In Search of Paul

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Tuesday, April 22nd
Fly out of a Turkish Airlines hub; direct flight to Istanbul. Tutku Tours can arrange departures by other carriers at cost.

Wednesday, April 23rd
Arrive in Istanbul, meet our guide for Türkiye, Cenk Eronat, and travel to our hotel. “Welcome” Dinner together in the hotel dining room.

Thursday, April 24th
We start at Istanbul where we glimpse the “imperial church” of the early 4th century under Constantine. We visit the hippodrome, archeological museums, Hagia Sophia, Hagia Irene, Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace.

Friday, April 25th
We depart early for the Greek border, meet our guide for Greece, Voula Kalapoda, and then travel to Philippi. We visit the traditional river site where Paul met Lydia and see the magnificent baptistery built there. At the river we discuss Paul’s letter to Philemon and its patronage subtext. 1st century city life then emerges in the ruins of ancient Philippi. Overnight in Kavala, modern Neapolis.

Saturday, April 26th
We get another glimpse of the Via Egnatia that Paul walked from Neapolis to Philippi, then on to Thessaloniki where we see the Roman forum, the arch and mausoleum of Galerius, and the archeological museum. We stop at the tomb of Phillip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, to appreciate the roots of imperial theology. Overnight at Kalambaka/Meteora.

Sunday, April 27th
Visit Varlaam Monastery, built 1541, high atop the rocks of Meteora; reflecting upon the medieval theological worldview of its art. After visiting Varlaam Monastery, we have a traditional Sunday lunch and take the afternoon off. Evening meal at the hotel, a discussion of Philippians, and Eucharist.

Monday, April 28th
We stop at a studio where icons are hand painted and can be purchased, then go to Delphi to explore the cult of Apollo. After visiting the archeological museum, we overnight in Delphi; taking a look at Galatians before turning in.

Tuesday, April 29th
In Athens, we visit the Areopagus where Paul delivered his sermon about “an unknown God” and then climb the Acropolis to see the temples of Athena, Nike, Poseidon, and Augustus. There will then be free time to visit the new archeological museum or to have a leisurely meal “al fresco”.

Wednesday, April 30th
We visit the site of ancient Corinth with its excellent ruins and museum. While on the grounds, seated in view of the Temple of Apollo and the ancient meat market (1 Cor. 8), we discuss 1st Corinthians. After lunch we head for the port of Athens, say “Goodbye” to Voula Kalapoda, and board our 6:00 PM ferry to Patmos. Good dining aboard and cabins with clean linens and bath. Arrive in Patmos about 2:00 AM, ride a short distance to our hotel, and go back to bed!

Thursday, May 1st
Still in Greece, we will visit the traditional “Cave of St. John”, reflect upon the imperial context of Revelation, and then visit the Monastery of St. John. Lunch will be by the seaport and then we take a 4-hour boat ride to the Turkish port of Kusadasi. TK. At Kusadasi we meet up again with Cenk Eronat and go to our hotel.

Friday, May 2nd
The ancient city of Ephesus gives the most impressive glimpse of 1st century urban life. The Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world) Temple of Hadrian, Temple of Domitian, and the “terrace houses” are but a few of the restorations. After a “1st century lunch” we will visit a local “cottage industry” store to see how Turkish carpets are made; and an opportunity to purchase carpets!

Saturday, May 3rd
Leaving Kusadasi, we will see the magnificent Temple of Apollo at Didyma, Asian counterpart to Delphi – complete with oracle – and discuss 1 Thessalonians. Then on to Aphrodisias with the Temple of Aphrodite, the Sebasteion (the best example of Roman imperial theology), monumental gateway, stadium, and museum—where “the god fearers” are mentioned. Overnight at a relaxing thermal spa hotel at Pamukkale.

Sunday, May 4th
At Hierapolis we see the tomb of Philip the Apostle (?) and the thermal springs, then journey to Laodicea with its many newly excavated and restored ruins; including a magnificent 4th century church. After a brief stop at Sardis and its restored gymnasium and synagogue, we will arrive at Izmir (ancient Smyrna) and have dinner on the waterfront.

Monday, May 5th
We head for the acropolis of Pergamum with its great theater and temples to Athena, Zeus, and Trajan; then visit the Asclepion, a center of healing where the great physician Galen practiced. Overnight at the picturesque seaport of Assos. Eucharist in the evening.

