Bible Study Tour (Turkey ▪ Greece)

April 25 Thu Depart from the USA – Fly to Istanbul

April 26 Fri Arrive Istanbul Airport
Your tour guide will meet you at the Istanbul Airport with a “TUTKU” sign. Meet and transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight. The next day you will explore the wonders of Istanbul. (D)

Apr 27 Sat Istanbul: Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Archaeological Museum
Today we will begin our trip by visiting the Hippodrom and see the monuments on its spina. From there, we will continue on to the Archaeological Museum and the nearby Museum of the Ancient Orient — two world-class museums where artifacts from all over the Near East have been collected — including the famous Jerusalem Temple Inscription and the inscription from Hezekiah’s Tunnel (also from Jerusalem). In addition, we will walk through St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia) that, for 1000 years, was the largest church in Christendom. Built by Justinian (532-537 AD), the church has 107 columns and beautiful glass mosaics. Transfer to the Istanbul Airport for a late afternoon flight to Hatay (THY). Dinner and overnight in Antakya. (B,D)

Apr 28 Sun Tel Tayinat/Atchana – Antioch Hippodrome – Antakya
We will begin our day with site visits at Tel Tayinat and Tel Atchana where there are structures that are somewhat similar to King David’s Palace and Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. After lunch we will taste Antakya’s famous dessert, künefe, followed by a visit to the hippodrome and temple site with a local archaeologist. Finally, we will tour the museum and the Museum Hotel. Dinner and overnight in Antakya. (B,D)

Apr 29 Mon Antioch – Seleucia – Antakya
First we will visit the grotto Church of St. Peter where Jesusfollowers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). At the new Antakya Archaeological Museum we will see one of richest collections of mosaics in the world. After lunch, we will go to Seleucia Pieria, the port town from which Paul and Barnabas departed and returned on their first journey (Acts 13:4). There we will see the Titus Tunnel, one of Rome’s engineering wonders. If time allows, we will visit the monastery complex of Simon Stylites. Dinner and overnight at Museum Hotel in Antakya. (B,D)

Apr 30 Tue Tarsus – Adana Museum – Adana
Drive through Cilicia to Tarsus, the home of the Apostle Paul. There we will visit the Roman baths and see the ancient bridge over the Cydnus River. We will next visit the Cardo Maximus street of the Roman city and then Donuktaş, one of the largest temples of the ancient world. After lunch we will drive to Adana to walk across the Sarus River on the Roman bridge and visit the Adana Archaeology Museum. Dinner and overnight in Adana. (B,D)

May 1 Wed Cilician Gates – Derbe – Lystra – Iconium – Konya
We first pass through the Cilician Gates in the Taurus Mountains and then continue to Derbe visited three times by Paul visited (Acts 14:20). We continue to Lystra, the home of Timothy, visted by Paul on his three journeys. After a short drive to Iconium, we will first visit the ancient acropolis in Konya’s city center and then visit the archaeological museum and its important inscriptions mentioning Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Dinner and overnight in Konya. (B,D)

May 2 Thu Pisidian Antioch – Antalya
After early breakfast, drive to Eflatunpinar. Then we stop at a Roman Bridge near the road to Yalvaç. Then contiune to Yalvaç, the site of the Roman colony of Pisidian Antioch. Paul visited this city on his three missionary journeys. His first recorded sermon in Acts 13 addressed the congregation of Jewsand Godfearers in the synagogue. We will also visit the St. Paul Room in the Yalvaç Museum. Then we will make a scenic drive through the Pisidian lake country before descending through the Taurus Mountains to the plain of Pamphylia. Dinner and overnight in Antalya. (B,D)

May 3 Fri Perga – Attalia – Antalya
We will begin our day with a visit to ancient Perga—a place visited by Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark (Acts 13:13-14). Perga is extensively excavated and we will study life in an ancient Roman city in the time of Paul. In the afternoon, we will visit the award-winning Antalya (= Attalia Acts 14:25-26) Archaeological Museum with its amazing statuary. Late afternoon free. Dinner and overnight in Antalya. (B,D)

