - Kalambaka

  Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. In the winter of 49-50 A.D., Saint Paul wrote two epistles to the Thessalonians. These letters urged Christians to "live blamelessly" and to refrain from living idly while they wait for the second coming of Christ. While in Thessaloniki, you will witness a number of ancient artifacts, such as the triumphal Arch of Galerius that is found at the start of Via Egnatia. Due to the convenient location, this arch was once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire. It was originally constructed in order to honor the Roman Emperor Galerius following the Roman victory over the Persians. Following your city-tour, transfer to Kalambaka. This evening, you will have a wonderful meal and a relaxing overnight in Kalambaka.

• Day 5 : Kalambaka - Delphi

  After breakfast we will go for a short drive to the Meteora Monasteries. In the eleventh century, there were monks who settled within caves. However, as the occupation of the Turkish increased, the monks were forced to move their settlements higher upon the rocks until they were unreachable by any opposing enemy. These settlements became Monasteries by bringing building, and living, materials by ladders and baskets. The Meteora Monasteries are notorious for preserving not only the Hellenic religion, but also, their academics and arts. During your visit, you will be able to view stunning Byzantine art, as well as the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the Monastery. Continue to Delphi for dinner and overnight.

• Day 6 : Delphi - Athens

  Visit Delphi, the center of the ancient world (navel) of the earth, whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Phthios. Visit the site and the museum and continue to Athens.“ Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription “ to an unknown God”. What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you…”. Athens, is one of the most glorious cities in the world and the cradle of western civilization as we know it today. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

• Day 7 : Athens - Excursion to Corinth

  After a nice breakfast at the hotel we will start with a tour of the oldest city in the world, Athens! Visit the rock that has dominated the panorama of Athens for twenty-five centuries, the Acropolis. At the Acropolis, you will see the ruins of the Parthenon, Erectheum, and Propylae. After, you will ascend Mars Hill of where Saint Paul spoke to the Athenians. At this site, Paul spoke to the Athenians about the one and only God (Acts 17:22). While in this city, you will be able to view the ancient Agora, the former public center of Athenian life. It held the focus of a political, commercial, social, religious, and cultural center. As you are in the former political center, proceed for a drive through the city to view the House of Parliament on Syntagma Square. Also, you will have the opportunity to view the University of Athens, the oldest higher education institute in Greece, as well as, the National Library of Greece that holds 4,500 Greek manuscripts. Then, visit Panathenaic Stadium, the beautifully marbled multi-purpose stadium. It is home to the Olympian Zeus, and is the site of the first modern era Olympics (1896). Following your visit in Athens, you will proceed to the ancient Corinth. Under the shadow of the towering Acropolis, Saint Paul lived in Corinth for two years. While here, Saint Paul felt great grief over the way that the Gentile Church in Corinth has become. As a result, he was prompted to write four letters, all with the overarching theme of love. In Corinth, you will have the opportunity to view the remains of the first century shops, the site of Saint Paul's trial by Gallio, the Fountain of Peirene, and the Temple of Apollo. Following your visit to Corinth, return to Athens for a delicious meal and overnight.

• Day 8 : Athens - Start 3 - Day Cruise (Celestyal Cruises Cruise Lines) to Mykonos

  Following breakfast, you will proceed to the Piraeus port where you will board your 3-day cruise. Your first stop will be the Island of Mykonos, the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands that attracts visitors from all over the world. After docking, transfer to Hora, the island's capital. Upon arrival in Hora, you will enjoy a walking tour that will take you on the narrow cobbled streets of the city. Pass by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs, and white washed houses to arrive in Alefkandra. This section of Mykonos is known as the "Venice of Mykonos", as the homes have wooden balconies and are built on the sea. Historically, these homes were of the wealthy merchants and captains. Return to the cruise ship for dinner and overnight.

