18 Days
Specific Tour
30 people
English
Day 1: Tuesday 31 January: Departure from USA
Afternoon departure from Dulles airport for flight to Istanbul
Day 2: Wednesday 1 January: Istanbul > Antalya (D).
Upon arrival to the Istanbul Airport, we will meet our guide (the wonderful Shebbie Kececi!) and transfer for a flight to Antalya, arriving in the early afternoon. We will have time to relax and do a bit of touring of Antalya, the ancient port of Attalia from which Paul and Barnabas sailed (Acts 14.25).. Take an evening walk along the Mediterranean shore! Dinner and Overnight in Antalya.
Day 3: Thursday 2 January: Antalya (B, D).
Today, we visit the archeological site of Perga, a chief city of Pamphylia that was visited twice by Paul the Apostle and his companion Barnabas (Acts 13.13–14 and 14.25). Here, we will explore Perga’s extensive ruins, including a well-preserved theater, the Agora, a colonnaded boulevard, Roman baths, a gymnasium, hippodrome, a memorial fountain, and the Greek and Roman gates. Next, we are off to the ancient Greco-Roman city of Aspendos to see the best-preserved theater of antiquity. We will also see the ruins of a basilica, agora, nymphaeum, Roman aqueduct, and the Roman Eurymedon Bridge before returning to our Antalya hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Antalya.
Day 4: Friday 3 January: Antalya / Pamukkale (B, D).
After breakfast, we will head north and west as Paul and Barnabas did. After making a brief stop at Colossae, we will visit Pamukkale, “Cotton Castle”, and dip our feet in the thermal waters that flow down the hilltop’s unique white travertine terraces. Here, we will also visit the archeological remains of Hierapolis, a significant site of early Christianity thanks to Paul’s missionary efforts here (Colossians 4.13). A martyrion church of the apostle Philip is also here. Because the city sits atop the travertine cascades of Pamukkale (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hierapolis became a healing center wherein the site’s thermal pools were used to treat various ailments. Today, we will stroll among a number of important ruins including well-preserved Roman structures: Theater, Temple of Apollo, and the Ploutonion (gateway to the underworld) to Pamukkale. Bring your swimsuit and enjoy the hot springs at the hotel! Dinner and Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 5: Saturday 4 January: Pamukkale /Kusadasi (B, D).
After breakfast, our first stop will be Laodicea. This city was one of the Seven Churches that John the seer chastised for being lukewarm (Revelation 3.14-22). Here, we will see the site’s well-preserved streets, agora, monuments, and theaters, giving us insight into this city’s former prominence. Continuing west along the Meander River valley, we will visit Aphrodisias. This beautiful city was dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty. Visit the Aphrodisias Museum to see some of the relief pans and sculptures recovered from the excavations of Sebateion, a grandiose
temple complex dedicated to Aphrodite and the Julio-Claudian emperors. In addition to the theater, odeion, and basilica, you will also have a chance to explore one of the best-preserved hippodromes from Greco-Roman times! We continue to Kusadasi on the coast of the Aegean Sea. Dinner and Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 6: Sunday 5 January: Kusadasi (B, D).
After breakfast, we are off to Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey with its famous terrace houses and library. Paul briefly visited here on his second journey and spent more than two years here on his third trip, working with Priscilla and Aquila. (Acts 18.19-26; 19.1-41) It’s in Ephesus where Paul caused a near riot at the theater when the silversmiths there worried that Christianity would threaten their trade in trinkets for tourists to the Temple of Artemis. At the time, it was one of the wonders of the world, but we will see the little that remains today. Ephesus was also the traditional place where the apostle John served, and we will visit the ruins of St. John’s Basilica which stands over his traditional burial site. Ephesus is also famous as the recipient of the letter to the Ephesians and as one of the churches of Revelation (2.1-7). After a visit to a Turkish rug cooperative (if not here, then at Bergama), we will then follow the route the Ephesian elders took to meet Paul in Miletus as he was returning to Jerusalem on his third journey (Acts 20.16-38). Here, we will see the impressive ruins of the 25,000-seat theater, and hike to the top of the site to enjoy a beautiful view of the Meander River flood plain. Return to Dinner and Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 7: Monday 6 January: Kusadasi / Bergama = Pergamum (B, D).
