Catholic Pilgrimage: Greece & Rome
Following in the Footsteps of St. Paul
with Fr. Gus Stewart AND FR. JAMES WILLIAMS
JUNE 14 - 28, 2027
FR. GUS STEWART
FR.JAMES WILLIAMS
What is included
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Round-trip airfare from your departure airport
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All airport taxes and fuel surcharges
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Accommodation (10 nights in hotels and 3 nights on cruise ship)
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Private motorcoach transportation (throughout Greece and Italy)
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Tour leader and spiritual leadership (Following in the Footsteps of St. Paul)
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English-speaking guide for all sightseeing according to the itinerary
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Mass daily and spiritual activities (per availability)
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Meals (Half board on land and Full board on cruise)
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Sightseeing and admission fees (as per itinerary)
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Headsets for guided tours
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81 Tours backpack and portfolio of all travel documents
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And much more!
EXCLUSIONS
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Personal expenses (pocket money)
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Meals not specifically noted; beverages
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Single supplement (limited availability)
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Travel insurance: we recommend www.insuremytrip.com
Package price
$7,100.00
(Based on double occupancy)
$1,200.00
(extra for single supplement)
PLANNED
itinerary
Day 1 – Monday, June 14, 2027 | Departure for Greece
Your pilgrimage begins today as you depart the United States on an international flight to Greece. During the flight, you will have time to rest and personally prepare for the days of pilgrimage ahead.
DAY 2 – Tuesday, June 15, 2027 | Arrival in Thessaloniki
Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to rest and adjust after the journey. Holy Mass is planned to be celebrated in one of the local churches, depending on availability. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner as we begin our pilgrimage together. Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 3 – Wednesday, June 16, 2027 | Kavala (Neapolis) & Philippi
After an early breakfast, we travel along the ancient Roman road, Via Egnatia, following in the footsteps of St. Paul and his companions — Silas, Luke, and Timothy. Our first stop is Kavala (biblical Neapolis), the place where Christianity first set foot on European soil. We continue to Philippi, where St. Paul preached, baptized Lydia — the first Christian convert in Europe — and was imprisoned. We explore the Roman Forum, the remains of early Christian basilicas, and the sites connected to Paul’s ministry. Holy Mass will be celebrated during the day. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 4 – Thursday, June 17, 2027 | Thessaloniki – Veria – Kalambaka
After breakfast, we tour Thessaloniki, including St. Demetrius and the White Tower. We then travel to Veria (biblical Beroea) to visit Christ Church and its beautiful frescoes. In the afternoon, we continue to Kalambaka, located beneath the dramatic rock formations of Meteora, and visit the extraordinary Byzantine monasteries perched atop the cliffs. Holy Mass will be celebrated during the day. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 5 – Friday, June 18, 2027 | Meteora – Lavrion (Embarkation: Mykonos)
Due to the ship’s departure, we depart Kalambaka very early (approximately 5:00 AM). We travel to the port of Lavrion to embark on our cruise ship, the Celestyal Discovery. Once on board, we set sail into the Aegean Sea. Upon arrival on Mykonos at 18:00, we visit Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, a peaceful place for prayer in the heart of the island. Overnight on board.
Day 6 – Saturday, June 19, 2027 | Cruise | Kusadasi (Ephesus) & Patmos
Today we visit ancient Ephesus, one of the most important biblical sites, and the House of the Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent her final years. Later, we arrive on Patmos, the “Island of the Apocalypse,” to visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John received his divine visions. Holy Mass will be celebrated during the day. Overnight on board.
Day 7 – Sunday, June 20, 2027 | Cruise | Heraklion (Crete) & Santorini
After breakfast, we arrive in Heraklion, Crete, with time to explore the city or visit the ruins of the Palace of Knossos. We then continue to Santorini, famous for its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches overlooking the caldera. Enjoy free time for walking and photography before returning to the ship. Overnight on board.
Day 8 – Monday, June 21, 2027 | Disembarkation – Athens
We disembark at the port of Lavrion and transfer to Athens. We explore the city's landmarks, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Mars’ Hill (Areopagus), where St. Paul proclaimed the Christian faith to the Athenians. We also pass by Hadrian’s Arch and the modern Olympic Stadium. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
Day 9 – Tuesday, June 22, 2027 | Corinth, Cenchreae & Mycenae
After breakfast, we travel to Corinth, where St. Paul lived and preached for eighteen months. We explore the archaeological remains, including the Bema, and visit the port of Cenchreae. Later, we visit Mycenae and a local winery to taste award-winning wines. Holy Mass will be celebrated during the day. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
Day 10 – Wednesday, June 23, 2027 | Athens – Delphi
We travel to Delphi, an important archaeological site once considered the center of the world. We explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the ancient theater, and the museum. Following our visit, we enjoy the traditional atmosphere of Arachova. Dinner and overnight in Delphi.
Day 11 – Thursday, June 24, 2027 | Delphi – Athens (Leisure)
We return to Athens for a day of leisure. This provides time for personal reflection, shopping in the Plaka district, or rest. Holy Mass will be celebrated during the day. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
To sign in
Please download PDF file,
complete online application and send your check of DEPOSIT $ 1000.00 or the full amount payable to 81 Tours L.L.C send to:
256 Old Dutch Mill road Malaga, NJ 08328
Final payment is due 10 weeks before the departure date
You will receive travel documents approximately two weeks before departure. For more info please call 856-563-4696 or email us at info@81tours.com
Father James Williams
Rev. James Williams the Campus Director at The University of Colorado in Colorado Springs (UCCS). Born in Pueblo, he is the youngest of ten children. The family moved to Colorado Springs when he was nine-years-old. He grew up attending public schools. His first Catholic school experience was Conception Seminary near St. Joseph, Missouri. After graduating he went on to priestly formation at North American College and studied at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He has Bachelor’s degrees in psychology and theology and a Master’s Degree in Spirituality. He was ordained a deacon at St. Peter’s in Rome on Oct. 3, 1996 and ordained a priest on August 2, 1997 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Colorado Springs.
Day 12 – Friday, June 25, 2027 | Athens – Rome
We transfer to the airport for our flight to Rome. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel and begin our introduction to the Eternal City. We gather for dinner to mark the beginning of the Roman portion of our pilgrimage. Overnight in Rome.
Day 13 – Saturday, June 26, 2027 | Ancient Rome & Vatican Museums
This morning, we visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. We then continue to ancient Rome, walking through the Roman Forum and visiting the Colosseum. We also visit the Church of St. Peter in Chains, home to Michelangelo’s statue of Moses. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 14 – Sunday, June 27, 2027 | Vatican (Angelus) & St. Paul Outside the Walls
This morning, we head to St. Peter's Square to join the faithful for the Angelus and the Papal Blessing at 12:00 PM. Following this spiritual highlight, we visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tomb of the Apostle. We conclude our pilgrimage with a special farewell dinner. Overnight in Rome.
Day 15 – Monday, June 28, 2027 | Departure
In the morning, transfer to Rome Airport for your departure flight home. We depart filled with cherished memories and hearts enriched by the sacred places we have visited.
