Walking in Paul’s Footsteps
Tour members meet for our flight from Chicago O’Hare to Istanbul. After dinner is served, it’s time to sit back, relax, and prepare for this exciting adventure of a lifetime. We arrive in Istanbul are met by our guide and transfer to the hotel. If time permits, we will have a boat tour along the Bosphorus, seeing both the European and Asian shores of Istanbul. Overnight is in Istanbul. Our tour of Istanbul begins with a visit to the Roman Hippodrome Square and Hagia Sophia Church, one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels. In the afternoon, we visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, containing important Biblical artifacts, and St. Irene Church, site of the 2nd Ecumenical Council (381 AD). Overnight is in Istanbul.
The Famed City of Ephesus
This morning we transfer to Istanbul Airport for our morning flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, we will view the Smyrna ruins at Izmir. Then we visit Sardis (Temple of Artemis) and Philadelphia. Overnight is in Pamukkale. Optional: time for swimming in the hot spring pool at the hotel. We begin today with a visit to Hierapolis to visit the Theater and Philip’s Tomb. Then we visit the newly excavated Laodicea, with its newly restored church and beautiful mosaics. Afterwards, we have a visit to the tel of Colossae. Overnight is in Kusadasi on the Aegean Sea shore. Today we begin with a visit to the famous ancient city of Ephesus, and its Amphitheater, Terrace Houses, the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus, and the Basilica of St. John. Overnight is in Izmir. This morning we visit the Pergamum Acropolis. Afterwards, we visit Alexandria Troas. Overnight is in Canakkale. This morning we take a car ferry to Gallipoli. Then we drive to the border to cross into Greece. Overnight is in Kavala. We begin today with a visit to Neapolis, where Paul landed in Europe, and walk the Egnatia Way Roman Road that he walked to Philippi. At Philippi, we will stop at the river where Paul met Lydia and see a prison cell in the extensive ruins. Then we visit Thessaloniki to see the Old City Ramparts, St. George’s Basilica, Galerius Arch, the Ancient Agora, and the Archeological Museum. Overnight is in Thessaloniki.
Exploring Ancient Athens
This morning we drive to Berea (Veria) to visit the Synagogue built on the site of the ancient synagogue where Paul likely spoke as well as the church dedicated to Paul’s visit. Then we drive back to Thessaloniki for our evening flight to Athens. Overnight is in Athens. Today we have a tour of Athens, including the Acropolis, Parthenon, Mars Hill where Paul engaged leading skeptics of Athens, and major spots in the Agora. Afternoon is free to explore. Overnight is in Athens. We begin today by driving to Corinth. We will visit the Canal and Diolkos on the way. Then we visit where Paul preached with Aquila and Priscilla; the Agora with the Bema Judgment seat where Paul’s trial by Gallio took place; Fountain of Pereine; Temple of Apollo; and the Acropolis. Afterwards, we stop by the port of Cenchrea on our return to Athens. Overnight is in Athens. We transfer in the morning to Athens Airport for our return flight back to the U.S.A. We arrive home the same day.
Optional Rome Extension
We transfer to Athens Airport for our flight to Rome. Upon arrival, we meet our tour escort and visit the Catacombs where we explore tunnels and see the carvings on the walls from early Christians. We also walk on the ancient stones of the Appian Way as Paul did on his way to Rome. We also visit the Trastevere area where Paul lived for two years. Overnight is in Rome. Our first stop is the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, known around the world for its magnificent ceiling, beautifully decorated by Michelangelo. Our next visit is to the Basilica of St. Peter, the largest church in the world. Then we will tour the great capital—viewing famous monuments, the Pantheon, and the Fontana di Trevi. Overnight is in Rome. Today, we visit St. Peter in Chains, the Colosseum, the Arch of Titus, the Forum, and Mamertine Prison where Paul was imprisoned. After lunch, we visit St. John Lateran and the “Sacred Steps,” Tres Fontane Church where Paul was martyred, and St. Paul’s Church Outside the Walls where tradition says the Apostle Paul is buried. Overnight is in Rome. We transfer in the morning to Rome Airport for our return flight back to the U.S.A. and arrive the same day.