The St Paul Expedition A 0 DAY PILGRIMAGE ATHENS TO ISTANBUL The Acts of the Apostles come alive as we traverse the ancient paths of St. Paul and unearth the origins and emerging faith of the first Christian communities. In t r o d u c i n g Meteora & Ca p p a d o c i a from $ 7895 AUD per person Now includes all taxes fees and levies It i n e r a r y Athens () Corinth Delphi Kalambaka () Meteora Philippi Kavala () Meteora Thessaloniki Kos () Patmos () Miletus Kusadasi () Ephesus Pergamum Canakkale () Assos Alexander Troas Troy Gallipoli Istanbul () Cappadocia () Optional Malta extension (3) Thessaloniki Kalambaka Corinth Athens Philippi Kavala Aegean Sea bulgaria Gallipoli Canakkale Alexander Troas Troy Assos Pergamum Patmos Kos Ephesus Kusadasi Miletus Rhodes Istanbul Black Sea Cappadocia P I L G R I M A G E COMBINATIONS ADD 7 NIGHTS Eg y p t & Ho l y La n d OR 35 HARVEST HIGHPOINTS Stand in the very places of St. Paul s preachings in the spectacularly preserved ruins of Ancient Corinth and Philippi. A unique two night stay on the holy island of Patmos to visit the actual cave where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation. Celebrate an inspired Mass in Gallipoli aboard our special charter vessel as the Anzac Cove coastline emerges before our very eyes 4 6 Marvel at the living Byzantine Monasteries of Meteora spectacularly suspended atop rocky pinnacles and occupied by hermits since the th century. Enjoy a full day to explore the wonders of Ephesus where St. Paul lived and preached for more than two years. Be awestruck in Cappadocia as we explore the region of the early Christian communities and their stunning Fairy Chimney houses and churches shaped by the weather. ADD 3 NIGHTS Ma l t a DAY DEPART FOR GREECE DAY ARRIVE ATHENS Athens today is the thriving capital of Greece but, more importantly, we have entered into the world of the New Testament where St Paul and his companions established the first Christian communities throughout his four missionary journeys.
Meteora On arrival in Athens we will be met and transferred to our centrally located hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening we will celebrate our first Mass together. Athens overnight (D) DAY 3 ATHENS AND CORINTH When St Paul first came to Athens it was predominantly a city which worshipped pagan gods. St Paul was taken before the city council at the Areopagus Hill, a rough outcrop of limestone rock from which he preached the Gospel message to the Athenian philosophers (Acts 7:6-). This morning we will celebrate Mass before we set out on our tour of Christian Athens including the Acropolis, the Areopagus where St Paul delivered his famous sermon about the identity of the Unknown God (Acts 7:5-34). Visit the Ancient Agora before exploring the Parthenon and the Plaka (Old Greece). Also see the Kallimármaro Stadium, dating back to 330BC and restored for the first modern Olympic Games held here in 896. where Paul said farewell to the believers and departed for Ephesus (Acts 8:8). Athens overnight (BD) DAY 4 VIA DELPHI TO METEORA We travel this morning to the remarkable city of Delphi where we are rewarded with the view of this ancient site unsurpassed in natural beauty. We will be taken on a guided tour including the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Museum housing important relics excavated here. We continue north this afternoon on to the small town of Kalambaka built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks of Meteora. Kalambaka overnight (BD) DAY 5 METEORA EXPLORATION Our morning will begin with a visit to the beautiful Church of the Dormition of the Virgin in Kalambaka for Mass. We will spend some time marvelling at this unique phenomenon of nature 4 perpendicular rocks where 600 years ago Byzantine monks chose to worship God and build their Monastic community of Meteora. We will visit some of these living monasteries and view the extraordinary collection of priceless religious frescoes and other treasures that will make this a remarkable day. Enjoy some free time this afternoon. Kalambaka overnight (BD) DAY 6 METEORA TO PHILIPPI & KAVALA Arise and journey east along the ancient route of the Apostle Paul via Amphipolis (Acts 7:) and on to nearby Philippi, named after Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. It Ancient Corinth Journey out to Ancient Corinth this afternoon where the apostle Paul lived for almost two years, teaching the people the word of God and converting many. We visit the ancient ruins and see the site where he preached the Gospel from the Rostrum. Also visit the Peirene fountain, and the 6 th century BC Temple of Apollo before an outdoor Mass in this stunning pilgrimage setting. Finally we come to Cenchreae, the ancient port from
