Join Crown of Bethlehem Tours LLC on a spiritually enriching pilgrimage through Greece and Medjugorje, following in the footsteps of St. Paul and deepening your faith in some of the most significant places in early Christianity.

Begin in Athens, where St. Paul preached to the Athenians, and continue to Corinth, Philippi, and Kavala—sites that played a vital role in spreading the Gospel across Europe. Walk through ancient cities, reflect on Sacred Scripture, and experience the living history of the Church.

Your journey then leads to Medjugorje, a place of profound prayer, peace, and conversion. Participate in the parish’s evening prayer program, climb Apparition Hill, and take time for personal reflection, Confession, and spiritual renewal.

Throughout the pilgrimage, you will enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided visits, daily Mass (when available), and the fellowship of fellow pilgrims. This journey is designed not only to explore sacred destinations, but to draw you closer to Christ through prayer, reflection, and community.

Departure from the United States

This afternoon, your pilgrimage begins as you depart from Houston (IAH) on your overnight flight to Europe with Turkish Airlines. As you board your flight, settle in and prepare your heart and mind for the spiritual journey ahead. Enjoy your in-flight meals and take this quiet time to rest, pray, and reflect on the blessings of the days to come.

Arrival in Athens – Welcome to Greece

Today, arrive in Athens via Istanbul, where your pilgrimage officially begins on the sacred soil of Greece. Upon arrival, meet your professional guide and driver, who will accompany you during your time in this historic land. You will then transfer to your hotel for check-in.

After the long journey, take time to rest and refresh. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a light walk near your hotel, giving you your first glimpse of Athens, or simply use this time for quiet personal reflection and prayer.

This evening, gather with your group for dinner and enjoy your first overnight stay in Athens

Athens – In the Footsteps of St. Paul

This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, begin your exploration of Athens, one of the most important cities in the history of early Christianity and the ancient world. Your day begins with a visit to the Acropolis, the crown jewel of Athens, rising high above the city as a reminder of Greece’s glorious past. Here you will also see the Parthenon, the most famous symbol of ancient Greece.

Continue to the Ancient Agora, once the center of public, political, and commercial life in Athens. As you walk through this historic area, imagine the world into which St. Paul entered when he came here to preach the Gospel.

This afternoon, visit Areopagus Hill, one of the most moving spiritual sites of the pilgrimage. It was here that St. Paul delivered his famous sermon to the Athenians, as recorded in Acts 17. Spend time here in prayer and reflection as you meditate on the courage and missionary zeal of the Apostle. If possible and subject to availability, Holy Mass may be celebrated during the day.

After your visits, return to your hotel in Athens. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Corinth – The Mission of St. Paul

This morning, after breakfast, depart by coach for Ancient Corinth, one of the most important biblical destinations in Greece. St. Paul lived, preached, and worked here for over a year, making Corinth one of the key centers of his missionary activity.

Upon arrival, visit the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, where you will see the remains of this once-thriving Roman city. One of the highlights of your visit is the Bema of St. Paul, the tribunal where the Apostle stood before the Roman authorities. This is a deeply meaningful place for pilgrims, bringing the Scriptures vividly to life.

You will also stop at the famous Corinth Canal, an impressive engineering marvel that links the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. Take time for photos and to admire the dramatic views.

If possible, Holy Mass may be celebrated during the day. After your pilgrimage visits, return to Athens. The late afternoon may offer some free time to rest, walk, or enjoy personal reflection before dinner.

Dinner and overnight in Athens

Greek Islands Cruise – A Day of Beauty and Fellowship

This morning, after breakfast, transfer to the port and begin a full-day cruise through the beautiful Saronic Gulf. Today offers a peaceful blend of natural beauty, fellowship, and spiritual reflection as you sail across the blue waters of Greece.

Your first stop is Hydra, a charming island known for its beauty, traditional character, and absence of cars. Stroll through its lovely harbor area and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Continue to Poros, famous for its picturesque harbor and relaxed island setting. Take in the scenery and enjoy time with your fellow pilgrims.

