12 Day Sacred Journey: Following the Footsteps of Paul, John & Mary through Greece & Turkey

Welcome to Athens!
A private transfer will take you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure.

Today, we embark on a journey beyond the bustling cityscape to the serene Monastery of Kaisariani, a
sacred site established in the 11th century AD and dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin in the
Temple. Following a soulful prayer service, we embark on a brief exploration of the monastery's tranquil
grounds. Here, amidst the whispers of ancient walls, we pause for personal reflection and unite in our
Pilgrims’ prayer to Mary, sharing our aspirations for this spiritual odyssey.
Our path then leads us back to the vibrant heart of Athens, where history beckons at every corner. We
traverse the storied agora, where echoes of Paul's profound addresses to the Athenians linger in the air.
The iconic Acropolis and its crowning jewel, the Parthenon, stand as testaments to the city's enduring
legacy. We pay homage to the grandeur of Hadrian’s Arch and the majestic Temple of Zeus, each a
testament to the city's rich heritage.
A delightful interlude awaits in the charming Plaka district, where we partake in a leisurely lunch, savoring
both the flavors of Greece and the camaraderie of fellow travelers. As the day unfolds, we bid adieu to
structured plans, allowing ourselves the freedom to wander through Athens' labyrinthine streets,
discovering its hidden treasures and immersing ourselves in its renowned museums.

Our journey brings us to Corinth, a city steeped in history and myth. Here, the apostle Paul's legacy
intertwines with tales of ancient gods and empires. As we stand before the Acropolis, remnants of
Aphrodite's temple, we're reminded of the city's rich tapestry.
In Corinth, Paul's trials and triumphs come to life. We walk in his footsteps, pondering his enduring
influence. After a solemn liturgy, we journey to Nauplion for a leisurely lunch, then marvel at the ancient
theater of Epidaurus.
As evening falls, we return to Athens, our hearts full from a day of exploration. Dinner beckons, inviting us
to savor the flavors of this vibrant city, marking the end of a day filled with both reflection and awe.

This morning, we set sail from the port of Piraeus to begin our Greek Isle Cruise. Our first port of call is the
picturesque island of Mykonos, renowned for its dazzling white houses and breathtaking vistas. After a
day of exploration, we depart for Rhodes in the evening, eager to discover the island's rich history and
charm.

As the sun graces the shores of Rhodes this morning, we find ourselves with a day of boundless
possibilities to uncover the island's treasures. Our exclusive excursion beckons, beginning with a journey
to the quaint town of Lindos, where the ancient Acropolis stands as a testament to bygone splendor.
Afterward, our path leads us to Rhodes' Old Town, a labyrinth of medieval streets and historic wonders
waiting to be explored. As the afternoon unfolds, the choice is ours — whether to delve deeper into the
island's rich tapestry of culture or to surrender to the siren call of the azure waters for a refreshing swim.
As twilight descends, we bid farewell to Rhodes and set sail for Turkey, our hearts brimming with the
memories of the day's adventures. Before we gather for dinner, we pause to celebrate the Eucharist
onboard, a moment of spiritual reflection amidst the gentle sway of the sea.

As dawn breaks, our vessel docks in the hallowed sanctuary of Patmos, a beacon of spiritual significance
often likened to the Jerusalem of the Aegean. Here, amidst the tranquil embrace of the island's shores,
we embark on an exclusive journey to delve into its sacred mysteries.
Our private excursion leads us to the formidable Monastery of St. John, a testament to centuries of
devout reverence and architectural grandeur. Within its ancient walls, we pause to pay homage to the
apostle's legacy, tracing his steps to the revered grotto where the prophetic verses of the Book of
Revelation are said to have been revealed.
In quiet contemplation, we gather for a poignant prayer service, our hearts uplifted by the profound
resonance of faith and inspiration. Afterward, we return to the ship for a leisurely lunch, setting sail once
more towards the Turkish port of Kusadasi.
Disembarking at our next destination, we bid farewell to our maritime abode, transferring to our awaiting
hotel for a moment of reprieve amidst the day's revelations. With the afternoon unfurling at our leisure,
we take solace in the opportunity for personal reflection and exploration.
As evening descends, we gather once more for a prayer service, seeking solace and guidance in the
company of fellow travelers before indulging in a delectable dinner, nourishing both body and soul
amidst the tranquility of our surroundings.

