Follow The Apostle Paul

Day 1: Fly To Istanbul, Turkey

Fly to Istanbul, Turkey where you will be greeted by our representative & take a short 90-minute transfer flight to Antioch (Antakya) where you will be escorted to the world-renowned 5 Star Museum Hotel, a Hotel accidentally built on ancient ruins & featuring the worlds largest floor mural. Here you will relax, acclimate, & enjoy a nice meal with breathtaking views of the museum floor.

Day 2: Antioch/Paul's Beach

After a delicious breakfast filled with local fresh farm to table food at the Museum Hotel, you will explore Antioch where believers were first called Christians! Here you will visit Saint Peters Cave Church, a church hidden in a cave in the side of a mountain that was Pastored by Peter around 40 AD. After we visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will go to the port where Paul & Barnabus set sail from for their first missionary journey (Seleucia Port). Here you will enjoy a delicious dinner on the water & watch the sun set before returning to the hotel for the evening.

Day 3: Tarsus/Fly to Athens

Eat Breakfast at the Museum Hotel & drive to Tarsus, the birthplace & hometown of Paul. Here you will visit St. Paul's Well (UNESCO World Heritage Site) believed to be the same property Paul grew up at. Next we will visit St. Pauls Church (UNESCO Site) before viewing ruins of an ancient Roman Road on our way to Cleopatras Gate, the gate Cleopatra is believed to have entered on her visit to Tarsus. After visiting Cleopatras Gate, we will explore the Tarsus waterfall & eat a late lunch/early dinner at a restaurant here featuring a stunning backdrop view of the Tarsus waterfall. Than we will take a 15 minute drive to the airport to fly to Athens for your Greek Islands/Mediterranean Cruise!

""I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city." - Acts 21:39"

Day 4: Cruise - Athens/Mykonos

It's cruise time! After breakfast you will be transported to the port to embark on your 4-day cruise of the Mediterranean & Greek Islands. You will set sail from Athens around 1 PM & arrive in the picturesque island of Mykonos later that afternoon where you can explore the island & take in the breath taking views. After exploring Mykonos you will return to the ship for dinner & evening events.

Day 5: Cruise - Ephesus/Patmos

Wake up & explore the magical land of Ancient Ephesus where Paul preached for 3 years. (Acts 18:19-21). Nothing in the world compares to Ephesus & this experience will help you understand Paul's missionary journeys & atmosphere of that time will clearly & vividly. Here you will also visit the last house the Virgin Mary is believed to have lived in with St. John after her exile from Israel. Later in the afternoon we will sail to the island of Patmos & visit the cave where St. John received his visions for the Book of Revelations (Cave Of The Apocalypse). We will also visit The Monastery of Saint John while on Patmos, a monastery built in John's honor located at the highest point of the island.

""I, John... was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus." - Revelation 1:9"

Day 6: Cruise - Crete/Santorini

Wake up in Crete, the largest Greek island. Here, you will visit a Greek Orthodox church which houses the skull of Titus, who Paul affectionately called his "true son in the faith," After this meaningful visit, you can spend time exploring the island before boarding the ship & cruising to Santorini, one of the most beautiful places in the world & known for the worlds most stunning sunsets.

Day 7: Athens/Corinth

Upon our return to Athens, you will be escorted to Acropolis, a symbol of ancient Greek civilization & architectural brilliance. Here atop Aeropagus, also known as Mars Hill, you will stand in the very place Paul delivered his profound message in Acts 17 before driving up the scenic coast to ancient Corinth, where the love verse in the bible comes from (Corinthians 13). In Corinth you will see where Paul preached to the Corinthians at, explore ancient Corinth- an ancient city on top of a small mountain, see the Temple of Apollo & eat lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the airport for your flight to Rome!

"Corinthians 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy & can fathom all mysteries & all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing."

Day 8: Rome

After breakfast we will visit Mamertine Prison, where Paul & Peter were jailed. We will then visit The Forum nearby, the center of the ancient Roman world & then we will go inside the legendary Colosseum, a monumental arena that once hosted gladiatorial contests & public spectacles. From there we will visit St. Paul's Basilica which houses his revered remains & finally, the Tre Fontane Abbey, the site of Paul's execution.

Day 9: Rome

Today you will have an opportunity to attend a papal service (A service with the Pope) schedule permitting. Next we will visit St Peters Basilica where a Vatican Priest or expert guide will provide a tour of the Basilica to help you learn the stunning history & architecture of what many consider the most amazing building in the world. Next you will head to the Vatican to explore the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel.

Day 10: Rome/Departure

On our final day, you will visit the Trevi Fountain & Church of Domine Quo Vadis "Lord, where are you going?" the traditional site where Jesus appeared to Peter on the Appian Way to give him the courage to face his persecution head on. Today will complete the deepening of your understanding of what it means to be an Apostle & Martyr before departing to the airport for your flight back to the USA.