Join Father Andy Booms and Father Jose Maria Cabrera of the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan

A Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of Saint Paul and a Three-Day Greek Islands Cruise

June 12 – 23, 2023 / $5990.00 air-inclusive from Detroit on Air France

Join us on the pilgrimage of a lifetime! This world-class journey will take you through the greatest sites of the ancient world, from Athens to Ephesus, Corinth to Delphi! We’ve combined land and sea in order to give you the best of Greece, and our route has been mapped in order to follow the footsteps of Saint Paul. Daily Mass will start our day, only to be followed by extraordinary private tours through antiquity’s greatest sites and stories.

Featuring seven nights in exclusive hotels throughout Greece and three nights on a beautiful cruise ship (in a standard outside-facing cabin), this trip promises a truly unforgettable experience of faith and culture.

This trip is limited to 42 guests and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Adults and teens over the age of sixteen are welcome!

Covid-19 Travel Requirements? None!

There are currently no required Covid-19 vaccines or testing requirements in place in order to visit Greece or Turkey. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us.

Overview

This trip is magnificent from start to finish. The sites alone are priceless, but combine that with four and five star hotels, private transportation, world-class tour guides, and a three-night Aegean cruise, and you have the trip of a lifetime!

Fantastic Itinerary

Our itinerary was meticulously planned to give you the best of Greece, all the while staying true to the purpose: to walk in the footsteps of St. Paul.

Superb Amenities

Four and five stars, spacious rooms, large bathrooms, elevators, beautiful public spaces, fantastic restaurants, and so much more.

World-Class Leadership

Our chaplains are pilgrimage veterans, and they have teamed up with Amer Shehadeh, the Holy Land’s best guide, for this incredible trip!

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Mediteranean Sea Cruise

The trip includes a three-night Aegean Sea cruise on the luxury Celestyal Olympia, and includes outside cabins for our entire group.

TRIP DETAILS

Pricing, Payments & Cancellation

Payments

Below is the payment schedule.

$200.00 / due @ registration

$2895
due November 15, 2022
$2895
due January 15, 2023
$1200 Single Room Supplement
due January 15, 2023

Regular Price

See brochure for full list of inclusions.

$5990.00 / per-person

Roundtrip Airfare on Air France
Four and Five Star Hotels
All Tours, All Tour Fees and Most Meals
ProRome Tour Director, Private Guides, Headsets
Private Bus Transportation
Three Night Aegean Sea Cruise
Outside Cabins
So Much More!

Cancellation

If you cancel, this policy applies.

Our Policy

100 Days or More before Tour
Full refund less $200.00 deposit
100-75 Days before Tour
50% Refund
Within 75 Days of Tour
No Refund

Planning Checklist

Register

In order to register simply fill out the form at the top this page! Your place on the trip is then secure!

Purchase Travel Insurance

We will send you an insurance quote as soon as you register. We strongly suggest everyone purchase travel insurance.

Upload Passport Information

Apply as soon as possible. NB - Passports that expire within six months of the travel dates are not valid to enter Europe.

Seats, Upgrades & More

Flight Information

The group will be allocated a block of seats in the economy cabin of the airplane and seats will be assigned automatically during check-in. On group bookings seat, selection and upgrades are not possible.

If you would like an upgrade or have a specific seating request, we suggest that you book the same flight as the group, but through a travel agency of your choice. In this event, you will be given the “flying separately discount” of $1600.00.

Please contact us for the correct group flight information and travel agency suggestions.

Meet the Team

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Additional Trip Information

Registration, Payments and Cancellation

In order to register please click on the “Register Now” button at the top of this webpage. We will then process your registration and contact you by email with more information.

For questions regarding cancellation, please refer to our Terms and Conditions found here: https://prorometours.com/terms-conditions/

Group Flight Itinerary

Outbound

June 12, 2023 AF 377 DTW to CDG 9:10 PM – 10:50 AM (06/13/23)

June 13, 2023 AF 1832 CDG to ATH 12:15 PM – 4:25 PM

Inbound

June 23, 2023 AF 1033 ATH to CDG 06:15 AM – 08:50 AM

June 23, 2023 AF 378 CDG to DTW 4:05 PM – 6:35 PM

Accommodations

On Land

The tour price includes lodging in a standard double rooms in four and five star hotels, as listed on the brochure. If you would like a single room, please know that there are a limited number of rooms available and the price for a single room incurs a $1200 surcharge.