May 4 Sat Colossae — Laodicea - Hierapolis - Pamukkale
Our first stop is in Colossae, a site that has not yet been excavated. Nevertheless, this is an important site for Christians to visit, since Paul sent here two letters: one to the church of Colossae and one to the rich Christian slave-owner Philemon, who hosted the Colossian church in his home. Our second stop is Laodicea, a major city in Roman times, as is clear from not only the size of the ancient site but also its two theatres, stadium, aqueduct, and a major street lined with shops. Laodicea is not only the last of the seven churches to whom John directed the book of Revelation (Rev. 3:14- 22), but it also had a close relationship with the nearby churches of Colossae and Hierapolis (Col. 4:13-15) and was the recipient of one of Paul’s now lost letters (Col. 4:16). Our last stop of the day is at nearby Hierapolis which is blessed by hot mineral springs and some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Asia Minor. Christianity came to Hierapolis via Epaphras (Colossians 4:12– 13). Overnight in one of the nearby modern resorts of Pammukale whose thermal baths are sure to revive your tired body. (B,D)

May 5 Sun Philadelphia — Sardis — Thyatira - Soma
In the morning we will drive to Philadelphia, the sixth of the Seven Churches. John wrote to the church here (Rev. 3:7-13), commending them for their patience and endurance in spite of persecution. Our next stop is Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6). Here we see the remains of the magnificent temple of Artemis, the beautifully reconstructed gymnasium and public baths, and the largest known synagogue outside Palestine. We will stop briefly in the ancient city of Thyatira, where, due to the presence of the modern city of Akhisar, few archaeological remains have thus far been uncovered. John warned the church here about its toleration of a woman symbolically called Jezebel who was leading believers astray, causing them “to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols” (Rev. 2:18-29). If time permits we will visit the nearby museum. We drive to our hotel in Soma for dinner and overnight. (B,D) This morning we will travel a short distance west to Pergamum which is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in all of Turkey. Its attractions are hard to surpass: a 10,000-seat theatre on the side of the acropolis which is the steepest in the ancient world; the magnificently restored temple of Trajan; a library of 200,000 volumes second in size only to that in Alexandria; the base of the Altar of Zeus; the temple of Dionysus; and the medical center of Asclepius with its own theatre, library, underground tunnel, and other buildings. John warned the church here that they were living in a place of “Satan’s throne” (Rev. 2:12-17). Drive to Izmir for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

May 7 Tue Ephesus – Izmir
Today will likely be the high note of the tour for most people, as we visit the most impressive biblical site of our trip: Ephesus. The former glory of this city can still today be easily appreciated from its well-preserved streets, temples, fountains, public baths, terraced houses and theatres. There is the same theatre where some 24,000 citizens of Ephesus gathered shouting “Great is Artemis!” in a riot started in response to Paul’s ministry there. The apostle visited this city only briefly during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:18-21) but returned during his third missionary journey for a much longer period of two years and three months (Acts 19:1-20:1). Timothy later served as pastor in this city during which time Paul wrote him two letters (1 & 2 Timothy). Some years later Ephesus served as the home base for the apostle John’s ministry from where he wrote a number of letters (1, 2, 3 John) and to which he sent the Book of Revelation. In addition to the ancient city, we will also visit the “slope houses” (the wealthiest homes in Ephesus that have been marvelously reconstructed), the Ephesus Museum, and the Basilica of St. John. We return to Izmir for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

May 8 Wed Smyrna – Izmir
Begin the day by driving up to Mt. Pagus (now called Kadifekale or “Velvet Castle”) which is the acropolis of ancient Smyrna, the second of the seven churches (Rev. 2:8–11). From there we have a great view of the modern city of Izmir and its harbor. Here we think about John’s word of commendation for the Christians in Smyrna who were persevering in the faith despite persecution (Rev. 2:8-11). In addition, we will visit the Agora and its important collection of Greek graffiti, the largest from the ancient Greek East, and visit archaic Smyrna located at Bayraklı. We conclude with a brief visit to the archaeology museum in the fairgrounds (if time permits). Lunch on your own with free time in the afternoon. You may wish to visit St Polycarp Church or wander around the Kemeralti Bazaar. Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant with overnight in Izmir (B,D)

May 9 Thu Izmir Airport - Fly back home
Transfer to Izmir Airport fly back home. Or, take the BIBLICAL GREECE extension.

