Registration coming soon

• Dates: Sep 13-26, 2026
• Package Price: 
  • $4,786.00 (Based on double occupancy. Excludes airfare.)
  • $998 (extra for single supplement)
     

Package includes:

• Group airport transfers 
• Domestic flights: Izmir – Athens – Thessaloniki – Athens (with luggage)
•  4–5★ accommodations in double/twin rooms
• Daily breakfast and dinner; lunch during guided touring in Turkey
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees and transportation as per itinerary

 

Exclusions

• Lunches during tours in Greece
• Tips for driver and guide
• Greek hotel 'Stay Over / Climate Resilience' tax (€1.50–€10 per night)
• Personal expenses and travel insurance (recommended)

Not Included free will donation to LC Chaplain or Offertory collections at Masses in the local churches.

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul & Sacred Sites and Byzantine Treasures of Istanbul

After arrival to Istanbul and meeting your local guide and driver, drive to the Cathedrale du Saint-Esprit for Mass. Continue to the Chora Church (Kariye Museum), renowned for its magnificent Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Hagia Sophia, once the greatest church of the Byzantine Empire and now a symbol of Istanbul’s layered history. Walk by the exterior of the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and beautiful İznik tiles, and conclude the day at Topkapı Palace. Overnight: Istanbul.

Day 2 – Beyoğlu Pilgrimage Walk

After breakfast, drive to Beyoğlu. Begin at the Galata Tower, then visit the Church of Saints Peter and Paul for Morning Mass. Continue to the Church of Our Lady of the Drapery and then to St. Anthony of Padua on İstiklal Avenue. Spend quiet time in adoration if available, then explore the Grand Bazaar. Overnight: Istanbul.

Day 3 – Journey to Nicaea and Izmir

Depart for Nicaea (İznik), site of the First Ecumenical Council (325 AD). Visit the palace ruins and ancient walls before continuing to Izmir. Celebrate evening Mass at St. John’s Cathedral, time permitting. Overnight: Izmir.

Day 4 – The Churches of Revelation I: Smyrna, Pergamon, and Thyateira

Begin with Mass at St. Polycarp’s Church in Izmir, then visit the sites of Smyrna, Pergamon, and Thyateira, each addressed in the Book of Revelation. Overnight: Izmir.

Day 5 – The Churches of Revelation II: Sardes, Philadelphia, and Laodicea

Visit Sardes, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—churches rich with biblical meaning. Reflect on their lessons of faith and perseverance. Overnight: Pamukkale.

Day 6 – Hierapolis and Colossae

Explore Hierapolis with its travertine terraces and the Tomb of St. Philip. Continue to Colossae, the unexcavated site addressed by St. Paul. Overnight: Kuşadası.

Day 7 – The House of the Virgin Mary and Ephesus

Visit the House of the Virgin Mary for Mass, then explore Ephesus: Marble Street, Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Grand Theatre, and the Church of Mary. End at the Basilica of St. John. Overnight: Bodrum.

Day 8 – Bodrum, Kos, and Patmos

Ferry from Bodrum to Kos and Patmos. Visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of St. John. Overnight ferry to Athens in private cabin.

Day 9 – Athens and Corinth

Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Ancient Agora before traveling to Corinth, where St. Paul preached. See the Bema and Temple of Apollo. Overnight: Athens.

Day 10 – Athens to Thessaloniki

Attend morning Mass, then visit the Archaeological Museum before flying to Thessaloniki. Overnight: Thessaloniki.

Day 11 – Thessaloniki and Veria (Berea)

Travel to Veria to visit the synagogue and mosaic honoring St. Paul. Return to Thessaloniki for city tour: St. Demetrius, Rotonda, St. Sophia, White Tower, Monastery of Vlatadon. Overnight: Thessaloniki.

Day 12 – Philippi and Kavala (Neapolis)

Visit Philippi, where St. Paul and Silas were imprisoned, and Kavala (ancient Neapolis), Paul’s first landing in Europe. Overnight: Athens.

Day 13 – Departure from Athens

Transfer to the airport for return flights home, concluding your pilgrimage journey.

1. Pricing and Fees

1.1 Tour price does not include flights from or to the USA (CONUS). Price is per person in double room occupancy. Single room supplement is $998.

