Thanks to Brian
Peterson for many of the links on this page
Links to hotels are in bold italic
Leave from Dulles Airport for flight to Turkey.
We arrive in the modern day city of Izmir-ancient city of Smyrna. A short drive from the airport to our hotel and the balance of the day at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
After a short tour of Smyrna, we drive to Sardis the most picturesque of the seven churches. John told the Christians of Sardis that the letter in Revelation was from "the One who holds the seven spirits of God, the seven stars". He admonished them to "wake up and put some strength into what is left", continue to Philadelphia another of the seven churches. Return for dinner overnight in Izmir .
Drive to Ephesus. Here history truly comes to life: walking towards the ancient harbor you pass architectural masterpieces like the Magnesian Gate and the Library of Celsus before arriving to the Great Amphitheater where Paul spoke to the Ephesians. Also visit the St. John Basilica. Continue to Miletus where Paul delivered his touching farewell address to the elders of Ephesus. Return for dinner and overnight in Izmir.
Drive to Pergamum to see the Homonym Church, as well as the Acropolis; the Ascleplion, one of the foremost medical centers of Classical times; the Red Basilica as well as the site of the Church of Pergamum. Continue to Canakkale for dinner and overnight.
Continue our tour with a visit of ancient Troy with its 4000 year history, which recalls the epic struggle of the Iliad. And on to Istanbul for a first glimpse of the city which joins east and west. Dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, depart for a full day tour of Istanbul. Visit the Church of St. Sophia, the oldest Christian Basilica where the ecumenical councils were held, the Hippodrome of old Constantinople and the Blue Mosque. In the afternoon, visit the Topkapi Palace, the Sultan's former residence with its incredible collections of jewels and china. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
In the morning free time or boat tour to Bosphorus and then drive to Greek boarders for Alexandroupolis. Dinner and overnight in Alexandroupolis.
Visit Philippi where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity Here Paul baptized a "certain woman named Lydia" the first Christian convert in Europe. The Roman forum, completely excavated, is from after Paul's time. Among the ruins, located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road is the prison where Paul and Silas were thrown. Continue into the modern port city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot in Europe. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
All morning dedicated to the city of Thessaloniki. Paul preached in Thessaloniki during the winters of 49-50 AD and wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. See the ramparts of the city, the triumphal Arch of Galerius starting the Via Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire, the House of Jason and the Roman Agora where Paul Preached. We shall also see St. Demetrios Church with its valuable mosaics and frescoes and will drive to the upper town which offers a marvelous view of the city. The site where the monastery of Vlatadon was built is believed to be the location where Jason's house once stood and where Paul was accommodated during his visit to Thessaloniki. Afternoon departure to Meteora. Overnight in Kalambaka.
Visit Meteora Monasteries, among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks, which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine an. Continue to Delphi, dinner and overnight.
Visit Delphi, the center of the Ancient world -the "omphalos" (navel) of the earth - whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Continue to Athens for dinner and overnight.
A full day in Athens, Acropolis, Agora, Mars Hill. We will visit the Acropolis to see the ruins of the Parthenon, Erectheum and Propylae. We shall also ascend Mars Hill view the Agora (ancient market place) where Paul spoke to the ancient Athenians We will also see the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Presidential Palace, Hadrian's Arch and the Panathenaic Stadium. Dinner and overnight in Athens.
Drive to Ancient Corinth. Here under the shadow of the towering Acropolis, St Paul preached and lived for two years. The vigorous and mostly Gentile Church he founded here in 50AD caused him much grief and prompted him to write at least four letters to them. Visit the ruins of the ancient city where Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. See the remains of first century shops, the agora where Paul's trial by Gallio took place, the Fountain of Peirene, Temple of Apollo and the Bema. Continue to Mycenae the city "rich in gold" and visit the Lions Gate, the Cyclopean Walls and the Royal Tombs. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.
If the trip to Istanbul should be avoided, we are likely to spend time visiting Aphrodisias, Laodicea, Letoon & Miletus
Aphrodisias is a well-preserved Roman city with a beautiful theater and stadium. Laodicea is the "lukewarm" church of Revelation, and nearby is Letoon (a site dedicated to Leto, Apollo’s mother). Miletus is the ancient port city where Paul met with the elders of the church on his final trip to Jerusalem (Acts 20).