The Footsteps of Paul

Day 02 – Istanbul
Upon our mid-afternoon arrival at the Istanbul Airport, we’ll meet our Turkish guide and driver and receive a brief orientation tour of this fascinating city on the way to our hotel.  Formerly Constantinople, this was the center of the Christian world during Europe’s “Dark Ages” and the seat of the Byzantine Empire.  Evening dinner will be is at our hotel.
Included Meals: In-flight Meals, Dinner

Day 03 – Kayseri
We’ll rise early for a sightseeing tour of Istanbul.  In the afternoon, we’ll fly to Kayseri (called Eusebia/Mazaka and then Caesarea in Paul’s day) and the region of Cappadocia.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 04 – Konya (Iconium)
Our full day begins with a tour of Cappadocia and the natural rock citadel of Uchisar with its panoramic view of the region.  We’ll continue on to the Goreme Valley, which will be the highlight of the day.  We’ll visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum and its churches hewn out of rock and marvel at the colorful frescoes which decorate them.  The next stop is the underground city of either Kaymakli or Derinkuyu.  These were carved out of the soft stone by refugees who had fled from persecution during the early Christian Era and established a thriving Christian community.  In the late afternoon, we will drive to Konya (Iconium in Paul’s day).  Paul visited this city on each of his three missionary journeys.  A late dinner will be back at the hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 05 – Pamukkale
We’ll have some time in the morning to explore Konya, whose heyday was during the 12th century when it was the capital of the Seljuk kingdom.  During that period the “Whirling Dervish” sect was founded.  Its leader was Mevlana, a mystic poet and Islamic spiritual leader who developed a philosophy of spiritual union and universal love.  We’ll visit the Mevlana Museum which contains his tomb.  We’ll then drive to Pamukkale, where we’ll see the “Cotton Castle,” distinctive terraces formed by hot spring water depositing calcium carbonate (travertine) as it flowed into the valley.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 06 – Izmire (Smyrna)
Explore the ruins of ancient Hierapolis before we drive to Izmir (ancient Smyrna), to whose church John wrote: “I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich…Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Rev. 2:9a & 10b).  En route, we’ll stop in Ephesus, the city where Paul centered his evangelistic efforts for three years.  John also addressed the church here, giving both affirmation and admonition: “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name…Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.” Rev. 2:3-4.  Our visit will include the Basilica of St. John, the ruins of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World).  It is here that Marc Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession; Paul preached in the Great Theater; and, in a little house outside the city, the Virgin Mary spent her last days.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 07 – Canakkale
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Canakkale, renowned for its ceramic industry.  Located at the narrowest point of the Dardanelles Straits, Canakkale has been a historic crossing point between Asia and Europe.  En route, we’ll make several stops.  In Pergamon (located on a hilltop above the present-day Bergama), we’ll visit the great acropolis and the ruins of this once-prosperous city, settled by Greeks in the 8th century B.C.  Another of the seven cities John addressed in Revelation, it also received praise and rebuke: “I know where you live—where Satan has his throne.  Yet you remain true to my name… Nevertheless, I have a few things against you:  You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam.” 2:13a &14a.  We’ll continue on to Alexandria Troas, visited twice by Paul on his second journey.  It is here that Paul received–and acted upon–God’s call to extend his ministry into Greece.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 08 – Alexandroupoli, Greece
Our first visit of the day will be to Troy, the city of the legendary Helen of Troy and the Trojan Horse, a city that has been destroyed and rebuilt nine times.  After sightseeing in Troy, we’ll transfer to the Greek border.  Here we’ll meet our Greek guide and then continue on to Alexandroupoli, a beautiful resort town on the Aegean Sea.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 09 – Thessaloniki
The ancient theatre at Philippi will be our morning stop, then we’ll continue on to Kavala (ancient Neapolis), where Paul landed in Europe.  Here we’ll visit Lydia’s Baptistry, where the first woman was baptized on European soil.  Our final destination of the day will be Thessaloniki, the Roman provincial capital during Paul’s time.  Today it is a major cultural and religious center as well as a bustling port city.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 – Meteora
Our exploration of Thessaloniki will begin with a drive along the waterfront to the massive White Tower and nearby Triumphal Arch of Gallerius, built in 303 A.D.  We’ll also see St. Demetrios Church with its valuable mosaics and frescoes.  Then we’ll drive up to the upper town for a breathtaking view of the city.  The site where the Monastery of Vlatadon was built is believed to be the location where Jason’s house once stood and where Paul was accommodated during his visit to Thessalonica.  We’ll also visit Paul’s Bema, the monument dedicated to Paul by the people of Veria.  Our final segment of the day will take us to Meteora.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 – Athens
The morning will be spent visiting the Monasteries, perched on spectacular gray rock formations of varied shapes.  This center for religious life began as a retreat, when a hermit inhabited a cave in 985 A.D.  A small church followed and then a huge monastery in 1382.  Over the centuries, 23 monasteries were built on these rocks.  Six are still accessible, but be ready for some steep stair steps.  After our visit here, we’ll drive to Athens, one of the most glorious cities in the world, and the cradle of western civilization as we know it today.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 – Athens
A sightseeing tour of Athens is on the day’s agenda.  For 25 centuries, the panorama of this city has been dominated by the rock of the Acropolis.  Our tour will begin with the ruins of the Parthenon, the Erectheum, and the Propylae.  Following our visit there, we’ll ascend Mars Hill where Paul spoke to the ancient Athenians about the one true God (Acts 17:22-34).  From here, we’ll have an excellent view of the ancient agora, the former center of Athenian public life.  On a drive through the city we’ll see the House of Parliament on Syntagma Square, the evzones in their distinctive uniforms guarding the Presidential Palace, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  We’ll also see the Library, the University, the Temple of the Olympian Zeus, and Adrian’s Arch.  We will be able to compare the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympics of the moderm era were held, with the site of the most recent Olympics.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  

Day 13 – Athens
Today, we’ll travel to nearby Corinth. This Roman city was both a center for trade and for loose living.  For Paul, it was the site of an extensive ministry to a fledgling and beloved Christian community.  We’ll return to Athens for free time and a farewell dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 – Return Home
Our journey with Paul will come to an end as we transfer to the Athens Airport and board our homebound flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, In-flight Meals