Spiritual Crossroads 12-Day Pilgrimage through Turkey and Greece

We embark on our spiritual journey to Turkey, boarding our flight to Istanbul. As we set off, we eagerly anticipate the enriching experiences that await us in lands steeped in ancient civilizations and deep spiritual history.

We arrive in Istanbul, a city that beautifully straddles two continents and countless cultures. After settling into our hotel, we’ll gather for an evening orientation with our Tour Manager, followed by a welcoming light dinner. This is just the beginning of our adventure.

Our exploration of Istanbul begins at the historic Hippodrome, where ancient charioteers once raced. We then visit the grand Blue Mosque with its stunning blue Iznik tiles. Our journey continues beneath the city at the Basilica Cistern, a marvel of ancient engineering, before touring the magnificent St. Sophia, a cornerstone of Byzantine spiritual life. We cap the day with a soothing cruise on the Bosphorus, witnessing the city’s unique blend of East and West.

Today, we uncover the opulence of the Topkapi Palace, heart of the Ottoman Empire, including its intriguing Harem section. Later, we lose ourselves in the vibrant Grand Bazaar and breathe in the exotic fragrances of the Spice Market, a sensory reminder of ancient trade routes.

We depart Istanbul early for Edirne, historically a vital gateway between Europe and Asia. In Edirne, we visit architectural marvels like the Üç Serefeli Mosque and the Old Mosque, and explore the Complex of Sultan Bayezid II Health Museum. Our day is enriched further with visits to the Grand Synagogue and the historic train station turned museum.

Today, we cross the border into Greece, where ancient and Christian heritage intertwine beautifully. Our first stop in Greece is the picturesque city of Thessaloniki, where we check into our hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner.

We start our day at the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Philippi, where Apostle Paul founded a church and was imprisoned. We explore the ruins that echo with stories from Hellenistic, Roman, and Early Christian periods. Later, we make our way to Thessaloniki, a city rich in history and spiritual significance, where we’ll have some time to unwind before dinner.

We delve into Thessaloniki’s local flavors with a walking food tour, tasting traditional Greek meze and freshly baked goods. After enjoying lunch at a taverna, we spend some free time at Aristotelous Square. The day concludes with a serene evening boat tour around the Thermaikos Gulf, providing stunning views of Thessaloniki’s coastline.

We journey to Vergina to visit the spectacular archaeological site of the Royal Tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. Here, we view the “Vergina Treasures,” an impressive collection of artifacts that shed light on Macedonian royalty.

As our pilgrimage comes to an end, we reflect on the profound connections and memories we’ve forged. Filled with spiritual enrichment and historical insights, we head to the airport, ready to bring home the stories of our incredible journey through Turkey and Greece.