ISTANBUL AND PILGRIMAGE TOUR

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit and the opening pilgrimage Mass. Afternoon tour of Topkapi Palace (excluding the Harem), the architectural marvel of the Blue Mosque, and the historic Hippodrome Square. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua and Mass celebration. Afternoon exploration of the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, the mystical Basilica Cistern. Conclude at the Church of St. Saviour in Chora to marvel at its world-renowned 14th-century biblical frescoes. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Early breakfast and departure with your national French-speaking guide to Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17), the church called to repent. Tour the towering ancient Acropolis, its legendary library, and the Altar of Zeus—referred to by St. John as "Satan’s Throne." Celebrate an outdoor Mass on-site. Continue to Izmir for dinner and overnight

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the Agora ruins of Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11), the persecuted church where Bishop Polycarp was martyred. Drive to Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7), the church that lost its "first love." Tour the Odeon, the Great Theater (site of the Acts 19 silversmiths' riot), and the Double Church of the 431 AD Ecumenical Council for meditation. Visit the Basilica of St. John (the Apostle’s traditional tomb) and the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana) on Mt. Koressos for an intimate chapel Mass. Dinner and overnight at Selcuk.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Priene to admire the dramatic five remaining columns of the Temple of Athena. Proceed to Didyma to tour the massive Temple of Apollo, a wonder of the ancient world. Arrive at Miletus, where St. Paul delivered his moving, tearful farewell address to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-35). Tour the spectacular 15,000-seat theater and circular podium, followed by an outdoor Mass (pending local authorization). Return to the hotel in Selçuk for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning transfer to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB). Assistance with airport check-in formalities for your flight back to home. End of pilgrimage services.