8-Day Catholic Pilgrimage: Athens & Crete – In the Footsteps of St. Paul & St. Titus

After breakfast, we explore the architectural masterpiece of the Acropolis. Just below, we ascend Mars Hill (the Areopagus). Here, your spiritual leader can guide a prayer and read from Acts 17, reflecting on St. Paul’s bold sermon about the “Unknown God.” Enjoy a walking tour of the historic Plaka district. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

We drive via the Corinth Canal to Ancient Corinth, where St. Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla and wrote his epistles. We will stand before the Bema (Judgment Seat) of Gallio, where an open-air Holy Mass can be arranged near the archaeological site. On our way back, we make a brief stop at the ancient port of Cenchreae. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

In the morning, transfer to the airport (or the Port of Piraeus) for our journey to Crete. Upon arrival in Heraklion, we visit the magnificent Palace of Knossos. Afterwards, we explore the city of Heraklion, visiting the majestic Church of St. Titus (Agios Titos), which houses the relic of the Saint’s skull. We will celebrate Holy Mass at the Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist in Heraklion. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Heraklion.

A profound day of biblical exploration. We drive to the archaeological site of Gortyna, the ancient Roman capital of Crete, where St. Titus served as the first Bishop. We will view the ruins of the 6th-century Basilica. We then drive to the southern coast to Kali Limenes (Fair Havens). Here, we will read Acts 27:8, overlooking the exact bay where Paul’s ship found shelter from the storm. Return to Heraklion for dinner.

We leave Heraklion and head west. Our first stop is the historic Arkadi Monastery, an architectural jewel and a global symbol of faith. After our guided tour, we continue to the city of Rethymno. We will walk through the picturesque alleys of the Old Town and the Venetian harbor, admiring the well-preserved buildings and churches. Dinner and overnight stay in Rethymno (or Chania).

Today we explore the beautiful city of Chania. We begin with a visit to the Akrotiri Peninsula to see the impressive 17th-century Agia Triada Tzagaroli Monastery. We then head to the Old Town of Chania. A Holy Mass can be arranged at the historic Catholic Church of the Assumption in Chania. We will stroll along the famous Venetian Harbor and have free time to shop for local products. Farewell dinner at a traditional Cretan tavern.

After breakfast, your Mazi team will transfer you to Chania (or Heraklion) Airport for your departure flight, carrying the spiritual blessings and memories of a flawless journey in the footsteps of St. Paul and St. Titus.