A 14-Day Faith Journey through Turkey & Greece

Welcome to Istanbul, where empires rose and fell, and Christianity once flourished. Gather with your fellow pilgrims for a welcome dinner and introduction to Paul’s missionary legacy.

Fly to Antioch (Antakya), where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). Step into the Grotto of Saint Peter, one of the earliest house churches, and sense the birth of the church’s mission to the world.

Travel to Tarsus, birthplace of Saul turned Paul. See Paul’s Well, the Cleopatra Gate, and walk Roman streets that once heard a boy’s first prayers – prayers that would shake nations.

Venture through central Turkey to the regions of Lystra, Derbe, and Iconium (Konya) –where Paul was stoned, left for dead, but rose and returned (Acts 14). This is holy ground of fierce opposition and unshakable obedience.

Visit Antioch of Pisidia, where Paul gave one of his first great sermons (Acts 13). Feel the echoes of his voice in the ancient synagogue. Continue toward Pamukkale, home of Laodicea.

Tour Laodicea, a city warned by Christ Himself: “Be hot or cold” (Rev 3:15). Reflect at the nearby ruins of Hierapolis and Colossae, home of Philemon and a growing church Paul nurtured from afar. End the day with a devotional at the hot springs – a vivid picture of Christ’s warning to Laodicea.

Travel west to Thyatira, a church praised for love, but warned of compromise (Rev 2:18-29). Continue to Sardis, a city “with a reputation for being alive but dead” (Rev 3:1-6). Among broken temples and early Christian symbols, consider the call to renew our spiritual fervor.

Explore Pergamon, the city “where Satan has his throne” (Rev 2:13), and home of martyrs like Antipas. Visit the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and one of the earliest hospitals of the ancient world. In the ruins of the church, reflect on steadfastness in a city of spiritual warfare.

Evening arrival in Kusadasi, gateway to Ephesus.

Spend a full day in Ephesus, where Paul ministered for over two years. See the Grand Theater, where a riot nearly claimed his life (Acts 19), and walk the ancient streets past the Library of Celsus. Optional visit to the House of Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John.

Devotional: “Put on the whole armor of God” (Eph 6:11)

Sail across the Aegean to the peaceful island of Patmos, where John wrote the Book of Revelation. Visit the Cave of the Apocalypse and Monastery of Saint John. Reflect on the vision that shaped eternity.

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day…” – Rev 1:10

Return to Kusadasi in the evening.

In the morning, visit Smyrna (modern Izmir), home of the persecuted church praised by Christ (Rev 2:8-11). Stop at the Church of St. Polycarp, martyred disciple of John. Then, fly to Thessaloniki, beginning the Greek leg of Paul’s journey.

Tour Thessaloniki, where Paul was accused of turning the world upside down (Acts 17). Then drive to Philippi – worship by the River of Lydia, see the jail where Paul and Silas sang at midnight, and walk the ancient Via Egnatia.

In Berea, remember those who searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). Continue to the awe-inspiring Meteora Monasteries, towering above the plains as beacons of centuries-old Christian devotion.

End your journey where Paul stood against philosophers on Mars Hill (Areopagus) and proclaimed the Unknown God (Acts 17). Then visit Corinth, home of a beloved but struggling church. Stand at the Bema Seat and walk the streets where Paul lived and wrote his letters.