Itinerary – Footsteps of St. Paul: Turkey & Greece
13 Day Footsteps of St. Paul: Turkey & Greece
Experience a journey through southern Europe as St. Paul did, following his footsteps as you explore the sacred sites where he lived, preached, and wrote. Bring his story to life as you visit the land’s living museums to his devotion, and gain invaluable firsthand knowledge as you make a pilgrimage the way that so many Christians have since the beginnings of the faith.
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul – Arrival
Greeted upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Istanbul – Smyrna (Izmir)
Full-day city tour of Istanbul, including visits to Topkapi Palace where you can view the holy bones of the arm of John the Baptist, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 little shops. Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Smyrna (Izmir).
Day 3: Sardis – Thyatira
In Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6), we will visit the 3rd century A.D. Synagogue, Gymnasium and Temple of Artemis. Continue to Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) to see the remains of one of the Seven Churches.
Day 4: Smyrna – Ephesus – Pamukkale
After a panoramic tour of Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11), we continue to Ephesus and visit its Library and the stadium where Apostle Paul preached (Acts 19) and wrote his famous epistle to the Ephesians. Proceed to the Blessed Virgin Mary’s House.
Day 5: Laodicea – Philadelphia – Smyrna
We continue visiting the Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation with Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) and Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13).
Day 6: Pergamum – Istanbul
Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) is one of the seven churches. Visit includes the Altar of Zeus, the Temple of Dionysus, and the Library. Return to Izmir airport for a short flight to Istanbul.
Day 7: Istanbul – Thessaloniki
Transfer to Istanbul airport for the flight to Thessaloniki. Greeted upon arrival in Thessaloniki and begin your Biblical sightseeing tour with Kavala, the ancient port, the citadel, Panagia quarter, and the medieval fortress. Continue to Philippi, described in Acts 16, 11-12, the city where Paul announced the good news. After his visit, the Christianity witnessed a quick rise and a basilica was built in the 4th century.
Day 8: Thessaloniki – Veria – Kalambaka
Visit Thessaloniki, the city carrying Roman, Byzantine, Turkish and Greek cultures. We visit the St. George Rotunda, Church of Saint Demetrios and celebrate mass at St. Mary. Continue to Veria where Paul had a very warm welcome, but had to cut his visit short because the Jews of Thessaloniki caused trouble.
Day 9: Kalambaka – Delphi
Visit Meteora, a UNESCO heritage site with the incredible rock monasteries. Six of twenty four monasteries are still active. We will visit the monastery of the Transfiguration of Jesus and the monastery of St. Varlaam.
Day 10: Delphi – Loutraki
Visit Delphi, an important religious center of Greek antiquity. We will discover Apollo’s temple of Oracle, the theater of 5000 spectator capacity, the Marmaria sanctuary which comprised several buildings. One of them was dedicated to Athena. Continue towards Ancient Corinth. Stop at the Hosios Loukas Monastery which shelters the body of St. Luke.
Day 11: Loutraki – Ancient Corinth – Athens
We will discover the archeologic site of Corinth and remind ourselves of the two epistles Paul wrote to the Corinthians. After the outdoor religious service, visit the temple, the agora, and the commercial center.
Day 12: Athens
Visit Athens with the Acropolis and sanctuaries of the Parthenon, Athena, and Erechteion. Brief stop at Areopagus hill where St. Paul pronounced his sermon (Acts 17:16-3). The afternoon is free at leisure to enjoy Athens and Old Plaka.
Day 13: Athens – Return
Transfer to airport to return home or you can extend your journey in either Israel or Italy.