Join Pastor Steve and Kim Easterday-McPadden on a 16 Day Tour to Turkey and Greece from Denver, CO (DEN) – September 16 – October 01, 2024

DAY 01 // DEPARTURE –

Depart US for your overnight flight to Turkey. Meals will be served on board the flight.

“B”, “L”, and “D” in parentheses indicate Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.

DAY 02 // ARRIVAL – ISTANBUL (D)

Arrival at Istanbul airport, meet members of the group and Tour host, assist transfer to the hotel for check-in – (hotel located at Sultanahmet – old City). Balance of the day at leisure.

Enjoy a Welcome dinner at a restaurant within walking distance from the hotel (with English Speaking Escort).

Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 03 // ISTANBUL – Walking Tour (8-9 hrs) (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Full-day walking tour of Istanbul, visit numerous monuments from the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires that reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of the city.

Hagia Sophia, a great architectural achievement of the Byzantine Empire, was completed in AD 537, adorned with beautiful mosaics and frescoes.

Blue Mosque known also as Sultan Ahmet Mosque, famous for its six minarets and its blue interior tiles.

Roman Hippodrome, a stadium built in the 3rd century AD for chariot racing and other events.

Basilica Cistern is a remarkable site, built in the 6th century with a capacity of 80,000 cubic meters of water supported by 336 marble columns each 9m high. One of the most striking features of the Basilica Cistern is the two Medusa heads that are used as column bases.

Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years, from the 15th century until the 19th century. Is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate tile work, and stunning views of the Bosporus and the Sea of Marmara. The palace contains numerous buildings and rooms, including the Imperial Treasury, which houses an impressive collection of Ottoman jewels, precious stones, and gold objects.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Dinner at our hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 04 // ISTANBUL – Walking & Coach Tour (8-9 hrs) (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.  We start our day with a short walk and visit to the Grand & Spice Bazaars  Grand Bazar, is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 60 streets and 4,000 shops.

Spice Bazaar – Egyptian Bazaar built in the 17th century, is a popular place to buy spices, dried fruits, nuts, and Turkish delights.

Süleymaniye Mosque is located on the Third Hill of Istanbul, overlooking the Golden Horn. It is situated within the complex that includes a madrasa (theological school), a hospital, a soup kitchen, a hammam (bath), and a caravanserai (an inn for travelers).

Drive over the famous Galata Bridge and stop for a walk to Galata Tower, Istiklal Street, and Taksim Square. Free time for exploring and shopping as desired and as time allows.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, enjoy a Bosporus cruise along the Bosporus Strait, the natural waterway that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara dividing Istanbul into its European and Asian sides. You will have the opportunity to see the Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque , Rumeli Fortress, Bosporus Bridge.

After the cruise, transfer to a traditional local restaurant for dinner.  Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 05 // ISTANBUL – TROY – CANAKKALE (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure by bus to the legendary city of Troy / UNESCO Monument is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, and a popular destination for history buffs and lovers of ancient mythology. It is known from Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad, which describes the Trojan War between the Greeks and the Trojans.

Explore the archaeological site, which includes the remains of the ancient city walls, palaces, houses, and temples. The most famous feature of the site is the Trojan Horse, a large wooden horse that was used by the Greeks to sneak into the city and win the war. You will visit also the Troy Museum, which displays many of the artifacts and treasures uncovered during excavations of the site.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue to our hotel in Canakkale for dinner and overnight.

DAY 06 // CANAKKALE – PERGAMUM – THYATIRA – IZMIR (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.  Departure from Canakkale to begin our land tour of the Seven Churches of Revelation.  Today, we explore three of the cities that received the letters of John:

1. Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17), now called Bergama, was the rival city of Alexandria in the arts and letters. On a visit to this city, we will see its Greco-Roman Theatre, the Temple of Trajan, and the altar of Zeus. The Pergamum church characterizes the church from the time of Constantine (AD 313-600). At that time Christianity became the official religion of the Roman state. In this way, the church began to spread around the world.
2. Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29), which was an important trade center in ancient times, is now called Akrisar meaning White Castle. A letter to this Church was the longest of all the letters of the Apocalypse and the message it delivers is also among the toughest. We will have lunch at a local restaurant and continue on to Izmir (formerly Smyrna).
3. Izmir (Revelation 2: 8-11), at the time it was called Smyrna, which means bitter. The origin of the word Smyrna derives from “myrrh”, which was one of the components used to embalm the dead (John 19:39). We will enjoy a panoramic view of this city and then visit the church of St. Polycarp. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Izmir.

DAY 07 // IZMIR – SARDIS – PHILADELPHIA – PAMUKKALE (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Set off for the city of Sardis (Revelation 3: 1-6), whose ruins are near the present village of Philadelphia (Revelation 3: 7-13). There, we will visit their respective churches. Philadelphia lies in a valley at the foot of a mountain plateau. The location of the city is now occupied by a small Turkish village name Shehr Allah, meaning “city of God”.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Pamukkale is one of the most breathtaking places in the world, stunning for its white waterfalls and natural swimming pools, where we will indulge in its beauty.

Dinner at our hotel and overnight in Pamukkale.

DAY 08 // PAMUKKALE – HIERAPOLIS – LAODICEA – KUSADASI (B/L/D)

Breakfast at our hotel.

Visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis. The hot springs of Hierapolis, mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Colossians (Col 4:13), meaning “Holy City”, a UNESCO world heritage site, so classified for its hot springs and the ruins of the ancient capital of Phrygia, where Saint Philip is buried and Colossae (now known as the village of Honaz), whose church was mentioned in the Epistle to the Colossians. The hot springs of Hierapolis helped in the treatment of health problems, while the cold waters of Colossi were good to drink.