On Cruise

The tour price includes three nights lodging in an “XC” outside cabin on the Celestyal Olympia cruise ship (with windows looking at to sea). For more information please visit this webpage: https://celestyal.com/us/our-ships/olympia/staterooms/.  If you would like a single cabin, please know that there are a limited number of single cabins available and the price for a single cabin is included in the $1200.00 single room surcharge.

 

Weather and Packing

The Weather 

You can expect warm weather in Greece and Turkey in June. High temperatures will average in the upper-80s, with lows in the lower-70s. Do expect a few rain showers throughout the course of the trip. 

Packing 

Please remember to bring one rain jacket, an umbrella and at least two pairs of shoes – a pair for more formal occasions and a pair for touring. Although we’ve eliminated as much walking as possible, Greek city-centers are more often than not pedestrian only. We will be walking (on average) two to five miles each day. Make sure your “tour shoes” are broken-in and comfortable. 

Tip: Many seasoned travelers pack the essentials in their carry-on bag, in case their luggage happens to get lost or delayed. 

Tour Dress and Dinner Dress Suggestions

Tour Dress

Comfort is paramount. We will be walking a lot and will be constantly getting on and off the bus. The most important thing to keep in mind is your feet. 

Tip: Worn-in walking shoes – preferably water proof – will serve you faithfully. Moleskin and baby powder might also come in handy!

Dinner Dress 

We call the dinner dress code “country club casual” or “smart casual. ” That means something like collared shirts and non-jeans pants for men, and a casual dress or pants with a nice top for women. These suggestions are by no means mandatory.

Meals and Beverages

The Meals and Beverages

On Land

Daily breakfast and daily dinner are included in the LAND tour package. Dinner has been pre-arranged and selected by ProRome. You can expect three or four bountiful courses – an appetizer, a main course, and a desert. Beverages are not included, however do not be surprised if your waiter brings some complimentary wine! 

On Cruise

All of your meals are included on the cruise. You will have a variety of options as meals are served buffet style. Beverages are included on the cruise:

Aegean Cocktails and Signature Martinis: International Cocktails, including Caipirinha, Bloody Mary, Mai Tai; Martini Corner; Non-Alcoholic Cocktails; Ports, Sherries and Aperitifs, including Sandeman’s, Campari, PastisWhiskies, including J.W. Red Label, JandB, Jim Beam; Gin, including Beefeater and Gordon’s, Vodka, including Smirnoff and Stolichnaya; Rums, including Bacardi and Havana Club 3 years; Tequila, including Jose Cuervo White; A variety of Brandies and Cognacs, Shooters and Liqueurs, including Authentic Greek Liqueurs; Wines, including (White, Red and Rose) by the glass; Beer, including Draught Beer and Non-Alcoholic beer; Hot Beverages, including a wide range of popular non-alcoholic coffees, hot chocolate and tea; Cool and Exotic Coffees, including Espresso Freddo, Cappuccino Freddo, Frappe Iced Coffee; Soft Drinks, including Sparkling, Mineral Water, Sodas, Ice Tea, Juices by the glass Information on Drinks The

Celestyal Drink Packages are for personal use only. Drink Packages are for personal consumption in any of the bars, lounges and restaurants in operation and are not to be used for group functions. Group coffee or cocktail events will be charged extra. Room Service and beverages from the Mini Bars are excluded from the Drink Packages and are charged as listed. Drink Packages are available during the opening hours of the bars and restaurants, until disembarkation time. When ordering beverages at the bars, please present your card. Guests may only order one beverage per card at a time. All beverages are served by glass. Alcoholic beverages shall only be served to guests over 18 years of age. Should you wish to offer a beverage to a fellow guest your bill will be charged at full price as listed on the bar menu. All-inclusive Drink Packages are not refundable. Abuse of the above terms and conditions will result in your card being withdrawn and the account being disabled. Refunds will not be given.

Tip: If you are allergic to something simply inform the tour director at the beginning of the trip. 

Tipping and Gratuities

On Land

Tips and gratuities are not included in the price. We suggest 30-50 USD per person tip for both the bus driver and the tour director. This can be offered in person at the end of the tour.

