IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF St. PAUL - 15 DAYS

Early breakfast and drive to Antakya, Biblical ANTIOCH-ON-THE-ORONTES (Acts 6:5; 11:19-30; 13:1-3; 15:1-2,22-35), the launching pad of Paul's missionary journeys and where believers were first called "Christians." Visit Samandag, Biblical SELEUCIA PIERIA (Acts 13:4), the port from which Paul sailed. Visit the Grotto of St. Peter, one of the earliest house-churches, and the local museum with its impressive Roman mosaics.

Leave Antakya and proceed to Biblical TARSUS (Acts 9:11,30; 11:25; 21:39; 22:3; 25-29), the birthplace of St. Paul, where his dual identity as a Jew and Roman citizen was forged. Visit St. Paul's Well and Cleopatra's Gate. After the visit of Tarsus, proceed across the Cilician coastal plains to Silifke, Biblical SELEUCIA OF ISAURIA for overnight.

Proceed through the Taurus Mountains to Kerti Höyük, Biblical DERBE (Acts 14:6; 20:4; 16:1), a city of refuge where many disciples were won. Then departure to Hatunsaray, Biblical LYSTRA (Acts 14:6-23; 16:1-4; II Timothy 3:11), where Paul healed a crippled man, was stoned, and first met Timothy. After visiting Lystra, drive to Konya, Biblical ICONIUM (Acts 13:51; 14:1-6, 19; 16:2; II Timothy 3:11) where Paul preached boldly in the synagogue. Overnight in Konya.

Leave hotel for excursion to Yalvaç, Biblical ANTIOCH OF PISIDIA (Acts 13:14-52; II Timothy 3:11). Visit the ancient Basilica of St. Paul, built over the synagogue where Paul gave his first fully recorded sermon on justification by faith. After the visit of Yalvaç, departure through the Lakes Region to Antalya, Biblical ATTALIA (Acts 14:24). Late arrival and overnight in Antalya.

Full day excursion to the important ancient sites of Pamphylia: Visit Perge, Biblical PERGA (Acts 13:13-14; 14:25), where Paul landed in Asia Minor and John Mark left the mission. Visit the exceptionally well-preserved Roman Theatre of Aspendos and ancient Side. Conclude with a visit to Hadrian's Gate and the Old Harbour in Antalya, the port from which Paul sailed back to Antioch. Overnight.

Early departure along the Lycian coast to Demre, Biblical MYRA (Acts 27:5-6), the port where Paul was transferred to an Alexandrian grain ship as a prisoner bound for Rome. Visit the Church of St. Nicholas (the historical 4th-century bishop), the Roman Theatre of Myra, and the Necropolis. Proceed to Kas (ancient Antiphellos) for lunch. Departure to Gelemis, Biblical PATARA (Acts 21:1-2), the major maritime port where Paul changed ships on his third journey. Drive to Fethiye (ancient Telmessus) for overnight.

Departure to Datça for visiting Cnidos, the Biblical CNIDUS (Acts 27:7). Standing at the ancient double-harbor, reflect on Luke's account of navigating with great difficulty against fierce headwinds during Paul's voyage to Rome. Overnight in Datça.

Early departure to Kusadasi. Visit Miletus, Biblical MILETUS (Acts 20:15-38; II Timothy 4:20). Sit in the grand theater where Paul summoned the Ephesian elders for his tearful, moving farewell address. After visiting Miletus, drive to the House of Virgin Mary at Bülbüldag, a sacred place of pilgrimage. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Visit Biblical EPHESUS (Revelation 1:11; 2:1-7; Acts 18:19-28; 19:1-41; Ephesians), the heart of Paul's three-year ministry in Asia Minor. Explore the 25,000-seat Great Theater where the silversmiths rioted against Paul, the Library of Celsus, and the Terrace Houses. Drive to Selçuk to visit the Basilica of St. John, built over the Apostle's tomb. Proceed to Pamukkale for overnight.

Visit Pamukkale, Biblical HIERAPOLIS (Colossians 4:13), home to the Martyrium of St. Philip. Departure to Izmir (ancient Smyrna, one of the two praised churches of Revelation). Visit Biblical LAODICEA en route (Revelation 3:14-22; Colossians 2:1; 4:13-16), exploring the newly excavated ruins of the church famously rebuked for being "lukewarm." Overnight in Izmir.

Departure to Bergama, Biblical PERGAMUM (Revelation 2:12-17). Visit the Acropolis, site of the Great Altar of Zeus referred to as "Satan's Throne," and the Asklepeion healing center. In the p.m., proceed to Behramkale, Biblical ASSOS (Acts 20:13-14), reflecting on Paul's solitary 20-mile spiritual walk from Troas to Assos. Overnight in Behramkale.

Leave the hotel for Odun İskelesi, Biblical ALEXANDRIA TROAS (Acts 16:8-11; 20:5-14; II Corinthians 2:12-13; II Timothy 4:13), where Paul received the "Macedonian Call" to bring the Gospel to Europe, and where Eutychus was raised from the dead. Then visit ancient Troy. Cross the Dardanelles strait by ferry/bridge from Asia Minor to Thrace, and proceed to Istanbul (ancient Constantinople). Overnight.

Free day at leisure to explore the capital of the Byzantine Christian Empire. Optional visits to the magnificent Hagia Sophia Cathedral, the ancient Hippodrome, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (St. George's Cathedral). Overnight.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Istanbul Airport for international return flights. END OF SERVICES.