Your Host
Joe McClane
Joe McClane is accompanying this pilgrimage to help lead the group in prayer, fellowship, and thoughtful engagement with each traveler.
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★ Hosted by Joe McClane
Catholic Cruise · 11 Days · Cruise
A Pilgrimage to Greece with Bishop Joseph E. Strickland and Joe McClane Including a 3 Day Aegan Cruise
Join Bishop Joseph Strickland and Joe McClane on a pilgrimage to Greece. This pilgrimage includes a three night cruise and visits Thessaloniki, Philippi, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and more
The Pilgrimage
Walk in the Footsteps of Faith
Bishop Joseph Strickland, Joe McClane, and a Christian guide will meet your party at the airport and accompany you every step of the way as you walk in the footsteps of St. Paul. You will visit Thessaloniki, Philippi, Kalambaka, Corinth, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and more.
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Know Before You Go
What's included
✓ Included
- ✓Roundtrip airfare from Dallas or New York to Thessaloniki returning from Greece Airports and/or Rome
- ✓Taxes and fuel surcharges
- ✓First-class hotels for 6 nights
- ✓3 nights Greek Island Cruise
- ✓Shore excursion to Ephesus (Mary’s House) and Patmos (The Cave of Revelation)
- ✓Service charges and hotel taxes
- ✓Buffet breakfast daily in hotels
- ✓Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the ship
- ✓4 Hotel dinners (standard 3-course menu; beverages may be purchased at an additional cost)
- ✓Farewell dinner in Athens with wine
- ✓All transfers with a private A/C motor coach as per itinerary
- ✓Professional English-speaking Christian tour guide throughout
- ✓Entrance fees are included to sites specifically listed (outside view means no entrance is included)
- ✓Luggage handling at hotels (one piece per person in / out)
- ✓Select International Tours Travel Portfolio
- ✓Confirmation of daily private Mass
- ✓Whisper sets
- ✓Reflection by Bishop Strickland
- ✓3 nights hotel accommodations
- ✓Daily Buffet breakfast
- ✓Touring as listed in the itinerary
- ✓Private bus transportation
- ✓English-speaking tour guide throughout
- ✓Local Taxes
× Not included
- ×Medical insurance and trip cancellation protection. We recommend you consider purchasing CFAR Travel Protection
- ×Any items not explicitly mentioned in the listed inclusions
- ×Beverages at meals unless otherwise noted
- ×Meals not specifically listed at the end of each day (B. L. D.)
- ×Church donations (budget $ 2.00 - $ 5.00 per Mass)
- ×Airport transfers for land-only passengers unless at the airport at the same time as the group
- ×Personal expenses
- ×Airline Seat assignments and assistance with flight pre-check-in
- ×ETIAS European Travel Authorization
- ×Any airline baggage charges
- ×Baggage handling at train stations, airports, and hotels in excess of one suitcase per person
- ×Any charges incurred due to excessive luggage including the cost of an additional baggage vehicle or porterage charges
See the official trip information for gratuities, shipping and handling, payment fees, and any optional-extension charges.
Day by Day
Your pilgrimage, mapped out
Tap any day to explore. Meals: B breakfast · L lunch · D dinner.
Day 1May 17, 2025
DEPART FOR THESSALONIKI, GREECE
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We depart from Dallas or New York area airports to connect to our international flight to Greece. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board. Premium economy and business class upgrades are available upon request.