1.2 Included: Hotel accommodations in double/twin rooms (4–5-star hotels). Daily itinerary in Turkey includes BLD (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner). Daily itinerary in Greece includes B&D. Price includes airport transfers (1 group arrival and 1 group departure), local flights (Athens–Thessaloniki–Athens), ferries (Bodrum–Patmos–Athens in private cabin with WC), bus ground transportation, English-speaking guide, and all entry fees per itinerary.

1.3 Not included: gratuities for tour guides and drivers, freewill donation to the Legionary chaplain, lunches in Greece, bottled beverages, mandatory Greek 'Stay Over / Climate Crisis Resilience Tax' (approx. 7–10 Euros per room per night, paid directly by clients), personal expenses, travel insurance, and private transfers outside of the group transfer.

1.4 Price based on a minimum of 18 participants; if less than 18, prices will be adjusted upward to reflect a smaller group rate.

1.5 Adjustments may be made due to unforeseen currency fluctuation exceeding 3%.

 

2. Payment Terms and Schedule

2.1 $1,000 non-refundable deposit per person required at time of booking (NLT January 10) with reservation application. Payment must be made by check or cash.

2.2 $3,786 balance due in 3 equal payments of $1,262 per person due on or before February 25, April 13, and June 13, 2026.

2.3 Late bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment of $4,786 and are subject to availability and supplier confirmation.

2.4 Payments by check are preferred. All major credit cards accepted at OLB are acceptable forms of payment. Payment Processing Fees of 6% will be included in all credit card charges. 

2.5 Returned checks incur a $100 service fee and are considered non-payment.

 

3. Cancellations and Refunds

3.1 Cancellations must be received in writing and become effective on the date of receipt.

3.2 Initial $1,000 deposit is non-refundable.

3.3 Cancellations between February 26 and April 13: refund 50% of payment received.

3.4 Cancellations between April 14 and June 12: refund 25% of payment received.

3.5 Cancellations after June 13, 2026: no refunds. No refunds for no-shows.

3.6 In the event of force majeure (including natural disasters, pandemics, war, civil unrest, or government-imposed travel restrictions), refunds will be limited to funds recoverable from suppliers. OLB is not obligated to provide additional compensation.

 

4. Travel Insurance

4.1 It is strongly recommended that all participants purchase travel insurance. OLB is not responsible for non-refundable payments, damaged luggage, or trip interruptions.

4.2 Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain a 'Cancel For Any Reason' (CFAR) policy to protect their travel investment.

4.3 Proof of travel insurance may be requested prior to final payment.

 

5. Travel Documents

5.1 A valid U.S. passport is required, valid for at least 6 months beyond return date.

5.2 U.S. citizens do not require visas. Non-U.S. passport holders should check with Greek and Turkish consulates for visa requirements.

5.3 Each traveler is responsible for completing ETIAS enrollment prior to departure.

 

6. Roommate Assignments

6.1 Roommates will be assigned according to information provided on the registration form.

6.2 OLB cannot make roommate assignments for single travelers. Roommate arrangements must be mutually agreed upon by participants.

6.3 If a suitable roommate cannot be found, the single supplement will automatically apply.

 

7. Luggage

7.1 Baggage is at owner’s risk throughout the pilgrimage. Airline baggage limits: 20 kg checked, 8 kg cabin.

7.2 Travelers are responsible for moving their luggage between buses and ferries.

7.3 OLB is not responsible for lost or damaged luggage. Claims must be filed directly with the carrier.

7.4 Air tags are highly recommended.

 

8. Health and Age Requirements

8.1 This pilgrimage requires significant walking over uneven terrain and is not wheelchair or walker accessible.

8.2 Participants must be medically and physically fit. Any special conditions or equipment must be disclosed in writing at registration for feasibility review.

8.3 By registering, participants affirm they are physically capable and understand the pilgrimage’s physical demands.

8.4 OLB reserves the right to decline participation if a traveler’s health may compromise safety or group experience.

8.5 Minimum age 18 years.

 

9. Disclaimer of Responsibility

9.1 Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center (OLB), its employees, and volunteers act solely as intermediaries for independent suppliers providing services such as air travel, hotels, transportation, meals, and tours.

9.2 OLB shall not be liable for any acts, errors, omissions, injuries, losses, or damages arising from supplier actions, weather, mechanical failures, pandemics, political unrest, or other causes beyond OLB’s control.

9.3 By participating, travelers voluntarily assume all associated risks and are advised to obtain adequate insurance coverage.

9.4 Terms and Conditions effective November 3, 2025.