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Day 1: Greece
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…Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!
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 and Plaka
This morning is free with many things to do and see. This afternoon we will begin our tour of the city of Athens with a visit to 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. The famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes is a place to spend your free time today.
Day 4: Corinth - Mycenae
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. 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. We will be sure to gather for a devotional around the Bema where Paul stood and challenged the Corinthians. The Museum houses a variety of antiquities to include pottery, statues, mosaics and art work. 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. We will have a lunch stop (on our own) today in Mycenae at a wonderful restaurant where Jackie Kennedy Onassis enjoyed lunch. This afternoon we 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 morning from Athens to the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. 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 entertainment. Cruise Ship Info
Day 6: Rhodes
The largest of our adventure islands, Rhodes 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 and evening entertainment.
Day 7: Patmos & Ephesus, 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 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 lodging this evening will be in Kusadasi.
Day 8: Ephesus, Hierapolis, Colossae & Laodicea
A wealth of artifacts awaits us at the Museum of Ephesus. 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 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. Our lodging this evening will be in a lovely spa hotel in Pamukkale.
Day 9: Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira, Smyrna
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. 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. A stop will be made in Thyatira to view the ancient roadway and period columns. 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. Our lodging this evening will be in Izmir.
Day 10: Pergamum & Ancient Troy
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. 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). Our lodging this evening will be in picturesque Çanakkale.
Day 11: Constantinople
This morning our bus boards a large ferry for the scenic crossing of the Dardanelles to "Trace," the European portion 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. Sea of Marmara with thousands of summer homes will provide the scenery as we travel to Istanbul. Upon arrival we will visit the fascinating Topkapi Palace housing the many priceless treasures and colorful stories of Ottoman Sultans. Our lodging for the next two evenings will be in Istanbul.
Day 12: Bustling Istanbul
The tour today will be an unusual combination of Greek Orthodox, Roman, Ottoman and modern day Islam with a city driving tour and entrance into 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 entire afternoon is free for you to shop and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Day 13: Homeward
An early morning flight will bring us home by this afternoon.
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