Sailing Acts - The Ports and Voyage of Paul in the Aegean

Sep 19 Thu Arrive Antalya
Arrive individually at Best Western Khan near Kaleichi (Old City) Antalya in time for dinner at 7:00 pm in hotel. After dinner we will meet for a brief orientation to travel plans, organizing the group for the journey, and tomorrow’s schedule. (D)

Sep 20 Fri Theme: The Church goes to Sea – the first ports, Scripture:
Acts 13:1-13 After breakfast we will visit the ancient river-connected port city of Perge then back to Antalya for lunch and a visit to St. Paul’s Cultural Center. After lunch we will visit the Antalya Archeological Museum containing an impressive display of treasures found in Perge followed by a visit to the city harbor of Antalya, out of which Paul and Barnabas sailed for home. Dinner at hotel. (B,D)

Sep 21 Sat Theme: Shipping Grain – the Fuel of the Roman Empire,
Scripture: Acts 27:1-6, After breakfast we will check out of the hotel then take a 2 hour scenic bus ride to Andriaki, the magnificent, partially restored Roman port of Myra with several very unique features. By 1:00 pm we will plan to board the gulet in Andriaki harbor, stow our luggage in the cabins, have lunch on deck, then sail on to Kas area for dinner and overnight in an anchorage. This is a time of relaxation, swimming, eating excellent food, learning about the incomparable Mediterranean Sea and the people who learned how to sail it in order to achieve their goals, including Paul. (B,L,D)

Sep 22 Sun Theme: Mare Nostrum and the Sea Workers, Scripture:
Psalm 107:23-30, Acts 21:1-2 Sail on westward to Kalkan. From here we will take a short bus ride to Patara to visit another key port city of Lycia, developed by Rome for grain shipping, and visited by Paul. Overnight in anchorage near Kalkan. (B,L,D)

Sep 23 Mon Theme: Exploring the Remains
of Christendom, Scripture: Psalm 46 Today we will continue westward to the beautiful Gemiler Bay where we will anchor, then visit the ruins on Gemiler Island. Overnight in anchorage. (B,L,D)

Sep 24 Tue Theme: Exploring Modern
Empires – Turkey, Greece and the Sea After breakfast we will hike up to the abandoned Greek village of Kaya Koy, the setting of the excellent historical novel Birds Without Wings. Remain at anchorage or afternoon sail into the beautiful Fethiye Bay, favorite destination of international sailors! (B,L,D)

Sep 25 Wed Theme: The Sea in Scripture – Genesis to Revelation,
Scripture Gen 1:1-9, Rev 21:1 Anchorage in Fethiye Bay to be determined. (B,L,D)

Sep 26 Thu Theme: Isolation and Connection in the Mediterranean Sea
Exploration around the Bay. Anchorage in Fethiye Bay to be determined. (B,L,D)

Sep 27 Fri Theme: The Sea People of the Mediterranean Coast
Exploration around the Bay. Anchorage near the town Fethiye or on Fethiye wharf. (B,L,D)

Sep 28 Sat Theme: Paul’s Farewell in Melitus, Scripture: Acts 20:13-38
After breakfast we will say farewell to the captain and crew of the gulet, then travel by bus northward stopping at Didyma with its incredible temple built during the reign of Alexander the Great, then on to Melitus where we will review the story of Paul’s emotional farewell, and more! Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B,L,D)

Sep 29 Sun Theme: Paul in Ephesus, Scripture: Acts 19:23-41
We will spend the full day visiting Ephesus and the surrounding area. Walk the marble streets, visit the stadium that seats 25,000, and admire the Celsus Library. We will also visit the Basilica of St. John, make a brief stop at the forlorn remains of the Temple to Artemis, and finish the day at the exquisite museum in Selcuk before returning to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Sep 30 Mon Theme: Pagan Ideas and the Gospel of Paul, Scripture: Acts 20:15
After breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a short ferry ride to the Greek island of Samos. After disembarking we will explore the ancient seaport of Pythagorio. Lunch on your own at a waterfront café or taverna, followed by a trip around the beautiful island. Dinner on your own in waterfront restaurants. (B)

Oct 1 Tue Paul in Athens - on the Areopagus, Scripture Acts 17
Today we will take a short, morning flight to Athens, leave our luggage at the Katerina Hotel, then take a walking tour for an introduction to Athens atop the Areopagus. You will be given tickets and information to explore the Acropolis, the Agora, Stoa and other main sites. You will also be given a Metro pass that will give you unlimited rides in the city. Lunch on your own in the Plaka. We will meet back at Hotel Katerina ready to walk to a nearby restaurant at 7:30 for dinner. (B)

Oct 2 Wed Theme: Paul in Corinth, Scripture Acts 18:1-18, I Cor 13
After breakfast we will travel by bus to Corinth, stopping at the awesome Corinth Canal, then on to Old Corinth site of the biblical Corinth where we will have time to explore the excellent archeological remains with the bema and Temple to Apollo. An impressive little museum of discoveries in Corinth, and a couple of little know surprises outside of the site is included. Following lunch in Old Corinth we will visit the ancient harbor of Cenchrae, then travel back to Athens for a celebratory dinner.(B)

Oct 3 Thu Theme: Paul in the Pagan World, Scriptures I Cor 9:19-26
Today we will take the Metro and walk to the stadium constructed in ancient Greek style for the first modern Olympics in 1896. From the Stadium we will again walk together to the excellent Acropolis Museum which you will explore at your own pace. The remainder of the day is free for you to continue site-seeing, eating, and even shopping. We will meet again at Katerina Hotel to walk to the restaurant for dinner at 7:30. (B)

Oct 4 Fri Breakfast and depart as individually arranged.