Alumni
Alumni & Friends 2013 Tour of Turkey & Greece
Itinerary
Turkey and Greece, A Mediterranean Adventure
Highlighting the Journeys of Paul, Churches of Book of Revelation and the Greek Isles
6/18/2013: USA-Istanbul, enjoy a relaxing overnight flight to Istanbul.
6/19/2013: Istanbul
Our representative will greet us as we land in Istanbul. After transferring to our hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free. Overnight in Istanbul.
6/20/2013: Istanbul
A full-day guided tour exploring the ancient city including visits to the Hippodrome once used for chariot races; the Blue Mosque, famous for unequaled ceramic tiles; Saint Sophia Basilica, ancient seat of the Byzantine Church; Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Enjoy an early evening boat tour on the famous Bosphoros, then an optional excursion that includes folk music, belly dancing and dinner. Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast)
6/21/2013: Dardanelles-Canakkale
After breakfast we venture south to cross the Dardanelles’ Strait via ferry. Visit the ancient city of Troy with its legendary walls and replica of the famous wooden horse used during the Trojan War. Overnight in Canakkale. (Breakfast, Dinner)
6/22/2013: Pergamum-Thyatira-Smyrna (Izmir)
Today we travel to Pergamum (Rev 2:12-17) and the Asclepion of Galen, then continue to Thyatira (Rev 2:18-29; Acts 16:14), a city of artisans’ guilds in Paul’s time and a temple dedicated to St. John that was converted into a basilica. We then continue to Smyrna (Rev.2:8-11) Homer’s birthplace on the Aegean cost. Overnight in Izmir. (Breakfast, Dinner)
6/23/2013: Sardis-Philadelphia-Laodicea-Hierapolis
Our adventure for the day begins in Sardis entering from the marble way passing by the old Byzantine shops. We’ll visit the old Synagogue with its beautiful decorations and style. From there we venture to Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13) to meander through its streets. Then on to Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22; Col 2:1; 4:13-16) to see the theaters, stadium, Nymphaeum and the surrounding ruins. We then travel to Pamukkale, the ancient city of the Hieropolis (Col 4:13) and the Roman Baths with their white “Cotton Fortress” lime cascades. Overnight in Pamukkale where you can relax and enjoy a dip in the hot spring pools. (Breakfast, Dinner)
6/24/2013: Ephesus-St. Mary’s House-St. John Basilica
This morning we travel to Ephesus, one of the greatest archaeological sites with its Greco- Roman and Christian remains (Ephesians, Rev 1:11, 2:1-7, Acts 18:19-28, 19:1-41). Nearby we visit the Virgin Mary’s house on a wooded hilltop. Finally we stop at the restoration of St. John’s Basilica where according to legend, he was buried. Overnight in Kusadasi. (Breakfast, Dinner)
6/25/2013: Mediterranean Cruise: Kusadasi-Patmos
Today we board the cruise ship and travel to Patmos (Rev. 1:9), where John wrote the Book of Revelation. An optional tour to the Monastery of St. John and the Holy Cave of the Apocalypse is available. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
6/26/2013: Rhodes
Today is a free day to visit Rhodes (Acts 21:1), one of the most impressive islands in the world.
Spend your day on a walking tour in the walled city of Old Rhodes Town and the Palace, or take a taxi to one of the nearby crystal clear Aegean beaches. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
6/27/2013: Crete-Santorini
Arrive in Heraklion, Crete where you can explore on your own or take an optional tour to the Palace of Knossos, capital of the Minoan civilization. Continue on to Santorini, one of the most beautiful islands in the world and the land of the fabled Atlantis. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
6/28/2013: Corinth-Athens
From the port of Piraeus we proceed to Ancient Corinth where the Apostle Paul lived and preached. Visit the Archaeological Museum, the marketplace, the Bema and the temples. Return to Athens for time to shop in the Plaka in the shadow of the Acropolis.
Overnight in Athens. (Breakfast)
6/29/2013: Athens
A morning city tour will introduce the most important sites: the famed Acropolis with its dominating view and site of the renowned Parthenon, a visit to the Acropolis Museum and the original Mars Hill. The remainder of the day is free at leisure. You may wish to go to a Greek tavern for music and dinner. Overnight in Athens. (Breakfast)
6/30/2013: Athens-USA
Our representative escorts us to the airport for our flight home. (Breakfast)