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Greece & Churches of
Revelation |
(13 Day
first class packages)
May 19-31, June 9-21, July 28-August 9,
September
22-October 4, October 13-25, November 3-15, 2008
March 16-28, April 20-May 2, 2009
Day 1:
Departure
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 & Plaka
This morning is free with many things
to do and see. 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, 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 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 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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Price Per Person
Double Occupancy |
| Dates |
Approximate
Land/Cruise & Air |
Land/Cruise Only -
No Transfers |
| May, June,
July |
$3160 |
$2035 |
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September, October |
$2715 |
$2075 |
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November |
$2468 |
$1868 |
| March
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$2548 |
$1948 |
| April |
$2753 |
$2108 |
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Ask
About Special Rates for Pastors,
Christian Educators & Groups of All Sizes
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Single Supplement - $675
Outside Cabin - Only $95
Category Prices -
Cruise
Ship Info
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 include:
Travel/cancellation insurance,
port taxes ($60.00), Turkey visa (U.S. $30.00, Canadian $60.00 USD),
optional port tours,
gratuities, air taxes & fuel charges. Fuel charges and
air taxes can be $300 or more.
Please Note:
Turkey Visa will be paid in advance and provided prior to
cruise disembarkation.
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My Impressions of Turkey
by Angie Vick (pastors wife)
Recommended Reading:
Turkey |
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