Rek Travel Adventure
Rek Travel USA
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St. Joseph Travel
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- Description of the tour
- Itinerary
- Price includes
- Gallery
Greece
Greece offers a profound spiritual journey with its ancient monasteries, Byzantine churches, and sacred islands. Key pilgrimage sites include the monasteries of Meteora, the island of Patmos, and the paths of Apostle Paul in Thessaloniki. Athens’ Acropolis and Parthenon blend spirituality with history, making Greece a compelling destination for pilgrims.
Turkey
Turkey, bridging East and West, is rich in spiritual experiences. Cappadocia’s unique landscapes and ancient cave churches, Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and Ephesus’ well-preserved ruins and the House of the Virgin Mary are key pilgrimage sites. The blend of early Christianity and Islamic mysticism offers a profound journey for pilgrims.
Culture and history
Islands
Pilgrimage
Itinerary
CHICAGO - CAPPADOCIA
Embark on your spiritual journey with a gathering at the airport in the USA. Board your flight and prepare your heart and mind for the serene landscapes and rich heritage of Cappadocia, Turkey.
https://stjosephtravel.com/en/tours/pilgrimage-across-greece-turkey/
CAPPADOCIA
Welcome to Cappadocia, a land of profound beauty and spiritual significance. Upon arrival, take the day to rest and rejuvenate your spirit after the long journey. Reflect on the days ahead and the experiences that await.
CAPPADOCIA
Begin your pilgrimage in Devrent Valley and Pasabagi, also known as Monk’s Valley, offering a peaceful connection to ancient spirituality.
Enjoy lunch in Avanos, a town renowned for Turkish handicrafts by the Red River, showcasing the region’s cultural richness.
Explore the Göreme Open Air Museum, where frescoes and rock-cut churches illuminate early Christian faith. Visit Uchisar Rock Castle for contemplation.
Descend into Kaymakli Underground City, a preserved sanctuary revealing ancient lives underground.
Visit Three Beauties Valley for serene views over Urgup and vineyards. Capture the moment at Goreme Panorama before checking into your hotel in Cappadocia for overnight rest.
Consider an early morning hot air balloon ride for a celestial view of this sacred landscape.
CAPPADOCIA
Begin your day with a serene breakfast before embarking on a full day in Cappadocia. Start with a peaceful 4-kilometer ride through the tranquil Red and Rose Valleys, known for their rich flora and vineyards.
After lunch near Pigeon Valley, explore the ancient underground city, a marvel dating back to the second millennium BC, with eight levels carved from volcanic stone. Reflect on the lives of early Christians in this sacred space.
Visit the Valley of Love, formerly known as White Valley, admired for its elegant chimneys. Explore the ancient Christian village of Cavusin for spectacular views and a glimpse into history.
Next, visit Uchisar for panoramic vistas from its natural stone castle, ideal for reflection and photography. End the day with visits to a carpet workshop and an onyx and jewelry workshop to witness Turkish craftsmanship. Return to your hotel in Cappadocia for an overnight stay.
CAPPADOCIA - ISTANBUL
After a nourishing breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll either transfer to your hotel or embark on a city tour.
ISTANBUL CITY TOUR
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before meeting the guide for a spiritual journey through Istanbul. Begin at the majestic Hagia Sophia, a sacred site that transitions from a church to a mosque, embodying centuries of faith and history.
Next, visit the Topkapi Palace, the heart of Ottoman power, where you can sense the presence of the great Sultans and admire the palace’s unique structures and gardens.
Experience the tranquility of the Blue Mosque, with its six minarets and stunning blue Iznik tiles, creating a peaceful ambiance for reflection and prayer.
Step back in time at the ancient Roman Hippodrome, imagining the grand chariot races that once took place there. End your tour with a visit to the vibrant Grand Bazaar, where the sights and scents offer a sensory feast. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.
BOSPHORUS DAY TOUR
After breakfast, visit the vibrant Egyptian Bazaar, filled with the sights and scents of spices. Then, enjoy a serene cruise along the Bosphorus, the meeting point of Europe and Asia. In the afternoon, ascend Camlica Hill for breathtaking views of Istanbul, crossing the Bosphorus Bridge. Continue to the Sea of Marmara and visit the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace on the Bosphorus shore. Marvel at the Dolmabahce and Ciragan Palaces and Rumeli Hisarı Castle. Return to your hotel for overnight.
ISTANBUL - ATHENS
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Athens.
ATHENS CITY TOUR
Begin with a panoramic tour of Athens’ Neoclassical Center, visiting landmarks like the Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Parliament. Your guide will share the spiritual and historical significance of these sites. Next, visit the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, exploring the sacred rock and ancient ruins. Spend the evening in the quaint streets of Plaka or return to your hotel. Overnight in Athens.
CORINTH EXCURSION
Travel to Corinth, where Paul spent 18 months preaching to Jews and Gentiles. Reflect on his missionary work and visit the ancient agora, the site of his trial by Gallio. Celebrate liturgy in Corinth, pondering Paul’s legacy. After lunch in Nauplion, visit Epidaurus, home to a remarkably preserved amphitheater with exceptional acoustics. Return to Athens for overnight.
SANTORINI CRUISE
After breakfast, transfer to Piraeus port and board the ferry to Santorini. Upon arrival, embark on a tour of the island, soaking in its natural beauty and spiritual ambiance. Check-in at your hotel for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.
SANTORINI
Begin the day with breakfast before exploring the enchanting town of Fira, perched on volcanic cliffs with its iconic white houses and blue-domed churches. Visit Oia, known for its Cycladic architecture and breathtaking views over the caldera. Reflect on the unique atmosphere created by narrow streets and traditional buildings. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
SANTORINI
Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the island’s charm at your own pace. Wander through local markets, savor Greek delicacies at cafes, and absorb the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, return cruise to Piraeus and transfer to Athens. Experience a Greek evening in Athens, filled with regional dishes, music, wine, and the opportunity to learn the syrtaki dance. Overnight in Athens.
ATHENS - CHICAGO
Spend your morning in quiet reflection or personal contemplation before transferring to the airport for your international flight home. Depart with cherished memories of your spiritual journey through Greece.
THE PROGRAM IS A FRAMEWORK. THE ORDER OF IMPLEMENTATION OF INDIVIDUAL POINTS OF THE PROGRAM MAY CHANGE. HOLY MASS (IF POSSIBLE IN SELECTED SANCTUARIES). PLEASE REMEMBER THAT PASSPORT MUST BE VALID MINIMUM 6 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF RETURN AND CONTAIN 2 BLANK PAGES FOR ENTRY/EXIT STAMPS.
See also:
Gallery Click on the photo to enlarge 
The company is not responsible for client’s lost property due to burglary, theft, loss, etc. we are also not responsible for client’s losses in motels. Rek Travel Company reserves the right to change the program, dictated by circumstances beyond its control. The client is obliged to comply with the tour regulations. Tour participants are insured as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation for a total of $5,000,000 (policy available for review upon request). For an additional fee, participants may be insured for in-patient and out-patient treatment of medical conditions acquired during the tour, as well as for accidents at sightseeing facilities (all information at the office).