March 11:
Departure
Today we embark on our
Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian
history with an overnight flight to Istanbul,
Turkey. Prepare yourself for a life-changing
experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be
walking where the apostles walked!
March 12: Arrival Istanbul
Upon our arrival in Istanbul we meet our Turkish tour
guide and transfer to our hotel. After checking into our
hotel we enjoy the remainder of the day free for our leisure
before enjoying a welcome dinner together this evening.
March 13: Bustling Istanbul
We begin our official touring with a full day visit
to 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. This afternoon we
take time to visit the fascinating 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.
March 14: Istanbul
This morning we enjoy a visit to the fascinating
Topkapi Palace housing the many priceless treasures and
colorful stories of Ottoman Sultans. This afternoon we
depart Istanbul and travel to Canakkale. Enjoy views of the
Sea of Marmara with thousands of summer homes before 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. We
arrive in Canakkale tonight where we will enjoy our dinner
and overnight.
March 15:
Ancient Troy, Pergamum, Smyrna and Thyatira
We begin our day
passing 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). 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. 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 conclude our
day 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.
March 16: Philadelphia, Sardis and Flight to Cappadocia
We enjoy touring the New Testament church
locations of Philadelphia and Sardis today.
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. Late this afternoon we transfer
to the Izmir airport for our flight to Kayseri. Upon our
arrival in Kayseri we will check into our hotel and enjoy
our dinner and overnight.
March 17:
Goreme, Underground Cities & Avanos
Today we’ll spend
all day exploring the history and scenery of Cappadocia.
First off, we’ll visit the gently folding volcanic rock
formations and “fairy chimneys” of Goreme Open Air Museum.
These rock formations are not only beautiful, but functional
as well. Many early Christian communities lived and
worshipped deep in the rocks and crags, leaving their
frescoes and paintings to be marveled at centuries later.
Other communities lived underground, and we’ll visit these
dwellings too. To protect themselves from Roman persecution
and marauding bandits, local people began to live in
underground caves forming “cities” that reach a depth of up
to 7 stories below the surface. Other sites include the
Natural Citadel of Uchisar and the small, picturesque
village of Avanos – famous for their red clay pottery. In
Avanos we’ll visit “The Potter’s Place: Gift Shoppe and
Cultural Center” and have time for visiting local potter for
a demonstration and maybe try your own hand at the potter’s
wheel.
March 18:
Cappadocia & Konya
Early this morning
we’ll depart Cappadocia and travel to Konya (ancient
Iconium) included in
Paul's first missionary journey. We’ll stop in Konya
which is also the home of the Mystic sect of the spectral
Whirling Dervishes. We’ll have an opportunity to learn more
about this mysterious order when we visit the museum of its
founder, Mevlana.
Our
lodging this evening will be in a lovely spa hotel in Pamukkale.
March 19:
Laodicea, Colossae,
Hierapolis & Ephesus
We begin our touring
with a visit to Laodicea.
Laodicea contains
many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and
remnants of a sophisticated water system. 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.
Hierapolis, meaning “Sacred City,” was an ancient center
for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian
center in the first century. This afternoon we enjoy a
visit to the archeological ruins of Ephesus.
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.
March 20: Ephesus & Patmos
This morning we enjoy a visit to the Museum of
Ephesus which houses a wealth of artifacts. We transfer to
the port and embark our cruise ship around noon time in time
to sail to Patmos. This afternoon 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.
March 21: Crete & Santorini
We arrive in Crete this morning and the port of Agios
Nicholaos. Agios Nicholaos, the capital of Lassithi, is a
picturesque town in the eastern part of the island built on
the northwest side of the peaceful bay of Mirabello. It is
named after the charming 7th century Byzantine chapel of
St.Nikolas, erected on the spot called "Nissi" during the
7th AD century, with its bell tower, drum and dome. We
board our ship and travel a short distance to the isle of
Santorini. The island of Santorini is perhaps the most
breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. The town of Thira
white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and
glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs, accessible by
cable-car or mule. We board our ship and cruise to Athens
arriving in Athens early tomorrow morning.
March 22:
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 off 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.
March 23: Athens & Plaka
From the mountains, our tour travels southward pastt Thermopylae and
on to 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, and 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.
March 24: Delphi
After breakfast at our hotel, we travel northward to
the 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. After our time in Delphi we will check
into our hotel in Meteroa where we will enjoy our dinner and
overnight.
March 25:
Meteora Monastery and Berea
This morning 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 144th century
when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves then
fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later
transformed into monasteries. We travel towards
Thessalonica and make a stop 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. Our lodging this evening will be in Thessalonica
March 26:
Thessalonica/Philippi/Kavala
We begin the day by following the massive battlement
Byzantine wall to the citadel for a panoramic view of the
city. Next, we will visitt 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 Thessalonica
and visit St. Demetrius basilica, dedicated to a
distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred
Christian convert before returning to the hotel for the
night.
March 27:
Homeward
An early morning flight
will bring us home by this afternoon.
