Get In Touch

Tailor-Made & Luxury Journeys Across Turkey. Crafted by Experts, Inspired by Culture.

Cumhuriyet Mh. Çarşı Cd. Likya İş Mrk. No 304 48300 / Fethiye | Mugla - TURKEY

Sacred Seas & Holy Paths: A Land and Sail Pilgrimage

  • Home
  • Sacred Seas & Holy Paths: A Land and Sail Pilgrimage

Where the Aegean waves meet the Word of God

Step aboard a sacred journey that unites the beauty of the Aegean with the living witness of the New Testament by visiting all Seven Churches of Revelations


Sacred Seas & Holy Paths: A Land and Sail Pilgrimage

Our 11 day “Sailing the Scriptures: St. Paul’s Mission & St. John’s Revelation” is the only program that combines a 7 night gulet cruise along St. Paul’s sea routes with a 3 night land tour of the remaining Seven Churches of Revelation.


    Highlights

    • 7 night gulet cruise + 3 night land journey
    • Walk in Paul’s footsteps at Knidos, Kos, Miletus, and especially Ephesus his greatest missionary hub (Acts 19).
    • Experience St. John’s vision on Patmos, visiting the Cave of the Apocalypse (Rev. 1:9–
    • 11).
    • Visit all Seven Churches of Revelation:

    Ephesus (Rev. 2:1–7)

    Smyrna (Rev. 2:8–11)

    Pergamum (Rev. 2:12–17)

    Thyatira (Rev. 2:18–29)

    Sardis (Rev. 3:1–6)

    Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7–13)

     Laodicea (Rev. 3:14–22)


    Included

    • Hotel accommodation for 3 nights, 7 nights on board
    • Transportation by A/C non-smoking deluxe vehicle for transfers and touring mentioned on the itinerary
    • Services of English speaking professional local tour guide throughout .
    • All entry fees to the sites & museum
    • Bottled water during the touring days (1 bottle per person / per day)
    • Tips to the hotel and restaurants
    • All taxes and service charges 


    Excluded

    • Flights to/from Turkey
    • Personal expenses and travel insurance
    • Entrance fees to archaeological sites
    • Optional excursions and beverages on board
    • Tips/gratuities for crew


    We embark from Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus, and meet our gulet crew. Sails rise as we set course for Knidos, a city directly named in Acts 27:7: “We sailed slowly for many daysand had difficulty arriving off Cnidus.” The twin harbors and acropolis ruins remind us of St. Paul’s ship braving contrary winds. Standing here, we reflect on perseverance in the faith despite hardships. Evening fellowship and prayer on deck as the Aegean stars shine above.Overnight anchored at Knidos.

    We sail across to Kos, specifically mentioned in Acts 21:1: “After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos.” This stop recalls St. Paul’s determined final journey toward Jerusalem. We visit the ancient agora and remains of early basilicas, imagining how the Gospel moved from port to port. Kos reminds us of 1 Corinthians 9:22: “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” Evening stroll and fellowship in Kos harbor. Overnight Kos.

    Back on the Turkish coast, we anchor near Iasos, a city with theatre, agora, and temples that reflect the Greco-Roman world into which St. Paul preached. Nearby Kiyikislacik offers quiet fishing coves where we reflect on Matthew 4:19: “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” The simple life here contrasts the grandeur of pagan temples, reminding us that Christ’s call reaches both great cities and humble villages. Evening reflections and prayer on deck. Overnight Iasos Bay.

    Today’s excursions immerse us in Acts 20. At Miletus, St. Paul gave his farewell to the Ephesianelders (Acts 20:17–38): “I consider my life worth nothing… my only aim is to finish therace.” We stand in its grand theatre and harbor, sensing the weight of that emotional moment.In Didyma, we see the vast pagan Temple of Apollo, a stark contrast to the living God St. Paul proclaimed. At Priene, a perfectly preserved Hellenistic city, we walk marble streets that echo the culture St. Paul confronted with the Gospel. Evening return to the gulet. Overnight near Didim.

