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Travelling with St. Paul – in Crete 2026 – 8 days

Prices from £2,750 pp

Single Supplement £490

Next available tour:

Tour leader: The Revd Dr Peter Walker

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This is the second in a series of four tours during 2026 which are being led for McCabe Travel by the Revd Dr Peter Walker, author of In the Steps of Saint Paul (Walkway Books, 2022). Passengers will have a copy of this book and will be able to engage with Dr Walker in lively conversations about the life and times of St. Paul throughout the tour.

We know from Luke’s account in the Acts of the Apostles that Paul landed on Crete on his final journey to Rome, when their ship was able to dock in the harbour at Fair Havens (Acts 27:8); however, there has been some debate about whether Paul himself ever visited the island before that. Dr Walker suggests in his book that Paul will have visited Crete on a ‘summer mission trip’ from Ephesus around AD 53 and then will have written to his colleague, Titus, whom Paul had sent on a follow-up visit in the summer of AD 55 (Titus 1:5). With this in mind we will have an opportunity during our tour to listen to readings from the Epistle to Titus and to imagine ourselves being in those early Christian communities that first heard Paul’s words.

So do please join us for this special opportunity to travel with St. Paul - in Crete.

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Itinerary

  1. Arrive in Heraklion

    We fly from London to Heraklion and transfer to our first hotel for a welcome drink and dinner.

  2. Fair Havens

    After breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Fair Havens, a biblical site mentioned in the New Testament, in the Book of Acts. Believed to be where the Apostle Paul and his companions sought shelter from a storm during their journey to Rome. After lunch in a local taverna (included), we continue to Panagia Kaliviani Monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The monastery, built in the 16th century, has been a place of spiritual refuge for generations. We’ll explore the Chapel where pilgrims come to honour the Virgin Mary and seek comfort in prayer. Return to your hotel in Heraklion for dinner.

  3. Gortyn

    Today we head for Gortyn, where we’ll visit the archaeological site. Gortyn was the capital of Roman Crete and is home to many ruins, including the Gortyn Law code, one of the best preserved examples of Greek legal history. We’ll visit the remains of the Cathedral of Agios Titos, dedicated to St. Titus, the first Bishop of Crete and one of Paul’s closest companions. The Cathedral was once the seat of the Christian community in Gortyn, and its ruins are a powerful testament to the spread of Christianity on the island. This is a special place for pilgrims, as it is here that St. Titus ministered to the early Christian community, following the teachings of St. Paul. After lunch in a local taverna, we’ll make our way back to Heraklion where we’ll visit Agios Titus Church, one of the cities most important churches. Return to the hotel for dinner.

  4. Heraklion

    We start with a walking tour of Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete. One of our stops is St. Peter and St. Paul Church, an important Christian landmark. The church is dedicated to the two Apostles, who were crucial in spreading Christianity throughout the Mediterranean. We’ll reflect on the lives of St. Peter and St. Paul, who faced huge challenges in their missionary journeys, yet remained devoted to spreading the Gospel. You’ll then have some free time to relax and enjoy lunch (not included) before exploring more of Heraklion at your own pace. Return to the hotel for dinner.

  5. Panagia Paliani Monastery & Knossos

    After breakfast, we’ll take a short drive to the monastery of Panagia Paliani, one of the oldest and most revered monasteries on the island of Crete. Its peaceful surroundings offer a perfect setting for reflection and prayer. The monastery is a place of deep spiritual significance and it’s believed that the Virgin Mary’s icon here possesses miraculous powers. After lunch in a local restaurant (included), we head to Knossos, famous for its grand palace, which dates back to around 1450BC. The site is filled with frescoes, grand staircases and beautiful courtyards. Return to the hotel for dinner.

  6. Chania

    Today we begin our drive to Chania, located on the western side of Crete. We’ll stop at Arkadi Monastery, a place of historical and religious significance for the people in Crete. It’s known for its role in the Cretan resistance against Ottoman rule. In 1866, the monks and local Cretans made a stand here, and the monastery became a symbol of sacrifice and bravery. On arrival in Chania, we’ll enjoy lunch in a local taverna (included). The afternoon is free for leisure time. Return to your hotel in Chania.

  7. Chania

    We start the day by heading for optional Sunday worship at Church of St Thomas at 11:00. It’s the only Anglican Church on Crete and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and deep religious significance. You will have the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of St Thomas, known for his journey of faith and the strength of his belief after his initial doubts. Here you will also have an included lunch. Then we drive to Agia Triada Monastery. This monastery is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and has a rich history of devotion and service. We will then visit St John the Baptist Church, a beautiful and historic church located nearby. This church is dedicated to St John the Baptist, whose life of asceticism and devotion serves as an inspiration for all Christians. Return to the hotel for your farewell dinner.

  8. Check Out

    After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return flight back to London.

Essential Information

The cost for this 8 day tour is £2,750 per person. The cost is based on sharing a double or twin-bedded room and includes all excursions and most expenses. A number of single rooms are available for a supplement from £490.

This tour includes:
• Return flights from a London airport to Heraklion
• Five nights in Heraklion on half board basis
• Two nights in Chania on half board basis
• Five lunches in local tavernas as per itinerary
• Private deluxe motor coach for transfers and touring as per itinerary
• English-speaking licensed local guides
• Entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums as per itinerary
• Headsets audio guide system
• Daily worship
• Gratuities are included and will be disbursed locally

Flights from regional airports can be arranged at a supplement subject to availability, you can also book this tour without flights. For more information please ask for details.

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable on confirmation. After which, an instalment payment amounting to 50% of the total cost of your trip is due 26 weeks prior to departure with the final balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted 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.

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 UK overnight stays.

Mobility
Many of our tours and 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. Please note that the quality of vehicles and roads may vary from what you’re accustomed to in the UK. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355.
Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. The Trust raises money by inviting all our travellers to make an optional £20 donation at the time of booking. All money given 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.

Passports, visas and health
• Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of this pilgrimage. If you need a new passport apply early as there can be considerable backlogs at the passport offices.
• British passport holders travelling to Crete do not require a visa.
• Non British passport holders will need to contact us for further details.
• There are no mandatory inoculations required for Crete, however we advise that you consult your doctor regarding your own personal requirements. We also recommend your tetanus and polio vaccinations are up to date.
• Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Financial security
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct. This pilgrimage is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. The McCabe ATOL number is 2920.

Holiday insurance
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday
Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto. For more information or to obtain a quote, please
go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor. Please quote AG628 when you call for a 10% discount.

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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
Journey to Crete 2026 8 Day Journey to Crete with The Revd Dr Peter Walker Departing From London Gatwick Prices from £2750 pp The Revd Dr Peter Walker 05/10/2026 for 8 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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