Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight.

You will arrive in Athens, Greece, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the port to board the Celebrity Infinity.

At Sea

Dock in Santorini today, one of the most beautiful of the Greek islands, where picturesque, whitewashed villages topped with brilliant blue domes stand in stark contrast to the sheer-drop cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. The island itself perches on the edges of a volcano whose eruption 3,500 years ago is thought to have led to the collapse of the Minoan civilization. Explore the island on your own or join one of the optional excursions available for purchase on board.

Shore excursions today will be booked directly through Celebrity and are not included.

Ephesus was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and was once a bustling port town with wide, colonnade-bordered streets and a population of 250,000. Spectacular excavations in the last 110 years have revealed much of the glory of ancient Ephesus, including the huge agora and the library, but much has been lost. Explore the ancient site virtually at the Ephesus Experience Museum where you will see life in Paul’s time. We will view the terrace houses, also known as “the houses of the rich,” which give a true impression of the ancient lifestyle. The ancient world once declared the Temple of Artemis to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but today, only a single column remains to mark its site. After enjoying Ephesus, you will embark on another Turkish experience at the carpet factory for a local lunch and a presentation.

At the northwest edge of the Plain of Thessaly, between the mountains of Pindos and Antichasia and near the Peneios River, the stone giants of Meteora stand still and silent. Their proud and imposing aspect discontinues the monotony of the vast Thessalic plain. The rocks stand right above Kalambaka and the picturesque Kastraki, full of awe and beauty. A daily excursion combines the unique experience that Meteora, also known as “The Stone Forest,” offers with the religious sentiment created by their monasteries. The journey to Meteora starts from Volos and other resorts in Pelion. We pass by the cities of Larisa, Trikala, and Kalambaka. After arriving in Kalambaka, we will reach the massively impressive rocks of Meteora that take one’s breath away. We will learn about the monarchy of the 11th century and also have the chance to visit one of the historical monasteries. Meteora is a World Heritage Site that fascinates every visitor regardless of their religion and cultural background. Uncover the secrets of the unique geological phenomenon of the Meteora rocks, experience the serenity of the surreal landscape that has been home to Christian hermits and monks since the 12th century AD, and feel the spirituality of one of Christianity’s holiest places. Afterward, drive back to the city of Volos and enjoy some free time in this beautiful town before returning to your cruise ship.

Discover Thessaloniki, the “Queen of the North,” where Paul was accused of turning the world upside down with his preaching of Christ (Acts 17: 3-6). Built by King Cassandros and named after the sister of Alexander the Great, the city flourished under the Byzantine Empire. Stroll through the beautiful basilica of St. Demetrios, dedicated to a distinguished Roman proconsul martyred for his Christian faith. Look upon the Roman agora, the center of political and public
life, constructed in the 1st century AD. Along the Via Egnatia stands the Galerius Arch, where you can look out over the second-largest city in Greece from the Old City Ramparts, some dating back to Roman times. The tour continues to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. The museum houses exhibits of Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman sculptures.

Visit Philippi, where Paul, intending to find a place to pray by the riverside, spoke to women who had gathered there, among whom was Lydia, the seller of purple, and whose heart the Lord opened to hear the words that he spoke. Lydia was the first Christian to be baptized on European soil. Visit the place where this event is remembered and see a crypt dating from the Roman period, which is thought to have served as a prison for the Apostle Paul. See the famous agora, the basilica, and the theater.

Return to the USA or enjoy the Rome extension.