May 8 Wed USA to GREECE
Depart from New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Vancouver BC, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, or Washington DC and fly to Thessaloniki.

May 9 Thu Arrive Thessaloniki
Our representative will meet you after the customs and baggage claim with a “TUTKU” sign. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (D)

May 10 Fri     Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis, Thessaloniki
We enjoy a scenic drive along the Aegean Sea to Kavala (ancient Neapolis), the port city of Philippi, where Paul landed by boat and first brought the gospel to Europe. We’ll travel inland to Philippi, named after Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. We follow the Via Egnatia which the apostle took into the city. Here at Philippi Paul preached his first sermon in Europe (Acts 16:13-15) and baptized the first Christian convert in the continent, a “certain woman named Lydia.” The Philippian church became one of Paul’s favorite congregations and many years later, while under house arrest in Rome, he wrote them a letter (Philippians) expressing his gratitude for their faithful support of his missionary activity.
Extensive Roman and Byzantine ruins have been uncovered and there is a crypt where it is believed Paul and Silas were imprisoned. We leave Philippi and continue to follow the Via Egnatia to Amphipolis (Acts 17:1) to view the Lion Monument that Paul would have seen as he traveled by this city. We pass by Apollonia (Acts 17:1) and return to our hotel in Thessaloniki (B, D)

May 11 Sat     Thessaloniki, Vergina, Berea, Kalambaka (Meteora)
Paul spent a number of weeks in Thessalonica during his 2nd Missionary Journey establishing a church (Acts 17:1-9) to whom he would a short time later write two letters (1 & 2 Thessalonians). Visit the Roman Agora (marketplace), where a mob was formed against Paul and an ensuing riot was started in the city (Acts 17:5). We will visit the Rotunda, the triumphal Arch of Galerius (AD 305-311), and two beautiful Byzantine churches (Hagia Sophia & Saint Demetrius), the ancient ramparts of the city, and the White Tower—the symbol of the city. We leave Thessaloniki for a brief visit to Vergina and the magnificent presentation of the golden finds from the tomb of Phillip II—the father of Alexander the Great.
We then drive to Berea (modern Veria), the place whose Jewish citizens “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). After viewing the Bema—the spot where tradition has Paul teaching the Bereans—and the beautiful monument dedicated to the apostle, we drive to Larissa for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

May 12 Sun     Meteora, Delphi
Here are the famous Cenobitic Monasteries that are perched precariously on top of huge and precipitous columns of rock that rise up out of the ground, thereby giving rise to the name “Meteora,” which means “in the air.” It was in the 11th century that the first hermits sought refuge in the caves of Meteora where the solitude and spectacular vistas enhanced the mystic way of life. Eventually the hermits began to group together in monasteries whose buildings were decorated with frescoes and icons by the great artists of the day. After touring one of these historic and breathtaking monasteries, we spend the afternoon enjoying the scenic drive to Delphi, stopping briefly at Thermopoli—the site of the bloody battle between the Greeks and the Persians. Overnight in Delphi (B,D)

May 13 Mon     Delphi, Athens
Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, Delphi is the home of the Sanctuary of Apollo and the world-renowned “Delphic oracle.”
Other impressive ruins found here include the Temple of Athena, a well-preserved theatre that seats 5000 people, an athletic stadium seating 7000, a gymnasium for physical training, various stoas, and treasuries. It is with good reason that Delphi is widely acknowledged as the most spectacularly beautiful ancient site in Greece. We also will visit the Delphi Museum, whose impressive collection includes an inscription concerning the governor Gallio (Acts 18:12), which plays a crucial role in establishing the chronology of Paul’s life and ministry. We end the day with a drive to Athens. (B,D)

