Footsteps of Paul Seminar in Turkey and Greece (Ext. Rome)

Oct 6 Mon              Depart Chicago O’Hare for Istanbul

Oct 7 Tue               Arrive Istanbul Airport – Take Connection Flight to Izmir (Smyrna)
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight. If time permits visit St Policarp Church. Overnight Izmir (D)

Oct 8 Wed              Pergamum Acropolis, Asklepion, Red Basilica, Smyrna Agora
Overnight Izmir (B,L,D)

Oct 9 Thu              Sardis, Laodicea, Hierapolis,St.Philip’s Tomb
We will view the Smyrna ruins at Izmir. Then we visit Sardis (Temple of Artemis). Overnight is in Pamukkale. Optional: swimming in the hot spring pool at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Oct 10 Fri               Colossae and meet Dr Baris Yener, head of excavations
Overnight Kusadasi (B,L,D)

Oct 11 Sat              Ephesus - Izmir
Today we begin with a visit to the famous ancient city of Ephesus, and its Amphitheater, Terrace Houses, the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus, and the Basilica of St. John. Overnight is in Izmir. (B,L,D)

Oct 12 Sun             Transfer to Izmir Airport - Fly Thessaloniki
Sightseeing in Thessaloniki if time permits. Overnight Thessaloniki (B,L,D)

Oct 13 Mon            Neapolis, Philippi, Thessaloniki
We begin today with a visit to Neapolis, where Paul landed in Europe, and walk the Egnatia Way Roman Road that he walked to Philippi. At Philippi, we will stop at the river where Paul met Lydia and see a prison cell in the extensive ruins. Then we visit Thessaloniki to see the Old City Ramparts, St. George’s Basilica, Galerius Arch, the Ancient Agora, and the Archeological Museum. Overnight is in Thessaloniki. (B,L,D)

Oct 14 Tue             Thessaloniki, Berea, Flight to Athens
This morning we drive to Berea (Veria) to visit the Synagogue built on the site of the ancient synagogue where Paul likely spoke as well as the church dedicated to Paul’s visit. Then we drive back to Thessaloniki for our evening flight to Athens. Overnight is in Athens. (B,L,D)

Oct 15 Wed            Athens
Today we have a tour of Athens, including the Acropolis, Parthenon, Mars Hill where Paul engaged leading skeptics of Athens, and major spots in the Agora. Afternoon is free to explore. Overnight is in Athens. (B,L,D)

Oct 16 Thu             Corinth, Athens
We begin today by driving to Corinth. We will visit the Canal and Diolkos on the way. Then we visit where Paul preached with Aquila and Priscilla; the Agora with the Bema Judgment seat where Paul’s trial by Gallio took place; Fountain of Pereine; Temple of Apollo; and the Acropolis. Afterwards, we stop by the port of Cenchrea on our return to Athens. Overnight is in Athens. (B,L,D)

Oct 17 Fri               Athens Airport, Depart for Chicago
We transfer in the morning to Athens Airport for our return flight back to Chicago. We arrive home the same day.

OPTIONAL ROME EXTENSION   minimum of 20+ travelers

Oct 17 Fri               Athens Flight to Rome, Catacombs, Appian Way
We transfer to Athens Airport for our morning flight to Rome. Upon arrival, we meet our tour escort and visit the Catacombs where we explore tunnels and see the carvings on the walls from early Christians. We also walk on the ancient stones of the Appian Way as Paul did on his way to Rome.. Overnight is in Rome. (B,L,D) You’ll have a local guide for the Catacombs, but no guide for walking the Appian Way. Only the tour Escort will assist you.

Oct 18 Sat              Rome, Vatican & Sistine Chapel, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain
Our first stop is the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, known around the world for its magnificent ceiling, beautifully decorated by Michelangelo. Our next visit is to the Basilica of St. Peter, the largest church in the world. Then we will tour the great capital—viewing famous monuments, the Pantheon, and the Fontana di Trevi. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria in Via Lata if time permits. Overnight is in Rome. (B,L,D)

Oct 19 Sun             Colosseum, Forum, Mamertine Prison, St Paul Outside the Walls
Today, we visit  the Colosseum, the Arch of Titus, the Forum, and Mamertine Prison where Paul was imprisoned. After lunch, we visit the Tres Fontane Church where Paul was martyred, and St. Paul’s Church Outside the Walls where tradition says the Apostle Paul is buried. Overnight is in Rome. (B,L,D)

Oct 20 Mon            We transfer to Rome Airport for our return flight back to Chicago. Arrive Chicago the same day.

• Roundtrip international air fare between Chicago-Istanbul & Athens-Chicago (or Rome - Chicago)
• Istanbul-Izmir domestic flight
• Izmir – Thessaloniki flight
• Thessaloniki – Athens flight
• Athens-Rome flight
• 2 Nights at Kordon Cankaya Hotel in Izmir or similar
• 1 Night at Doga Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale or similar
• 1 Night at Korumar Hotel in Kusadasi or similar
• 1 Night at Kordon Cankaya Hotel in Izmir or similar
• 2 Nights at Grand Palace Hotel in Thessaloniki or similar
• 3 Nights at Parthenon Hotel in Athens or similar
• 3 Nights at Hotel Mama Shelter in Rome or similar
• Daily open buffet breakfasts at the hotels
• 13 dinners at the hotels
• 12 Lunches
• Bottled water included at all meals (drinks are extra)
• All transportation by private AC Buses
• English Speaking, Government Licensed, Bible Oriented guides in Turkey, Greece, and Rome
• All Entry fees to the sites and museums
• Tutku Tours T-shirt, Map, round-ended adaptor, luggage tag
• All Service charges and local taxes
• All Tips to the hotels, Tour Guides and bus drivers

• US citizens do not need a visa for Turkey, Greece, Italy. Non-US citizens must check their own visa regulations.
• Drinks
• Travel & Health Insurances, all kind of insurances (insurance can be given at extra cost upon request)
• Personal Expenses (Laundry, phone calls, etc)