Autumn 2009 Pilgrimage to Greece: In the Footsteps of Saint Paul"

What travel agency is being used? All travel arrangements are being made through Ms. Cally Pappas of Cloud Tours who also organized the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 pilgrimages. She also regularly handles travel arrangements for other Archdiocese-related tours and travel.

Cloud Tours works with Horizon Travel in Greece. Ms. Natalie Petroulakis in Athens will be available to us 24 hours a day by cell phone.

How do I get in touch with Cloud Tours? You can call the New York office at 800-223-7880. The best way to contact Ms. Cally Pappas is via e-mail at cloudtours@aol.com.

More information about applying for a US passport is available from the US State Department and from the US Postal Service.

Do I need to know how to speak Greek? Not at all; Greece is a very tourist-friendly country. The main cities in Greece also have with excellent bilingual signs (in Greek and English) and very hospitable and helpful people. Our group will have an English-speaking guide and all tours will be conducted in English.

Who will be our guide? In Greece we will be using the same guide as last three years, Ms. Mariana Christoforou. She is a very devout and faithful Orthodox Christian with an encyclopedic knowledge of history, culture, and religion.

What if I have never been to Greece before? This is a perfect opportunity to be introduced to a broad cross-section of Greece, from Thessaloniki in the north to Athens in the south. You will be with tour members throughout, and there will always be someone to help you.

Will I have free time to explore on my own? Tuesday and Thursday of the second week are "free days" in Athens, without any scheduled activities, and we may also have some free time in Thessaloniki and Kalambaka during the evenings.

Our hotel in Athens is within walking distance of the Acropolis as well as the Plaka and Monastiraki which are in the heart of ancient Athens. You will want to go shopping, and you may also wish to visit the museums and other sites of Athens. If you have relatives or friends in Greece, you may wish to spend time with them.

Are there any physical limitations? Most of the sites we visit will require a lot of walking. Greece does not have the same level of handicap-accessible facilities that we are accustomed to in the US. In addition, the archaeological sites in Philippi, Thessaloniki, Athens, and Corinth are on uneven and rocky ground.

Nonetheless, we have had pilgrims in their 80s who participated fully in our past trips with no serious limitations ... even climbing the several hundred steps up to the Great Meteoron Monastery!

Are non-Orthodox welcome? Although this Pilgrimage is designed for Orthodox Christians, we have had a couple of non-Orthodox pilgrims as well as catechumens with us previously. Non-Orthodox participants should note that we will be attending Orthodox Church services, entering Orthodox churches to light our candles, venerate holy relics, and observe the Orthodox fasting discipline on Wednesdays and Fridays. At the Sunday Divine Liturgy only Orthodox Christians will be able to participate in receiving Holy Communion in accordance with the Kanons of the Church.

What if I want to extend my stay in Greece? Departure extensions are available for those desiring to stay and visit family, or who wish to further explore Greece on their own. You may contact Cloud Tours (800-223-7880) where Cally and her staff will be glad to help you make any desired travel arrangements, or for suggestions about other tour and cruise packages.

Can I view photos from the past years? Yes; a selection of photos from the past three Pilgrimages (2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008) is available on the photo page.

What is the cost? The cost will vary, depending on whether you choose single or double occupancy, and also if you wish to purchase travel insurance. You can review cost options by downloading the Reservation Form. While not required, Travel Insurance is recommended, and Ms. Cally Pappas at Cloud Tours can help you with this.

What is the itinerary? You may review the itinerary on the main pilgrimage page. You can also download this information as the .pdf document, " Informational Flyer."