• Day 9 : Kusadasi - Ephesus (Mary's House) - Patmos

  After breakfast on board, arrive at the lively Turkish port of Kusadasi. Transfer to the small village of Mt. Koressos. While in this village, you will visit the small stone chapel that is situated upon the site of where the Virgin Mary spent her last days following Christ's crucifixion. Following this visit, your group will walk through the Magnesian Gate to the ancient Ephesus. Begin your walking tour, which will take you through the most magnificent excavations in the world. Some of the sites include the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, andthe Library of Celsus. The last stop on the walking tour is to the Great Theatre, the largest ancient theatre that had a capacity of 25,000 people and is a site of where Saint Paul preached. On the return of your walking tour, follow the exact route that Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession via the Arcadian Way. This main street runs from the Great Theatre to the main city's harbor. On your transfer back to Kusadasi, you will have the opportunity to view the Basilica of Saint John. In the sixth century, Emperor Justinian erected this structure over the grave of the evangelist, John. Upon arrival in Kusadasi, enjoy free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship. When you embark on the ship, your journey will continue to Patmos, where you will transfer to the village of Chora. While in this island's capital, visit the monastery of Saint John the Theologian. This marvelous structure was built nine-hundred years ago, and continues to be supported by the walls of a strong fortification. In addition to the stunning main church that contains outstanding frescoes, you will have the opportunity to view the beautiful courtyard, dining room, and the bakery. Your tour continues to the small museum, where you will view priceless ecclesiastical treasures such as books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, textiles, vestments, and jewelry. Board the bus, which will take you to the Monastery and Grotto of the Apocalypse. In this grotto, experience a once in a lifetime opportunity to view the site of where the Book of Revelations was written. The silver niches in the wall mark the pillow and ledge that were used as a desk by the author of the Book. Additionally, view the three-fold crack made by the voice of God who emphasized the importance of honoring the Holy Trinity. Your day will culminate with a transfer to the port of Scala. While in this quaint and picturesque harbor, you will enjoy free time before returning to the ship.

• Day 10 : Heraklion - Santorini

  This morning you will awaken and transfer to the largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion. While in this administrative capital, visit the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos. These ruins were discovered in 1899, and the palace is currently partially reconstructed. This ancient palace is believed to have been the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. Additionally, it is the site of where Saint Paul met the owner and captain of the ship who warned him of continuing his journey to spread Christianity in Rome. Following this historical visit, you will embark the ship that will take you to the idyllic island of Santorini. Santorini is definitively the most breathtaking island of all of the Greek Islands. Upon arrival in Santorini, visit Thira with its iconic white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes, and glittering boutiques that cling to steep cliffs. This evening you will return to the ship for your last dinner and overnight on your cruise.

• Day 11 : Departure

  Today marks the end of your cruise. Following disembarkation, you will say your heartfelt farewells to a journey that will last in your memory forever. You will be transferred to the Athens airport for your return flight(s) home.

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• Transfers
• Round-trip airfare from your desired Airport - book without airfare (land only option)
• All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
• Centrally located hotels: (or similar)
• 2 nights: Ville-Marie Best Western, Montreal
• 1 night: Pilgrim House Maison de la Madone, Trois - Rivieres
• 2 nights: Hotel Chateau Laurier, Quebec City
• Continental Breakfast daily
• 4 Lunches / 3 Dinners
• Wine with dinner
• Assistance of a professional local guide(s)
• Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
• Catholic Priest available for Spiritual Direction
• Mass daily & Spiritual activities
• Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
• Flight bag & portfolio of all travel documents

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Exclusions

• Meals not mentioned
• Tips to your guide and driver
• Insurance and Supplemental Cancellation Protection.
• Items of a personal nature, such as passport and visa fees, telephone calls, mini bar, laundry and lunches (when not mentioned).

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Package Start From

• Thessaloniki, Greece, Europe

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Payments

• Bank/Certified/Checks, Money Orders, ACH (check by phone) or Wire Transfers (please fax a copy of bank confirmation when wiring funds) are accepted forms of payment at any time. Personal checks are acceptable if received more than 30 days prior to departure date. 206 Tours accepts PayPal payments (send to: info@206tours.com). You may also make Direct Credit Card Payments to 206 Tours (American Express, Discover, Visa and Master Card). In order to speed the processing of deposits and final payments, please note the departure date on deposit and balance of payment checks. Every reservation must be accompanied by a signed application. Returned checks will incur a $50 service fee. In case of computer or human billing error, we reserve the right to re-invoice participants with corrected billing.

