Pilgrimage From Conversion to Mission

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – JUNE 12, 2027 | BOGOTÁ – ISTANBUL

Meeting at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá to begin our pilgrimage “From Conversion to Mission – Saint Paul Route.” Departure on Turkish Airlines flight TK801 to Istanbul at 16:35 hrs., with scheduled arrival the following day at 17:05 hrs. On this first day, we prepare our hearts for the journey ahead, placing in God’s hands our intentions, expectations, and everything in our lives that needs transformation. Just as Saint Paul allowed the Lord to change the course of his life, we begin this pilgrimage with an attitude of openness and trust, carrying within us the question: “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (Acts 9:6). Overnight on board.

DAY 2 – JUNE 13, 2027 | ISTANBUL – IZMIR – KUŞADASI

Arrival in Istanbul at 17:05 hrs. and connection with Turkish Airlines flight TK2336, departing at 19:00 hrs. and arriving in Izmir at 20:15 hrs. Upon arrival, airport assistance and transfer to Kuşadası, where dinner and accommodation will be provided. This first encounter with Turkey invites us to recognize that every mission begins with the willingness to let God guide us, even when we do not yet fully know the road ahead. Spiritual intention: to open our hearts to God’s call and ask for the grace to walk with trust. “Get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:6).

DAY 3 – JUNE 14, 2027 | KUŞADASI – EPHESUS – PAMUKKALE

Breakfast and departure for Ephesus. We will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where the celebration of the Holy Eucharist is scheduled, and continue to the Basilica of Saint John, associated with the memory of the beloved disciple. Afterwards, we will explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the great centers of the ancient world, including the Odeon, Curetes Street, the Roman Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, and the impressive Roman Theater. We then continue to Pamukkale, famous for its thermal waters and white formations known as the “Cotton Castle,” to visit the ruins of Hierapolis, its extensive necropolis, acropolis, and theater. Spiritual intention: to learn from Mary and Saint John the faithfulness required to remain close to Jesus and, like Paul, to prepare ourselves to proclaim Him through our lives. “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation in Pamukkale.

DAY 4 – JUNE 15, 2027 | PAMUKKALE – PISIDIAN ANTIOCH – KONYA

Breakfast and departure for Pisidian Antioch, where Saint Paul preached one of his first major sermons and where his message began to reach the Gentiles with great strength. We will visit the Church of Saint Paul, the theater, aqueduct, and Roman baths. We will then continue to Konya, ancient Iconium, a city visited several times by Saint Paul and Barnabas. There, we will visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana and another church dedicated to Saint Paul, where the celebration of the Holy Eucharist is suggested. Spiritual intention: to discover that mission requires courage, perseverance, and faithfulness, even when difficulties or rejection arise. “We tell you the Good News” (Acts 13:32).Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation in Konya.

DAY 5 – JUNE 16, 2027 | KONYA – CAPPADOCIA

Breakfast and departure for Cappadocia, one of Turkey’s most remarkable regions, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and erosion. Upon arrival, we will begin our visit at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, with its unique landscape of rock formations and spaces carved into the stone that were once used by ancient Christian communities. Spiritual intention:to recognize that God also transforms our lives through slow, silent, and profound processes, and to learn to trust His work even when we cannot immediately see the results. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation in Cappadocia.

DAY 6 – JUNE 17, 2027 | CAPPADOCIA

Breakfast and continuation of our visits throughout Cappadocia. We will explore the Göreme Valley, with its rock-cut churches and Byzantine frescoes; visit the Tokalı Church, the cave settlements of Zelve, the natural fortress of Uçhisar, the pottery town of Avanos, the famous Fairy Chimneys of Ürgüp, and the Kaymaklı Underground City, once used as a refuge by ancient Christian communities. Celebration of the Holy Eucharist at Dere Yamanlı Cave Church, on the outskirts of Avanos. We will also visit an art center in Nevşehir, where we will learn about craftsmanship using alabaster, turquoise, and cotton stone, as well as a carpet workshop to appreciate the traditional production of wool and silk carpets. Spiritual intention: to strengthen a faith capable of remaining firm during times of difficulty and to recognize that God can transform even places of refuge into spaces of hope and growth. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation in Cappadocia.

DAY 7 – JUNE 18, 2027 | CAPPADOCIA – KAYSERI – ISTANBUL

Breakfast and transfer to Kayseri Airport to board Turkish Airlines flight TK2015, departing at 13:15 hrs. and arriving in Istanbul at 14:55 hrs. Upon arrival, we will begin our visit to the Bosphorus and the Asian side of Istanbul, including a private boat cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, where we will admire wooden houses, mansions, minarets, mosques, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses. Lunch at a fish restaurant, followed by our journey to the Asian side, ascending Çamlıca Hill for a panoramic view of the city and concluding with a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace, built in white marble in the 19th century. Spiritual intention: to learn how to become a bridge between people, cultures, and different realities, like Saint Paul, who carried the Gospel beyond his own borders. “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation in Istanbul.

DAY 8 – JUNE 19, 2027 | ISTANBUL

Breakfast and departure for a full-day tour of Istanbul. We will visit the majestic Hagia Sophia, one of the great masterpieces of Byzantine architecture; the ancient Hippodrome, the Obelisk of Thutmose, the Serpent Column, and the Column of Constantine VII. We will continue to the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and Iznik tile decoration. In the afternoon, we will visit the Topkapı Palace Museum, former residence of the Ottoman sultans, and the church of the Chora Monastery, famous for its Byzantine mosaics depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. Spiritual intention: to learn, like Saint Paul, to bring our faith into different contexts, engaging with diverse cultures and realities without losing our identity or our faithfulness to the Gospel. “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation in Istanbul.