If you feel inclined to leave a tip for the housekeeping at the hotel, a few euro left in your room is more than sufficient.

Tipping is not required nor expected in restaurants, taxis or bars.

On Cruise

All tips are included on the cruise. If you feel inclined to leave a tip for the housekeeping at the hotel, a few euro left in your cabin is more than sufficient.

Dietary and Health Restrictions

There are no dietary restrictions. Vegetarian or vegan, gluten-free or celiac, we work only with restaurants and caterers who have ample options for you.

Regarding health, please review a clause from our Terms and Conditions.

ProRome Tours expects you to make a realistic assessment of your health. All Participants are expected to be in active good health, to enjoy traveling as part of a group, and to be ready to experience cultural differences with grace. Walking and climbing stairs are required in many hotels and airports, to board the aircraft, and as part of many excursions. Prior to traveling, we highly recommend visiting your personal physician for a check-up, so that you may discuss your ability to participate in this type of journey. For the latest recommendations on specific health precautions for the areas you will visit, consult your physician and the Centers for Disease Control. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment should be reported in writing when the reservation is made. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Participants with special needs; however, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs. If you require a slower pace, extra assistance, or the use of a cane or walking stick, arrangements will be made for private touring at each destination, if necessary, at the discretion of our Tour staff. Any extra cost for such arrangements will be the responsibility of the Participant. If you would like to forgo some of the scheduled sightseeing to rejuvenate and relax, please feel free to do so at any time.

Placing Calls in Greece and Turkey

If you are calling from an American phone number, you must dial the international “dial out” code first, which is “00”, or simply the “+” symbol. You must then dial the country code (USA is 1, Greece is 30, Turkey is 90), followed by the number. 

NB – Remember to CONTACT YOUR SERVICE provider a few days before the trip and activate international calling on your phone.

Luggage Service at Hotels

Porterage is included in the price, but only one piece of luggage per person. We do not suggest that you travel with more than one piece of luggage, but if you do, please have a few euro available to tip your porter.

Country-Specific Information

Quick Facts

    • Official Name: Hellenic Republic

    • Population: 10.4 Million

    • Capital: Athens

    • Language: Greek

    • Type of Government: Unitary Parliamentary Republic

    • Money: Euro

    • Time Zone: 7 hours ahead of EST

  • Most Popular Sport: Soccer (“Football”)

  • Industries: Tourism, Shipping, Import/Export (Cotton, Pistachios, Rice, Olives)

Basic Greek

  • Καλημέρα (kah-lee-MER-ah): Good morning

  • Καλησπέρα (kah-lee-SPER-ah): Good afternoon/evening

  • Καληνύχτα (kah-lee-NEEKH-tah): Good night

  • Γεια (yah): Hi or Bye

  • Αντιο σας (antio sas): Goodbye

  • Παρακαλώ (para-kah-LOE): Please/Your welcome

  • Ευχαριστώ (eff-kha-ri-STOE): Thank you

  • Συγνώμη (see-GHNO-mee): Excuse Me/Sorry

  • Ναί (neh)/όχι (OH-hee): Yes/No

  • Είμαι αμερικανός (eímai amerikanós)/ Είμαι Αμερικάνα (eímai amerikana): I am American (masc/fem)

  • Μιλάς αγγλικά (milás angliká)?: Do you speak English?

  • Δεν καταλαβαίνω (then kah-tah-lah-VEH-noh): I don’t understand

  • Πόσο κάνει (POH-soh KAH-nee)?: How much?

  • Που είναι (pou ine): Where is…?

  • Πού είναι η τουαλέτα (poh-EE-nay ee tua-LEH-tah)?: Where is the bathroom?

  • Τσάι (tsai): Tea

  • Καφές (kafe): Coffee

  • Γεια μας (yiá mas): Cheers!

  • Λογαριασμό παρακαλώ (logariasmó parakaló): Restaurant check/bill

  • Numbers 0-10: μηδέν (midén), ένα (éna), δύο (dío), τρία (tría), τέσσερα (tésera), πέντε (pénde), έξι (éxi), επτά (eptá), οκτώ (októ), εννέα (enéa)

  • The Week: Δευτέρα (theftera), Τρίτη (triti), Τετάρτη (tetarti), Πέμπτη (pemti), Παρασκευή (paraskevi), Σάββατο (sabato), Κυριακή (kiriaki)

  • Χαρούμενα γενέθλια (charoúmena genéthlia): Happy Birthday!

