Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight to Istanbul, Türkiye.

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.

Today, you will visit the lakeside town of Iznik, known in Byzantine times as Nicaea and site of two ecumenical church councils. The ancient name is associated with the Nicene Creed which many Christians can recite from memory. You will see the ancient walls and sites associated with the town's Christian heritage: the ruins of the Basilica of St. Sophia, the Baptistry, and the Christian Tombs on the outskirts of town.

The bejeweled capital of Istanbul, situated between two continents, is home to 450 mosques. You will visit the famous Blue Mosque with its six minarets and sparkling interior. Walk through St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), which was the largest church in Christendom for 1,000 years, built by Justinian (532-537 AD). The church has 107 columns, fossil-embedded white marble floors, and beautiful glass mosaics. Today, it is the Museum of Byzantine Art. Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, thyme, and other exotic spices as you explore the Grand Bazaar. Over 4,000 shops sell everything from herbs to gold. In the afternoon, embark on the Azamara Onward cruise ship.

In Troy, history is buried in myth and mud. Nine layers of the fabled city have been excavated. Homer's Iliad relates the legendary story of the Trojan War. Not far away is Troas. Here, on his second missionary journey, Paul had a vision in which he was called to Macedonia (Acts 16: 8 -13). Later, during his third journey, Paul spent a week in Troas preaching. On one occasion he also resurrected Eutychus who fell to his death from a window while sleeping (Acts 20: 6 -12).

The town of Mitilini spreads upwards from the harbor into the pine and olive-covered hills, and is crowned by an enormous castle whose foundations were laid during the time of the Byzantine emperor Justinian. Shore excursions are not included today and can be purchased directly from Azamara.

Visit Philippi, where Paul, intending to find a place to pray by the riverside, spoke to women who had gathered there, among whom was Lydia, the seller of purple and whose heart the Lord opened to hear the words that he spoke. Lydia was the first Christian to be baptized on European soil. Visit the place where this event is remembered and see a crypt dating from the Roman period, which is thought to have served as a prison for the Apostle Paul. See the famous agora, the basilica, and the theater. 

Arrive today at the world-famous Greek island of Mykonos, where gleaming whitewashed buildings seem to climb atop each other to reach the azure sky. Admire its many hills dotted with iconic windmills. Explore the island on your own or join one of the optional excursions available for purchase on board. Shore excursions are not included today and can be purchased directly from Azamara.

One look at Monemvasia as you pull in to port, and it’s easy to understand why locals nicknamed it The Rock. Shrouded by precipitous cliffs along the brilliant teal waters of the Myrtoan Sea, Monemvasia is a castle town suspended in history. Shore excursions are not included today and can be purchased directly from Azamara.

Two mountains, each crowned by a medieval fortress, overlook Náfplio, and the small island citadel that once protected a harbor is now lined with delightfully inviting restaurants, cafés, and small shops. Shore excursions are not included today and can be purchased directly from Azamara.

Disembark Azamara Onward this morning. Discover the rich architectural splendor of the ancient city of Athens as you explore the world-renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon, and the Erechtheum. Stand on Mars Hill as the Apostle Paul did when he proclaimed, "I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” Also, view the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This afternoon, tour the city of Corinth, where the Apostle Paul met fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla and received a vision from the Lord saying, "I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” As Paul spoke, Crispus (chief ruler of the synagogue) and many others believed and were baptized, establishing the church at Corinth to whom Paul later wrote his two epistles. Discover the archaeological museum, marketplace, and temples. As you walk among the ruins, stand on the Bema, where the Apostle Paul stood before Gallio to face charges brought against him by the Jews.

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