Christian Travel - The Journeys of St. Paul

Monday, May 12th

Enroute

Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight to Istanbul.

Wednesday, May 13th

Istanbul

First, visit the Blue Mosque, the 17th century Ottoman Mosque famous for its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tiles, and then the Hippodrome, where chariot races took place during the Roman period.

Continue to St. Sophia, the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.

In the afternoon, proceed with a visit to Suleymaniye Mosque.

Then continue to Topkapi Palace to see the dazzling displays of the treasures of the Ottoman sultans.

The final stop is the Grand Bazaar, where there are more than 4.000 shops.

Overnight, Istanbul.

Thursday, May 14th

Istanbul / Troy / Canakkale

This morning enjoy a Cruise on the Bosphorus, the winding strait that separates Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara.

Enjoy the view of the old wooden mansions, Ottoman palaces, and ancient fortresses.

Depart for the legendary Troy, made famous by Homer in the Iliad.

Visit the ruins of nine cities built on top of each other, and an enormous reconstruction of the famous Wooden Horse.

Proceed to Canakkale for dinner and overnight.

Overnight, Canakkale

Friday, May 15th

Pergamum / Thyatira / Izmir

Drive south through the rich olive orchards along the Aegean coast to Bergama, the ancient Pergamum, impressive site of an ancient kingdom.

Visit the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena and the famous library, before viewing the ruins of Asklepeion. The largest building of the Roman period is the Red Court (Red Basilica), which later on was used as a church dedicated to St John the Apostle.

Then, continue to Thyatira (Akhisar), site of one of the Seven Churches.

Visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, a colonnaded road, and ruins of the large church.

Continue to Izmir for dinner and overnight.

Overnight, Izmir.

Saturday May 16th

Izmir / Sardis / Philadelphia / Izmir

Depart for Sardis, one of the most picturesque areas of any of the Seven Churches. For the first time in history, King Croesus of Sardis minted pure gold and pure silver coins which were guaranteed at their face value by the state.

Visit the temple, the Byzantine church, the Roman-era synagogue and the gymnasium.

Continue to Philadelphia (Alasehir). Philadelphia together with Smyrna were the only two churches among the Seven about which nothing bad was said by St John.

Visit the Byzantine basilica with some 11th century frescoes.

Continue to Laodicea which was at the crossroads between Sardis and Perge.

Visit its ruins and continue to Pamukkale for the evening.

Overnight, Pamukkale.

Sunday May 17th

Pamukkale / Aphrodisias / Kusadasi

This morning visit the "Cotton Castle" in Pamukkale, so named for the natural phenomenon of fantastic white limestone terraces.

Proceed to Aphrodisias to visit the beautifully excavated city of Aphrodite, which its near-perfect stadium, theater, odeon, and temple.

From here, continue to Kusadasi for overnight.

Overnight, Kusadasi.

Monday May 18th

Kusadasi / Ephesus / Kusadasi

This morning drive to Ephesus, one of the world’s finest archaeological sites.

Visit the Arcadian Way, the splendid façade of the Library of Celsus and see the Amphitheater, which is still used for concerts, and where St. Paul also preached to Ephesians that "gods made by human hands are not gods at all."

Visit also the church of the Virgin Mary where the Third Ecumenical Council was held in 431.

Afternoon visit the Basilica of St. John and then the House of the Virgin Mary spectacularly situated above the ruins. One strongly believed tradition is that St John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus, and that she spent the rest of her days in this house on the hilltop. The home of the Virgin Mary is now visited by thousands of pilgrims each year, and Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II celebrated mass here and in the Church of the Virgin Mary.

Return to Kusadasi for the evening.

Overnight, Kusadasi.

Tuesday May 19th

Kusadasi-Patmos

In the morning take a ferry from Kusdasi to Patmos, known as the “sacred island.” This island is the site of the Revelation of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is near the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse.

The Monastery of St. John, built on one of the island’s highest points, houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its treasury.

In the afternoon, we’ll be at leisure to explore the island, and in the evening we’ll enjoy dinner at Taverna.

In the evening, transfer to the port and embark on a ferry to Piraeus.

Overnight, Onboard.

Wednesday May 20th

Piraeus-Delphi-Athens

Arrive in Piraeus port early in the morning and depart by coach from Athens to Delphi.

After the Acropolis, Delphi is the most popular archaeological site in Greece.

Driving through the fertile plain of Boeotia, passing the towns of Thebes, connected with the tragedy of Oedipus Rex, Levadia, and Arachova, a picturesque mountain village famous for its colorful carpets, we arrive in Delphi.

On the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Through the oracle, the Delphi sanctuary acquired international reputation and played an important role in the shaping of Greek history. Additionally, the sanctuary was home of the Pythian Games, a major athletic and musical competition.

Upon arrival, we will visit the site and the oracular Sanctuary of Apollo.

Continue on with a visit to the world-famous museum, which contains very important architectural pieces including golden and golden-ivory votive offerings as well as the Bronze Charioteer and a life-size silver bull.

Proceed to Athens in the evening.

Overnight, Athens.

Panathinaiko Stadium

Parthenon

Corinth

Thursday May 21th

Athens-Corinth-Athens

The tour today is an introduction to the splendor of the Golden Age of Athens, as well as the modern city.

We will begin our city orientation driving past the Temple of Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by "evzones" dressed in their traditional costume, the Parliament, the Presidential Palace, and the Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympics of modern times were held in 1896. The whole stadium is built of pure white marble.

We will then drive by the Library, the Academy, and the University, three buildings which represent 19th century architecture blended with the classical influence.

The tour will then pass by Omonia Square, the commercial centre of the city, and Syntagma Square, the business and cultural center.

Our Athens city orientation will end at the Acropolis on which is the Parthenon, the symbol of classical architecture. The entrance to the top of the hill is through the Proplylea, the "gates" through which the Panathinea processions used to enter, built totally of white marble and covering an area of 50 meters across the whole western front of the Acropolis.

Next to these is the temple of Athena Niki, also known as the Wingless Victory.

The Parthenon is the major temple built in honor of the Goddess Athena. Her statue decorates the center of the temple and it was made of ivory and gold.

From the top of the Acropolis, you can also admire the ancient theater of Herodus Atticus with its remarkable acoustics. Performances are still held here each summer, one of the highlights of cultural events in the Eastern Mediterranean.

We will also view the Agora, the ancient marketplace and former center of Athenian life.

At the foothills of the Acropolis hill is Plaka, the old quarter of the town, with its fine restored houses, predominately pedestrian streets, numerous cafés, shops, and taverns.

After sightseeing in Athens we depart for Corinth, with a brief stop at the Corinth Canal which separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland and connects the Ionian and Aegean seas.

Later, visit Corinth which was home to Paul for eighteen months. We will visit the Archaeological Museum, the Bema, the Market Place, and the Temples.

From Bema at Corinth, Paul spoke to the Corinthians about our Lord and Savior Christ.

Return to Athens for the evening.

Overnight, Athens.

Friday May 22th

Athens-Rome

This morning, depart Athens for Rome.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and depart by motor coach to the Athens airport for our departure flight to Rome, Italy.

We’ll be met and our tour of historical Rome.

Included in the tour are visits to the transferred to our hotel for check in, and we’ll promptly begin magnificent ruins of the Roman Forum, the stunning Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and numerous other sites that continue to make Rome the Eternal City.

In the afternoon, take an exciting tour of the Catacombs, located deep beneath the city.

The evening will be at leisure to enjoy the food and fun of this lively city.

Overnight, Rome.

Saturday May 23th

Rome

Today see the magnificent seat of the Catholic Church.

We’ll start in Vatican City to view the brilliant St. Peter’s Basilica where we can climb to the top of the enormous dome. There see the exquisite architecture as well as various works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pieta.

Next visit the luxurious Vatican Museum which houses many of the Church’s treasures.

In the afternoon go to the Sistine Chapel to view Michelangelo’s stunning frescos, most of which he painted very late in life. Most striking is certainly The Last Judgment which is found on a large wall in the back of the chapel.

This evening will once again be at your leisure.

Overnight, Rome.

Sunday May 24th

Enroute

Today, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to catch your return flight back to the U.S.

For more information regarding tour costs and extensions, contact Gil Travel by email or phone 800.223.3855.