Trip Overview

Join Footsteps of Faith: Footsteps of St. Paul on an unforgettable pilgrimage through Greece and Türkiye, walking in the footsteps of St. Paul and the early Church. From Athens, Corinth, Philippi, and Thessaloniki to the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, the ancient Christian sites of Cappadocia, and the historic treasures of Istanbul, this journey combines daily Mass, prayer, fellowship, and visits to some of Christianity’s most sacred and significant places. Come deepen your faith, experience the beauty of Scripture brought to life, and encounter the rich history of the Church on this inspiring pilgrimage.

What’s Included?

  • Professional English-speaking local Tour Escort
  • Airport/hotel transfers (if arriving/departing within designated window)
  • Transportation on private motorcoach
  • Flight from Thessaloniki to Istanbul (included at an estimate of $200 per person)
  • Internal flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia (roundtrip)
  • Accommodations in double-occupancy rooms (single rooms available on a limited basis)
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), hotel staff, and meals
  • Verso pilgrim kits and preparation/follow-up materials
  • Pack & Prep Meeting for all pilgrims to review itinerary, activities, logistical arrangements, and spiritual preparations

Itinerary

October 1, 2027
  • Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight to Athens
October 2, 2027
  • Arrive at Athens airport and meet your tour escort
  • Transfer to the city and enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens’ city center
    • Sites can include the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the University of Athens, and the National Gardens
  • Celebrate an Opening Mass at the Cathedral-Basilica of St Dionysius the Areopagite (Roman Catholic), a disciple of St Paul and the first bishop of Athens
  • Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Athens

Accommodations: Avenue Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Dinner

October 3, 2027
  • Morning Mass at the Cathedral-Basilica of St Dionysius the Areopagite (Roman Catholic), a disciple of St Paul and the first bishop of Athens
  • Entrance to the National Archaeological Museum
  • After lunch, spend time at the Areopagus, where Paul preached on the “Unknown God”, leading to the conversion of some Athenians, including Dionysius
  • Continue exploring the Acropolis to see the Parthenon, Propylaea, and Erectheum
  • Enjoy a free evening on your own
    • Consider exploring the various neighborhoods of Greece, stopping in a traditional Greek taverna; take the funicular to the top of Lycabettus Hill for views of the city; or sample lukumades – a traditional Greek donut for dessert
  • Overnight in Athens

Accommodations: Avenue Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

October 4, 2027
  • Drive along the Corinthian Gulf to Corinth, where Paul preached for two years and wrote his Letters to the Romans and Thessalonians, also establishing the church in Corinth whom he addressed in his Letters to the Corinthians
  • Visit the archaeological site of Corinth and the nearby Church of St Paul, with mosaics depicting scenes from Paul’s life
  • See the Bema Seat of St Paul in Corinth’s Agora, where Paul’s trial by Gallio took place
  • Time for lunch
  • After lunch, stop to celebrate Mass at Kenchreai Port, the arrival and departure port Paul used to go to Ephesus, and see the remains of a fourth century basilica
  • Afternoon entrance to the archaeological site of Mycenae
  • Return to Athens for the evening
  • Overnight in Athens

Accommodations: Avenue Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

October 5, 2027
  • Early departure for Kalambaka
  • Visit the hanging monasteries of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Celebrate Mass (location to be confirmed)
  • Time for lunch
  • Check-in and dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight in Kalambaka

Accommodations: Amalia Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

October 6, 2027
  • Breakfast and departure to Thessaloniki.
  • Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic)
  • Start the day with a visit to the fourteenth century Monastery of Vlatadon, housing “St Paul’s Stone” where he preached
  • Explore the churches of Thessaloniki, the city addressed by Paul in his Letters to the Thessalonians and birthplace of Sts Cyril and Methodius
    • Stops can include the Church of St Paul the Apostle, commemorating his presence in the city; the Metropolitan Church of St Gregory of Palamas, where he is buried; Hagia Sophia, one of the oldest churches in the city, and the Church of Saint Demetrius, Thessaloniki’s patron saint – both UNESCO sites
  • Enjoy free time for lunch and to reflect and explore the city addressed by Paul in his Letters to the Thessalonians and birthplace of Sts Cyril and Methodius
  • Dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight in Thessaloniki

