Greece has often been called the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western Civilization. It is home to some of the world's most ancient and fascinating historical sites, such as the Acropolis in Athens and the ruins of the ancient city of Delphi. The country is also steeped in culture, with a vibrant music scene, delicious food, and lively festivals. This 11-day itinerary offers an introduction to the highlights of ancient Greece in Athens, Corinth, and Delphi. Pilgrims will also have the opportunity to experience contemporary Greece through food, music, and look at how Greece is responding to the many refugees landing on its shores. Finally, enjoy time in the scenic Meteora region, with its Byzantine monasteries, to connect with nature and your own soul. Throughout the retreat, participants will be led by Rev. Heather Prince Doss (Furman c/o 2003) and invited to reflect on patterns of change and growth in their own lives and how their vocational identity is shaped by faith, culture, relationships, and even current events. 

This itinerary offers a glance at what you can expect in your 11-day pilgrimage. Schedule may be adjusted for efficiency and guide availability. 

Progressive Pilgrimage offers travel insurance through Allianz's "Group Advantage Plan." Click here to download a brochure. Please note that insurance pricing is based on the most common rate; insurance may be higher for residents of NY, TX, WA, and some other states. If you select insurance and the price is higher than indicated here, Progressive Pilgrimage will contact you before issuing the policy.    

Participants depart from the United States on an overnight flight to Athens. (Airfare is not included.) Ideally, participants should book a flight arriving in Athens by 4:00pm on Friday, June 7. Later arrivals can be accommodated but will miss the opening gathering at 6:00pm.

Participants will arrive in Athens and transfer by taxi or public transit to The Stanley Hotel in the heart of the city. The pilgrimage begins with a group welcome gathering at 6:00pm in the hotel led by Rev. Heather Prince Doss (c/o '03), your spiritual guide for the pilgrimage. Dinner (included) follows this gathering. Overnight at The Stanley Hotel, Athens.

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world spanning a history of 3,400 years. Walk in the Acropolis with the architectural wonders of the Golden Age of Pericles; the Propylaia, the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Visit the Areopagus where trials were heard before the Council of Elders and where St. Paul delivered his speech to the Athenians. We visit the ancient Agora where Athenians gathered not only for commercial purposes but also for political and religious ones. Finally, take in the New Acropolis museum, which houses the findings of the Acropolis of Athens. Dinner tonight is on your own. Overnight at The Stanley Hotel, Athens. 

Greece is full of ancient history, but it is also a modern state situated on the front-lines for refugees entering Europe from Afghanistan, Syria, and beyond. Today, take in modern Athens with a political walking tour that wrestles with modern Greek politics and the arrival of refugees. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in the historic neighborhood of Palaka, with its many pedestrian lanes, shops, and cafes. Reconvene in the evening for a celebratory dinner filled with Greek traditions of food, wine, live music and dance. Overnight at The Stanley Hotel, Athens. 

Get a taste of the Greek Isles with a relaxing day on the sea as we will enjoy a one day cruise to the islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina. The three islands are in short proximity to the mainland. You will have plenty of time for long leisurely strolls, shopping or even swimming in the quaint waterfront towns that preserve their historic proud past. In the evening, return to Athens for dinner (on your own) and overnight at The Stanley Hotel, Athens. 

Continue exploring the wonders of ancient Greece and connect with the spread of Christianity in the first century CE with a visit to ancient Corinth and the Corinthian canal. Corinth was one of the most important trading cities of ancient Greece dating back to the 6th century BC. Visiting the archaeological site we will come across the Temple of Apollo, the agora and the Peirene fountain.Then head off the beaten-path deeper into the Peloponesian peninsula for a look at Grecian viticulture around Nemea, home to one of Greece’s oldest and most important red grape varieties, the Agiorgitiko. Visit a local winery, where one can enjoy a taste of their culinary specialties and of course their wonderful wines. Return to Athens for dinner (on your own) and overnight at The Stanley Hotel, Athens. 

In antiquity Delphi was known as the center or the navel of the earth for it was believed that when Zeus released two eagles from opposite sides of the world they would meet in Delphi. It reached the height of its power in the 4th century as the sanctuary to the god Apollo. Pilgrims would gather here to seek advice from the great oracle on various matters including waging wars. We explore the sanctuary by walking up the Sacred Way to see the Treasuries, the Theater and the Temple of Apollo. After visiting Delphi, continue north for dinner (included) and overnight at  

Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.

The area around Kalambaka was designated as the Meteora by the Byzantine monks who built over 24 monasteries suspended on natural rock columns. Six active monasteries remain in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the landscape is stunning in and of itself. The monasteries contain beautiful Byzantine art and offer an insight into the mystic world of the monks residing there. Today participants can choose between a full-day of hiking or a bus tour to visit the active monasteries. Dinner (included) and overnight at Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka. 

Today provides an opportunity to see more of the beautiful Meteora region and take some time for rest and personal reflection. Optional activities include visiting the local market, hiking around the Meteora, or a visit to a local hagiographer to learn more about writing icons in the Greek Orthodox tradition. We will share more information about optional activities as the trip approaches. Dinner (included) and overnight at Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka. 

Returning to Athens from Kalambaka, we’ll stop en route in the ancient center of Thermopylae for lunch (included) and to learn the historical and mythological significance of this place. In the early evening we arrive at our airport hotel for dinner (included), closing reflections, and overnight at Sofitel Athens Airport, making for an easy departure on Sunday.

Your hotel is located on the airport property, so participants can make their way home according to their flight schedules. Those wishing to extend their stay in Greece might consider a 4-night Greek Islands cruise departing on Monday morning. Contact Progressive Pilgrimage after you register if you are interested in learning more about extending your trip.