2020 Journeys of Paul Itinerary
A Study Tour in Turkey and Greece with an Optional Extension to Rome
Sunday, October 4
Board the plane in Newark (EWR) for our overnight flight to Turkey.
Monday, October 5
Arrive at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and a good rest in preparation for our first day of touring. Overnight in Istanbul.
Tuesday, October 6
Ascend to the top of the Galata Tower for a beautiful view of Istanbul’s Old City and the Golden Horn. Explore Haghia Sophia, the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and the largest church in Christendom for 1000 years. Visit Haghia Eirene, the first church to be built in Constantinople and site of the Second Church Council in 381. Tour the Dolmabahçe Palace along the Bosphorus, a monument to the extravagance of the later Ottoman Sultans. Tour the beautiful Blue Mosque for a first-hand view of Islamic prayer practices. Overnight in Istanbul.
Wednesday, October 7
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Denizli. Explore Laodicea, where you can walk along the colonnaded streets and among the excavations of this remarkable ancient city. Climb the unexcavated hill of Colossae; then marvel at the stunning white travertine terraces of Pamukkale (Turkish for “Cotton Castle”) formed by natural mineral waters flowing down the hillside. In Hierapolis view the ancient theater, the Plutonium, the temple of Apollo, and the Arch of Domitian, then walk through the impressive necropolis. Overnight in Denizli.
Thursday, October 8
Travel west to Miletus, where Paul said a final farewell to the pastors from the various churches in the vicinity of Ephesus. Tour Didyma, an ancient Greek city with an impressive Temple of Apollo dating to the 7th century BC. Continue north to our hotel on the shores of the beautiful Aegean Sea. Overnight in Kuşadasi.
Friday, October 9
Explore Ephesus, one of the world’s finest archaeological sites and home to the apostle Paul for more than two years and the Apostle John during his final years. Stroll down the Arcadian Way to view the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the splendid façade of the Library of Celsus. Examine the Terrace Houses and then sit in the Great Theater where an idolatrous mob rioted against the gospel. See the ruins of the Church of the Virgin Mary, site of the Third Church Council in AD 431; the abandoned location of the Temple of Artemis; and the Basilica of St. John, where the Apostle John is buried. Finally, visit the Ephesus Museum to see many important ancient artifacts. Overnight in Kuşadasi.
Saturday, October 10
Board a cruise ship to sail to the Greek island of Patmos, where John was in exile when he wrote the book of Revelation. Visit the cave where he lived, which is near the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse, and ascend the hill to the Monastery of St. John, built on one of the island’s highest points, which houses priceless artifacts and manuscripts in its treasury. Enjoy the magnificent view as well as some leisure time to stroll along the seaside shops of this picturesque island before boarding the ship for the overnight cruise to Crete. Overnight on board.
Sunday, October 11
Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek Islands. Explore Heraklion and the amazing ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 and partially reconstructed, this is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. Board the ship again for the next stop: the island of Santorini, perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. Enjoy a cable car ride up to the town of Fira to stroll the narrow streets lined with open-air cafes and glittering boutiques. Return to the ship for dinner and the cruise towards Athens. Overnight on board.
Monday, October 12
After disembarking, drive along the coastal road to Corinth, where Paul ministered for 18 months. View the Temple of Apollo, the bema, the Lechaion Way, the Erastus inscription, and much more. Ascend to the top of the nearby Acropolis to learn about the pagan worship practices performed there as well as enjoy the spectacular overview of the ancient city below. After viewing the amazing Corinth Canal, travel to Cenchreae, the ancient port where the Apostle Paul stopped during his 2nd missionary journey and had his hair cut to fulfill a vow. Return to Athens to enjoy a memorable dinner in the historic Plaka. Overnight in Athens.
Tuesday, October 13
Tour ancient Athens, examining 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. In addition, ascend Mars Hill (Areopagus) and stroll through the ancient agora. Visit the Acropolis Museum to examine the countless fascinating ancient artifacts. Conclude with a driving tour of other sites in Athens. End the day with a panoramic bus tour viewing the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium and the Presidential Palace. Overnight in Athens.
Wednesday, October 14
Those concluding the tour will transfer to the airport for the flight back to Newark (EWR) and your connecting flight home.
Optional Extension to Rome
Wednesday, October 14
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Rome. The tour begins with the magnificent ruins of the ancient city, including the Coliseum, the Arch of Titus, the Roman Forum, the Mamertine Prison and the Pantheon. In the evening enjoy a delicious Italian dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Rome.
Thursday, October 15
Stroll through the luxurious Vatican Museum, which houses inestimable treasures, ending with the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s stunning frescos. Continue in the Vatican by touring St. Peter’s Basilica, including an opportunity to view the city from the top of the enormous dome. Examine the exquisite architecture as well as various works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà. The day will also include a tour of the Catacombs located beneath the city and some free time for shopping. The evening will be at your leisure to enjoy the food, sights and sounds of this fascinating city. Overnight in Rome.
Friday, October 16
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight back to Newark (EWR) and your connecting flight home.