Greece first entered many of our minds through Homer’s Odyssey. The adventure of Odysseus, as he desperately tried to return to his beloved Ithaca, has evoked myth and adventure in the hearts of people for thousands of years. Imagine embarking on an odyssey of your own.
As we make pilgrimage to Greece, we embark on a monumental journey to the cradle of western civilization. Imagine walking along the streets of Athens on your way to the Acropolis. This is the rhetorical stomping grounds of Plato and Aristotle, the fathers of philosophy. On our Grecian mission we may visit cities, such as Corinth or Berea, which the Apostle Paul wrote about in the New Testament. To explore Greek culture is not only a journey into the mysteries of the Orthodox Church, or ancient ruins, but a taste extravaganza with the best food in the world.
Overview
- Visit churches that have been faithful places of prayer for almost 2000 years.
- Follow in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and walk in the very places where he wrote much of the New Testament.
- Explore the practices of Greek Orthodoxy and discover the roots of modern Christianity.
- Wander the Plaka, an ancient marketplace thousands of years old.
- Travel to ancient Corinth and discover a multitude of archaeological finds.
Itinerary
Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.
- Day 1 – Greece is the Word
Your team has started an adventure of biblical proportions. The deep wells of world history, stunning natural beauty, and scriptural connections in Greece are all elements of a perfect pilgrimage. After your long journey, ease into your adventure and learn a bit about the country you will call home for the next several days and enjoy some of the best food you’ve ever tasted. - Day 2- The Unknown God
For twenty-five centuries the panorama of Athens has been dominated by the Acropolis. We have two important sites to see here, the Parthenon, which was the temple atop the mount, and the Areopagus, where Paul spoke to the ancient Athenians about the one and only God. ‘When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, to the god nobody knows. I’m here to introduce you to this God.’” Acts 17:23. You will learn about the religious traditions of Greece, from the gods of old to the Orthodox traditions of today and walk amongst the stones of old. - Day 3- Corinth
We head to ancient Corinth, where St. Paul spent a year and a half preaching and teaching. The vigorous and mostly Gentile Church he founded here in 50 AD caused him much grief and prompted him to write several letters to them. “But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 - Day 4- Westward
For the next couple of days, you will depart the hustle and bustle of Athens for a quieter time of exploration in the west of Greece. We’ll head to the north coast road of the Peloponnese. You will travel back to the time of Agamemnon to the incredible site of ancient Mycenae. This is a day filled with natural beauty including an interesting rack-and-pinion train ride through the dramatic Vouraikis Gorge. - Day 5 – The Navel of the World
On our way around the Gulf of Corinth, we come the navel of the ancient world, whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. Delphi, the home of the oracle of Apollo, was considered the religious center of the ancient Greek world. This is a place where myths come to life. - Day 6 – A Pilgrim’s Walk
One of our favorite things to do on pilgrimage is to put on our hiking boots and spend a day with the earth under our feet. We walk in the Parnassos National Park surrounded by flower-covered hills and thrilling peaks. If time allows, we may have the opportunity to see a Byzantine Castle. - Day 7- Monastic Life
On our way back to Athens we visit the magnificent Monastery of Hosios Loukas (St. Luke). You will see some of Greece’s finest Byzantine frescoes and learn about the Greek Orthodox faith. After our visit, we continue to Athens, one of the most glorious cities in the ancient world and the cradle of western civilization. - Day 8- Island Time
To understand Greece one must partake of her island goodness. You will head out to sea for the island of Aegina, once the leading maritime power in the Saronic Gulf. Our day will be a mixture of exploration, sacred encounter and a chance to soak in the sun on some gorgeous beaches. Tonight we celebrate with good food and the passing of the candle. - Day 9- Greek Life
You have had an incredible week exploring Greece. The food has been rich, the spiritual experience deep, the exploration intriguing and the friendships enriching. Our prayer at Wonder Voyage is that as you leave this pilgrimage you remember that as long as your heart is set on the Lord, every day is a pilgrimage, every step a movement toward wonder.
Legacy Location
Legacy in Greece
- *This is the base cost of the trip. Your cost may differ depending on housing, activities, etc.
