Holy Trails of Greece – Pilgrimage Travel

5 Days 4 Nights
5 Days 4 Nights

Holy Trails of Greece – Pilgrimage Travel

Experience a sacred journey through Greece’s most revered religious and historical sites. Begin in Athens, exploring ancient landmarks and spiritual treasures such as the Metropolis Cathedral, St. Dionysius Catholic Basilica, and the Byzantine church of Kapnikarea. Continue with a day pilgrimage to either Tinos, home to the miraculous Church of Panagia Evangelistria, or Aegina, where the Monastery of St. Nektarios welcomes pilgrims from around the world.
Travel on to Corinth, where St. Paul once preached, and visit tranquil monasteries like Penteli and Petraki before heading north to the breathtaking Meteora Monasteries, a true testament to faith suspended between heaven and earth. Conclude your pilgrimage in Thessaloniki, exploring its Byzantine basilicas and the relics of St. Demetrios.
Whether as a short & condensed pilgrimage itinerary or an extended journey through sites like Philippi and Mount Athos, this is a spiritual voyage of reflection, inspiration, and divine connection in the heart of Greece.

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to Athens city center.
Experience the timeless spirit of Athens on this expertly guided highlights tour, designed to showcase both the city’s ancient treasures and its rich religious heritage.
We begin with a photo stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, the world’s only marble stadium and site of the first modern Olympic Games. A panoramic drive then introduces us to key landmarks such as the Zappeion Hall, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Athens Trilogy, the Parliament and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Hadrian’s Arch, Constitution Square, and other architectural gems.
Our religious focus includes visits to:
Athens Metropolis (Greek Orthodox Cathedral) – Seat of the Archbishop of Athens, blending 19th-century architecture with a strong place in Orthodox life.
Catholic Cathedral Basilica of St. Dionysius the Areopagite – Neo-Renaissance (1865) Catholic basilica honoring the first Christian bishop of Athens, a disciple of St. Paul.
Kapnikarea Church – 11th-century Byzantine church on Ermou Street, one of Athens’ oldest and most photographed landmarks, blending Christian and earlier pagan influences.
We then ascend to the Acropolis, exploring its masterpieces: the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion with the Caryatids, and the iconic Parthenon, symbol of classical beauty and harmony.
A visit to the Acropolis Museum follows, with its world-renowned collection of artifacts and the spectacular Parthenon Hall.
The tour concludes with a return transfer to the hotel, enriched by an inspiring journey through Athens’ sacred sites, ancient monuments, and vibrant history.
Overnight stay in Athens.

Breakfast at the hotel, then depart for a full-day excursion to a nearby island, combining the experience of Greece’s vibrant island life with a visit to one of its most important pilgrimage sites.
Early morning transfer to the port of Rafina or Piraeus for the ferry to Tinos, a Cycladic island renowned as the spiritual heart of Greece.
On arrival, ascend the grand, carpeted avenue leading to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, built to house the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary discovered in 1823. The icon, believed to be painted by St. Luke, is credited with countless healings and miracles, making Tinos a major pilgrimage destination comparable to Lourdes or Fatima.
Inside, admire the church’s impressive architecture, icons, and relics, while learning about its role in both religious life and modern Greek history, as the discovery of the icon coincided with Greece’s War of Independence.
Time permitting, enjoy a stroll through the picturesque town of Tinos, with its neoclassical mansions, traditional marble craft shops, and charming cafés.
Return by ferry in the evening to Athens.
Overnight stay in Athens.

Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel, then depart for a full-day excursion to a nearby island, combining the experience of Greece’s vibrant island life with a visit to one of its most important pilgrimage sites.
After breakfast, transfer to Piraeus for the short ferry crossing to Aegina, a beautiful island known both for its pistachios and its deep spiritual heritage.
Visit the Monastery of St. Nektarios, one of the most important modern pilgrimage sites in Greece, dedicated to St. Nektarios of Pentapolis (1846–1920), one of the most beloved Orthodox saints. Canonized in 1961, he is venerated as a healer and protector, drawing pilgrims from around the world.
The monastery complex includes the saint’s tomb and relics, a small chapel where many faithful come to pray for healing, and the striking neo-Byzantine basilica, among the largest Orthodox churches in the Balkans.
Pilgrims and visitors alike often light candles or receive holy oil in memory of the saint, making the experience deeply moving even for those outside the Orthodox tradition.
After the visit, there will be time to explore Aegina’s lively town, enjoy a walk along its neoclassical seafront, and sample local specialties — particularly the world-famous Aegina pistachios, sold in charming market stalls.
Afternoon ferry return to Athens.
Overnight stay in Athens.

Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a full-day exploration of Athens’ most significant monastic sites and a journey to Ancient Corinth to walk in the footsteps of St. Paul, blending sacred tradition with classical history.
Petraki Monastery – Founded in the 10th century, now a tranquil cloister housing relics and a monastic library.
Agia Irini Chrysovalantou Monastery, Lykovrissi – Known for its miracle-working icon and charitable work; pilgrims often receive blessed bread and apples.
Penteli Monastery (Mount Penteli) – Historic monastery in a pine-covered setting, famed for relics and frescoes; also linked to philanthropic work.
Ancient Corinth & the Bema of St. Paul – Archaeological site where St. Paul addressed the Corinthians; includes Temple of Apollo, Roman forum, and small museum.
Overnight stay in Athens.

Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel, then depart early for Thessaloniki with a remarkable stop at the Meteora Monasteries, where faith meets breathtaking landscapes, before arriving in the city to explore its most important Byzantine landmarks.
Meteora Monasteries (Kalambaka/Kastraki) – UNESCO World Heritage site with six active Orthodox monasteries built atop towering rock formations (11th–16th centuries). Visit 2–3 accessible monasteries, each with unique frescoes, relics, and panoramic views.
Continue north to Thessaloniki, arriving late afternoon.
Church of St. Demetrios – 5th-century basilica and crypt dedicated to the city’s patron saint.
Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki – 7th-century church modeled after Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, with important mosaics.
Brief drive/walk to Byzantine Walls for panoramic city views
Overnight stay in Thessaloniki.

Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out and morning at leisure for your last-minute shopping or strolling down the streets of Thessaloniki.
Early transfer to Thessaloniki International Airport for your international flight.

Breakfast

City Highlights Tours
Thessaloniki City Highlights Tour – Discover the city’s vibrant history through sites like the Rotunda, Arch of Galerius, White Tower, Ladadika district, and the Archaeological Museum.
En route Athens → Thessaloniki:
Hosios Loukas Monastery (Boeotia) – UNESCO-listed Byzantine monastery famous for its gold mosaics; possible if you choose a route via central Greece rather than Karpenissi.
Mount Olympus / Dion Archaeological Park – Adds a mythological and archaeological layer to the journey.
Proussos Monastery (Karpenissi) — A dramatic cliff-side. Clings to a cliff in the Agrafa mountains; houses the icon of Panagia Prousiotissa, said to have been painted by St. Luke. Features frescoes, chapels, and a small museum.
Near Thessaloniki:
Panagia Soumela Monastery (Veria) – 20th-century monastery founded by Pontic refugees; houses the venerated icon traditionally painted by St. Luke.
Church of Hosios David (Latomos Monastery) – Late 5th-century church with superb mosaics; UNESCO-listed.
Church of Panagia Chalkeon – 11th-century brick church in the heart of the old market area.
Philippi – UNESCO archaeological site where St. Paul founded one of the first Christian communities in Europe; includes basilica ruins, Roman forum, theater, and Lydia’s baptismal site.
Amphipolis – Ancient city on St. Paul’s route; see the Lion monument and city ruins.
Mount Athos – UNESCO World Heritage monastic republic with 20 monasteries, center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism for over a millennium. Accessible only by special permit (men only) via boat from Ouranoupoli.

Includes

  • 3 Nights Athens hotel accommodation (3*/4*/5*) on HB basis
  • 1 Night Thessaloniki hotel accommodation (3*/4*/5*) on HB basis
  • Tours & visits as per itinerary
  • Entrance fees at Museums & Archaeological sites as mentioned above
  • Licensed professional Guide on tours, whenever necessary
  • Private transfers in Athens, from/to airport with professional driver
  • Private transfers across all locations, as per itinerary
  • Economy class ferry tickets to Aegina or Tinos island, depending on option selected
  • All taxes

Excludes

  • International and/or Domestic flights
  • Other optional tours
  • Other Meals or Beverages
  • Other transfers
  • Climate Resilience Tax - To be paid directly to the hotel by guests
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Any personal expenses
Notes

  • In case of an increase in the VAT or other taxes, including entrance fees, rates are subject to change without prior notice.
  • Rates may change during special periods such as Christmas, New Year, Easter, International Congresses, Conventions and Fairs.
  • We would like to inform you that guests shall be required to pay directly to the hotel a “Climate Resilience Tax”, per overnight, per room. This tax goes directly to the state and the Hotel and/or travel agents have no interference. Hotel guests shall be requested to pay the Climate Resilience Tax directly to the hotel and is not included in our offers.

5D4N HOLY TRAILS OF GREECEDownload
Holy Trails of Greece – Pilgrimage Travel

  • Visit Athens’ sacred landmarks, from the Metropolis to Kapnikarea
  • Pay homage at St. Nektarios Monastery on the island of Aegina
  • Walk in the footsteps of St. Paul at ancient Corinth
  • Experience the spiritual majesty of Meteora’s cliff-top monasteries
  • Discover Thessaloniki’s Byzantine treasures and early Christian basilicas
  • Venerate the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary at Panagia Evangelistria in Tinos
  • Extend your journey to explore additional sacred sites across Greece’s holy landscape