Accommodations: Capsis Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

October 7, 2027
  • Enjoy a day in Philippi, where St Paul established the first Christian community in Europe whom he addressed in his Letters to the Philippians
  • Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Archeological Site of Philippi, which includes the ruins of the Octagon Church, built on the site of the church Paul founded, and Basilica A, built close to where Paul was imprisoned by the authorities
  • Visit the Baptistery of St Lydia, where Paul baptized Lydia in the nearby River Zygaktis
  • Time for lunch
  • Continue to Kavala, Philippi’s port city where Paul first arrived in Greece and began his ministry in 49/50AD
  • Celebrate Mass at the Church of St Paul (Roman Catholic)
  • Visit the Church of St Nicholas, built on the site of an Early Christian Basilica with a mural depicting Paul’s arrival in Greece
  • Continue to Thessaloniki
  • Dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight in Thessaloniki

Accommodations: Capsis Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

October 8, 2027
  • Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Thessaloniki airport to take your flight to Istanbul
  • Check-in and dinner at the hotel
  • Celebrate Mass (location to be confirmed)
  • Overnight in Istanbul

Accommodations: Nippon Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

October 9, 2027
  • Enjoy a guided tour of the Old City, including visits to the Imperial Palace, the Byzantine Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia
  • Time for lunch
  • After lunch, explore the Grand Bazaar, the biggest oriental market in the world
  • Celebrate an Evening Mass (location to be confirmed)
  • Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Istanbul

Accommodations: Nippon Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Hagia Sophia
October 10, 2027
  • Fly to Cappadocia
  • On your way to the hotel, stop at some of the churches built on the outskirts of Cappadocia, dating back to the time of St Paul and decorated with frescoes
  • Celebrate Mass (location to be confirmed; pending flight times)
  • Check-in and dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight in Cappadocia

Accommodations: Perissia Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

October 24, 2026
  • Optional early morning hot air balloon experience (OPTIONAL ADD-ON)
    • Depart from the hotel one hour before sunrise for a thrilling hot air balloon experience over Cappadocia. Rise to an altitude of several hundred meters, giving an amazing panoramic view as you drift through the valleys and canyons and around the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia’s iconic landscape
    • Flight time is approximately 50-60 minutes
  • After breakfast, begin your exploration of the Christian heritage of Cappadocia, where early Christians sought refuge from persecution and established thriving monastic communities
  • Visit one of the underground cities established by Christians escaping Roman persecution and learn about the roots of monasticism – for example, the Goreme valley is known for the frescoes of the chapels decorated by early Christians
  • Visit Goreme Open Air Museum and Uchisar Castle
  • Celebrate Mass (location to be confirmed)
  • Dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight in Cappadocia

Accommodations:Perissia Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

October 12, 2027
  • Fly back to Istanbul
  • Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
  • Celebrate Mass (location to be confirmed)
  • Overnight in Istanbul

Accommodations: Nippon Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

October 13, 2027
  • Transfer to Istanbul airport and depart on your journey home

Meals included: Dinner

Accommodations

Standard Accommodations

Please Note: Pilgrims should reference their Pack & Prep Handout, distributed approximately one month prior to departure, for finalized accommodation details.

Pricing

Package Cost
$5,998

Optional Add-ons

Single Room Supplement
+ $1,287 / person
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Experience
+ $349 / person
Travel Protection
Quote provided after registration

Pricing listed per person in double rooms and does not include transatlantic airfare. Main tour rates also assume a minimum of 20 full-paying pilgrims. Final pricing may adjust based on confirmed airfare for internal flights and any significant changes in currency exchange rates.

If pilgrims traveling by themselves are unable to be matched with a roommate, the single room supplement may apply. See Additional Information section below for details.

*Travel protection is calculated based on a variety of factors and optional plans are provided by Travel Insured International.

 

Led by

Group Leader
Elna Ureta

Flights

Pilgrims are responsible for booking their own flights to/from the pilgrimage using the information below regarding airports and designated arrival/departure times. Internal flights will be arranged for each pilgrim regardless of group flight status.

