ALL

you’ll

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PLACES

GO

Explore all of the locations and religious excursions that the congregation will visit together as part of the Pilgrimage Package

Discover Details Below

$1,495

for only

all of this & more!

  • Eight days of fully guided excursions, including headsets when required. This is a $1650 per person value if purchased individually through the Celebrity Shore-X department.

  • All admission and entry costs for the tour sites and museums on itineraries.

  • Three days of full lunches during excursions in Istanbul and Ephesus.

  • Cost of Santorini Funicular ride from Fira to Old Port in Santorini.

  • PLUS the cost of the winery tour, light dinner, and tasting at the award winning Santo Winery in Santorini.

EVERYTHING IS TAKEN CARE OF

Your Pilgrimage is perfectly planned from the moment you arrive on ship, to when you step foot in every country, GiGi’s Journeys has meticulously designed daily itineraries for the congregation to explore and worship together. Each of the activities and moments of worship will be experienced together, and led by the APA’s very own Bishop Chandler Holder Jones.

YOUR PILGRIMAGE PACKAGE INCLUDES

  • Two-night stay at the 4-star boutique hotel, Herodian Hotel, in Athens City Center upon arrival in Greece.

  • Complimentary Airport to Hotel Transfers.

  • Welcome Reception overlooking the Athens City Center

The Daily Pilgrimmage Itinerary

Explore & Worship in Greece

Embrace History in Turkïye

  • Istanbul, Turkïye / (Day 7) May 15th, 2026
    Your journey begins in the heart of Istanbul with a visit to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, once the “Mother Church” of the Byzantine Empire and a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. After exploring its dazzling mosaics and storied past, continue to Hagia Irene, the oldest surviving church in the city and a site of early Christian councils. A traditional Turkish lunch in Sultanahmet Square offers the chance to recharge before continuing on to Saint George’s Church in the Phanar District, the spiritual center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The day concludes with a scenic ferry crossing to the Asian side of the city, where you’ll visit Hagia Efimia in Kadıköy—an important site of the Fourth Ecumenical Council—while enjoying sweeping views of the Bosphorus.

  • Istanbul, Turkïye / (Day 8) May 16, 2026
    Dive deeper into Istanbul’s layered history with a full exploration of its most celebrated landmarks. Begin at Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans, where opulent courtyards and priceless treasures reveal centuries of imperial life. Continue into the intimate Harem chambers before walking to the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and striking blue tiles. A short stroll brings you to the Basilica Cistern, a hauntingly beautiful underground chamber supported by hundreds of stone columns. From there, immerse yourself in Istanbul’s bustling markets—the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar—where fragrant spices, handcrafted goods, and lively bargaining create a feast for the senses. A traditional Turkish lunch caps off your day of discovery.

  • Ephesus, Turkïye / (Day 5) May 18, 2026
    On the third day, journey to Selçuk and Ephesus to walk in the footsteps of saints and apostles. Begin at the Basilica of Saint John, where the ruins honor the resting place of the beloved disciple. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene pilgrimage site where you’ll have time for reflection and a private service in the open-air chapel. After a traditional Turkish lunch, visit the Church of Mary, where the Council of 431 CE declared Mary the Mother of God. The day continues with the magnificent Theatre of Ephesus, where Saint Paul once preached to crowds of thousands, and ends at the Caves of Saint Paul—believed to be the first home of Mary and Saint John upon arriving in Ephesus. A day filled with faith, history, and timeless beauty.

  • Athens, Greece / (Day 1) May 9th, 2026
    Enjoy a half-day, guided walking tour of both Acropolis Hill Archeological Site and the nearby Acropolis Museum. Admission to both sites and a guide are included.

  • Corinth, Greece / (Day 2) May 10, 2026
    Enjoy a full day-long excursion to Corinth, the Ancient City Center of Greece. This visit inclues a guide and entry ticket to the Corinth Archeological site, as well as special celebration of Mass in Ancient Corinth led by the Bishop.

  • Thessaloniki, Greece / (Day 5) May 13, 2026
    Full day excursion, including admission to the Thessaloniki Museum’s exemplary exhibit experience, “In the Footsteps of St Paul,” the sacred Church of Saint Dimitrios, the early Christian monument Rotunda, and stunning panoramic views of the city.

Express your Spirtuality

  • Rhodes, Greece / (Day 11) May 19th, 2026
    Climb to the stunning Acropolis of Lindos, where ancient ruins reveal the stories of a glorious past. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and surrounding landscapes, a sight that will stay with you forever. Then wander through Lindos’ charming whitewashed streets, where every turn uncovers a piece of history. For an added spiritual touch, visit the revered Tsambika Church, a hilltop sanctuary with awe-inspiring views. Discover the legend of the Virgin Mary Tsambika and the blessings she has bestowed upon countless visitors.

  • Santorini, Greece / (Day 12) May 20, 2026
    Begin your tour with a visit to Oia, Santorini’s most iconic village, where whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches overlook the caldera. Enjoy two hours to wander its narrow alleys, discover charming shops, and take in world-famous sunset views. Continue to Santo Winery, perched high above the sea, for breathtaking panoramas of the island—wine tastings can be arranged upon request. Conclude your night with a scenic cable car ride back to Fira port, a perfect ending to your Santorini experience.

  • The total cost of the trip is broken up into three parts:

    1. The cost of the 11-night Celebrity cruise based on your cabin choice.

    2. A roundtrip flight to Athens, Greece.

    3. The $1495 enrichment package described above.

    Each of these parts of the trips are priced and purchased seperately, as they vary depending on a number of factors, such as departure location and duration of stay.
    In pursuit of full clarity, below we have outlined other costs that are NOT included
    that you might want to consider:

    - Travel Insurance policy (if desired).
    - Currently the only destination with no group excursion is Mykonos. You are free to purchase directly from Celebrity or just enjoy walking around the beautiful island.
    - Tips for individual drivers/guides as a true gratuity (not required but encouraged).

“"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
and the son of man, that thou visitest him?"

— Psalm 8:3