This morning, we will visit the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Smyrna. Smyrna, modern Izmir, was one of the Seven Churches that John the Seer relays the promise from God: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2.10). Next, we will explore Sardis, a powerful ancient city located along the ancient Persian Royal Road. Though
The itinerary subject to change
Sardis was a strong and wealthy city with a reputation for being alive, God announced that it was actually dead (Revelation 3.1-6). Of note here is the bath-gymnasium complex, the 3rd century CE synagogue, and the impressive Temple of Artemis where a Christian chapel (one of the earliest Christian structures from the 4th century) was later attached. We then drive on for a short visit to Thyatira (modern Akhisar), one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (2.18-29), and arrive for Dinner and Overnight in Bergama.
Day 8: Tuesday 7 January: Pergamum / Canakkale (B, D).
This morning, we visit Pergamum, one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world and another of the Seven Churches of Revelation (2.12-17). We will tour the Acropolis which sits atop a 1000-foot windswept mountain and features the famous library, Temples of Athena and Trajan, the Pergamum Altar (=Satan’s Throne of Rev 2.13?), and the steepest theater in the ancient world. At the base of Acropolis there is the Red Basilica, an ancient temple to Egyptian gods later converted into a Christian church. Ancient Pergamum was also famous for the magnificent Asklepion, an ancient healing center and spa. We continue on to Behramkale to explore the ruins of Assos. From the Acropolis, we can enjoy a panoramic view over the Aegean while we learn about Paul’s missionary efforts here. (Acts 20.13-14) Paul walked to Assos from our next stop, Alexandria Troas. A significant port town in Roman times, Paul came here on his second trip and received the vision asking him to come over to Macedonia (Acts 16:8-11). He stopped here again on the return leg of his third trip, at which time Eutyches fell asleep and out of the window as Paul was preaching! (Acts 20.5-12) We continue on to Dinner and Overnight in Canakkale. Enjoy an evening walk along the Dardanelles Strait!
Day 9: Wednesday 8 January: Istanbul – City Tour (B, D).
After enjoying our Turkish breakfast, we may be able to visit ancient Troy, if time permits, site of the famous battle where the Achaeans defeated Troy with the ruse of the Trojan horse. We continue by crossing the Dardanelles (Hellespont) strait, continue driving by the famous World War I Gallipoli battlefield and on to Istanbul, formerly Constaninople / Byzantium, which straddles Europe and Asia. We will begin our tour of the historical highlights of Istanbul this afternoon and have all of the next day. Among the many sites, we will visit the Archaeological Museum, the Spice Bazaar, and the Chora Church as time permits. We will check into our hotel located near Taksim Square, the bustling heart of modern Istanbul. From here you can stroll down the Istiklal Street shopping district. Be sure to get some Turkish Delight at Haci Bekir! Dinner and Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 10: Thursday 9 January: Istanbul (B, D).
Continuing our tour of Istanbul, we will stroll through Hippodrome Square, the former sporting and social center of Constantinople that hosted chariot races during the Roman period. Afterwards, we are off to witness the incredible majesty and splendor of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Popularly known as the Blue Mosque, this 17th century Ottoman sanctuary is adorned with six minarets and more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. We then will walk directly across from the mosque to visit the domed masterpiece of the Hagia Sophia before we head to Topkapi Palace. Located on the very cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace is the former abode of Ottoman Sultans that still houses their legion of treasures, including an extensive collection of royal jewels. We will end our day with a chance to shop at the Grand Bazaar, the massive covered market that houses a labyrinth of streets lined with shops selling jewelry, leather products and many other handcrafted souvenirs. Dinner and Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 11: Friday 10 January: Kavala, Greece (B, D).
Today we head west to the Turkiye-Greece border crossing. Here we will say farewell to our Turkish guide and driver and transfer to a new bus and be welcomed by our Greek guide (the fabulous Peggy Iliopoulou!) and driver. After a stop in Alexandroupoli with a view to Lesbos, we will continue on to Kavala, ancient Neapolis where Paul first landed in Macedonia. Our tour of the city will include the church that commemorates Paul’s arrival. Dinner and Overnight in Kavala.
Day 12: Saturday 11 January: Kavala / Thessaloniki (B, D).