We will continue to Laodicea (Revelation 3: 14-22) which was located at the site of the modern city of Denizli, where we will visit one of the seven churches.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Then we will travel to Kusadasi where we will enjoy dinner at our hotel and spend the night.

DAY 09 // KUSADASI – EPHESUS – IZMIR (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Travel to Ephesus. Ancient Ephesus was the Roman capital of Asia Minor and an important center for Christianity from AD 50s. During AD 52-54 Saint Paul lived here working with the congregation and organizing his missionary activity and teaching the Word of God (Acts 20:31).  This is where he wrote the First Epistle to the Corinthians. Additionally this was one of the seven cities found in the Book of Revelation(Acts 2:1-7), indicating a strong church.

We will visit the house of Virgin Mary where she lived with John, on the hill behind the city.

After this amazing experience, we will have lunch at a local restaurant and then visit the Basilica of St. John as well as the ruins of the famous Diana’s temple with the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, the Arch of Hercules, the Temple of Hadrian, the Agora and the Greco-Roman theater.

The day will conclude with dinner at our hotel in Kusadasi where we will spend the night.

DAY 10 // KUSADASI – IZMIR – ATHENS – NAFPLIO/PELOPONNESE (B/D)

Flight: Izmir – Istanbul – Athens

Breakfast and transfer to Izmir airport for a morning flight to Istanbul and on to Athens.

Lunch at the Istanbul airport (on our own).

Arrival at Athens airport, meet your guide, depart by bus to Nafplio.

Driving along the coast leads to the majestic Corinth Canal, a 19^th century engineering triumph completed in 1893, a short stop for pictures.

Arrive in Naflplio and enjoy a walking tour of the city, as time allows. Nafplio is a charming old town with narrow streets filled with beautiful buildings, cafes, and features Syntagma Square, the central square of the city.

Dinner at our hotel and overnight in Nafplio.

DAY 11 // NAFPLIO – MYCENAE – EPIDAVRUS – WINE TASTING (B/L/D)

Breakfast at our hotel followed by departure to Ancient Epidavrus Theater, UNESCO MONUMENT, built in the 4th century BC, famous for its acoustics. You will also see the Sanctuary of Asclepios, the ancient Greek god of healing.

Next stop is Mycenae, one of the most thriving towns of ancient Greece. It was the most important city of the Mycenaean civilization between 1600 and 1100 BC. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known for being the former home of King Agamemnon.

Discover the Treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon, the large “tholos” tomb, a marvelous 14th century BC structure, and stroll through the Lion Gate, standing strong against the withering of time.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, return to Nafplio. Afternoon at leisure.

Dinner at our hotel and overnight in Nafplio.

DAY 12 // NAFPLIO – MONEMVASIA – GYTHEIO (B/L/D)

Breakfast at our hotel followed by departure to Monemvasia.  Monemvasia is a small, fortified town dating back to the 6th century CE. Over the centuries, Monemvasia was inhabited by Byzantines, Franks, Venetians & Ottomans, resulting in a rich historical & cultural Heritage. Monemvasia is famous for its medieval architecture, characterized by narrow cobbled streets sone buildings Byzantine churches, and ruins of medieval fortifications.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, depart to Gytheio.

Dinner at our hotel.  Overnight Gytheio.

DAY 13 // GYTHEIO – DIROS CAVES – AREOPOLI – LIMENI – SPARTI (B/L/D)

After breakfast at our hotel, we will explore the Mani Peninsula.

Visiting Mani allows you to immerse yourself in the unique history, architecture, and culture of this rugged and beautiful region.

Mani is characterized by its rugged and mountainous landscape, with deep gorges, rocky cliffs, and a coastline dotted with picturesque coves and beaches. You will see the “tower houses” made of local stone, and visit the beautiful, small village of Areopoli, along with Limeni a picturesque coastal village nestled in a sheltered cove with crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue to Diros Caves, a unique natural wonder that combines stunning geological formations with archaeological significance. The boat tour through Vlychada Cave offers an unforgettable experience, allowing you to marvel at the beauty of nature’s artwork deep beneath the surface of the Earth.

Departure to Sparti.  Dinner at our hotel or a local restaurant. Overnight in Sparti.

DAY 14 // SPARTI – MYSTRAS – KALAMATA (B/L/D)

Breakfast at our hotel, then explore Sparti, one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Greece known for its militaristic society, with strong emphasis on discipline, endurance, and military training. It is the birth place of King Leonidas, who led the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue to Mystras UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in the 13th-century, capital of the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea. You will see well-preserved Byzantine churches: the church of Agios Dimitrios, the Pantanassa Monastery, and palaces – the Palace of Despots, fortifications, and residential buildings.

In the afternoon, depart to Kalamata.

Dinner at our hotel or at a local restaurant.  Overnight Kalamata.

DAY 15 // KALAMATA – TRIPOLI – ATHENS (B/L/D)

Breakfast at our hotel.  Then visit Kalamata, a vibrant city with a mix of modern amenities and historical attractions.

Depart for Athens – on the way, stop at Agia Fotini of Mantineias.  Believed to have ancient roots, it combines a variety of architectural styles and cultures, unlike that of any other Christian church.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Driving north from Agia Fotini, you will pass through Mantinea, a “Protected Designation of Origin” wine-producing area, which makes some of the best wines of Greece including Moschofilero.  You will have the opportunity for wine tasting in one of the most famous wineries of the area.

Arrive in Athens; check in at our hotel.

Farewell dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 16 // ATHENS – DEPARTURE (B)

Breakfast at our hotel followed by transport to Athens airport in accordance with flight schedules.