Please note: All group flight tickets are roundtrip airfare. Pilgrims must fly on both the outbound and return flights with the group. If a pilgrim does not fly on the outbound flight, the airline will cancel their reservation on all flights without refund.

October 1, 2027

  • Arrive by: October 1, 2027
  • Arrival time: 7:00 A.M.
  • Arrival airport: Athens International Airport (AIA)
  • Arrival transfer: Airport/hotel transfers (if arriving within designated window)






  • More information will be available at a further time.

October 13, 2027

  • Depart on: October 13, 2027
  • Departure time: Any time
  • Departure airport: Istanbul Airport (IST)
  • Departure transfer: Airport/hotel transfers (if departing within designated window)

More Details

  • Greece Overnight Stay Tax, payable directly at the hotel by pilgrims: 4* hotels pricing is € 10 per room, per night and 5* hotels pricing is € 15 per room, per night
  • Airfare from the U.S. to Athens, Greece
  • Airfare from Istanbul to the U.S.
  • Hot Air Balloon Experience (optional add-on)
  • Verso Pilgrimage Director (included if group is 30+ pilgrims)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Any meals not indicated on itinerary, as well as beverages at all meals except for Welcome and Farewell dinners
  • Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
  • Recommended travel protection with Cancel for Any Reason coverage
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Payment Schedule

Verso Ministries will administer registration and payment collection from individual pilgrims. Registration can be done directly on the Verso Ministries website whereby pilgrims can make their initial $500 deposit using a debit/credit card. All following payments would be accepted via check, money order, or debit/credit card. Customizable payment plans can be discussed depending on the needs of your group. Suggested payment plan:

#1 Individual Deposit: $500 per person, upon individual registration
#2 Individual Final Deposit: Final Balance due 120 days prior to departure

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations of individual pilgrims must be made in writing (email or letter) to Verso Ministries. Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here. Cancellation fees are for individual pilgrims. Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, tickets, etc.) may come in addition to the administrative fees listed here. All group flight airline tickets, optional excursions, trip options, pre/post extensions, private transfers, and additional hotel nights are non-refundable 100 days or less prior to
departure unless otherwise noted. We highly recommend the purchase of individual travel insurance.

91 days or more from departure: Deposit is retained
90-61 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost is non-refundable
60-31 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost is non-refundable
30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of trip cost is non-refundable

Important Information for Pilgrims Seeking to be Matched With A Roommate

  1. Pilgrims who register by themselves can indicate in their Pilgrim Portal that they would like to be matched with a roommate. Verso Ministries will make every effort to accommodate that request, however, cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
  2. If, by 90 days prior to departure, Verso has not been able to match a solo pilgrim with a roommate, the single room supplement will be applied to the pilgrim’s invoice and due for payment.
  3. If Verso is able to match a pilgrim with a roommate after they have paid the single room supplement, the pilgrim will be refunded the extra charge.

 

Arriving early or staying late? Pre-stay and post-stay options

 

Want to arrive or depart outside of the designated times?

  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designated times, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival/departure times are not included in the package pricing.
  • Need to book a private transfer? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I contact for more information?

Our team is eager to help and is available 9am-5pm EST by phone at 574-383-9396 or by email at hello@versoministries.com
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What is my Pilgrim Portal?

Your Pilgrim Portal is how you will securely share the information we need for your trip. We collect all this information through your “tasks” in your Pilgrim Portal. After booking, you will receive access to your portal and can log in at the link at the top of this page.
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How does Verso Ministries prepare me for my journey?

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. From pre-departure spiritual formation emails and webinars hosted by the Verso trip leader, to providing you with a pilgrim kit to bring with you on your journey, we accompany you through the entire process – before, during, and after the pilgrimage – to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email to answer and assist with any questions you might have.
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Resources

Discover helpful guides and tips to prepare for your pilgrimage and enrich your journey with Verso Ministries.

Pilgrims stand outside St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

The Most Inspiring Catholic Pilgrimage Sites You Should Visit

5 Tips for Packing Light

Planning maps for a Catholic pilgrimage tour

A New Way to Experience Catholic Pilgrimage Tours

What Our Pilgrims Have to Say

Father Kuhn

Jocelyn

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