We follow Paul’s path on the Via Egnatia to Philippi, named after Philip of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. We will visit the traditional site where Paul baptized Lydia, the first convert. (Acts 16.14-15). It was in Philippi that Paul cast out a spirit from a slave girl and was brought before the authorities in the forum. He and Silas were thrown into prison and miraculously freed. (Acts 16.18-23) We continue along the Via Egnatia to Amphipolis, passing the Lion of Amphipolis that Paul must have seen, and continue on to Thessaloniki. (Act 17.1) We will see the Rotunda, Triumphal Arch of Galerius, the Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki, and the White Tower, and have a chance to stroll the shopping area and seafront. Dinner and Overnight in Thessaloniki
Day 13: Sunday 12 January: Thessaloniki / Kalambaka (B, D)
Today in Thessaloniki we will visit the Roman agora, the Byzantine Churches of St. Demetrios and St. Sophia, , and the Vlatadon Monastery (traditional site of Jason’s house where Paul preached). Our next stop is Vergina, ancient Aigai, home of Alexander the Great. Near the palace is the theater in which his father, Philip II, was assassinated and Alexander assumed power. We will visit the amazing museum with the tomb of Philip II. Next, we go to Veria (ancient Beroea) where Paul and Silas fled after causing an uproar in Thessaloniki. (Act 17.10-13) Travelling in view of Mount Olympus (home of the Greek gods), we continue to Kalambaka. Dinner and Overnight in Kalambaka
Day 14: Monday 13 January: Kalabaka (Meteora) / Itea (B, D)
Today we will see the amazing Byzantine monasteries of Meteora perched on magnificent rock pillars. There are 24, but only 6 are inhabited, and we will visit 2 of them. We will also visit an icon workshop to witness this traditional art. Continue to the delightful city of Itea on the Gulf of Corinth where you can stroll along the shore! Dinner and Overnight in Itea
Day 15: Tuesday 14 January: Delphi / Athens (B, D)
Like the ancients who harbored at Itea, we make our way up the mountains to Delphi, the “omphalos” (navel) of the ancient world. Its prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythias and the site of the Delphic oracles that shaped ancient history. Near the top is the stadium, the site of the Pythian games. After touring the treasures of the Delphi Museum, we continue on to Athens. Dinner and Overnight in Athens
Day 16: Wednesday 15 January: (Corinth, Cenchreae) Athens (B, D)
Today we drive west along the coastal road following the ancient Sacred Way that thousands of Athenians would annually walk in procession to Eleusis. Here they experienced initiation into the famous Eleusinian mysteries. Continuing on, we make a brief stop at the Corinth Canal before arriving at Corinth. We will visit the Museum and then see this city where Paul lived for almost two years (~51-52 CE) working with Priscilla and Aquila. Walk along the ancient Lechaion Road and see the remains of first-century shops, the agora and bema where Paul’s trial by Gallio took place (Acts 18.1-17), the Fountain of Peirene, and the Temple of Apollo. We will also visit the Acrocorinth towering over Corinth. At the top is the Temple of Aphrodite, and it has been a fortress from the classical through the Ottoman periods. Time permitting, we may be able to visit Isthmia, the site of the Isthmian Games in 51CE when Paul was in Corinth. On our way back to Athens, we will trace Paul’s route to the port of Cenchreae where he set sail to return to Jerusalem. (Acts 18.18) Dinner and Overnight in Athens
Day 17: Thursday 16 January: Athens – City Tour (B, D)
This morning we visit the important modern and archaeological sites in the city of Athens, the Agora and Acropolis and its monuments, including the Parthenon and the Areopagus (Mars Hill) where Paul delivered his famous speech (Acts 17.16-34), and the Acropolis Museum. Driving through Athens, we have an opportunity to see other places of interest such as the Temple of Zeus, the Roman Forum, and the Panathenian Stadium. We will have free time to explore the ancient portion of the city Plaka area with its narrow paths, shops, and taverns at the foot of the Acropolis. Dinner and Overnight in Athens
Day 18: Friday 17 January: Depart from Athens to USA
We have an early morning transfer to the Athens airport. We fly to Istanbul and then on to the USA for an evening arrival back at Dulles.
