Pilgrimage to Turkey & Greece

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This is the New Testament read on the ground it was written on. Over eleven days you travel from Istanbul down the Aegean coast to the cities John addressed by name in Revelation — Thyatira, Sardis, Pergamum, Smyrna, Ephesus and Laodicea — standing among the ruins of churches that were praised, warned and called back to their first love.

From Ephesus the road follows Saint Paul himself: across to Patmos and the cave where the Apocalypse was received, then on to Athens, where he reasoned with the philosophers on Mars Hill, and to Corinth, where he lived and worked and wrote the letters we still read at Mass. Daily Mass, Scripture reflection and expert guides keep the text and the place in the same frame.

Duration 11 Days

Places Visited

Istanbul • Thyatira • Sardis • Pergamum • Smyrna (Izmir) • Ephesus • Laodicea • Patmos • Athens • Corinth

11 Days of the Faith, History & the World Came Alive

Day by Day

Day 01

USA TO ISTANBUL

Depart from the USA on your overnight flight to Istanbul.
Day 02

ISTANBUL

Arrive in Istanbul. Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Evening Mass and overnight.
Day 03

THYATIRA

Fly to Izmir. Drive to Thyatira, one of the Seven Churches (Rev 2:18–29). Visit the ancient site. Continue to Sardis. Overnight in Sardis area.
Day 04

SARDIS

Visit Sardis, once a wealthy city and another of the Seven Churches (Rev 3:1–6). See the synagogue and ancient ruins. Overnight in Pergamum.
Day 05

PERGAMUM

Visit Pergamum, the seat of Satan (Rev 2:12–17), and the Acropolis, Asclepion and Red Basilica. Continue to Izmir. Overnight in Izmir.
Day 06

SMYRNA (IZMIR) & EPHESUS

Visit Smyrna (Rev 2:8–11). Continue to Ephesus, the great city of Asia and home of the Church (Rev 2:1–7). See the Library of Celsus and Church of Mary. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 07

LAODICEA

Visit Laodicea (Rev 3:14–22) and nearby Hierapolis. See ancient ruins and the spiritual significance of the lukewarm church. Overnight in Pamukkale area.
Day 08

PATMOS

Travel to Kuşadası and take the ferry to Patmos, where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation. Visit the Cave of the Apocalypse. Overnight.
Day 09

FLY TO ATHENS

Ferry back to the mainland and fly to Athens. Visit the Areopagus (Mars Hill) where St. Paul preached (Acts 17). Evening at leisure. Overnight in Athens.
Day 10

CORINTH

Visit Corinth where St. Paul lived and wrote letters to the Church (1 & 2 Corinthians). See the ruins and Corinth Canal. Return to Athens. Overnight.
Day 11

ATHENS TO USA

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA with unforgettable memories and a renewed faith.