May 14 Tue     Athens
Paul visited Athens during his 2nd Missionary Journey (Acts 17:15-34). We will begin our day by going up to the Acropolis, which towers over the city of Athens and which houses the Parthenon, a building so masterfully created that it has been the subject of architectural study since its creation. Equally impressive buildings on the Acropolis include the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens, and the Temple of Athena Nike, the goddess of “Victory.” We will then proceed to the Areopagus (“Mars Hill”) where the city leaders would often meet (Acts 17:19-33). We will then visit the Agora (“Marketplace”) of ancient Athens where Paul dialogued with the Athenian citizens and philosophers (Acts 17:17). Lunch on your own. Remainder of the day free for additional sightseeing and shopping. Dinner and overnight in Athens (B,D)

May 15 Wed     Corinth, Cenchrea, Athens
After briefly stopping at the Corinthian Canal, we will visit Corinth, the place where Paul ministered for 1½ years (Acts 18:1-18) and would later write at least four letters, two of which have survived (1 & 2 Corinthians). The city is located on the slopes of the Acrocorinth, a towering mountain rising 1,886 feet above the sea and crowned in ancient times by the temple of Aphrodite. Extensive ruins of Corinth are visible today, including temples, water fountains, shops, various public buildings, the largest Agora (“Marketplace”) in the ancient world and the Bema, where Paul likely met before the governor Gallio (Acts 18:12-17). The Corinthian Museum contains many significant artifacts, several of which have a direct link to events, items and people mentioned in the New Testament. In the afternoon we will proceed to nearby Cenchrea, one of the two harbors of ancient Corinth from where Paul sailed on more than one occasion (Acts 18:18) and which was also the home of another early church and an influential Christian woman, Phoebe (Rom. 16:1). Dinner and overnight in Athens. (B,D)

May 16 Thu    Transfer to Athens Airport for flight back to USA

• Roundtrip International Air fare between USA-TURKEY
• Istanbul – Hatay air fare

TURKEY HOTELS (April 25-May 9)
• 1 night at Kent Hotel in Istanbul or similar
• 3 nights at Antakya Museum Hotel in Antakya or similar
• 1 night at Ramada Hotel in Adana or similar
• 1 night at Dedeman Hotel in Konya or similar
• 2 nights at Best Western Khan Hotel in Antalya or similar
• 1 night at Doga Thermal Health & Spa in Pamukkale or similar
• 1 night at Ramada Hotel in Soma or similar
• 3 nights at Mariott Hotel in Izmir or similar

GREECE HOTELS (May 8-16)
• 2 nights at Grand Palace Hotel in Thessaloniki or similar
• 1 nights at Divani Larissa Hotel in Larissa or similar
• 1 night at Amalia Hotel in Delphi or similar
• 2 nights at Divani Acropolis Hotel in Athens or similar

• Daily open buffet breakfasts at the hotels (B:breakfast)
• 20 Dinners at the hotels (D:Dinner)
• Sightseeing as per the itinerary
• All Transfers and Transportation by Private A/C bus
• Tolls, parking fees, fuel, driver’s & guide’s expenses
• English speaking, government licensed, bible-oriented professional tour guides throughout the tour
• Entrance fees to sites as per the program
• Service charges & local taxes
• Tips to the hotel and restaurant staff
• Tips to the tour guides and drivers

• Turkish Visa Fee ($50 per person for US citizensto be obtained online before arrival www.evisa.gov.tr )
• Lunches and drinks
• All personal expenses and any other service which are not mentioned above
• Travel and Health insurance, any kind of insurance (insurance may be given at an extra cost, please ask)