In the Footsteps of the Apostles

• Depart Manila aboard Turkish Airlines and begin your journey to the lands of the Apostles.
  Overnight: In flight.

• Begin your pilgrimage in Cappadocia, one of the remarkable landscapes of early Christian history. Visit Pigeon Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, Uchisar, and Göreme Open-Air Museum.
• Discover the places where early Christians sought refuge from persecution, carving homes, churches, and underground cities into the soft volcanic rock.

         Overnight: Nevşehir.

• Continue exploring Cappadocia with visits to Pasabag (Monks Valley), Zelve Open-Air Museum, Fairy Chimneys, and another underground city.
• An optional early-morning hot-air balloon ride offers spectacular views of Cappadocia.
• Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Antalya.

         Overnight: Antalya.

• Visit Perge, one of the cities associated with the Apostle Paul’s first missionary journey.
• Continue to the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale, followed by ancient Hierapolis, traditionally associated with the ministry and martyrdom of Philip the Evangelist.

          Overnight: Denizli.

• Visit Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, and reflect on its message of spiritual renewal.
• Continue north to Pergamum, another of the Seven Churches, remembered in Revelation for the faithfulness of believers who endured persecution.

         Overnight: Aydın.

• Visit Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, and reflect on its message of perseverance and faithfulness.
• Continue to Ephesus, one of the most significant cities in the New Testament. Walk along the Marble Road and see the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and other remarkable Roman remains associated with Paul’s ministry.

         Overnight: Aydın.

• Transfer to the port and embark aboard the Celestyal Discovery.
• This evening, arrive at Patmos, where the Apostle John was exiled and received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation.
• Visit the traditional site of the Cave of the Apocalypse on the included shore excursion.

         Overnight: Celestyal Cruise.

• Arrive in Heraklion, Crete, associated with Paul’s ministry through Titus. Enjoy the included excursion to Knossos.
• Later, sail to Santorini and enjoy free time to explore its iconic whitewashed villages, breathtaking caldera views, and beautiful Aegean scenery.

         Overnight: Celestyal Cruise.

• Disembark in Athens and explore the cradle of classical civilization.
• Visit the Parthenon and Mars Hill (Areopagus), where the Apostle Paul proclaimed the Gospel to the Athenians.
• Continue to Ancient Corinth, where Paul spent eighteen months establishing one of the early Christian communities.

         Overnight: Athens.

• Journey through the Greek countryside to Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dramatic rock formations and centuries-old monasteries.

• Visit selected monasteries and experience this extraordinary landscape, where Christian monks preserved their faith, manuscripts, and traditions through periods of political unrest.

  Overnight: Kalambaka.

• Travel to Berea, where Paul’s listeners eagerly examined the Scriptures to confirm his teaching.
• Continue to Thessaloniki, an important city in Paul’s missionary journeys and the recipient of his letters.

         Overnight: Thessaloniki.

• Visit Philippi, where the Gospel first took root in Europe and where Paul baptized Lydia, the first recorded European convert to Christianity.
• Visit the traditional Baptistry of Lydia, ancient forum, the remains of the prison associated with Paul and Silas, and the impressive basilicas of Philippi.
• Pause at Amphipolis before continuing to the airport for your evening flight to Sarajevo.

         Overnight: Sarajevo.

• Discover Sarajevo, often called the “Jerusalem of Europe,” known for its remarkable meeting of Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Orthodox traditions.
• Explore Baščaršija Old Town, Ferhadija Street, and the historic site associated with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

         Overnight: Sarajevo.

• Depart Sarajevo for Mostar and explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town and iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge).
• Continue to Blagaj, known for its beautiful natural surroundings and Dervish Monastery beside the Buna River spring.
• Cross into Croatia and continue to magnificent Dubrovnik.

         Overnight: Dubrovnik.

• Spend the day exploring Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”
• Walk through its remarkably preserved medieval walls and historic Old Town, with its churches, monasteries, palaces, and beautiful public squares.

         Overnight: Dubrovnik.

• Travel into Montenegro and explore the spectacular Bay of Kotor.
• Visit Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, then continue to the fortified medieval town of Kotor.
• End the day in Budva before transferring to Tivat Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul.

         Overnight: Istanbul.

• Explore Istanbul, where Europe and Asia meet.
• Visit Hagia Sophia and the vibrant Grand Bazaar, then enjoy a scenic Bosphorus Cruise with views of the city’s historic skyline.
• Later, transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

         Overnight: In flight.

• Arrive in Manila, bringing home unforgettable memories of a remarkable journey through the lands of the Apostles, the Seven Churches of Revelation, and the enduring legacy of the early Christian Church.

****Planned activities may be affected by the pace of the group, weather, and certain unforeseen events resulting in some visit to sites to be delayed. If need be, sites and activities may be replaced or switched to another day as appropriate without compromising the pilgrimage experience.