No Fixed Departure Available!
Overview
Journey deep into the heart of spiritual history with the “Spiritual Crossroads” tour, a 12-day pilgrimage through Turkey and Greece. Starting in Istanbul, a city that has witnessed centuries of religious history, this tour guides pilgrims through sites of profound biblical significance and breathtaking beauty. From the ancient streets of Istanbul to the sacred grounds of Athens, participants will explore places where apostles preached, saints prayed, and Christianity flourished, all while engaging with the rich tapestry of cultural heritage that these regions offer. This pilgrimage is designed not just as a travel experience, but as a journey of faith, offering moments of reflection, prayer, and a deeper understanding of the roots of Christianity in the lands where it first spread.
Highlights
- Istanbul’s Sacred Sites: Tour the newly renovated Blue Mosque and the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, a pivotal site in both Christian and Islamic history.
- Take a spiritual Bosphorus cruise, reflecting on the city’s historical role as a bridge between East and West.
- Edirne’s Religious Heritage: Explore Edirne’s ĂœĂ§ Serefeli Mosque and the Old Mosque, significant in Islamic worship and architecture.
- Visit the Complex of Sultan Bayezid II Health Museum, a historical hospital that now serves as a museum of health.
- Transition to Greece: Cross into Greece, experiencing the blending of cultures and faiths, and visit the coastal town of Kavala.
- Philippi’s Biblical Past: Walk through the Archaeological Site of Philippi, where Apostle Paul established one of the earliest Christian churches in Europe.
- Reflect at the site believed to be where Paul was imprisoned and visit the octagonal church dedicated to him.
- Thessaloniki’s Christian Roots: Participate in a walking food tour that includes visits to sites where Apostle Paul once preached.
- Enjoy a spiritual evening boat tour around the Thermaikos Gulf.
- Vergina’s Royal Tombs: Discover the Royal Tomb of King Phillip II in Vergina, an extraordinary archaeological find that provides insight into the ancient Macedonian kingdom.
- Meteora’s Monastic Life: Visit the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries, perched on high cliffs and still home to active monastic communities.
- Athens’ Ancient Christianity: Tour the historic Athens Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum.
- Experience a panoramic city tour that includes Christian sites and culminates with a reflective visit to the Panathenaic Stadium.
DAY 1 :
Departure for Turkey
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.
DAY 2 :
Arrival in Istanbul
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.
DAY 3 :
Exploring Istanbul
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.
DAY 4 :
Treasures of Istanbul
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.
DAY 5 :
Journey to Edirne
We depart Istanbul early for Edirne, historically a vital gateway between Europe and Asia. In Edirne, we visit architectural marvels like the ĂœĂ§ 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.
DAY 6 :
Entering Greece, Kavala
Today, we cross the border into Greece, where ancient and Christian heritage intertwine beautifully. Our first stop in Greece is the picturesque port city of Kavala, where we check into our hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner.
DAY 7 :
Philippi and Thessaloniki
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.
DAY 8 :
Thessaloniki's Culinary and Cultural Delights
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.
DAY 9 :
Vergina's Royal Secrets
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.
DAY 10 :
Mystical Meteora and Athens Bound
We travel to the awe-inspiring Meteora, visiting monasteries that are perched on massive rocks, seemingly suspended in air. We absorb the serene atmosphere and admire the Byzantine art before driving to Athens, passing historic landmarks like Thermopylae.
We explore the ancient splendor of Athens with a guided tour of the iconic Acropolis and the modern Acropolis Museum. We wander through the city, viewing significant landmarks such as the Panathenaic Stadium and the Temple of Zeus. The evening is ours to enjoy at leisure, culminating in a farewell dinner that celebrates our shared spiritual journey.
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.
Cost
Includes
- Round Trip airfare
- Transportation and transfers abroad
- Private tour guide
- Private motor coach
- Entrances to all sites per itinerary
- 4 star hotels
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Border crossing
Not Included
- Visa To ISTANBUL ($50 - must be done on line individually)
- Lunches
- Discretionary items
- Trip Insurance