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :

Bank/Certified/Checks, Money Orders, ACH (check by phone) or Wire Transfers (please fax a copy of bank confirmation when wiring funds) are accepted forms of payment at any time. Personal checks are acceptable if received more than 30 days prior to departure date. 206 Tours accepts PayPal payments (send to: info@206tours.com). You may also make Direct Credit Card Payments to 206 Tours (American Express, Discover, Visa and Master Card). In order to speed the processing of deposits and final payments, please note the departure date on deposit and balance of payment checks. Every reservation must be accompanied by a signed application. Returned checks will incur a $50 service fee. In case of computer or human billing error, we reserve the right to re-invoice participants with corrected billing.

Other Terms & Conditions :

Deposit, Payment Schedule & Registration

• A $400 per person deposit is required at the time of booking with a completed reservation application. Fax, internet, e-mail, or phone reservations are welcome. Deposit and/or payment in full must be received within 7 days of booking or reservation will cancel. Full payment is due 60 days prior to the departure date. If a booking is made within 60 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. If you register for a pilgrimage within 30 days before departure, or, a deposit is received less than 30 days before departure, a $50 late fee will be included in your total cost. Packages (containing Travel Documents) being shipped outside of the USA will incur an additional shipping charge of $50 per package.

Cancellations and Refunds

• Once a deposit or partial/full payment has been made, cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Cancellation terms will be applied based on the date that the written cancellation is received. In addition to a $300 per person administration fee, the following charges apply off the total trip cost:


• 60 - 46 days prior to departure 10%.


• 45 - 21 days prior to departure 50%.


• 20 - 03 days prior to departure 80%.


• 02 days prior to departure or less no refund.


• Additionally, once tickets are issued the ticket value is non-refundable. Requests for a refund must be in writing (mail, fax or e-mail). Phone calls cannot be used as a form of cancellation. Refunds will be issued within 30 to 60 days of receipt of written notice No change of names or substitutions are permitted. No refund or cancellation fees will be waived due to death or sickness.


• *Special departures may have different conditions; please carefully review the terms & conditions for each departure.


• In the event that 206 Tours would decide to cancel a departure, a full refund will be issued (including travel insurance and Supplemental Cancellation Protection). If, however the trip is cancelled closer to departure by forces outside of the control of 206 Tours, refunds will be as per terms and conditions.

Changes in Reservation

• After a reservation is confirmed any changes that would reduce services to your order/booking is subject to a $100 nonrefundable fee.If you wish to change to a different departure date outside of 60 days prior to departure $100 non- refundable transfer fee will apply. Within 60 days prior to departure graduated penalties may apply. Example: If you book Air and Land package then reduce your package to Land Only after your booking is confirmed will result in a $100 fee.

Air Transportation

• Air transportation is in economy class on IATA-approved carriers. Ticketing must be completed no later than 14 days prior to departure. Fares are based on levels in effect at the time of printing and prices and schedules are subject to change without notice. All is subject to the airlines terms of carriage. 206 Tours is not responsible for any cancellations, loss, delays, injury, illness, or expenses incurred due to actions made by the airlines. Business class is available at additional cost for the Trans-Atlantic portions of your ticket. For any issues which arise in relation to airline service complaints and compensation should be addressed to the specific carrier.

Airport Taxes, Fees & Fuel

• Airport taxes (up to $800) are included in our tour packages. Airport taxes are based on departure city and government fees (airport taxes include Federal Inspection Fees for the U.S. Customs and Immigration; International Air Transportation Tax; Agricultural tax; security fees, and other airport related taxes).

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This Tour is Offered by

206 Tours Inc. View Profile

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• 333 Marcus Blvd Hauppauge, New York, USA - 11788
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• XXXXXXXXXX@206tours.com View Mail ID

About 206 Tours Inc.

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