Day 2May 18, 2025
ARRIVE IN THESSALONIKI
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Upon landing at Thessaloniki Airport Macedonia, we make our way to the baggage claim area, collect our luggage, and proceed to the arrival hall, where we will be greeted by our English-speaking tour guide and assisted to the bus. St. Paul preached in the main synagogue of Thessaloniki and wrote two letters to the Thessalonians. Here we see the triumphal Arch of Galerius, constructed to honor the Roman Emperor Galerius following his victory over the Persians, spanning the ancient Via Egnatia. We also visit the Byzantine Church of Hosios David and the Rotunda of St. George, with its early Christian mosaics. After celebrating Mass, we settle into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
D
Day 3May 19, 2025
THESSALONIKI – VERGINA – VERIA
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During our walking tour, we explore the architecture, churches, and monasteries of Thessaloniki’s Byzantine tradition, including the Church of Hagia Sophia with its eighth-century mosaics, the small Church of St. Panteleimon, the Church of Acheiropoietos, the Church of Panagia Chalkeon, and the Church of St. Demetrius, patron saint of the city. Following lunch, we depart for Vergina (ancient Aigai), the first capital of Macedonia. Here Phillip II was assassinated in 336 B.C. making Alexander the Great the leader of the Macedonian Kingdom. We explore the remarkable underground Museum of the Royal Tombs. Next, we visit Veria (Biblical Beroea), a charming town with a Jewish quarter and dozens of Byzantine churches. Paul visited here twice, and both Jews and Greeks eagerly received his message. We visit the “bema” where Paul preached, marked with a monument of mosaics and a nearby statue of Paul. We will celebrate Mass at holy sites on most days of our pilgrimage. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
BD
Day 4May 20, 2025
PHILIPPI – KAVALA – THESSALONIKI
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We travel to Philippi, where Paul established the first Christian community in Europe. We will celebrate Mass at the river, where Paul spoke to a group of women and baptized Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, as the first European convert. We then visit the Roman Forum, where Paul cast a spirit out of a fortune-telling woman, and the prison ruins, where Paul and Silas were held in chains and miraculously released. We will also visit the new Baptistry of St. Lydia. After his stay, Paul wrote a letter filled with joyful gratitude to the Philippians. We continue to the city of Kavala, which was the ancient Port of Neapolis. After being urged to travel to Macedonia, Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy crossed into Europe, arriving by sea at this port. At the Church of St. Nikolaus, we view a monument entitled “The Arrival of the Apostle Paul in Neapolis of Philippi,” honoring his first steps in Europe. After enjoying this city by the sea, we return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
BD
Day 5May 21, 2025
THESSALONIKI – METEORA – KALAMBAKA
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We travel through the Greek countryside, past Mount Olympus, the legendary home to the Greek gods, to the Meteora Monasteries. Hiding in caves from the Ottoman invaders in the 11th century, the monks were forced to move their settlements higher upon the rocks until they were unreachable by the invading armies. Meteora means “suspended in the air,” as the beautiful monasteries were established by bringing building materials and food supplies by ladders and baskets. The Byzantine monasteries perched on steep rocks enclose priceless manuscripts, artifacts, and paintings. While visiting the monasteries, we will enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding them. (Reaching the monasteries requires walking over uneven terrain and many steps.) In the afternoon, we visit an icon workshop in the area, where we will see how icons are made. We celebrate Mass. We will enjoy a delicious Greek dinner and an overnight stay in Kalambaka.
BD
Day 6May 22, 2025
ATHENS
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We drive to Athens. Here Paul arrived at one of the most glorious cities in the world, though he was deeply distressed to see it full of idols. He preached to the Jews in the synagogue and debated with philosophers in the marketplace. Seeing an altar dedicated “to an unknown god,” Paul announces that he is proclaiming the God whom they worship as unknown. We view the ancient Agora as the political, commercial, social, religious, and cultural center of Athenian life in the first century. Driving through the modern city, we view the House of Parliament on Syntagma Square, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, then Panathenaic Stadium, the beautifully marbled multi-purpose stadium and site of the first modern-era Olympic Games in 1896. We celebrate Mass. Dinner is at our leisure tonight, and an opportunity to taste Greek food in one of the many local restaurants near our hotel. Overnight in Athens.
B
Day 7May 23, 2025
EMBARK ON THE AEGEAN CRUISE – MYKONOS
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We proceed to the Piraeus port to board our 3-night cruise. Our first stop will be the island of Mykonos, the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands. After docking, we transfer to Hora, the island’s capital, where we enjoy a walking tour that will take us on the city’s narrow cobbled streets. Pass by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs, and white-washed houses to arrive in Alefkandra, known as the “Venice of Mykonos,” as the homes have wooden balconies and are built on the sea. Historically, these homes were of wealthy merchants and captains. We celebrate Mass in Mykonos. Return to the cruise ship for dinner and overnight.
BLD
Day 8May 24, 2025
KUSADASI – EPHESUS – PATMOS
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We enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day on board. In the morning, we arrive at the lively Turkish port of Kusadasi. We then enjoy a private tour of the small village of Mt. Koressos, where we visit the House of Mary, a stone chapel on the site where the Virgin Mary lived as she was cared for by the apostle John. We celebrate Mass. We then walk through the Magnesian Gate to the ancient Ephesus, where Paul lived for nearly three years. The walking tour takes us through the most magnificent excavations in the world, including the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Library of Celsus. We then view the Great Theatre, the largest ancient theater with a capacity of 25,000 people. Here a riot against Paul was led by the silversmiths who made a living by making silver statues of the Mother Goddess Artemis. We will also view the ruins of the Church of St. Mary, where the Council of Ephesus was held, declaring Mary the Theotokos. Finally, we travel to the ruins of the 6th century Basilica of St. John, honoring the apostle and author of the Gospel of John. We view the ancient baptistry and the altar where John was buried. From here we can view the one remaining pillar of the Temple of Artemis, one of the world’s ancient wonders. In the afternoon, our ship sails to the Island of Patmos, where we enjoy another private tour (provided weather conditions allow the ship to dock). We disembark and transfer to the village of Chora to visit the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian. In addition to the stunning main church and its frescoes, we see the beautiful courtyard, dining room, and bakery. Our tour continues to the small museum, where you will view priceless ecclesiastical treasures such as books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, textiles, vestments, and jewelry. We then journey up the hill to the Monastery and Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here we pray at the site where John wrote the Book of Revelations. The silver niches in the wall mark the seat and ledge used as a desk by St. John. We walk down the hill to the village of Patmos to board our ship in the late afternoon. We enjoy dinner and overnight on board.
