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Turkey in Depth -
Christian Tour |
(15 day first
class package)
May 17-31,
September 20-October 4, 2008
Day 1
– Depart US
Today we embark on our Journey to the
lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an
overnight flight to Turkey. Prepare yourself for a life-changing
experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking
where the apostles walked!
Day 2 - Cappadocia
Today we begin our adventure to the ancient and historical country of
Turkey. Our first stop,
Cappadocia (located in central Turkey), has
seen its share of history. Cappadocian Jews were present at Pentecost
(Acts 2: 9) Kayseri (ancient Caesarea) was home to the 4th
Century “Cappadocian Fathers,” St. Basil, Gregory Nyssa and Gregory Nazianzus who spent their lives tirelessly combating the heresies
plaguing the early church. Through their hard work and God’s grace,
they influenced the Nicene Councils who eventually agreed that
the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons of the same Essence. We’ll
arrive into Kayseri late in the day and be transferred to our hotel.
We will spend two nights in the Cappadocia region.
Day
3 – 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.
Day
4 – Konya (Iconium)
Early this morning we’ll depart Cappadocia and head for Konya (ancient
Iconium) included in
Paul's first missionary
journey. En-route, we’ll stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai just like
travelers from Turkey’s bygone era. Founded for military and trade
purposes, the Caravanserai’s Inn was built in 1228 and reflects the
Seljuk style of architecture. And next, we’re off to Konya. Nearly two
thousand years ago, Paul and Barnabas visited Iconium during Paul’s
first missionary journey. As he preached to the city, God used Paul to
bring many Jews and Gentiles to Christ (Acts 14: 1-6). Konya 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. We’ll spend two nights in Konya.
Day
5 – Lystra & Pisidian Antioch
This morning our tour takes us into the scenic mountain region to visit
Pisidian Antioch –
an important
stop on Paul’s first missionary journey. Although
only 10% of has been excavated, the ruins from the
Roman period are noteworthy along with the scenery in general. We’ll see Septimus Severus’ triumphal
gate, Augustus’ Temple, the Roman baths, a theater, synagogue and a church
dedicated to Paul. This afternoon we travel to the tell (large mound) of
Lystra.
Although the remaining hill has not been excavated, as is the case with
nearby
Derbe, we will
read the scripture and hear of the history related to the site before
allowing time to hike to the top to explore the hillside.
Day 6
- Aspendus, Perge Side & Antalya
This morning we’ll depart for the bustling, palm-lined streets of
Antalya. Founded on the “Turquoise Coast” of the Mediterranean,
Antalya has boasted a mild climate and beautiful beaches and harbors
for centuries. In fact, Paul and Barnabas sailed from Antalya harbor in the 1st
Century on the first missionary journey. Today, we’ll visit the best preserved Roman Theatre in the
world in Aspendus and the impressive excavations in the neighboring town of
Perge. It
was in Perge that John Mark decided to part company with Paul and
Barnabas, while they continued on their missionary journey.
Ruins of the city’s streets, baths, gates and theater are still visible.
We also pass neighboring Side, a bustling tourist town with an array of
artifacts and archeological treasures. We’ll spend two nights Antalya.
Day 7
– Demre (Myra)
After breakfast, we’ll depart Antalya for a leisurely trip along the
beautiful coastline to Demre (ancient
Myra) to visit the 11th
Century Church of St. Nicholas. The church was built to commemorate an
early Christian bishop who was present at the First Ecumenical Council
and eventually became known as Santa Claus. It is interesting to
hear our guide speak of how time has turned this early church father
into a mythical hero. To view the red and white statue of Santa Claus
standing in the square, see the Muslim vendors peddling statues (idols
to their thinking) and hear the call to prayer from the nearby mosque
is strangely bizarre. In Myra we will also visit the port where
Paul and Luke changed ships en route to Rome. As the Myra of
today is the sailing center of the Anatolia region, It is very
interesting to see the many wooden boats lined up as it would have
been in Paul's day. We’ll also visit
the picturesque and fascinating rock tombs cut into the cliff above the
theatre. These tombs, some with paintings, shows us what typical life
might have been like in ancient Myra. Later this afternoon we stop at
the area known to be the port of Patara, where Paul changed ships en
route to Rome on his final voyage. Our lodging this evening will be in
Fethive.
Day 8
- Miletus & Dydima
This morning we’ll start the day off by traveling to the nearby towns
of
Miletus
and
Dydima. Miletus was a proud and important coastal city
of its day and was visited by Paul during his missionary journeys. It
was here that he said goodbye to his friends. Dydima was a close-by
pagan worship center for the people of Miletus. With the rise
and spread of Christianity, eventually, Christian chapels were founded
in Dydima – which were later destroyed by Roman Emperor Julian the
Apostate. We’ll spend the next two nights in the port city
of Kusadasi.
Day 9
– Ephesus, Ephesus, Ephesus
We begin the day with a visit to the Church of St. John for
a tour and a scenic overview of the surrounding area. From here
our guide will point out the location of the ancient harbor of Ephesus
and describe the silting process that led to the demise of this
important Roman city. Of special interest is the tomb of John and the
baptismal where new believers were immersed. We will also be able to
view the site of the ancient wonder - the Temple of Artimus and the
nearby Mosque of Jesus (Jesus is a respected prophet to Muslims). This
afternoon we’ll
view a wealth of artifacts awaiting us at
the Museum of Ephesus and visit the
archeological site of Biblical
Ephesus, which hosts a large restoration
effort and 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, 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 for a
description of the silk harvesting and rug making process.
Day 10: Hierapolis, Colossae & Laodicea
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 the 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 11: 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 12: 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 13:
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 14: 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 15: Homeward
An early morning flight will bring us home by this afternoon.
| All
prices subject to availability at time of booking. |
| Dates |
Approx. Rates From NYC |
Land Only
No transfers |
| May |
$2678 |
$1868 |
| September |
$2708 |
$1898 |
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Discount add-on air available from anywhere in the U.S.
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Ask
About Special Rates for Pastors,
Christian Educators & Groups of All Sizes
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Single Supplement - $365
Price
Includes: NYC
departure (low cost add-on fares available nationwide), first class (4 Star) lodging, breakfast and dinner
daily, modern transportation, sightseeing as listed.
Not included:
Air taxes, transportation to domestic airport, travel insurance, gratuities,
visa payable upon arrival in Turkey
(currently U.S. $30.00, Canadian $60.00 USD).
Land Only Visa fee is payable upon arrival at airport.
PLEASE NOTE! Bare shoulders, shorts, and shoes are not permitted
in the Mosques. Due to some walking at certain sites, comfortable,
non-slip shoes are recommended. The order of sites may change if needed to
avoid overcrowding.
Ask
about our 3 night stopover in Rome for $322.00
|
My Impressions of Turkey
by Angie Vick (pastors wife)
Recommended Reading:
Turkey |
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