T H E S T P A U L E X P E D I T I O N was here that St Paul won his first European convert, a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira (Acts 6:-40). Visit the Baptistery of Lydia for a beautiful outdoor Mass on the River Zygaktis, and renew our Baptismal vows. Visit the market place (where St Paul and St Silas were brought before the rulers) and the cistern which tradition identifies as the place where St Paul was imprisoned. Ephesus Continue on to the port city of Kavala (ancient Neapolis), once named Christoupolis after being the first European city to accept Christianity. It was here that St Paul, St Timothy and St Silas first landed from Troas (Acts 6:), one of the great moments in the history of Christianity. Kavala overnight (BD) DAY 7 VIA THESSALONIKI TO KOS Travel this morning to Thessaloniki, Greece s second city, founded in 35 BC, and where St Paul preached during the winters of 49-50AD and wrote the two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. It was here that he established the first Christian Church in Europe. See the ramparts of the city, the triumphal Arch of Galerius and the Roman Agora where St Paul once preached. Time permitting we shall visit St Demetrios Church with its valuable mosaics and frescoes and will drive up to the upper town, which offers a marvelous view of the city. This afternoon we are transferred to Thessaloniki airport for our flight via Athens to the Greek island of Kos. Kos overnight (BD) Pilgrim s Journal Thank you Harvest for this incredibly wonderful pilgrimage. Visiting these ancient sites dating back to early BC, learning the history of the Apostle Paul s journeys was something one will never forget. Barbara Ashwell DAY 8 KOS TO PATMOS This morning we board our boat transfer to the Dodecanese island of Patmos, where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation. Lying between the islands of Leros and Ikaria is the ascetic shaped Patmos, called the Jerusalem of the Aegean due to the overwhelming atmosphere of the island during the great celebrations of Christianity. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to rest and enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing and historic island. Patmos overnight (BD) DAY 9 PATMOS EXPLORATION This morning we enjoy an orientation tour including a walking tour of the main square of the village of Chora. This is the traditional settlement and capital of Patmos, where the narrow streets were designed to ward off pirates over the centuries. Ascend to the Monastery of St John the Beloved, a huge fortress-like building dating from the th century, for a visit and celebration of Mass. Our exploration of this living monastery will culminate with time in the actual Cave of Revelation where God chose to reveal to Patmos St John the mysteries of the last book of the Bible - the Apocalypse. The cave is now at the foot of the monastery, which houses priceless icons and manuscripts, sacred relics, vestments embroiled with silver or gold threads and bejeweled with precious stones. Later continue to the active Convent of Evangelismos (Annunciation) built by the hieromonk Nikiphoros who was cured from the plague after praying to St. Luke the Evangelist. Visit the ruins of the ancient acropolis, the church of Panagia Koumana and the convent of Zoodochos Pigi with icons dating from the 6th to the 8th century. Patmos overnight (BD) DAY 0 PATMOS TO TURKEY Early this morning we depart Patmos by private charter vessel to Kusadasi in Turkey. Upon arrival we will board our coach and travel south to Miletus. St Paul and his companions travelled via Mytilene, Chios and Samos to Miletus, where St Paul delivered his touching farewell address to the elders of Ephesus and predicted his death, saying I now feel sure that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will ever see my face again. (Acts 0:5).
