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ABOUT YOUR TRIP
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Revelation 2:7
The Seven Churches of St. Paul
Walk in the footsteps of the early Christian communities that first received the message of the Gospel—and the call to faithfulness in the Book of Revelation. Beginning in Istanbul and tracing the ancient heartlands of Asia Minor before sailing through the serene beauty of the Greek Islands and concluding in Athens and Corinth, this pilgrimage is a profound encounter with the living history of the Church.
In Turkey, pilgrims visit the regions once home to the Seven Churches—Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—where the early believers faced both persecution and promise. Each site offers a timeless lesson in perseverance, devotion, and the enduring power of faith amid a changing world.
The voyage continues across the Aegean, where the tranquil rhythm of the Greek Islands offers space for reflection and renewal. In Greece, the pilgrimage culminates in Athens and Corinth, where the Apostle Paul’s words first echoed across Europe, calling hearts to a deeper understanding of the Gospel.
This journey is more than a passage through sacred places—it is a spiritual awakening. As pilgrims walk among ancient ruins and gaze upon timeless seas, they are invited to hear anew the Spirit’s voice, to renew their commitment to faith, and to find within themselves the same courage and devotion that once sustained the early Church.
ITINERARY
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!
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.
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.
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.
Today, we’ll explore Pergamum, cherished among St. Paul’s seven churches. Discover the ancient Trojan temple and Grand Theater before making our way to Thyatira, known for its beautiful purple textiles and famous carpets. After a fulfilling day, we’ll enjoy dinner and rest at our hotel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today, we’ll explore the beautiful Island of Crete, the largest Greek Island and center of the Minoan civilization. We’ll visit Heraklion and the ancient site of Knossos, dating back to around 4000 BC. After some free time to explore or relax, we’ll board our ship for a cruise to stunning Santorini, where we’ll enjoy a scenic chairlift ride. Dinner and a restful night will be on the ship.
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 old museum, and the Acropolis, including the Parthenon and the Olympic Stadium. We’ll end the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to our hotel, reflecting on our memories.
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, and we look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon!
YOUR TRIP INCLUDES
Round-Trip Airfare
First-Class Hotels
Land transportation
Breakfast & Dinner
Professional Tour Guides
Daily Mass
Sightseeing/Admission Fees
Medical Insurance
GALLERY
PLAN A TRIP
Engaging with Nativity Pilgrimage for your spiritual journey guarantees a travel experience characterized by ease and efficiency. You will not have to concern yourself with logistical arrangements, including flights, accommodations, guides, transportation, and other related aspects. Our team manages all intricate details, allowing you to focus entirely on your pilgrimage experience.
Our knowledgeable staff remains consistently available to ensure that the process is straightforward and seamless. We offer comprehensive support by overseeing all reservations, managing financial transactions, handling invoicing, processing payments, and organizing travel documentation, among other essential tasks. We are dedicated to guiding you through the diverse options available, ensuring the creation of a truly transformative pilgrimage experience.
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TRAVEL PROTECTION
While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is strongly advised to mitigate potential unforeseen circumstances that may lead to trip cancellations or result in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. It is advisable to obtain this insurance upon registration to take advantage of the “Cancel For Any Reason” option. There are two available options for acquiring travel insurance:
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Purchase directly online via our website following the submission of your application.
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Acquire insurance through your own insurance provider.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
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