Planning information
for Greece and Turkey
A pilgrimage to Greece and/or Turkey offers the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and trace the development of the church in the first century. Visits to ancient ruins in places like Athens, Corinth, Thessaloniki, and Ephesus help set the early church story in its historical and cultural context. Pilgrims can also enjoy the stunning scenery and diverse cultures of these two countries and explore modern challenges like interfaith relationships and the arrival of refugees in Europe.
When should we go to Greece and Turkey?
- July and August is peak European vacation season, so expect crowds, especially at coastal locations. However, these months are hottest in Greece and less popular with group travelers.
- May, June, September, and October offer temperate weather. Crowds are smaller, but these are still popular months for group travel.
- March, April, and November are shoulder seasons, when weather is cooler and rain more likely. However, crowds will be significantly lower. Travelers should be mindful of the dates for Orthodox Holy Week and Easter in the spring, usually one week after Roman Catholic/Protestant Easter.
- January, February, and December are off-season when the weather is cool but crowds are minimal. Cruises may not be available in these months.
What should we do in Greece and Turkey?
The top pilgrimage sites in Greece include Athens with its Acropolis, Roman Forum, Mars Hill, and more; Corinth, Thessoloniki, and Kavala (Phillipi) also have ruins dating to the first century ministry of Paul. In between, many pilgrims stop at the monasteries perched atop the mountains of Meteora and at the ruins of ancient Delphi. In addition to ancient sites, pilgrims can experience Greek cultural traditions including food, music, and dance; experience Orthodox Christian faith traditions; and learn about modern Athens and refugees arriving in Europe through Greece. Most pilgrims choose to spend the majority of their time in Greece where we recommend at least 9 days to see the key early-church and cultural sites. With additional time, you can add a 3-4 night mini-cruise including the Greek islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete plus Ephesus and Patmos on the west coast of Turkey.
As a majority-Muslim country straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey’s culture differs greatly from Greece. Istanbul offers a wonderful taste of Turkish culture in what was once the heart of early Christendom. Beyond Istanbul, most Christian pilgrimage sites are located in western Turkey where pilgrims can visit the ruins of the seven churches of Revelation and sites related to the ministry of the Apostle Paul including the impressive ruins at Ephesus. A stand-alone trip to Turkey needs a minimum of 8 days. To combine Turkey and Greece we recommend at least 14 days.
How much does it cost to go to Greece and Turkey?
While budget and luxury accommodations are available, most groups choose to stay in mid-range hotels or retreat centers. Our pricing is based accordingly. For a group of 12-19, expect a land cost of $375 per person per day, or about $3750, plus airfare, for a 10-day trip. For a group of 20-29, land costs go down to about $350 per person per day, or $3500 for a 10-day trip. These are averages, and the final price is determined by the activities on your itinerary. Our prices are always transparent and inclusive of most meals and gratuities. There will be no hidden costs for your travelers.
It is difficult to estimate airfare since it can vary widely depending on your airport and departure date. Group airfare rates are generally not lower than what is available to individual travelers; however, group airfare allows a much higher level of flexibility. We can help you estimate your airfare during the planning process. Actual airfare prices cannot be quoted more than 11 months before your departure date.