THIS IS AN ANNUAL 11 DAY TOUR INCLUDING A
7-DAY CRUISE IN THE AEGEAN SEA WITH SHORE EXCURSIONS IN PLACES LIKE CORINTH, PHILIPPI, THESSALONIKI, EPHESUS, PERGAMUM AND PATMOS.
YOU CAN ALSO EXTEND TO ROME OR ISRAEL.
ITINERARY BELOW.
Join us on a mesmerizing voyage to discover the romance and the mystery of the Eastern Mediterranean as we follow in the footsteps of St. Paul the Apostle. This wonderful adventure invites you to explore iconic landmarks, savor authentic cuisine and discover the trials and tribulations of St. Paul’s epic journey in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The captivating coastal towns and charming Byzantine monuments show us how St. Paul’s controversial ideas sparked riots and cast him into prison. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit famous landmarks including the Hagia Sophia, the Holy Grotto of the Apocalypse, the Faustina Baths of Miletus and ancient Ephesus, the best-preserved historical site in the Eastern Mediterranean. We also have the opportunity of extending to Rome, the final earthly destination of the Apostle.
DAY 1: Transatlantic
Depart San Francisco to Athens. We must be at the airport at least 2 hours before flight time. Enjoy our on-board transatlantic experience.
ENROUTE TRANSATLANTIC
DAY 2: Athens
Today, we arrive in Athens. Upon arrival, we are met and assisted by our guide. Our coach is waiting and we are transferred to our hotel for a good night’s rest.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: ATHENS
DAY 3: Athens / Corinth / Embark on Cruise
We begin the tour of Athens. Visit the ruins of the ancient city where Paul worked. See the remains of first-century shops, the agora where Paul was on trial at the Bema, the Fountain of Peirene, Temple of Apollo, and visit the museum. Return to Athens to visit – among other masterpieces of the “Golden Age” – the Acropolis, the agora, and Mars Hill where Paul taught. We embark our ship in the late afternoon at 4:00pm.
BREAKFAST: HOTEL
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: CRUISE
DAY 4: At Sea / Thessaloniki / Brea (Veria)
In the morning, we drive into Thessaloniki to see the landmarks of the city: the Walls of the Byzantine Acropolis, the House of Jason – where Paul lived, and the Agora – where he preached. We then continue to Veria and ancient Berea to visit the memorial commemorating Paul’s preaching to the local Jews in 54 AD.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: CRUISE
DAY 5: At Sea / Kavala (Neapolis) / Philippi / Lydia Baptismal Site
Today we visit Kavala (ancient Neapolis) – the site where Paul, Timothy and Silas landed on the coast of Thrace. From there, we visit Philippi where Paul lived, preached, and was imprisoned. Lastly, we voyage tothe Baptistery of Lydia, where the first baptism on European soil took place.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: CRUISE
DAY 6: At Sea / Istanbul
In the morning we arrive in Istanbul, one of the world’s greatest historic cities. Formerly Byzantium, the center of the Eastern Roman Empire, this city is built on seven green hills and situated astride two continents. East meets West in every way. We visit the Topkapi Palace with its harem and fabulous treasure chambers, the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque with its six minarets, and St. Sofia, which was converted to a mosque from a Christian basilica after the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: CRUISE
DAY 7: At Sea / Dikili / Pergamum
A tour of Dikili (our port) then takes us to Pergamum – the great city anciently known as Bergama – addressed in the Book of Revelation. It is one of the best preserved ancient sites in Turkey.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: CRUISE
DAY 8: At Sea / Kusadasi / Ephesus / Miletus
Today, we arrive at Kusadasi to visit Ephesus, the most impressive archeological site in Turkey, including the Great Amphitheater where Paul spoke to the Ephesians. There will be a short stop in Smyrna and an afternoon tour to Miletus, where Paul delivered his touching farewell address to the elders of Ephesus and predicted his death, for those wishing to visit the place.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: CRUISE
DAY 9: At Sea / Patmos
We dock at Patmos, the “Holy Island” for the Christian faith. This is the location where the apocalyptic Revelation of John was written during his exile from the Roman Empire. In the afternoon, we visit the cave and the monastery of St. John.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: CRUISE
DAY 10: Disembark / Free Day in Athens
After disembarking, we are transferred to our hotel in Athens where we enjoy another day in this fascinating and historic city.
BREAKFAST: CRUISE
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: ATHENS
DAY 11: Athens / USA
After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for our flight home.
OR CONTINUE ON AN EXTENSION SUCH AS THE ONE BELOW TO ROME.
DAY 12: Classical Rome
Today, we arrive in Rome via an early morning flight. Upon arrival, we are met and assisted by our guide with our coach waiting to begin our time in Rome. First, you will discover Imperial Rome. You will experience the glory of Imperial Rome immediately when you visit the Coliseum, famous as a place of spectacle and death. Gladiators died here as thousands looked on. See the Circus Maximus, built during the reign of Nero. This huge stadium was able to seat 250,000 spectators for chariot races and other spectacles. Next, visit the Roman Forum, an ancient meeting place, market place, and religious and political center. Lastly, view the Arch of Titus that commemorates Titus' conquest of Judea and the Mamerine Prison.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: HOTEL IN ROME
DAY 13: Christian Rome
We continue our tour of Rome, where Paul wrote to the Christians of the city and where he eventually went to continue his ministry, although technically being a prisoner. Discover the Vatican Museum, home to many of the world's masterpieces. In the Sistine Chapel, view Michelangelo's frescoes, which have been restored to their full, colorful glory. Tour St. Peter's Basilica where Michelangelo's "Pieta" – the only work signed by the master – will be just one of many highlights. Travel the famous Apian Way. Walk through the Catacombs of San Sebastiano. Visit Tre Fontane, where Apostle Paul was beheaded. Walk through Via Del Corso, Piazza de Spagnia, and enjoy the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
BREAKFAST AND OVERNIGHT: HOTEL IN ROME
DAY 14: Day at Leisure
Rome is an extremely charming and historical city. There is much to discover and much to see. Today is a day of leisure which allows you to explore the city on your own. Visit another museum or return to the Vatican. Visit the Bobili Gardens or just enjoy lunch along a busy roman street.
BREAKFAST AND OVERNIGHT: HOTEL IN ROME
DAY 15: Rome / USA
After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for our flight home.
BREAKFAST: ROME IN HOTEL