Tuesday, May 6th
After climbing the acropolis of Assos – Turkish coffee on the climb – that has a temple to Athena dating from 530 BCE, we head north to Alexander-Troas (Acts 20). After walking a portion of the road Paul walked from Troas to Assos, we again overnight in Assos, discussing Romans before turning in.

Wednesday, May 7th
We cross the Dardanelles via the new suspension bridge and drive through the area where the Battle of Gallipoli was fought in WWI. Arriving back in Istanbul, we visit the Spice Market before going to the hotel to enjoy our farewell dinner.

Thursday, May 8th
After a leisurely morning and breakfast, we leave for the airport for our fights home.

PLEASE NOTE

1. While many sites are visited, this is not primarily a “sight-seeing” tour. It is a continuing education immersion in which participants, through personal reflection and mutual conversation, seek to grow in their understanding of Paul’s theology and the context of his 1st communities. The program assumes sharing and participation.
2. The many archeological sites visited may have uneven footing, ramps, stairs, changes in elevation, and are certainly not ADA compliant. Some days may require 5000 footsteps. Over 190 people of diverse ages (see brochure pictures) have participated, but please inquire if you have concerns, questions, or mobility issues.
3. We will travel over 1,500 scenic miles by bus, ferry, and water taxi.
4. Minor changes to the itinerary may occur due to unforeseen circumstances.

Print-ready In Search of Paul 2025 Brochure

Print-ready Travel Guide 2025

In Search of Paul – FAQs (Click here to download)

Is it safe to travel in Turkey and Greece?
LEAD, in partnership with TUTKU Tours, has been offering this pilgrimage since 2014. Over 190 people have participated and have always been and felt safe. The trip is registered with the US State Department, and we receive all travel updates.

How much spending money should be brought?
Always a tough question in that people’s spending habits vary widely. Perhaps about $250 USD worth of Turkish Lira and $350 USD worth of Euros. ATMs in both Türkiye and Greece can provide additional monies should more be needed.

What about passports and visas?
No visa is required for Turkey or Greece. Participants must carry a US Passport that does not expire within 6 months of April 22, 2025.

How many people will be in the group?
We have had as few as 12 and as many as 31. We anticipate there will be between 20 and 30 participants.

Is the trip physically demanding?
People from age 28 to 70+ have done this trip. However, many archeological sites may have uneven footing, ramps, stairs, changes in elevation, and are certainly not ADA compliant. Some days may require 5000 footsteps. Walk if you need to get in shape. Please inquire if you have questions or mobility issues.

Is there any other preparation needed?
Yes. There are three “essential readings” listed in the brochure. Upon registration you will be invited to join the Facebook Group for ISOP 2025. It is a way to get to know people prior to the trip and to share ideas and information. There will also be 3 online ZOOM meetings (January, February, and March) in which we will discuss the readings listed in the brochure. (This is not primarily a “sight-seeing tour”. It is a 1st century emersion in which participants, through reflection and conversation, grow in their understanding of Paul, his theology, and the context of the early “church”.)

What airline will we fly?
TUTKU will try to book everyone on Turkish Airlines; direct flights to Istanbul from the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver, Washington DC. TAL is a Star Alliance member. If you want to use Star Alliance miles/points or other points you need to make your own flight arrangements, in which case TUTKU will give you a “land only” rate of $3990. You need to arrive in Istanbul, preferably in the afternoon, on April 23, 2025.

Can we tour on our own before or after the LEAD event?
Yes, but then you also need to make your own flight reservations (land only) or make arrangements with TUTKU. You need to be in Istanbul by April 23, 2025.

What kind of clothing is needed?
Very casual and comfortable. Bring items that can easily dry after being rinsed out. Dress in layers. Have two pairs of good walking shoes: well broken in. Avoid clothing and accessories with logos, flags, slogans, and symbols. Clothing, especially in Turkey, should be modest.

Is this mostly for “rostered leaders” – pastors and deacons?
No. Our groups are usually about 50/50 rostered and laity. Makes for better conversation!

Do I need travel insurance?
That is up to the individual. It is recommended that you at least have medical travel and medical evacuation insurance, which is very nominal.

Is any scholarship assistance available?
There are a limited number of $1,300 scholarships for ELCA leaders rostered 10 years or less. Contact Pr. Don Carlson. To advocate for the participation of more recently rostered leaders, a letter to the Congregational Council can be downloaded from the website.

Click here to download

We welcome you to view a PDF excerpt from LEAD’s Visionaries Magazine spotlighting past In Search of Paul Pilgrimages; this excerpt includes hyperlinks to videos capturing experiences from past participants.