(8 Day first class package)

March or April, 2006

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


Day 2: Smyrna 
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 before checking into our lodging for the next two evenings.

Day 3: Ephesus 
Today 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. A wealth of artifacts awaits us at the Museum of Ephesus.

Day 4: Colossae, Aphrodisias & Laodicea 
 Colossae is well-known throughout Christian circles as the receiver of Paul's letter to the Colossians. Today, the town has fallen into obscurity although we'll be able to see traces of the theater, Necropolis and church. 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 5: Philadelphia, Sardis &  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 Temple of Artemis, the gymnasium and synagogue.  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 Persian Rug cooperative. Our lodging this evening will be in Ayvalik.

Day 6: 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 7: 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 8: Homeward
An early morning flight will bring us home by this afternoon.

All prices subject to availability at time of booking. Special Group Leader Benefits. Approximate 2006 Prices 25 persons paying 30 persons paying 35 persons paying 40 persons paying 45 persons paying March, November $1275 $1254 $1238 $1225 $1215 April, May, September, October $1665  $1638 $1618 $1603 $1593 Discount add-on air available from anywhere in the U.S. Single Supplement - March $125, April $159             Price Includes: NYC departure (low cost add-on fares available nationwide), first class (4 Star) lodging, breakfast and dinner daily (vegetarian), modern transportation, sightseeing as listed. Not included: Air taxes, transportation to domestic airport, travel insurance, Turkey visa (U.S. $20.00, Canadian $60.00 USD), gratuities.  My Impressions of Turkey by Angie Vick (pastors wife)