12-DAY GREECE & TURKEY

DAY 1: FLIGHT TO ISTANBUL 

Today marks the start of your pilgrimage as you board your flight to vibrant Istanbul! Everything has been arranged for your comfort. Relax and enjoy your flight; a remarkable spiritual adventure awaits!

DAY 2: WELCOME TO ISTANBUL

Upon our arrival in Istanbul, a warm welcome awaits from our knowledgeable tour guide and friendly driver, who will escort us to our hotel. Prepare to settle in and refresh yourself before enjoying a delightful dinner together. You’ll surely be ready for a restful night as you soak in the new surroundings.

DAY 3: ISTANBUL

After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll explore Istanbul’s wonders, including the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Hippodrome, the stunning Blue Mosque, the Patriarchal Cathedral Church, the Subterranean Cisterns, and the vibrant Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), where you can enjoy a sensory delight. After a full day of exploration, we’ll gather for dinner and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at our hotel.

DAY 4: NICAEA | BURSA  

Following breakfast, we’ll embark on a journey from Istanbul to Bursa, with a stop at historic Nicaea, the birthplace of the Nicene Creed. Here, we’ll visit St. Sofia of Nicea, a site of profound significance where the First Council of the Christian Church was held. This region played a pivotal role in the history of Christianity. After our busy day, we’ll settle in for dinner and an overnight stay at our hotel.

DAY 5: PERGAMUM | THYATIRA | IZMIR

Today, we’ll explore Pergamum, one of the seven churches cherished by St. Paul. Discover the ancient Trojan temple and the Grand Theater before making your way to Thyatira, renowned for its exquisite purple textiles and famous carpets. After a fulfilling day, we’ll enjoy dinner and rest at our hotel.

DAY 6: IZMIR | SARDIS | PHILADELPHIA | PAMUKKALE

We’ll begin our journey in Izmir, a city rich in history for both Jews and Christians. Then, we’ll head to Sardis, one of the most picturesque of the seven churches. We’ll then visit Philadelphia, lovingly referred to as “The New Jerusalem.” Finally, we’ll continue our expedition toward Pamukkale. After a day filled with inspiring sights, we’ll dine and retire for the night at our hotel.

DAY 7: PAMUKKALE | LAODICEA | COLOSSAE

Today, we’ll explore the stunning thermal pools of Pamukkale—don’t forget your camera! After enjoying the scenery, we’ll visit Colossae, the historical site tied to the “Letter to the Colossians.” Then, we’ll reflect at Laodicea on Paul’s words to the “Lukewarm Christians.” It’s a great opportunity to think about our spiritual journeys. We’ll end the day with dinner and share our thoughts at the hotel.

DAY 8: EPHESUS | KUSADASI

After breakfast, we’ll head to the ancient city of Ephesus, famous for its stunning archaeological sites. You’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Odeon, Trojan Fountain, steam baths, Temple of Adrian, Celsus Library, and the Grand Theater, all steeped in rich history. Later, we’ll visit the house of the Virgin Mary, reflecting on her life after the Crucifixion, before enjoying dinner and a restful night at our hotel.

DAY 9: PATMOS

After breakfast, get ready for a scenic cruise to the Greek Islands, starting with the peaceful Island of Patmos! We’ll visit the Monastery of St. John to see the original Gospel manuscripts, then explore the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where St. John wrote the “Book of Revelation.” You’ll also see the crack made by the divine voice of God. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay on board the ship, surrounded by the stunning sea.

DAY 10: SANTORINI

Today we sail to Santorini, one of the most iconic and breathtaking islands in the world. Rising dramatically from the Aegean Sea, Santorini offers stunning cliffside views, whitewashed villages, and unforgettable scenery. We will take a chairlift to explore this remarkable island and enjoy its unique beauty before returning to our ship for dinner and overnight accommodations.

DAY 11: ATHENS | CORINTH

Our adventure in Athens begins with a visit to Corinth, where St. Paul established the first Church and faced judgment by Gallio. We’ll also explore the Temple of Apollo, the Acropolis, and the Parthenon, as well as the Acropolis Museum and the Olympic Stadium. We’ll conclude the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel for the evening.

DAY 12: RETURN FLIGHT HOME

After a heartfelt farewell, we will head to the airport for our return flight. We hope this spiritual journey has been enriching for you. Thank you for traveling with Nativity Pilgrimage. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon!