Steps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey [15days]

Replenishing with breakfast at the hotel, begin to the full day tour wandering in and around the gems of historical Istanbul.

Start the day with a visit to Hagia Sophia, a marvel of world architecture. Continue the experience with Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque with its six minarets and perfect dome, which is inspired from Saint Sophia. Next, visit the Hippodrome which once stood as one of the purest examples of Constantinople’s classical Byzantine origins. Today, it is the home of the famous Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column. In the afternoon, continue with Serefiye Cistern, which was built during the reign of Theodosius II (408 – 450) one of the oldest water structures in the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul. To complete the day, stroll within the Grand Bazaar, which was one of the earliest and most significant projects undertaken by Sultan Mehmet II following his conquest, with 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops which attract between 250,000 – 400,000 visitors daily. Return to the hotel and overnight.

After breakfast, departure to ancient Nicaea (Iznik), a city with a prestigious past that preserves many Byzantine and Ottoman monuments. Capital of Bithynia until the founding of Nicomedia (Izmit), Nicaea is famous for holding the Ecumenical Council where Arianism was condemned. Visit of the church of Santa Sofia. Continuation to Bursa, capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit of the Great Mosque, the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum. Overnight at hotel in Bursa.

Breakfast and departure to Sardis the capital city of the ancient Kingdom of Lydia (Rev. 3:1-6). Drive to Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13) the seat of a Christian bishopric during Byzantine times, also referred to as the New Jerusalem. Our guide will delve into the importance of these cities for Christianity by visiting the remains of the church of San Juan. Continue to Pamukkale. Upon arrival, visit of the ruins of the ancient city Hierapolis, its name means “Sacred City” due to the cult of its ancient inhabitants to the “Great Mother” (Mary). The necropolis is very large, with hundreds of stone tombs. At about 500 meters we will find the Acropolis, totally destroyed by seismic movements. Its theater, rebuilt by the Italians, is excellent. Overnight.

You head to Laodicea Ad Lycum on the south bank of the Lycus River, one of the Seven Churches addressed by St. John in the Book of Revelation (Rev.3:14-22).  Drive to Kusadasi. Dinner at the hotel and overnight.

After breakfast, you will visit Ephesus one of the Seven Churches in Revelation (Rev. 1:11). The highlights are: the Double Church where in 431 the Third Ecumenical Council was held, the Library of Celcius, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Theatre and the Temple of Artemis. Continue to the House of Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John “The Evangelist”.  Transfer to Izmir and overnight stay.

Breakfast and drive to Thyatira one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 1:11;2:18-29). Continue to and Pergamum with Acropolis of the Hellenistic city. We drive to Canakkale. Overnight.

After breakfast we start our trip from Çanakkale to Alexandroupolis drive through charming villages and scenic countryside. Arrive in Alexandroupolis, a vibrant Greek coastal city known for its iconic lighthouse, fresh seafood, and warm hospitality. Overnight stay.

After breakfast we depart for Philippi, the town where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity, as early as 49 AD. ″And from there (He went) to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman Colony. We remained in this city some days…″ (Acts 16:11-12). Paul preached to the Jewish congregation outside the city walls. Among those who converted to Christianity, were Lydia and her family. In Philippi, we will visit the archaeological site (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE) to see the ancient theater, the forum, the remains of early Christian churches and the Prison of St. Paul.  Next, we’ll drive to the nearby Baptismal site of Lydia to make our pilgrimage. We will continue towards the city of Kavala, the ancient city of Neapolis (Acts 16:11) where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. It was later renamed Christoupolis, meaning city of Christ, because it was the first European city to accept Christianity.  Before we depart, we’ll see the monument which commemorates Paul’s landing to Neapolis, as well as the Aqueduct of the Roman times.  Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Tour of Thessaloniki, divided into a lower part, modern, with a regular and orderly layout, and an upper part, surrounded by walls, with narrow streets of oriental character. Visit to the Byzantine churches of St. Demetrius and St. Sophia, enriched by valuable monasteries, which testify to the prestigious activities of Thessaloniki during the centuries of the Eastern Roman Empire. We continue with a panoramic visit of the lower part, with the symbolic and refined rotunda of St. George, the Galerius Gate and the excavation area of the Roman Forum. Possible free time for other attractions such as Platia Dikastirion, passing by Leoforos Aristotelus, the promenade with the imposing white tower. Overnight in a hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Veria, a city full of churches, if they total about 50. Some of the central streets retain almost intact their ancient Ottoman atmosphere, the churches were once used as barns and warehouses, among the most important Maegalou Alexandrhrou and Hristos with restored frescoes.Continuation to Vergina site visit, where the excavations carried out have revolutionized Macedonian archeology, bringing to light the burial chambers belonging to Philip II and other members of his royal family. You can admire the ruins of the Palace of Palatitsia, this complex was built during the 3rd century BC, as the summer residence of the Macedonian King Antogone Gonatus. Continue to Kalambaka, dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we’ll start our journey to Delphi. Arrive in Delphi and visit the archaeological site of Delphi (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE). Delphi is located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. According to the Greek mythology, it was Zeus who determined the Delphi was the ″Omphalus″ (the center) of ″Mother Earth″ (Gaia). The Delphic Oracle of Gaia was already important from as early as 1400 BC. From about 800 BC, it was rededicated to god Apollo, who provided answers to his pilgrim’s questions via his priestess, Pythia. Excavation at Delphi, have uncovered a plethora of artifacts. During our visit to the archaeological site we’ll see the remains of the Apollonian Sanctuary: treasure houses, impressive retaining walls, the Temple of Apollo, the Altar, the Theater and more. In the nearby Museum we’ll admire artifacts found during the excavations: worship idols, exceptional statues, votive offerings, and more. The pride of this museum is the ″Bronze Charioteer″, a masterpiece of the Classical era. Lunch in the nearby area. Departure for Athens. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

After breakfast we will explore the city of Athens, one of the most glorious cities in the world and the cradle of western civilization as we know it today. During our panoramic bus tour we’ll pass by the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Greek Parliament, Syntagma Square, the Academy, the University and the National Library. After we reach the foot hills of the Acropolis, we’ll continue on foot to visit the Areopagus
(Mars’ Hill), where Paul preached to the Athenians (Acts 17:16-34). Next we’ll accent the Sacred Acropolis (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE), which is crowned by Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Parthenon (Temple of Goddess Athena), The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. We’ll continue with a visit to the new Acropolis museum, one of the top five museums in the world. This stunning museum was built to house the findings and sculptures of the Acropolis. After the tour there will be free time in Plaka (old Athens). Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast we will depart with our coach to ancient Corinth (Acts 18.1-18). The journey is scenic and it passes by important historical sites, like Salamis, Eleusis, Megara and the Corinth Canal (coffee and photo stop). Ancient Corinth was a thriving town, with two busy ports: Lechaion and Cenchreae. It was destroyed by the Roman Legions in 146 BC and revived by Julius Caesar in 44 BC. Apostle Paul arrived in Corinth at 50 AD and stayed the longest, working as a tent maker for Priscilla and Aquila, leaving his strong legacy in the area. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians is a universal praise to love. We’ll visit the local museum and the impressive archaeological site: the Forum, the Temple of Apollo, the Odeon of the Roman times, the Bema where Paul was brought before Gallio to be judged for disturbing the peace. Before ending the tour and return to Athens, we will pass by the ancient Greek port of Cenchreae (Acts 18:18) from where Paul departed towards Ephessus. Return to Athens and overnight.

According to the schedule of your return flight you will be taken to the airport of Athens.