Later, visit Aegina, an island known for its pistachios and its connections to early Christian history. Here you may enjoy walking through the town, shopping for local products, or simply taking in the sea views.

Throughout the day, enjoy fellowship with your group as you cruise among the islands, surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. In the late afternoon or evening, return to Athens.

Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Athens to Thessaloniki – Scenic Pilgrimage Drive

This morning, after breakfast and hotel check-out, depart Athens by private coach for Thessaloniki. Today’s journey takes you through the Greek countryside and offers a peaceful travel day as you continue following the missionary path of St. Paul through northern Greece.

The drive is approximately five to six hours, with stops along the way for coffee, rest, and lunch. These breaks provide an opportunity to relax, enjoy the scenery, and continue the fellowship of the pilgrimage.

Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, proceed to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest after the drive and prepare for tomorrow’s biblical visits.

Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Philippi, Lydia, and Kavala – Christianity Comes to Europe

This morning, after breakfast, depart for one of the most powerful biblical excursions of the pilgrimage. Travel first to Philippi, where St. Paul founded one of the earliest Christian communities in Europe.

In Philippi, visit the archaeological site, including the Roman forum and the traditional prison of St. Paul. As you walk among these ancient ruins, reflect on the immense courage of the first Christians and the spread of the Gospel across Europe.

Continue to Lydia’s Baptistry, the traditional site associated with the baptism of Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe. This is a deeply meaningful stop, reminding pilgrims of the beginnings of the Christian faith on this continent.

Later, continue to Kavala, known in ancient times as Neapolis, where St. Paul first stepped onto European soil. Spend some time here enjoying the coastal setting and reflecting on this historic moment in Christian history.

After the day’s visits, return to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki

Flight to Sarajevo – Transfer to Medjugorje

This morning, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Sarajevo. Your group will leave for the airport at 9:30 in the morning and arrive in Sarajevo at 1:35 in the afternoon.

Upon arrival, meet your driver and begin the overland transfer to Medjugorje, one of the most beloved Marian pilgrimage sites in the world. As you travel through the beautiful landscapes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, prepare your heart for the days of prayer and peace ahead.

Upon arrival in Medjugorje, check in at your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to rest, walk around the village, or begin quietly experiencing the peaceful spiritual atmosphere of this special place.

Dinner and overnight in Medjugorje.

Medjugorje – Apparition Hill and Parish Program

This morning, after breakfast, begin your first full day in Medjugorje, a place known throughout the world for prayer, conversion, peace, and renewal. Today will be a meaningful introduction to the spiritual life of this village.

In the morning, make your way to Apparition Hill, also known as Podbrdo, the site of the first reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary. As you walk along the rocky path, pray the Rosary with your group and pause for moments of silent reflection and meditation. This climb is one of the most prayerful and memorable moments of the pilgrimage.

After descending, return to the village for a relaxed afternoon. This free time may be used for Confession, personal prayer at St. James Church, visiting local ministries and devotional places, or simply resting and taking in the peaceful surroundings of Medjugorje.

This evening, participate in the official parish prayer program at St. James Church. Depending on the parish schedule, this usually includes the Rosary, Holy Mass, the blessing of religious articles, and Eucharistic Adoration on scheduled days. It is a beautiful opportunity to pray together with pilgrims from around the world.

Dinner at your hotel and overnight in Medjugorje.

Medjugorje – Prayer and Reflection

This morning, continue your spiritual experience in Medjugorje with another visit focused on prayer and reflection. You may once again climb Apparition Hill and pray the Rosary along the path, taking more time to reflect at the site of the reported apparitions and deepen your personal prayer.

Afterward, return to the village for a quiet afternoon. This free time may be used for Confession, private prayer, visiting local ministries, shopping for religious articles, or simply resting in the peaceful atmosphere of Medjugorje.

In the evening, return to St. James Church to participate once again in the parish evening program, uniting yourself in prayer with the wider pilgrim community.

Dinner and overnight in Medjugorje.

Departure from Prague.

morning           Breakfast in the hotel. Check-out. Transfer to the airport.