12 Day Tour of Apostle Paul Greece & 7 Churches of Revelation Tour in Turkey

Day 1 : Arrival to Istanbul

• Welcome to Turkey. Arrive in Istanbul Airport, Our representative will meet you at the airport with your name sign and private transfer to the hotel for overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 2 : Full Day Istanbul Tour – Izmir 

• 09.00 a.m. After breakfast, pick up from hotel and Our journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul – its three names span more than 2600 years, nearly 1600 of them as the capital of two of the greatest empires the world has known, Byzantine and Ottoman. We visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Visit Grand Bazaar and then transfer to port for  transfer to airport for flight to Izmir. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Izmir.
• Please note that Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Spice Market will be visited.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Underground cistern will be visited

Day 3 : Pergamum – Thyatira – Izmir 

• At 08:30 your guide will meet with you at your hotel lobby and will drive to Pergamum, actually called Bergama. It is one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:12]. Here we explore the impressive Acropolis, the steepest theatre in the world, the Asklepion, famous medical Centre of classical times, see the Altar of Zeus which is mentioned as the «Throne of Satan» in the book of Revelation, the marble columns of the Temple of Trajan and the Library which was foremost in the world and was long a rival of the equally famous Library of Alexandria in Egypt. Its wealth of volumes was estimated at over 200,000. It inspired the invention of parchment. Then we continue our visit to Thyatira, now called Akhisar, another one of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:18-24; Acts 16:14]. It was a city famous for purple dyes. We visit the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period. Lydia, the seller of purple in Philippi, was from Thyatira. Before we check in at the hotel in Izmir, we enjoy a panoramic ride of Smyrna, the third largest city in Turkey and one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 2:12-17]. Smyrna is a city scarred with a bloody history of trade and warfare. We will also see the Clock Tower. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 : Izmir – Sardis – Philadelphia – Laodicea – Hierapolis 

• Today we depart early in the morning to one of the most picturesque areas of any of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:1-4], Sardis, presently Sart. This was the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom of the 6th century BC, portrayed as a dying church. We visit the great Temple of Artemis and restored gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue. We also see the last several meters of the royal Persian Road from Susa to Sardis built by Cyrus the Great and the «golden» river Pactolus. Then we continue our journey to Philadelphia, nowadays called Alasehir, another church of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:7], and the only church not censured. There we see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, with a bit of high arch and some 11th century frescoes. Continue to visit to Laodicia. The city established in the C3 BCE by the Seleucid Antiochus II, the city was named after his wife Laodicea. Built on the Lycus Tributary of the Meander River, it was surnamed Laodicea on Lycus, to distinguish it from other similarly named cities. Laodicia is the last of the seven churches. As a crossroad of two important roads, this city had an important commercial and logistical position. We drive to the healing city of Hierapolis, actually Pamukkale, the white «cotton fortress» where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools, channels and stalactites. The therapeutic waters were known to the founders of Hierapolis and of Laodicea in 190 BC. Check in at hotel for dinner and overnight in Pamukkale

Day 5 : Ephesus – Kusadasi 

• Drive to Ephesus visit to the ancient city of Ephesus including the Basilica of St. John. The Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years. This church also received an epistle from him. We tour the spectacular ruins where excavations still continue in this once great and important city, which was founded in the 10th century BC. Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Theatre. The Temple of Diana of the Ephesians, another of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was built in this city. We visit the Basilica of St. John. Visit The House of Virgin Mary before drive to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 6 : Kusadasi – Samos  

• 07.30 a.m. After breakfast transfer to Kusadasi port for a ferry to Samos departing at 08.30 a.m. Transfer you to the hotel in Samos for Overnight. (This ferry route is available from March to October. An alternative schedule is available for the rest of the year)