BLD
Day 9May 25, 2025
CRETE – SANTORINI
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This morning, we explore Heraklion, the capital of the island of Crete, on our own. You may choose an optional tour to the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, the site of the Labyrinth of King Minos, and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. (optional tours may be purchased on the ship at additional cost) Crete is the site where Paul met the owner and captain of the ship, who warned him against continuing his journey to Rome. Paul later ordained his companion Titus as bishop of Crete (Titus 1:5). The Church of St. Titus contains the skull of St. Titus, venerated in a silver reliquary. In the afternoon, we dock at the idyllic island of Santorini. We enjoy its breathtaking views, iconic white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes, and glittering boutiques that cling to cliffs. Celebrate Mass. This evening we return to the ship for our last dinner of the cruise and overnight on board.
BLD
Day 10May 26, 2025
ATHENS – CORINTH
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We disembark from the ship and transfer to ancient Corinth. Under the shadow of the towering Acropolis, Paul lived in Corinth for two years. Here we view the remains of the first-century shops, the site of Paul’s trial by Gallio, the Fountain of Peirene, and the Temple of Apollo. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians express the concerns of a loving pastor. Following our visit to Corinth, we return to Athens. We ascend Mars Hill, where Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and addressed the Athenians about the one Lord of heaven and earth. We then visit the Acropolis, viewing the ruins of the Parthenon, Erechtheum, and Propylaea. Celebrate Mass. Tonight, we have a festive dinner in the Plaka section of the city. (B. Special Dinner)
BD
Day 11May 27, 2025
RETURN TO THE USA
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This morning, we are transferred to Athens airport for our return flights home. Full lunch and a snack are served on the plane. We return with memories that will last a lifetime.
B
Day 11May 27, 2025
ROME – ANCIENT AND BAROQUE
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After breakfast we are transferred to Athens airport where we take a flight to Rome. Upon arrival the coach takes you to St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica for Holy Mass. Here we walk through the first Holy Door of our Pilgrimage. Nearby we visit the Convent of Tre Fontane, where the Saint was beheaded. We stop for a prayer at the nearby Church of Our Lady of Revelation. Dinner and overnight in Rome
BD
Day 12May 28, 2025
ROME – PAPAL AUDIENCE
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Today we are Blessed by the Holy Father during the Papal Audience. We celebrate Mass and have time to shop for religious goods. Following lunch, we have about an hour and a half walking tour of Rome, including Santa Maria in Vallicella to see the Tomb of St. Philip Neri, the first pilgrim, the Pantheon, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva to see the tomb of St. Catherine of Siena and Jesuit Church to see the rooms of St. Ignatius. Our last stop is Piazza Navone with its magnificent Four Rivers fountain by Bernini. Our walking tour ends, but nearby are the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, where you may choose to relax in one of the many cafes with an afternoon aperitif as Italians do. Dinner is at leisure. Overnight Rome
B
Day 13May 29, 2025
ROME – CHRISTIAN ROME
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Today, we visit St. Peter’s Basilica and are amazed at the magnificence of the largest church in the world. Here we walk through the second Holy Door of our pilgrimage. Mass will be celebrated at one of the chapels inside St. Peter’s. Following our included lunch, we visit the Basilicas of Saint Mary Major, where we walk through the third Holy Door and St. John Lateran, the fourth Holy Door. Next door, we have time to climb the Holy Stairs. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Rome. (B. L. Special dinner)
BLD
Day 14May 30, 2025
RETURN TO USA
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We are transferred to the airport for our flight home.
B
Pricing
Choose how you travel
Land and Air
$4,995per person
Land and Air. Main trip package.
Most popular
Land Only
$3,995per person
Land Only. Main trip package.
Single Room Supplement
$1,495additional
Single Room Supplement. Additional supplement.
Optional Extension to Rome (Double Occupancy)
$1,395per person
Optional Extension to Rome (Double Occupancy). Optional trip component.
ETA Required
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Deposit
A deposit of $750.00 per person by check should accompany the enrollment form and a copy of your passport picture page by January 27, 2025.Final Payment
Final payment is due by February 17, 2025.Passport Validity
Please mail your payment to: Select International Tours, 85 Park Ave., Flemington, NJ 08822 Attn: Lisa Del Valle, 800-842-4842, lisad@select-intl.com.Your passport must be valid through November 30, 2025.Pilgrimage Information
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