Embarking on a journey through Greece to trace the footsteps of St. Paul isn't just a pilgrimage—it's a deep dive into the islands' rich history, vibrant culture, and spiritual insights. As our pilgrims prepared to sail aboard a luxurious cruise ship navigating Greece's storied waters, they packed their bags with essentials for an unforgettable voyage through time. Here’s a peek at 10 must-haves for an enriching Grecian getaway:
1. A Travel Journal
Religious pilgrimages serve as enlightening journeys and opportunities for spiritual growth. A journal often becomes a sacred space, perfect for capturing reflections, insights, and personal experiences at every step of the journey.
2. Comfortable Walking Shoes
Sturdy sandals or sneakers were a must-have on this trip! From walks along the beaches of Mykonos and shopping in Santorini to hikes from St. Lydia’s baptismal site to the archaeological site of Philippi, our travelers covered anywhere from 3-10 miles a day.
3. Modest Clothing
Visits to religious sites like the Catholic Cathedral in Athens, monasteries in Volos, and guided tours of Corinth landmarks called for modest attire, respecting the cultural and religious significance of these locations.
4. Swimwear
Amid daily excursions, our guests also enjoyed downtime relaxing poolside or the ship’s other amenities.
5. Smartphones and Cameras
Greece is home to hundreds of historical landmarks and sacred sites, with photo ops around every turn. Several of our guests brought their cameras, and we’ve included images of their travels in our galleries!
6. Language Apps
While tour guides and translators were always accessible during this trip, our guests used apps like Waygo, SayHi, and Google Translate to bridge any communication gaps they encountered on their journey.
7. Travel Adapters
While not usually necessary aboard cruise ships, our guests packed Type C and Type F socket adapters for emergencies, ensuring their devices remained charged during excursions.
8. Sun Protection
September is a gorgeous time to visit Greece, with daily temperatures varying from 68-86 degrees during
the day and clear skies to match. We always recommend bringing sun protection for a safe and comfortable getaway.
9. A Comfortable Backpack
Many of our Greek excursions had our travelers off the boat and away from their belongings for most of the day. A comfortable backpack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and souvenirs was a must for travelers!
10. A Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key while exploring the historic sites and scenic landscapes of Greece. A durable, reusable water bottle was essential for keeping refreshed throughout the day and reducing single-use plastic waste.
From spiritual reflection to cultural immersion, each item packed by our travelers played a crucial role in their unforgettable journey through Greece in the footsteps of St. Paul.