Greece

Greece – Clergy Introductory Tour (7 days)

Prices from £1,760 pp

Single Supplement £300

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St Paul is one of the towering figures of our Christian faith. He always seems to elicit profound emotions in those who are followers of Jesus - with some seeing him as a forward-thinking visionary, whilst others dismiss him as a somewhat bigoted and rigid personality.

This is your invitation now to engage imaginatively with Paul and his world as we travel from north to south through Greece along the route of his second missionary journey—visiting Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, Athens and Corinth (Acts 16-18). As well as these Pauline sites, we will be experiencing the history of Ancient Greece, seeing some stunning landscapes such as the Pindus Mountain Range and the Meteora monasteries, and looking down to the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal.

This ‘familiarization tour’ has been designed to give you the best possible introduction to the idea of your leading a parish pilgrimage in the future. A key part of McCabe’s vision is a commitment to introducing church leaders to St Paul’s life and journeys which enabled faith in Jesus’ Resurrection to spread beyond the confines of the Holy Land ‘to the ends of earth’. We also ensure that these tours are a real ‘pilgrimage’—a spiritual journey with prayers, readings and worship, all set in some ancient and very special locations. All this, we believe, has the potential to enhance your ministry beyond measure. Please do consider joining us.

The pilgrimage price of £1,760 has been subsidised by McCabe and will be refundable when you bring a group of 15 pilgrims or more to Greece for at least 7 days. Eligibility is restricted to clergy, those in training for ministry and retired clergy.

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Itinerary

Travel to Thessaloniki

Fly from London to Thessaloniki, the city where Paul was received by Jason. Paul was preaching the Word of God here, until he was rushed out of the city. Our guide will meet us at the airport for the transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Philippi & Kavala

Follow the route of the Via Egnatia and visit, like Paul and his companion, the area of Amphipolis, to see the famous funerary Lion of Amphipolis, and the site of Philippi. There, we visit the Baptistery of Lydia near the river, where Paul baptized her. Lydia was the first convert of Paul on European soil and the conversion of the jailer followed. Also, visit the ruins of the Forum of Philippi, the Christian Basilicas, the “Prison of Paul” and the Theater. Drive to Kavala (Neapolis), a picturesque port and view the Byzantine Castle and the Roman Aqueduct. Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
Thessaloniki

In the morning, drive in Thessaloniki to see the landmark of the city, the White Tower, the Walls of the Byzantine Acropolis, the Roman Arch of Galerius and the Rotonda. Visit two of the city’s oldest and most admired Christian churches, the Basilicas of St. Demetrius and St. Sophia (Divine Wisdom). Continue to Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.
Meteora Monasteries

beauty: on top of huge granite pinnacles, we see the ageless Meteora Monasteries full of treasures of Christian art.

Visit one of the amazing Byzantine monasteries of Meteora, perched on top of gigantic rock pinnacles. Afterwards travel to scenic Delphi, one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth, which in antiquity was believed to be the “navel” (omphalos) of the world. Dinner and overnight in Delphi.
Delphi and the Temple of Apollo

This morning walk on the Sacred Way to see the Athenian Treasury, the Temple of Apollo, where the priestess Pythia uttered ambiguous prophecies, and the Theater. Also, visit the Museum with its splendid collection of ancient works of art, including the Sphinx of the Naxians, the Silver Bull, the Column of the Dancers, the “Omphalos” and the pride of the museum, the 5th c. B.C. bronze “Charioteer”. Continue to Athens for dinner and overnight.
Athens

In the morning, admire the architectural miracles of ancient Athens, as we follow our guide to the world renown Acropolis, to see the Propylea, the Erechteum and the Parthenon. Visit Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his ingenious speech making known the “Unknown God”. View the Agora, the ancient center of the economic and public life of the city, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians.

During the bus tour, we see Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium and the Neoclassical Buildings of Athens. The rest of the day is free. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
Corinth and depart for UK

Corinth. Here under the shadow of the towering Acropolis, St. Paul preached and lived for two years. The vigorous and mostly Gentile Church he founded here in 50 AD caused him much grief and prompted him to write at least four letters to them. Visit the ruins of the ancient city where St. Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. See the remains of first century shops, the agora where St. Paul's trial by Gallio took place, the Fountain of eirene, Temple of Apollo and the Bema. A short stop at the site of the ancient Port of Cenchreae, where St. Paul departed for Ephesus, then, to the great theatre of Epidaurus, before making our way to the airport for and evening flights home.

Please note the itinerary may subject to change due to local conditions and flights can also be subject to alteration but are correct at the time of printing.

There will be quite a bit of walking on this pilgrimage, these historic sights are best explored on foot.
The Reverend Dr Peter Walker

During the trip, Revd Dr Peter Walker will be bringing us fresh insights from his book In the Steps of Saint Paul. Peter first led a McCabe 'Steps of Paul' tour back in 1993, and his many subsequent tours led in time to his publishing this fascinating book which takes the reader around all the places visited by Paul - from Damascus to Rome - highlighting what Paul did and what visitors can now expect to see in each location. Peter will be joined on the trip by McCabe Director, Revd Paul Ellerby.

