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

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.

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.

Enjoy your day at sea.

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, 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 site where this event is commemorated and see a crypt dating back to the Roman period, which is believed to have served as a prison for the Apostle Paul. See the famous agora, the basilica, and the theater.

Journey today through the rock forests of Meteora in the western Thessaly province and marvel at the rugged terrain that Paul walked in during his missionary treks. Here, monasteries were built by monks seeking refuge from persecution and the world. Beginning in the 14th century, the monks initially resided in caves, but eventually moved to higher ground and built wooden structures that were later replaced by the stone monasteries we see today. We will visit one or more of these monasteries. Lunch is on your own today.

Visit the Monastery of St. John, high on the mountain overlooking the entire island. Walk down to the Grotto of the Apocalypse and the caves where it is believed that the exiled Apostle Paul John lived and was inspired by God to write the Book of Revelation, as well as other letters to the early church.

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.

Return home.