Day 7: Samos to Athens by flight - Christian tour in Athens and Corinth

• Meet your driver at your hotel to transfer you to Samos port for your flight to Athens departing at 09.00. Meet the driver at Athens airprot ata round 10.00 to start the Christian tour in Athens and Corinth, retracing the steps of Apostle Paul and delving into the city's spiritual legacy. Begin at the Ancient Agora, where Paul engaged locals in discussions about Jesus' resurrection, pondering the early Christian discourse that shaped beliefs. Ascend the Acropolis, beholding the Parthenon and Erechtheion, symbols of ancient Athens and democracy's birthplace. Stand in reverence at Mars Hill (Areopagus), where Paul delivered his sermon to the Athenians, challenging their convictions. Afterward, marvel at the breathtaking Corinth Canal before reaching Corinth. Explore the biblical narratives of Paul's Corinthian experiences, encountering challenges and forming friendships. Learn of Aquila and Priscilla, tent-makers who shared Paul's faith. Visit sites like the synagogue and the home of Titus Justus, gaining insight into Paul's interactions and the vibrant Christian community. Reflect on the adversity faced from Corinthian Jews and Paul's eventual departure to Ephesus. Discover Paul's enduring legacy as Corinth's patron saint, honored by an impressive church. Conclude the day at 'Kechrias Port', an ancient gateway to the East. Overnight in Athens

Day 8: Athens - Vlatades Monastery of St. Paul - Thessaloniki

• Our driver will pick you up from your hotel at 08:30, and our first stop will be at Thermopylae to admire the statue of Leonidas, a memorial of the Battle of the 300. Afterward, we will proceed to Thessaloniki. Upon arrival, you will check in and have some rest before visiting the Vlatades Monastery. It is said that Apostle Paul stopped there to drink water, which is why it is called 'Apostle Paul’s Holy Water'. Believers from all over the world worship at the space of Holy Water and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of the Thermaic Gulf. In the same area, you will find the Orthodox Church of St. Paul. Afterwards, we suggest tasting delicious Greek cuisine or taking a walk along the coastline of the city, the second biggest city in Greece! Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 9: Nea Fokea - Philippi - Kavala - Lydia's Baptisma

• After a hearty breakfast, leave Thessaloniki to the quaint town of Nea Fokea. Here, we will explore the 'Agiasma of St. Paul,' an underground passage where the Apostle Paul sought refuge from the people of Thessaloniki chased him. This sacred site holds the echoes of Paul's trials and his unwavering faith. We will see the  the crypt where Paul endured imprisonment for his steadfast beliefs. Then we will reach at Kavala (Neapolis) was the port of Philippi. Paul passed through with Silas on his way from Asia Minor to Philippi. The city of Philippi was visited by the Apostle Paul. From the Acts of the Apostles and the letter to the Philippians, early Christians concluded that Paul had founded their community. We will explore the ruins of the ancient sites such as the forum, market, basilica and theatre. In Philippi, Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians in Europe.  Our pilgrimage continues to Philippoi, where St. Paul delivered his inaugural sermon, marking the dawn of Christianity in Europe. We'll stand at the 'Baptismal' site, where Lydia, the pioneering European convert, received the sacrament of baptism. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 10: Tour in Thessaloniki - Veroia - Meteora 

• Start the day with a private tour of Thessaloniki, a city with deep roots in Christianity dating back to the Roman Empire. We will have a churches tour in Thessaloniki and other Christianity points, Rotonda, St. Demetrius Basilica, Acheiropoietos and the ancient city wall. Witness iconic landmarks including the White Tower and the triumphal Arch of Galerius along the historic Via Egnatia. Then, travel to Veria, also known as Berea, where the church of Apostle Paul stands, believed to be where Paul preached after leaving Thessaloniki. Veria, a bustling city with a flourishing synagogue, played a significant role in Paul's journey. Discover the rich history of Veria and the impact of Paul's teachings as you explore its cultural heritage. Don't miss the "Apostle Paul's Podium," a revered monument commemorating Paul's presence in Veria. Overnight in Meteora. 

Day 11: Meteora - Athens

• Our driver pick you up from your hotel around 09.00 am and we will visit the Byzantine Monasteries of Meteora that are included on the UNESCO world heritage monument list. We are having our first stop at The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro which is the biggest and oldest one of all. It was called the monastery that was "suspended in the air" (meteoro), because of the formation of the gigantic rock on top of which it was built. Our second visit is to the great monastery of St. Stephan. The Monastery of St. Stephan, which is a small church built in the 16th century and decorated in 1545, rests on the plain rather than on a cliff. This wonderful tour will be completed at the picturesque villages of Kalambaka, where you will have a traditional Greek lunch! Afterwards, we will return to Athens. Overnight in Athens

Day 12: Departure Day

• Our driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you at the airport according to your flight details.

***Travel Insurnace: We would also like to draw your attention to the importance of taking out an insurance policy to cover any unexpected events that may lead to the interruption of your trip. Here is the link to review what the travel insurance covers: Read More...