2025 Journeys of Paul Itinerary

A Study Tour in Turkey and Greece with an Optional Extension to Rome

Tuesday, May 27

Depart from New York City (JFK) on an overnight flight to Istanbul, Turkey.

Wednesday, May 28

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel for check-in. If time permits, visit some of the Istanbul sites before dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.

Thursday, May 29

Ascend the Galata Tower for a panoramic view of the Old City and the Golden Horn. Explore Hagia Sophia, the largest church in Christendom for 1000 years and masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Visit Hagia Eirene, site of the 2nd Church Council in AD 381. Tour Topkapi Palace to see treasures from the Ottoman sultans. Enter the Blue Mosquewith its six minarets and magnificent blue-tile interior. See Constantine’s hippodrome and descend the steps to the Basilica Cistern, an engineering marvel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Friday, May 30

Explore the Archaeological Museum housing important ancient artifacts. Bargain for souvenirs at the Grand Bazaarand in the Spice Market for exotic treats. Tour Dolmabahçe Palace on the shore of the Bosphorus, a monument to the extravagance of the later Ottoman Sultans. In the afternoon, drive along the Sea of Marmara and cross the Dardanelles. Overnight in Çanakkale.

Saturday, May 31

See the excavations of legendary Troy and a replica of the wooden horse made famous by Homer in the Iliad. Continue to Troas, where Paul saw the Macedonian Vision and set sail for Europe. In Pergamum explore the Temple of Trajan, the site of the famous library, and the theater carved into the hillside. If time permits, visit Sardis to examine the temple, the Byzantine church, and the Roman-era synagogue and gymnasium. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Sunday, June 1

Marvel at the stunning white travertine terraces of Pamukkale (“Cotton Castle”). In Hierapolis, view the ancient theater, the temple of Apollo, the Arch of Domitian, and the necropolis. Climb the hill of the city of Colossae, which is still unexcavated. Explore the colonnaded streets of Laodicea, whose recent excavations rival the city of Ephesus. Drive to Miletus to stand at the ancient harbor where Paul said farewell to the Ephesian pastors. Overnight in Kuşadasi.

Monday, June 2

Explore Ephesus, one of the world’s finest archaeological sites. Stroll down the Arcadian Way to the Temple of Hadrian and the Fountain of Trajan. Enter the Terrace Houses complex. View the splendid façade of the Library of Celsus. Sit in the Great Theater where a mob rioted against the gospel. See the ruins of the Church of the Virgin Mary, site of the notorius 3^rd Church Council in AD 431, as well as the location of the great Temple of Artemis. If time permits, visit the Ephesus Museum and the Basilica of St. John. Transfer to the airport, where you can find dinner options as we await the flight to Athens. Overnight in Athens.

Tuesday, June 3

Drive to Delphi to visit the Museum and follow the Sacred Way leading up to the Sanctuary of Apollo, where the Oracle of the Pythia gave guidance in riddles. Explore the theater, the stadium at the top of the hill (site of the Pythian Games), and view the enigmatic tholos in the distance. Return to Athens for a bus tour of the old Olympic Stadium, the Presidential Palace and more. Select your own dinner at one of the traditional Greek tavernas. Overnight in Athens.

Wednesday, June 4

Tour ancient Athens, including the world-renowned Acropolis with the Propylaia entrance, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion (with its Porch of the Caryatids), and of course, the Parthenon. Climb nearby Mars Hill (Areopagus), where Paul preached the gospel to pagan sceptics. Stroll through the ancient agora and museum located there. Visit the modern Acropolis Museum to examine countless fascinating artifacts from the site. Select your own dinner at one of the traditional Greek tavernas. Overnight in Athens.

Thursday, June 5

Drive along the coastal road to the city of Corinth. Explore the Temple of Apollo, the bema, the Lechaion Way, the Erastus inscription, and much more. Ascend to the top of the nearby Acropolis to enjoy the spectacular overview of the ancient city as well as learn about the pagan worship practices performed there. View the amazing Corinth Canal and travel to Cenchreae, the ancient port where the Apostle Paul stopped during his 2^nd missionary journey. Return to Athens for a memorable farewell dinner in the historic Plaka. Overnight in Athens.

Friday, June 6

Those concluding the tour will transfer to the airport for the flight to New York City (JFK) and your connecting flight home.

Optional Extension to Rome

Friday, June 6

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Rome. Visit the Church of St. Paul (San Paulo fuori le Mura), traditional burial place of the Apostle Paul. See part of the Via Appia, the road Paul followed when he arrived in Rome as a prisoner (Acts 28:15). Tour the Catacombs to examine ancient Christian burial practices. Select your own dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Rome.

Saturday, June 7

Tour the ancient city, including the Coliseum, the Arch of Titus, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine. Visit the Mamertine Prison, where Paul and Peter may have been imprisoned before execution. Examine the well-preserved Pantheon as well as the intriguing Castel Sant’Angelo. Select your own dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Rome

Sunday, June 8

Stroll through the luxurious Vatican Museum to see inestimable treasures. Marvel at the stunning frescos by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel. Tour the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica to examine the exquisite architecture as well as various works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini’s baldacchino and great entrance colonnade. The tour includes an opportunity to experience the amazing overview of Rome from the rooftop and to ascend the winding steps inside the enormous dome. Select your own dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Rome.

Monday, June 9

Transfer to the airport for the flight to New York City (JFK) and your connecting flight home.