GREECE TURKEY Return to Kusadasi, doorway to Ephesus and the Churches of Revelation. Kusadasi overnight (BD) DAY EPHESUS PILGRIMAGE This morning we travel directly to Ephesus, the most famous of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev :-7) where St Paul spent more than two years in the course of his third missionary journey. It was to the Christian community of Ephesus that St Paul wrote his greatest and most challenging letter (the epistle to the Ephesians) and also succeeded in converting many away from worship of the god Artemis. Our visit today will include the ruins where St Paul lived and preached, the Ephesus Museum and the prison of St Paul. Walk through the ancient marble streets founded in the 0 th century BC and see this most complete Roman city providing us with an excellent window into Imperial Rome. We will walk through the same ancient marble streets passing the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, the enormous amphitheatre (Acts 9:9-3), and finally come to the ruins of the Christian Basilica where the Third Ecumenical Council took place in 43AD, and where Our Lady was proclaimed Mother of God. We ascend the hill to the House of the Virgin Mary for Mass where it is said Mary spent the later years of her life. Finally we visit the restored remains of the 6 th century Basilica of St John at Celcuk where a small church was originally built over the tomb of St John the Evangelist. Kusadasi overnight (BD) DAY PERGAMUM AND CANAKKALE This morning we set out towards Izmir, once the site of ancient Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev :8-). This was home to a lively Christian community under the pastoral care of its bishop the saintly Polycarp. After Mass here we will continue north to Gallipoli Pergamum (Rev :-7), one of the most impressive classical sites in Turkey and another of the Churches of Revelation. Once described by John as the place where Satan has his throne, this too was the site where the first Christians were martyred by Rome (Rev :-7). Canakkale overnight (BD) DAY 3 ASSOS, ALEXANDER TROAS & TROY This morning we journey south to resume our Paulian trail at Assos. Here St Paul had arranged to rejoin his companions before sailing on to Miletus. Explore the remains of the Council Chamber and the 6 th century BC Temple of Athena. Also see the impressive Acropolis and experience the brilliant acoustics of the Amphitheatre, before visiting the region s longest building, the Red Basilica dedicated to St John the Apostle. Continue on to Alexander Troas where the apostle spent seven days as he returned from Macedonia. Troas is also mentioned in Timothy 4:3 as the place where St Paul left his cloak. Paul had so much to say to his friends that they stayed up all night preaching here, although one listener (Eutychus) survived despite falling three stories from a window. The incident was only a brief interruption however in Paul s preaching that continued to daybreak! (Acts 0:7-) After Mass at Troas we finally come to Homer s Troy, famous for its legendary wooden horse. We will explore this extraordinary site before returning to Canakkale. Canakkale overnight (BD) vessel for an inspired journey along the Gallipoli Peninsula where 7,594 Australian and,43 New Zealand soldiers lost their lives in battle during World War I. We aim to celebrate a spectacular Mass on board our boat (local conditions permitting) as the Anzac Cove coastline emerges before our very eyes, giving a rare perspective of the troops landing on 5th April 95. Disembark nearby and visit Anzac Cove, Courtney s and Steele s Post, Quinn s post, The Nek, Chunuk Bair, New Zealand Monuments and Lone Pine Cemetery. We come in faith to pay tribute and pray for the souls of the heroes of those tragic months of 95. Our journey continues east this afternoon to Istanbul a glorious city uniquely located on two continents. Istanbul overnight (BD) DAY 5 ISTANBUL DAY We begin our day with a special city cruise along the Bosphorus where we will sail past the Ottoman Palaces, Byzantine fortresses, Beylerbeyi Palace and Suleimans Mosque. This afternoon our touring will include a visit to the early Church of St Peter and St Paul, where we will celebrate Mass, under the gaze Hagia Sophia DAY 4 ANZAC COVE & GALLIPOLI TO ISTANBUL This morning we board a private charter
