Highlights

• Istanbul (Old City) Begin your journey in Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, where East meets West. Explore the city's ancient Byzantine and Ottoman treasures, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, and understand the historical backdrop of St. Paul's world. Visit Hippodrome Square, where chariot races once took place, and the Basilica Cistern, a stunning underground water reservoir. Bosphorus Cruise Cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the natural divide between Europe and Asia, to appreciate the strategic and cultural importance of this body of water. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and its magnificent waterfront palaces.
• Cappadocia Head inland to Cappadocia, a land of surreal landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, erosion, and human ingenuity. Explore the rock-hewn churches and underground cities where early Christians took refuge, possibly including followers of St. Paul. You may also take a hot air balloon ride over the unique fairy chimneys and valleys.
• Pergamon (Pergamum) Visit the ancient city of Pergamon, where St. Paul is believed to have preached. Explore the impressive ruins, including the Temple of Zeus, Acropolis, and the Altar of Zeus, as well as the ancient library which rivaled Alexandria's in its time.
• Tarsus Journey to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul. Visit his traditional birthplace, the St. Paul’s Well, and the ancient Roman Road, where St. Paul may have walked during his early life. This city holds deep significance for understanding his roots and mission.Explore the port city of Mersin, an ancient Mediterranean hub and a likely stop on St. Paul’s missionary journey. Its proximity to Antioch makes it an important location in early Christian history. Antioch (Antakya) In Antioch, one of the first Christian communities was established. Here, St. Paul and Barnabas worked together. Visit the ancient city, explore the Church of St. Peter (a cave church), and reflect on the early Christian movement.
• Antalya Discover the ancient ruins of Perge and Aspendos near Antalya, where St. Paul may have traveled during his missionary journeys. The well-preserved Roman theater in Aspendos is particularly remarkable.
• Visit Ephesus, one of the most important cities in early Christianity, where St. Paul lived and preached for several years. Marvel at the stunning Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Theater, and the Library of Celsus.
• Nicea (Iznik) In Nicea, where the famous First Council of Nicaea was held in 325 AD, you’ll explore the ancient city walls and ruins and reflect on the formation of early Christian doctrine.
• Thessaloniki (Salonica) Cross into Greece and visit Thessaloniki, where St. Paul preached to the early Christian community. Visit the Basilica of St. Demetrius, the White Tower, and the Roman Forum, and discover the rich Byzantine history of the city. Philippi Philippi was the site of St. Paul's first European convert, Lydia, and the location of the church he founded. Visit the ancient theater, the Basilica of Philippi, and reflect on the importance of this city in the spread of Christianity.
• Delphi No tour of Greece is complete without a visit to Delphi, the center of the ancient Greek world and home to the Oracle of Apollo. Explore the Temple of Apollo, the Ancient Theatre, and the Stadium, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.
• Athens In Athens, the heart of classical civilization, St. Paul delivered his famous speech at the Areopagus (Mars Hill). Visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Hephaestus, and the Ancient Agora, where St. Paul discussed the “unknown god” with the Athenian philosophers. Corinth, an important city in St. Paul’s ministry, is home to the Temple of Apollo and the ruins of the ancient Corinthian Agora. St. Paul worked here for over 18 months, and the city played a central role in his letters to the Corinthians in the New Testament.