Links to hotels are in bold italic
Leave from Dulles Airport for overnight flight to Turkey with a brief stop in Munich.
This afternoon, arrive in the modern day city of Izmir—the ancient city of Smyrna. Transfer from the airport to Kusadasi, for dinner and overnight at the Korumar Deluxe Hotel.
Drive to Ephesus. Here history truly comes to life; walk towards the ancient harbor past architectural masterpieces like the Magnesian Gate and the Library of Celsus before arriving at the Great Amphitheater where Paul spoke to the Ephesians. Also visit the St. John Basilica and spend time at a nearby rug factory. Drive to the town of Balat to visit the ancient city of Miletus. Return to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.
Drive to the village of Geyre to visit Aphrodisias, once a beautiful city 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. Continue to Pamukkale to visit the remains of ancient Laodicea. Drive to the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis and see the unique limestone formations of Pamukkale. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale at the Richmond Thermal Hotel.
APHRODISIAS
LAODICEA
Begin the day in Philadelphia, one of the seven churches. Drive to Sardis, the most picturesque of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation. John told the Christians of Sardis that the letter to them 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 Izmir for a short tour of Smyrna. Dinner and overnight at the Anemon Hotel in Izmir.
Drive to Pergamon to see the Homonym Church, the Acropolis, and the Asclepion, one of the foremost medical centers of Classical times. Also see the Red Basilica and the site of the Church of Pergamon. Continue to Canakkale for dinner and overnight at the Akol Hotel.
This morning begins with a visit of ancient Troy. The epic struggle of the Iliad is based on its 4000 year history. Many remember Helen of Troy and the Trojan Horse that allowed the Greeks to win the Trojan War. Continue to Istanbul for a first glimpse of the city which joins east and west. Dinner and overnight at the Crystal Hotel.
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. Spend the rest of the day at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
Depart Istanbul this morning, crossing the Greek border to Komotini, an agricultural market center for tobacco, grain and livestock. Dinner and overnight in Komotini at the Arcadia Hotel.
We start the day at the modern port city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy, first set foot in Europe. 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. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki at the Capsis Hotel.
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 at the Divani Meteora Hotel.
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 at the Anemolia Hotel.
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 at the Golden City Hotel.
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 and 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.
Depart this morning from Athens for the return flight to the United States via Munich.