DAY 9 – JUNE 20, 2027 | ISTANBUL – THESSALONIKI

Breakfast and transfer to the airport to board Turkish Airlines flight TK1881, departing Istanbul at 07:20 hrs. and arriving in Thessaloniki at 08:45 hrs. Upon arrival, reception, assistance, and transfer to the hotel. The original land program initially contemplated travel via Athens; however, according to the confirmed flight itinerary, this journey will be made on a direct Istanbul – Thessaloniki flight. We now begin the Greek stage of our pilgrimage, following the routes that led Saint Paul to proclaim the Gospel throughout Macedonia. Spiritual intention: to dare to cross new frontiers and respond willingly to God’s call, even when He leads us along unfamiliar paths. “Come over to Macedonia and help us” (Acts 16:9). Dinner and accommodation in Thessaloniki.

DAY 10 – JUNE 21, 2027 | THESSALONIKI – AMPHIPOLIS – KAVALA – PHILIPPI – THESSALONIKI

Breakfast and departure to visit some of the most important places associated with Saint Paul’s presence in Macedonia. In Amphipolis, we will see the majestic Hellenistic Lion and its archaeological site. We continue to Kavala, facing the island of Thasos, a city connected with Paul’s arrival in this region. After lunch, we will continue to Philippi, where we will visit the Octagonal Church, Amphitheater, Roman Agora, Prison of Saint Paul, and Forum, and celebrate the Holy Eucharist. Return to Thessaloniki to visit the Church of Hagia Sophia, the Church of Saint Demetrius, patron saint of the city, and the White Tower. Spiritual intention: to discover that even in the midst of trials, God can open new paths and transform difficulties into testimony. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household” (Acts 16:31). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation in Thessaloniki.

DAY 11 – JUNE 22, 2027 | THESSALONIKI – PELLA – VERGINA – BEREA – KALAMBAKA

Breakfast and departure for Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great. Continue to Vergina, home to the tomb of Philip II. After lunch, we continue to Berea, a city closely connected to Saint Paul’s preaching. We will walk through its historic center, visit the Church of Palea Mitropoli and the Bema of Saint Paul, where we will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. Continue to Kalambaka, dinner and accommodation. Spiritual intention: to learn to receive the Word of God with an open and willing heart, like the people of Berea, who listened carefully and examined what was being proclaimed to them. “They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day” (Acts 17:11). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation in Kalambaka.

DAY 12 – JUNE 23, 2027 | KALAMBAKA – METEORA – ARACHOVA

Breakfast and departure for Meteora, one of Greece’s most impressive monastic complexes, built upon enormous rock formations that seem to rise toward the sky. We will visit some of its most representative monasteries, including the Monastery of the Transfiguration, Saint Stephen – Agios Stefanos, and the Holy Trinity – Agia Triada. After lunch, we continue to Arachova, a picturesque town located at the foot of Mount Parnassus. Spiritual intention: to enter into silence in order to hear God once again and remember that every mission also needs moments of prayer, contemplation, and inner encounter. “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation in Arachova.

DAY 13 – JUNE 24, 2027 | ARACHOVA – DELPHI – HOSIOS LOUKAS – ATHENS

Breakfast and departure for Delphi, one of the great religious centers of the ancient world. We will visit the Temple of Apollo, Theater, Stadium, Sacred Way, and the Charioteer of Delphi statue. After lunch, we continue to the Monastery of Hosios Loukas, a 10th-century Byzantine masterpiece renowned for its magnificent mosaics, where the celebration of the Holy Eucharist outdoors is scheduled. Afterwards, we continue to Athens, dinner and accommodation. Spiritual intention: to learn to discern God’s voice among so many voices and decisions, trusting more deeply in His will rather than in our own desire to control the future. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what God’s will is” (Romans 12:2).Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation in Athens.

DAY 14 – JUNE 25, 2027 | ATHENS – CORINTH – ATHENS

Breakfast and departure for Ancient Corinth, a city where Saint Paul carried out a fundamental part of his mission and remained for an extended period proclaiming the Gospel. We will visit the archaeological city and celebrate the Holy Eucharist. After lunch in Isthmia, return to Athens to visit the National Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in Greece, with collections ranging from prehistoric times to Egyptian art. Spiritual intention: to understand that mission is lived in community and that our gifts find their true meaning when they are placed at the service of others. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation in Athens.

DAY 15 – JUNE 26, 2027 | ATHENS

Breakfast and departure to discover Athens, the cradle of classical culture and one of the most significant settings of Saint Paul’s preaching. We will ascend the Acropolis to visit the Parthenon and the Erechtheion, and then continue to the Areopagus, where Paul addressed the Athenians and proclaimed the God whom they worshiped without knowing. After lunch, we continue with visits to the Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Syntagma Square, and Royal Palace. Spiritual intention: to discover our own place of mission and recognize that we too are called to proclaim through our lives what we have received. “What you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you” (Acts 17:23). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation in Athens.

DAY 16 – JUNE 27, 2027 | ATHENS – ISTANBUL – BOGOTÁ

Early-morning transfer to Athens International Airport to board Turkish Airlines flight TK1842, departing at 03:55 hrs. and arriving in Istanbul at 05:25 hrs. Connection with flight TK800, departing Istanbul at 09:40 hrs. and arriving in Bogotá at 15:05 hrs. End of our services. Spiritual intention: to return home as people who have been sent forth, bringing into our daily lives everything experienced throughout this pilgrimage and understanding that the true end of the journey is the beginning of our own mission. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Arrival in Bogotá and conclusion of our pilgrimage “From Conversion to Mission – Saint Paul Route.”