(Private 15-Day Tour Available All  Year Round)

Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group

Day 1: Departure from US (November 30)
Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Athens. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight… you will be walking where the apostles walked!

Day 2: Arrive Athens (December 1)
This morning we will arrive in the city of Athens, the birth place of democracy. Visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. Additional sites include the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace. A short walk from your hotel is the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes.

Day 3: Day Trip to Corinth – Mycenae (December 2)
This morning we leave Athens by motor coach, stop for a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal and then travel to the ancient city of Corinth., another treat for the New Testament scholar. Corinth is the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love of I & II Corinthians. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. After the visit to ancient Corinth we travel to Mycenae where the remains of the ancient city date back to the Bronze Age to see the famous Lionesse Gate, the Tomb of Agamennon in the shape of a Beehive, and many other sites before returning to Athens for the evening.

Day 4: Day Trip to Delphi and Plaka (December 3)
There will be a tour of Delphi today. This tour will travel to lovely mountain region of Delphi-the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. Here you will gain a greater understanding of the Greek religious heritage and their influence on the early Christian church. We also visit the museum where we will marvel at the site of the Charioteer, a bronze statue so delicate we will see his eyelashes. We will return to Athens in the afternoon and you may choose to visit the Plaka where you can find the finest of jewelry, leather, pottery and marble, or the fun souvenirs all "tourists" enjoy. Be sure to taste the Greek almonds and pistachios from the street vendors. If you choose not to shop, there are several interesting museums including the Museum of Folklore or the National Archaeological Museum. This afternoon everything will be on your own.

Day 5: Athens - Meteora Monastery (December 4)
We leave Athens this morning heading north towards Meteora. On the way there we will travel past Thermopylae where the battle of the 300 took place. Late this afternoon we see the world famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched precariously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. Our lodging this evening will be in Kalambaka.

Day 6: Arrival Thessalonica (December 5)
After breakfast we will travel towards Thessalonica. A stop will be made in Berea to view the Bema surrounded by newly placed mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the "more noble" church. We also visit King Phillip's (Alexander's father) tomb in Vergina, one of the most outstanding finds in all of Greece. The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today. En route to the hotel we will view the old city ramparts; the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. We transfer to our hotel in Thessalonica, Macedonia for the evening.

Day 7: Thessalonica/Philippi/Kavala (December 6)
We begin the day by following the massive battlement Byzantine wall to the citadel for a panoramic view of the city. Next, we will visit Philippi and Kavala. Kavala is Greece's prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala. Continue on to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will view the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ and visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. We return to Kavala for our hotel on this lovely northern coast of Greece.

Day 8: Greece to Turkey – Arrive Istanbul (December 7)
We set off traveling east to Turkey. After a long drive we arrive in Istanbul for the evening.

Day 9: Constantinople (December 8)
This morning we will visit the fascinating Topkapi Palace housing the many priceless treasures and colorful stories of Ottoman Sultans. We then travel west along the Sea of Marmara also known as "Trace," the European portion of Turkey with thousands of summer homes which provide the scenery before our bus boards a large ferry for the scenic crossing of the Dardanelles to the Asia side of Turkey. Views of the bunkers on the hillside and the ocean going vessels give clear understanding to the commentary of the British major losses and World War I defeat in the Dardanelles Strait. Our lodging this evening will be in picturesque Çanakkale.

Day 10: Ancient Troy & Pergamum (December 9)
Ancient Troy is well known for its 3rd and 4th Century BC excavations. Don't forget to have your picture taken from the top of the Trojan Horse. We pass by the area known as Troas, where Paul had a vision during his second missionary journey and was called to Macedonia (Acts 16:8-13). Paul later spent a week in Troas preaching here and Eutychus was resurrected (Acts 20:6-12). Continuing south, once a busy trading center and famous as a "seller of purple," the most favored of the Seven Churches, the church of Pergamum was praised for its forbearance (Rev. 2:12-17). It was here that the first Christians were executed by Rome. We'll visit the fabled Acropolis, pass through the Royal Gates, view the foundations of the Temple of Zeus and visit the ruins of the library, which once held 200,000 volumes. We arrive in Izmir this evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 11: Izmir, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia (December 10)
Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and a long time center for Jews and Christians. In Paul's day, Izmir was known as Smyrna and was another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11). Here we'll see Polycarp's Church and the ancient agora. A stop will be made in Thyatira to view the ancient roadway and period columns. Sardis was berated by John for its facade of strength when in reality; it was weak (Rev. 3:1-6). Here coins were minted and the dyeing of wood originated. We'll visit the gymnasium and synagogue. Philadelphia was referred to as the "New Jerusalem" (Rev. 3:7-13) in the Book of Revelation, yet today, not much is left of the city except for the ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica in the modern city of Alasehir. We arrive at the famous Hot Pools of Pamukkale a lovely spa hotel.

Day 12: Colossae & Laodicea, Ephesus (December 11)
Hierapolis, meaning "Sacred City," was an ancient center for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian center in the first century. According to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was martyred in Hierapolis. It was the likely the hot springs of Hierapolis in contrast to the cold mountain springs near Colossae that combined to bring application to the "luke warm" Laodiceans. (Rev 3:14-22) This connection between the cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:13). Colossae is well-known throughout Christian circles as the receiver of Paul's letter to the Colossians. Today, the town has fallen into obscurity and nothing remains. Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. We head west towards the coast with overnight in the port city of Kusdasi.

Day 13: Ephesus (December 12)
A wealth of artifacts awaits us at the Museum of Ephesus. This afternoon we tour Ephesus, the city of the Bible and one of the largest restorations still in progress with miles of ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city where we view the Library, Agora, Temple of Artemis, theatre, colorful mosaics, a panoramic view of the surrounding ancient port area including a wealth of church history and cultural insight. The day will not be complete without a visit to a local Turkish Rug cooperative. Our return to our hotel for the evening.

Day 14: Bustling Istanbul (December 13)
This morning we head north to Izmir for our flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival we immediately visit the famed Blue Mosque and St. Sophia Church. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey is a thriving seaport and commerce center with a marvelous Bazaar and Spice Market allowing for a perfect opportunity to pick up those last minute souvenirs and gift items. The rest of afternoon is free for you to shop and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Day 15: Departure for Home (December 14)
From Istanbul we catch our flight home arriving later today.
 

call your Pilgrim Agent for a group quotation!

Price Includes: Roundtrip airfare from gateway city, Domestic Turkish Air flight, Lodging in 4 star hotels, Full time tour escort in Greece & Turkey, Breakfast & dinner daily, Border Taxes / Turkey Visa, All guides, entrances and transportation as appear on itinerary, Services of long distance deluxe motorcoach as appear on itinerary. Not included: Air Taxes and fuel charges (currently $379.00 - Subject to Change), Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel staff (Suggested $8 per person per day), Lunches, Optional Travel Insurance, Optional Credit Card Payments (Additional 3% of total bill).