(12 Day first class packages)

April 25 - May 6,  May 9-20, June 13-24, September 19-29,
New itinerary beginning November 7-19, 2005 - Click Here
March 20-31, May 15-27, June 19-30, 2006

Day 1: Departure
Today we begin our adventure to the lands of ancient 
treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight 
to Athens.

Day 2: Athens
We arrive in Athens and check into our hotel. You will have the remainder of the day free to relax or take a stroll along the streets of Athens to enjoy the flavor of the city. This evening our group will enjoy the first of many delectable European style dinners.

Day 3: Athens & Plaka
We begin our sightseeing with a tour 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 4: Corinth - Mycenae 
This morning we leave Athens by motor coach and 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 stand 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. 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 5: Cruising Mykonos 
We sail this afternoon from Athens to the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. This evening we experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes and then stroll the charming walkways through a maze of whitewashed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening activities.  Cruise Ship Info

Day 6: Rhodes 
After breakfast we will visit Rhodes. This ancient fortified city was built by the knights of St. John and is rich in Roman and Greek culture. Stroll down the Street of the Knights to the market area for shopping and a wonderful Greek lunch. You may enjoy an optional tour to the ancient city of Lindos. Magnificently situated between two bays with sandy beaches, an ancient acropolis and medieval castle, Lindos is famous as a most striking and impressive city. Again we return to the ship for dinner.

Day 7: Patmos & Kusadasi, Turkey 
This morning we visit the Isle of Patmos, under statutory protection as a historic monument. You may choose to take an optional tour to see the fortified monastery of St. John and the cave claimed to be where John received the Revelation. Docking in Turkey, 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. We'll view the Library, Agora, Temple of Artemis and visit the Basilica of St. John. The basilica is believed to be the site of the grave of  John. From here we'll also enjoy a panoramic view of the area. Our lodging this evening will be nearby.

Day 8: Ephesus, Colossae, Aphrodisias & Laodicea 
A wealth of artifacts awaits us at the Museum of Ephesus. 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. The city of Aphrodisias thrived as the center for worship of the goddess Aphrodite until five-hundred years after Christ. Known as being "luke-warm" in the book of Revelation (Rev 3:14-22), Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium. Our lodging this evening will be in Pamukkale.

Day 9: Philadelphia, Sardis, Smyrna &  Pergamum
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.  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. 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 commercial center where Roman statues still stand. 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. The day will not be complete without a visit to a local Turkish Rug cooperative. Our lodging this evening will be in Ayvalik.

Day 10: Ancient Troy/Trace 
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).  After lunch in Canakkale, our bus boards a large ferry for the crossing of the Dardanellen to "Trace," the European portion of Turkey.  Views of the Sea of Marmara with thousands of summer homes will provide the scenery as we travel to our lodging for the next two evenings in Istanbul.

Day 11: Constantinople
The tour today will be an unusual combination of Greek Orthodox, Roman, Ottoman and modern day Islam with entrance into the famed Blue Mosque, St Sophia's and the Topkapi Palace.  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.

Day 12: Homeward
An early morning flight will bring us home by this afternoon.

All prices subject to availability at time of booking. 2005 Prices NYC East  Coast Central  USA West  Coast March $2232 $2282 $2298 $2373 April, May $2478  $2528 $2593 $2693 June, July, August $2858  $2938 $3038 $3178 September, October $2498 $2558 $2623 $2723 November $2232 $2282 $2298 $2373 Discount add-on air available from anywhere in the U.S. Limited Space - Reserve Today:            Call 800.322.0788 By Mail Click Here              Credit Card - Online  Click Here Ask About Special Rates for Pastors, Christian Educators & Groups of All Sizes Single Supplement - $575              Outside Cabin - Only $75      Category Prices - Click Here Price Includes: NYC departure (low cost add-on fares available nationwide), inside cabin (category D), first class (4 Star) lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, modern transportation, sightseeing as listed. Not included: Air taxes, transportation to domestic airport, travel insurance, port taxes ($65.00), Turkey visa ($20.00), port tours, gratuities.  Ask about our 3 night stopover in Rome for $322.00 My Impressions of Turkey by Angie Vick (pastors wife)