Essential Information

Included

subsidised by McCabe and is based on sharing a double or twin room with en-suite bathroom. Spouses are welcome to share your room at a special price of £1,960. Single rooms are available at a supplement of £300.

Also the price of the clergy place will be fully refundable if in the future you bring a group of 15 pilgrims to Greece for at least 7 days.

This tour includes:
- Two nights in Thessaloniki

- One night in Kalambaka
- One night in Delphi
- Two nights in Athens
- Flights from London to Thessaloniki and returning from Athens including all charges and baggage allowance
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- One lunch
- Touring by air-conditioned coach
- English speaking tour manager & guides
- Entrance fees and church donations
- Personal audio guiding system
- Gratuities which will be disbursed locally on your behalf

Not included

Travel insurance: this is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We recommend the policy with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays. See the back cover for details.

Payments
A non refundable deposit of £500 per person will be taken at the time of the booking with the balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short breaks and UK overnight stays. See the back page for more details

Special Requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be advised at the time of booking.

Late bookings
Please note that for bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, the price may increase due to the fluctuating cost of flights. If this arises, we will always discuss this with you before processing your booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Mobility
This tour and its excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when considering joining this tour. We are happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions.

Practical information

Entry requirements

British Citizen and EU Citizen Passport holders can currently enter Greece freely with no restrictions or other documentation required. Stays within the EU can be up to 90 days (can be spread over multiple visits) within any 180-day period.

Please note your passport must be valid for six months after your return from Greece.

Full details of entry requirements and any required vaccinations will be detailed in your final paperwork 14 days before departure.

For the latest and most up to date travel advice including entry requirements please consult the Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office travel advice website.

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Health & wellbeing

For travel within the EU you should ensure that you have the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which is free of charge. You can apply for the GHIC card by calling 0191 218 1999 or applying on line at…

www.nhs.uk/ghic

The level of cover offered by the GHIC card varies by country visited and is only applicable in state-run health facilities. In some countries coverage may just be a partial contribution.

Adequate insurance cover will be required for all hospital emergencies and doctors’ visits.

Climate

In Thessaloniki and Athens the average daily lowest and highest temperature range during your tour in September should be around 17-26 degrees centigrade. When travelling in the Pindus Mountains temperatures will be a few degrees cooler particularly in the mornings and evenings. Rainfall is rare at this time of year and usually just the odd short thunderstorm.

Clothing

Dress is cool and casual throughout your time in Greece. You may wish to take one or two smarter items for the evenings. Casual clothing is recommended in the day-time with evenings being smart/casual. As this tour requires a certain amount of gentle to intermediate walking, we suggest you take a pair of lined shoes or boots with decent grip. Sports shoes or trainers are fine as well as walking boots. It is advisable to bring just a couple of warmer items for the evenings as well as coastal walks where the wind may reduce the temperatures.

Mobility

There is a certain amount of walking, light undulations with just one or two steep sections but a number of stairs involved on a daily basis during your time in Greece so please make sure you pack comfy footwear for this so that you are prepared. Your Local Guide will keep you updated on a daily basis with what to expect the following day. If you are finding it difficult to keep up then please make sure you tell your Local Guide who can help you to find places to rest and relax and then you can re-join the group at a later stage.

Some streets in towns and villages that you will visit will be cobbled and ancient sites can have some uneven ground. We suggest you take a pair of comfortable shoes with good grips or trainers. You must be prepared to be on your feet for up to 90 minutes without the necessity to sit down and walk up to a mile miles unaided. Hiking sticks are fine.

The McCabe Educational Trust

The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity with the aim of helping inspiring people we meet on some of our pilgrimages. As ‘the haves’ encounter the ‘have nots’ the Trust has become a practical tool for one to help the other.

McCabe Pilgrimages invite all travellers to become partners in this work. A £20 voluntary donation to the Trust’s work is added to every pilgrim’s invoice and all money raised in this way is given in full to the projects the Trust supports. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Travel insurance

Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have specifically chosen Holiday Extras as our *preferred travel insurance provider to ensure that you are protected before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras offer McCabe Travel guests favourable rates for single trip, multi-trip and annual policies.

For more information or to obtain a quote click below for their website

https://www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance

Or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.

Please quote AG628 upon calling to receive the best rates

Full financial security

All money paid to McCabe is fully secure. Holidays including flights are covered by our ATOL license from the Civil Aviation Authority, and holidays without flights are protected by our membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. If a pilgrimage is cancelled, for instance through lack of numbers or for political considerations, McCabe will promptly refund all monies paid.

AITO Quality Statement

McCabe Pilgrimages is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. McCabe abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter.

You can read McCabe reviews on the AITO website here

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Dates

Upcoming Pilgrimages

We have no tours scheduled to this destination at present.

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