Turkey and Greece

September 22 - October 8, 2026

The Rev. Dr. Don Carlson, Co-Host
a LEAD Pauline study pilgrimage for rostered leaders and inquiring disciples

People ask, “After 11 trips, haven’t you found Paul yet?” The truth is that every trip brings newly found insights about the Paul we thought we knew. And another truth is that the real Paul is often lost: clouded by ignorance about Paul’s cultural and religious context, and therefore often misconstrued amid sectarian arguments and “culture wars.”

Contemporary Biblical scholars often list four “Pauls” —

The Paul of the autograph leƩers: Philemon, 1 Thessalonians, Philippians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans.
The “Paul” of Ephesians, Colossians, and 2 Thessalonians.
The “Paul” of the pastorals: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus.
The “traditional Paul” of Acts.

Lutherans and other churches may also have a “fifth Paul” - the “Reformation Paul” of the 16th century.

But, how did the “real Paul” of the 1st century understand justice, righteousness, salvation, faith, and the gospel as he wrote to diverse urban people living in a culture permeated with religion, patronage, classism, plutocracy, oligarchy, and Roman Imperial Theology? How can his gospel’s 1st century context inform our 21st century context? These are but some of the issues we explore together on every trip.

Participants commit to advance preparation so there will be common ground for discussion.

Read the essential books on the reading list, and other articles that will be shared electronically.
Take part in three pre-trip orientation and discussion Zoom meetings in June, July, and August.

So, come along and seek the life and faith of the early church. Come along and search for Paul!

Friends in Christ,
This picture of me was taken during our study of 1st Corinthians while gathered in the forum of ancient Corinth. That evening we sailed for Patmos; then back into Türkiye. Ephesus and many other sites and discussions awaited us. 2026 will be our 12th journey. I increasingly appreciate the observation of N.T. Wright, “For too long we’ve read the scriptures with 19th century eyes and 16th century questions. It’s time we get back to reading with 1st century eyes and 21st century questions.” In many ways, our 21st century is not unlike the 1st century. In no other period of my lifetime could a 1st century understanding of Paul be more relevant: his gospel in the context of empire; his vision of the just world Christ’s return would usher in; his alternative Christ communities negotiating the imperial meantime. Come along on this historical, cultural, and theological immersion.

Full info at: https://leadconnects.org/in-search-of-paul-2026/

Grace and peace,
Pastor Don Carlson

Tour Host

Rev. Dr. Don Milton Carlson

Select a section:

Sep 22 Tue Depart USA
Fly out of a Turkish Airlines hub, direct flight to Istanbul. Tutku Tours can arrange departures with other carriers at cost. You can also book your own flights.

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

Sep 24 Thu Istanbul
We start at Istanbul where we glimpse the “imperial church” of the early 4th century under Constantine. We visit the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Hagia Irene, Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. Overnight in Istanbul.

Sep 25 Fri Greek Border – Philippi - Kavala
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.

Sep 26 Sat Thessaloniki - Kalambaka
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.

Sep 27 Sun Kalambaka
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. Overnight in Kalambaka.

Sep 28 Mon Delphi
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. Overnight at Delphi.

Sep 29 Tue Athens
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”. Overnight in Athens.

Sep 30 Wed Corinth - Ferry to Patmos
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 will discuss 1st Corinthians. After lunch we head for the port of Athens, say “Goodbye” to Voula Kalapoda, and board our 6:00 PM Blue Star ferry to Patmos. Good dining aboard and cabins with clean linens and bath. Overnight ferry to Patmos. Arrive in Patmos about 2:00 AM, ride a short distance to our hotel, and go back to bed!. Overnight in Patmos (3:00 AM-9:00 AM).

Oct 1 Thu Patmos - Kusadasi
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. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Oct 2 Fri Ephesus - Kusadasi
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!. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Oct 3 Sat Didyma - Aphrodisias - Pamukkale
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. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Oct 4 Sun Hierapolis - Laodicea - Izmir
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 scenic bus ride, we will arrive at Izmir (ancient Smyrna) and have dinner on the waterfront. Overnight in Izmir.

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

Oct 6 Tue Assos - Troy - Assos
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.

Oct 7 Wed Istanbul
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. Overnight in Istanbul

Oct 8 Thu Fly out of Istanbul to USA – End
After a leisurely morning and breakfast, we leave for the airport for our fights home.

PLEASE NOTE

While many sites are visited,this is not primarily a “sight-seeing” tour. It is a continuing education emersion 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.
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.
We will travel over1500 scenic miles by bus, ferry,and water taxi.
Minor changes to the itinerary may occur due to unforeseen circumstances.

**Direct to Istanbul IST from the following cities: Atlanta ATL, Boston BOS, Chicago ORD, Dallas DFW, Denver DEN, Detroit DTW, Houston IAH, Los Angeles LAX, Miami MIA, Newark EWR, New York JFK, San Francisco SFO, Seattle SEA, Toronto YYZ, Vancouver YVR, and Washington IAD.

*Land Only:Cost is $4,190. You make your own flight plans, often for less than $1400. You need to arrive in Istanbul IST on September 23, 2026, preferably between noon and 6:00 PM for group transfer to the hotel.