(10 day first class package) 

Available Year-round

Day 1: Departure
Today we begin our adventure to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to beautiful Antalya, a Mediterranean jewel in western Turkey.

Day 2: Arrival Antalya
We change planes in Istanbul where we meet our tour manager and transfer to Antalya, magnificently situated atop 150-foot cliffs overlooking the sea. The award-winning renovations of the Old Port Section have recaptured the charm of the ancient Roman and Ottoman styles. Upon arrival we board a modern motor coach and begin our tour.  Our lodging for the next two evenings will be in Antalya.

Day 3: Lycia, Denre, Mediterranean Coast
This part of the coast, heavily indented and full of isolated caves and islets, has some of Lycia's most rugged scenery. Hundreds of tombs dot the hills and valleys, and castles guard the sea channels. Travel the coastal road, and stop to explore the huge necropolis of tombs in the cliff-faces of Myra, carved before the time of Christ by Lycians. Continue to Demre where in the 4th-century, St. Nicholas was the bishop. Through his good works the bishop became known as Santa Claus, and you will see the still standing church dedicated to him. The rarely visited site of Arykanda is perched high in the Taurus Mountains and once controlled ancient trade routes.  The city is set on a pine-forested slope, and is truly magnificent. Built of huge basaltic stone blocks, many of the monumental buildings still stand, and the remnants of intricate mosaic floors are visible.

Day 4: Aphrodisias, Colossae & Pamukkale Spa 
We travel northwest following ancient trade routes and the steps of Paul. Lunch at a charming wood-fired pita bread oven restaurant is a lovely experience. The city of Aphrodisias thrived as the center for worship of the goddess Aphrodite until five-hundred years after Christ and the extensive excavations of theatre, church, coliseum and city agora give great insight into the Christian persecution during that time. 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. Our lodging for the evening will be in a lovely spa hotel in Pamukkale.

Day 5:  Laodicea, Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira
Laodicea, known as being "luke-warm" in the book of Revelation (Rev 3:14-22), contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. 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 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.  Our lodging for the next two evenings will be in Izmir.

Day 6: Ephesus
A wealth of artifacts awaits us at the Museum of Ephesus. From here, 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 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. The day will not be complete without a visit to a local Turkish Rug cooperative.

Day 7:  Smyrna, Pergamum & Ancient Troy 
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. 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). 

Day 8: 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 including the many treasures and colorful stories of Ottoman Sultans.  Our lodging for the next two evenings will be in Istanbul.

Day 9: 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's.   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 10: Homeward
An early morning flight will bring us home by this afternoon.