Our day commences with a pilgrimage to Ephesus, the cradle of Christianity where Paul planted the
seeds of the early Church in 53-56 AD. Amidst ancient ruins, we tread in the footsteps of the apostle,
beholding the grandeur of the great theatre where Paul once preached to eager crowds and the
tumultuous site of the riot that threatened his mission.
Our journey through history continues with a visit to the majestic Temple of Diana, a marvel of antiquity
counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. Following a nourishing lunch, our path leads us to the
revered Cathedral of St. John, a testament to the enduring legacy of faith.
Immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of Ephesian heritage, we explore the museum's treasures before
culminating our day with a moment of profound reverence at the House of Mary, where we gather to
celebrate the Eucharist in solemn communion.
As twilight descends, we retreat to the comfort of our hotel, where a hearty dinner awaits, a fitting
conclusion to a day filled with spiritual enlightenment and historical wonder

As the morning light bathes the landscape, we journey to the storied ruins of ancient Pergamum, where
history whispers through the ages. Amidst the towering acropolis, we traverse the remnants of a bygone
era, from the grand theater to the sacred temple of Zeus, each bearing witness to the city's illustrious
past.
Our path then leads us to the Asclepion, a sanctuary of healing dedicated to Apollo, where ancient
wisdom intertwines with archaeological splendor. Here, amidst the echoes of antiquity, we pause for a
reverent prayer service, connecting with the divine in this sacred space.
Continuing along the Aegean coast, our travels bring us to the tranquil shores of Assos, a haven by the
sea where time seems to stand still. As the sun sets on the horizon, we gather for a delightful dinner at
our hotel, the gentle lull of the waves serenading us into a night of peaceful rest and reflection.

Our day unfolds with a tapestry of ancient wonders as we embark on a journey through time. Our first
stop brings us to the ancient theater nestled in Assos, where echoes of performances long past still
resonate amidst the sea breeze. From there, we meander through a charming fishing village, immersing
ourselves in the simple beauty of coastal life.
Continuing our odyssey, we traverse the ancient paths of Alexandria Troas before arriving at the
legendary site of Troy, immortalized in Homer's epic tale, the Iliad. Here, amidst the ruins that bear
witness to millennia of history, we gather for a prayer service, honoring the spirits of ancient heroes.
Afterward, we savor a leisurely lunch amid the remnants of Troy before embarking on a ferry crossing of
the Dardanelles, bridging the continents between Asia and Europe. Our journey then leads us to Istanbul,
the fabled city of Constantinople, where the mingling of cultures and civilizations beckons us to explore
its timeless allure.

Istanbul, a city woven from the vibrant threads of Eastern Orthodoxy and Islam, invites us to immerse
ourselves in its rich tapestry of culture and history. Our journey begins at the iconic Santa Sofia, a
testament to the city's diverse heritage, once a beacon of Christendom and now adorned as a mosque.
Nearby, we explore the historic Hippodrome and marvel at the exquisite beauty of the Ahmet Mosque,
also known as the Blue Mosque.
Descending into the depths of the underground cistern, we are transported to a realm of otherworldly
wonder, where ancient whispers mingle with the cool embrace of shadowed corridors.
As the afternoon unfolds, we are beckoned into the opulent realm of the sultans with a tour of the
magnificent Topkapi Palace, a testament to the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. Later, we venture into
the famed covered bazaars, where the air is alive with the hustle and bustle of commerce, offering a
chance to wander among thousands of shops and hone our bargaining skills.
As twilight descends upon the city, we embark on a serene cruise along the Bosphorus, savoring a
delightful dinner by the shimmering waters, a fitting finale to a day steeped in the splendor of Istanbul.

Our day unfolds with a journey into the heart of Istanbul's spiritual heritage as we visit the Church of St.
Saviour in Chora, a sanctuary adorned with breathtaking Eastern iconography and intricate mosaics,
each a testament to centuries of devotion and craftsmanship.
Continuing our exploration, we make our way to the serene sanctuary of the Church of St. Anthony, where
we gather to celebrate our closing Eucharist, a moment of reflection and gratitude for the journey
shared.
Our path then leads us to a government-sponsored rug-making factory, where we are immersed in the
ancient artistry of oriental carpet weaving, witnessing firsthand the intricate process that transforms
wool into works of art.
As the afternoon unfolds at our leisure, we have the opportunity to explore Istanbul's vibrant streets or
simply indulge in moments of quiet contemplation.
As night descends upon the city, we come together for a festive dinner at a local fish restaurant, savoring
the flavors of Turkish cuisine amidst the camaraderie of newfound friends, a fitting conclusion to our time
in this enchanting city.

As our journey draws to a close, we bid farewell to the enchanting city of Istanbul. Private transfers await
to escort us to the airport, where flights await to carry us homeward.
It's been a pleasure guiding you through this unforgettable tour, filled with moments of discovery,
reflection, and camaraderie. I hope the memories we've shared will linger fondly in your heart, serving as
reminders of the beauty and richness of our travels together.