    We sail into Kusadasi, gateway to Ephesus, St. Paul’s ministry hub. Acts 19 tells us St. Paul preached here for over two years so that “all the Jews and Greeks in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” We walk the marble avenues: The Great Theatre (where a rioterupted against Paul), the Library of Celsus, the Agora, and the Basilica of St. John. At thesite of the Temple of Artemis, we recall Acts 19:28: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Revelation 2:4 warns: “You have for saken the love you had at first.” Overnight Kusadasi.

    We sail to Patmos, holy island of Revelation. St. John tells us in Rev. 1:9–11: “I, John… was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: Write what you see and send it to the seven churches.” We visit the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John’s vision was received, and the Monastery of St. John, a beacon of faith above the harbor. Evening worship overlooking Patmos’ dramatic coastline. Overnight Patmos.

    We return to Kusadasi and travel by coach to Smyrna (modern Izmir), one of the Seven Churches. Revelation 2:8–11 praises this church: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, andI will give you the crown of life.” We visit Polycarp’s Church and the ancient agora, recalling his martyrdom and courage. Smyrna reminds us that faith may cost everything, yet Christ promises eternal life. Evening in Izmir. Overnight Izmir.

    Today we travel inland to Laodicea, rebuked in Revelation 3:14–22 for being lukewarm: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot… So, because you are lukewarm, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” We see its vast ruins and aqueducts, recalling Christ’s call to repentance. Nearby, in Hierapolis, we visit the martyrdom site of Apostle Philip and the healing hot springs. Evening reflection on faith’s cost and endurance. Overnight Pamukkale.

    We drive to Philadelphia, praised in Revelation 3:7–13: “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” The remains of basilicas remind us of its faithful witness. Then to Sardis, rebuked for spiritual deadness despite worldly wealth (Rev. 3:1–6). We visitits synagogue and gymnasium, reflecting on James 2:26: “Faith without deeds is dead.” Evening transfer back to Izmir. Overnight Izmir.

    Morning drive to Thyatira, a trade city linked to Lydia the purple seller (Acts 16:14). In Revelation 2:18–29, the church was warned against false teaching yet promised authority to the faithful. Continuing to Pergamum, “where Satan’s throne is” (Rev. 2:12–17), we visit the Acropolis, Altar of Zeus, and steep theatre, recalling the martyrdom of Antipas. Afternoon return to Izmir for closing reflections at Polycarp’s Church. In the evening we share a farewell dinner & worship, celebrating fellowship and the journey we’ve completed together. Overnight Izmir.

    After breakfast, we transfer to Izmir Airport. As St. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Our pilgrimage ends, but the testimony of St. Paul and John continues to shape our walk of faith.



    Before you book you should know

    Is this trip right for you?


    This trip is aboard a traditional Turkish gullet (a traditional wooden Turkish motor sailing boat). All cabins will have ensuite bathrooms and you’ll stay in a mixture of twin share and double bed cabins, all on the same deck. It’s recommended that you pack light, as cabins are cosy.

    All cabins will experience a light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when you drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

    A good swimming ability is essential on this trip to enjoy all activities.

    Many meals are included onboard the boat. Where meals are not included, you’ll have time on land in beachside towns and resort towns for optional meals.

    Some activities and excursions will involve a bit of walking. You’ll be visiting ancient sites and historical places, and at times you may be walking on uneven ground in hot conditions. If you have any concerns, please speak to your local leader.

    If you’re travelling with your own group of friends or family and would like to book a private departure on this sailing trip, our Tailor-Made team will be happy to help: https://www.ontheroad.travel/tailor-made-tours.php




    Notes

    • A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability

    Tailor-Made & Luxury Journeys Across Turkey. Crafted by Experts, Inspired by Culture.