April 5-20, 2024 - Itenirary for Paul's Journey with Pilgrim Tours

 Note: These are posts that never were published, so they will be out of order.

April 5, 2024 Departure from US
Today we embark on our journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Turkey. Tomorrow we will be walking where the apostles walked!

April 6, 2024 Arrival Istanbul. We transfer to our hotel in Istanbul, Turkey for the next two evenings.

April 7, 2024  Bustling Istanbul, Archaeological Museum
The tour today will be an unusual combination of Greek Orthodox, Roman, Ottoman and modern day Islam, including entrance into the famed Blue Mosque and St. Sophia Church. After lunch we visit the fascinating Topkapi Palace, housing the many priceless treasures and colorful stories of Ottoman Sultans. This afternoon our guide will walk us through the wonderful exhibits at the Archaeological Museum. Treasures include the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great, mosaic remnants depicting the times of Nebuchadnezzar, tablets of the Treaty of Kadesh known to be between Ramses II and the Hittites during the 13th century BC, and many other wonderful items. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

April 8, 2024 Sea of Marmara, Ancient Troy
Departing Istanbul, we travel west across "Trace," the European portion of Turkey. The summer homes along the Sea of Marmara will provide the scenery as we travel. Our bus boards a large ferry to cross the Dardanelles Strait, giving us views of the bunkers on the hillside and the ocean-going vessels. During our journey, we hear the commentary of the British major losses and World War I defeat in the Dardanelles Strait. Disembarking in Canakkale, we travel a short distance south to the area known as Troas, where Paul had a vision during his second missionary journey and was called to Macedonia (Acts 16:8-13). Paul spent a week in Troas, preaching, and Eutychus was resurrected (Acts 20:6-12). We will visit ancient Troy, which was excavated in 1873 by Heinrich Schliemann. Be sure to have your picture taken from the top of the Trojan Horse. We travel to nearby lodging for the evening.

April 9, 2024 Pergamum, Thyatira & Izmir
Our first visit of the day is Pergamum. The church of Pergamum was praised for its forbearance (Rev. 2:12-17). It was here that the first Christians were executed by Rome. We'll visit the fabled Acropolis, pass through the Royal Gates, view the foundations of the Altar of Zeus and visit the ruins of the library (which once held 200,000 volumes). Next we travel east to Thyatira, viewing the ancient roadway and period columns. Thyatira was once a busy trading center and famous as a "seller of purple," the most favored of the Seven Churches. We continue south to Izmir, which is the third largest city in Turkey and a long time center for Jews and Christians. In Paul's day, Izmir was known as Smyrna and was another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11). Our lodging this evening is in Izmir.

April 10, 2024 Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale
Departing our Hotel in Izmir, we'll see Polycarp's Church and visit the ancient Roman agora. Then, we travel to Sardis, which was berated by John for its facade of strength when, in reality, it was weak (Rev. 3:1-6). Here coins were minted and the dyeing of wool originated. We'll visit the gymnasium and synagogue. Our next stop is nearby Philadelphia from where we are challenged to “hold fast” and look forward to the coming of the "new Jerusalem" (Rev. 3:7-13). Not much is left of the city except for the ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica in the modern city of Alasehir. Our lodging is in a lovely spa hotel in Pamukkale.

April 11, 2024  Hierapolis, Laodicea & Colossae
Hierapolis, meaning "Sacred City," was an ancient center for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian center in the first century. According to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was martyred in Hierapolis. It was likely the hot springs of Hierapolis (in contrast to the cold mountain springs near Colossae) combined to bring application to the "lukewarm" Laodiceans (Rev 3:14-22). This connection between the cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:13). Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit, including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. Nearby Colossae is well known throughout Christian circles as the receiver of Paul's letter to the Colossians. This afternoon we spend some time visiting a local market with our Turkish guide to gain an authentic Turkish shopping experience in Kusadasi where we spend two nights.

April 12, 2024 Ephesus
We travel to Selcuk for a visit of ancient Ephesus. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city. We view the library, agora, theatre, colorful mosaics in the aristocratic terrace houses, and a panoramic outlook of the surrounding ancient port area (including a wealth of church history and cultural insight). Then we continue with a visit to the Basilica Church of St. John, which houses an immersion baptismal and is believed to be the resting place of John. From here we have an excellent overview of the Ephesus harbor, the Mosque of Jesus, and see the site of the Temple of Artemis, which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

April 13, 2024 Isle of Patmos
This morning, we embark our cruise ship and sail for a visit to the beautiful Isle of Patmos, which is under statutory protection as a historic monument. Here we have a tour to see the fortified monastery of St. John and the cave claimed to be where John received the Revelation. Back on the ship, enjoy dinner before settling into your cabin for the night.