T H E S T P A U L E X P E D I T I O N Cappadocia OPTIONAL EXTENSION of the beautiful and ancient icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Visit the 6th century Basilica Cistern, the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city. Continue to the Byzantine Hipprodrome; Topkapi Palace and archaeological museum. Onwards then to the Grand Bazaar, with over 4000 exotic tiny shops. Istanbul overnight (BD) DAY 6 ISTANBUL TO CAPPADOCIA This morning we will visit the Blue Mosque and nearby Hagia Sophia (meaning Holy Wisdom ). Built in 548 AD, Hagia Sophia was the greatest Church in Christendom until 453 when Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Empire. This afternoon we travel to Istanbul airport for our domestic flight to Kayseri Airport and then a short coach trip to amazing Cappadocia. A visit to the Cappadocia region is like stepping into a fairy tale setting. The rocks of Cappadocia near Göreme eroded into hundreds of spectacular pillars and minaret-like forms. The volcanic deposits from ancient volcanoes millions of years ago are soft rocks that the people of the villages at the heart of the Cappadocia Region carved out to form houses, churches and monasteries. Göreme became a monastic centre between 300 00 AD. Cappadocia overnight (BD) how many altars there are there one could hardly count so many in all the rest of the world. This morning we will see the extraordinary mushroom-shaped Fairy Chimneys in the Devrent Valley that are pieces of volcanic rocks that have been beaten and spectacularly shaped by the wind and rain. Continue on to view pottery production using the ancient technique in Avanos. Visit Goreme, an open-air museum holding the earliest churches and carved chapels presenting the finest examples of Byzantine frescos. Highlights here will be the Dark Church, Apple Church, Buckle Church and the Nunnery. Afterwards, visit the old Christian village of Cavusin. This afternoon travel to the marvellous construction of the Kaymakli Underground City which hid Christians from Arab invaders and the Ortahisar Natural Rock Castle. Cappadocia overnight (BD) DAY 8 DEPART TURKEY This morning we are transferred to Kayseri airport for our flight to Istanbul and homebound flight connections or ongoing pilgrimage extension to Malta. DAY 0 ARRIVE AUSTRALIA/NZ Malta 3 Ni g h t s DAY ARRIVE MALTA: Upon arrival we will meet our guide to visit St John s Co-Cathedral, St Anthony s Church, Fortification and Auberges built by the Knights of St John. Visit the impressive miraculous Crucifix at Ta Giezu Church the head is reputed to have been made by Angels. Continue to the ancient Icon of Our lady of Damascus and then to the St Paul Shipwreck Church (view two relics of St Paul). Malta overnight (D) DAY GOZO DAY: This morning we meet our guide for a full day sightseeing to St. Paul s Bay (where Paul first landed) and venture across to St Paul s Bonfire Church on the outer island where he came aground. We continue to Gozo visiting: Church of St. John (in Xewkija village), Gozo Cathedral and Museum (entrance to the Rotondo), St. George s Basilica, Ggantija Temples (the Giant s Tower is one of the most important archaeological sites in Malta), Ta Pinu Shrine and Calypso s Cave. Malta overnight (BD) DAY 3 HAGAR QIM AND MEDINA: Today we have another full day sightseeing visiting: Blue grotto, Hagar Qim Temples, Mnajdra Temple, Bastions of Medina, Chapel of St Agatha and St Paul s Cathedral, where St Paul converted Malta to Christianity, St Paul s Grotto and St Paul s Catacombs. Malta overnight (BD) DAY 4 DEPART MALTA Depart Malta on your return or ongoing flight connections. DAY 7 CAPPADOCIA It is said that St. Paul was looking for a secure place after he was expelled from Jerusalem. He came to this region and established its first Christian colony with his followers. Furthermore St Gregory of Nyssa, one of the Cappadocian Fathers who lived in the area said, on his return from Palestine in 380 AD, that the Holy Spirit was not confined to Jerusalem, arguing One might more justly consider that He dwelt in the Cappadocian nation more than anywhere else; for 0 DEPARTURE DATEs COSTS AUD* COSTS NZD* TOUR CODE WEDNESDAY 8TH MAY $7895 $0695 NZD PE0 WEDNESDAY ST SEPTEMBER $7895 $0695 NZD PE0 Single Room Supplement $950 $50 NZD Prepaid Tipping Fund $80 $370 NZD Cost includes all airline taxes & levies* Visit www.harvestpilgrims.com for Full price inclusions, Booking Conditions & Booking Procedures 0 Pilgrimage Chaplains: Contact Harvest or visit www.harvestpilgrims.com/chaplains * Costs have been based on prices as at 30 November 00 and must remain subject to change without notice based on currency exchange rates, departure city and minimum group size contingency. Prices are based on twin share or double rooming. 0 MALTA EXTENSION # (post Turkey) AUD NZD Share Twin (plus best applicable airfare of the day) $980 $90 Single Supplement $50 $00 Prepaid Tipping $40 $50 # COSTS Land only Includes local guide in Malta