  • Ωπα (OH-pa): Oops!

Visas and Passports

Visas to Greece are not required for U.S. citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, please check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Greece. All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on you and do not leave it in your suitcase or hotel room. European law requires you to carry your passport with you at all times.

Currency – The Euro

The official currency of Greece is the Euro. 1 euro is roughly $1.17 (as of September 28, 2021). Credit cards are accepted in shops and restaurants. However, smaller shops will ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card. You should always carry some cash on you for small purchases such as postcards, gelato or a refreshing drink.

Budgeting and Shopping

The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person. Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages as provided by our experienced personnel.

  • The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is €3.

  • An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately €10.

  • Dinner at a mid-range restaurant starts at approximately €20.

Please note that soft drinks and mineral water are often as expensive, if not more expensive than wine or beer. Sales tax or VAT (value added tax) is included on price tags. To obtain VAT refunds (which may take up to three months to process), special forms usually have to be stamped by Customs; please ask for a tax-free shopping form with each purchase and follow the instructions for completion. Customs import charges on items shipped home are not included in purchase prices.

Electrical Outlets

Greece runs on 220V. Like the rest of Europe, the plugs are two round prongs (Type C or F). If you have a cell phone, you will need to bring an adapter for the plugs. Here is a link to one on Amazon for less than $10.00.

Crisis Management

The following scenarios are typical “crisis” situations that may occur while on tour Italy and how to best prevent and manage them. Please read. If you would like to read our full plan please download it here: https://prorometours.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ProRome-Crisis-Management-Plan-.pdf

You Get Lost

This is a common occurrence. First of all, stay put. Most folks who get really lost do so by running in the wrong direction! Your tour manager will find you if you stay put. If you have a cell phone, please call your tour manager, or any other group member you may be in contact with. If you cannot dial “+” on your phone, dial “00” followed by “1”, followed by the number. If after 30 minutes you are unable to reach your tour manager and cannot find the group, proceed to the nearest Taxi stand and have a cab take you back to the hotel. The hotel address can be found below. If you do not see a cab stand nearby, enter the nearest hotel and ask the concierge to call you a cab. Upon arrival at the hotel please call your tour manager and let him know that you have returned to the hotel. 

You Lose Your Phone, Wallet or Passport 

Nine times out of ten, this can be prevented. Theft is not uncommon in Rome, so remember to keep your valuables as protected as possible. Fanny packs under the shirt are ideal. If you use a purse or backpack, hold it in front especially in crowds. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on those around you as well. If you do lose your phone, wallet or passport, inform your tour manager immediately. We will then inform the local authorities and say a prayer to St. Anthony! The US embassy in Rome can turn around new passports within a few hours, but expect a hefty fee – 500 euro!

You Get Injured 

Again, nine times out of ten we can prevent personal injuries by following rules and guidelines that are put in place. That includes never standing while the bus is moving, only crossing the street at crosswalks, and wearing sturdy walking shoes and keeping your eyes on the road. If you do experience an injury, inform your tour manager immediately. If necessary, we will arrange emergency transportation to the nearest hospital for care.

Dehydration and Fatigue

It is crucially important to begin hydration at least three days prior to departure, and to increase your electrolyte intake as well. Touring in autumn can be deceiving, because while you may not feel thirsty in 60 degree weather, your body will nonetheless require lots of water. Always carry a water bottle with you. If you do experience dizziness, a fever or sudden fatigue, notify your tour manager immediately and sit still. If necessary, we will arrange emergency transportation to the nearest hospital for care.

Reading Suggestions

Coming soon.

Trip Patron

St. Paul – in whose footsteps we will walk and sail – is the greatest of all missionary saints and one of the greatest saints in the history of the Church.  Saint Paul walked more than 20,000 miles on four missionary journeys throughout the ancient world, preaching, writing and organizing the early Church along the way. Along with Saint Peter, Saint Paul was martyred in Rome during the persecution of the emperor Nero in or around the year 67 AD. As our trip patron, we will pray to St. Paul before and during the trip, asking this incredible man to protect us on our pilgrimage!

“The Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship, but to keep her on her course.