April 14, 2024  Crete, Santorini
Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. Take a tour to Heraklion and the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 and partially reconstructed, the elaborate palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. This afternoon visit the island of Santorini which is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. You may choose to take an optional panoramic bus tour viewing some of the most spectacular scenery of the Aegean. Travel through countless villages and settlements with delicate architecture and beauties, eventually arriving in Oia. During your time in Oia, visit the many narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques. Upon returning to the ship, we view the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea, & Nea Kameni. We arrive at the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.

April 15, 2024 Disembark Cruise – Ancient Corinth & Cenchreae
We disembark the cruise this morning and travel west with a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal. Next, we visit ancient Corinth, the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters and is a highlight for the New Testament scholar. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps,and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love for the Bible. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. We travel onto the top of the nearby Acropolis where our guide will speak on the worship practices and point out the bird’s eye view of what was a bustling city of around 800,000 during Paul’s stay. Another important stop is a visit to Diolkos where we view the paved trackway which enabled boats to be moved overland across the Isthmus of Corinth and served as a life-line for Corinth. This shortcut allowed ancient vessels to avoid the long and dangerous circumnavigation of the Peloponnese Peninsula. Before returning to Athens, we will visit Cenchreae, the ancient port region of Corinth. Acts 18:18 states the Apostle Paul stopped at Cenchreae during his second missionary journey, where he had his hair cut to fulfill a vow.

April 16, 2024 Athens
Following breakfast this morning we tour Athens, the foundation of democracy. We visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. From atop Mars Hill we view the Agora below, the ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life. Additional sites viewed during our panoramic bus tour are the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and the Presidential Palace. An option later this afternoon is a visit to the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes.

April 17, 2024  Meteora Monastery (April 17)
Please prepare for a dress code today. In Meteora, women are required to wear skirts below the knee and men, pants. From Athens, our tour travels northward past Thermopylae where we learn of the famous Spartan battle of 300. We continue through the mountains to Meteora. Here we see the world famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched precariously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves, then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. Our lodging this evening is in Meteora.

Day 14: Vergina, Berea, Thessalonica (April 18)
Traveling northward into Macedonia we visit King Phillip's (Alexander's father) tomb in Vergina, one of the most outstanding finds in all of Greece. A stop will be made in Berea to view the ancient synagogue where Paul spoke and the Bema, surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the "more noble" church. The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today as we arrive in the delightful harbor city of Thessalonica. En route to the hotel we will view the old city ramparts; the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church, and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. We spend two nights here.

April 19, 2024 Thessalonica/Philippi/Lion of Amphipolis/Kavala
We begin the day by following the massive battlement Byzantine wall to the citadel for a panoramic view of the city. Next, we will visit Philippi, Lion of Amphipolis, and Kavala. Kavala is Greece's prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala. Continue on to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will view the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ and visit a crypt, dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. We return to Thessalonica and visit St. Demetrius Basilica, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert, before returning to the hotel for our final night.

 
April 20, 2024  We transfer to the Thessalonica airport for our flight home.

OUR HOST & BIBLE TEACHER:
Craig Bollinger is the Lead Pastor for Christ the King Church in Charlotte, NC. He holds a Master of Divinity degree and has been a mission developer and Bible teacher for over 30 years. Craig is known for his visionary leadership and coaches missional leaders on four continents. His practical, relevant Bible teaching brings the Scriptures alive for everyday life. He and his wife Marilyn love the outdoors and serve together to help people experience the power and passion of Jesus.

OUR HISTORIAN & GREECE GUIDE:
Sofia Papaspyrou is a Christian and member of the Greek Evangelical Church, was born in Athens and raised in Corfu Island. She obtained a Bachelor's degree in History and Archaeology, as well as a Master's degree in Museum Studies. Currently, she is a part-time student at the Greek Bible College and a PhD candidate at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where her research field is focused on Paul's Second Missionary Journey in the context of Greek and Roman archaeology, contemporary tourism, and pilgrimage. She has been a licensed tour guide for Biblical tours in Greece since 2015.