May 1 Thu DEPART CHICAGO –FLY NORTHERN CYPRUS via ISTANBUL
May 2 Fri ARRIVE NORTHERN CYPRUS via ISTANBUL
Upon arrival at the Airport in Northern Cyprus TK 976 10:35 / 12:10 tour representatives will meet you after the customs and baggage claim with “DALE BE4NINGTON – TUTKU” on it. Transfer and free time in Northern Cyprus and dinner and overnight in the hotel. (D)
May 3 Sat PAPHOS - NORTHERN CYPRUS
Visit Paphos (Acts 13:6,13)Paul and his companion Barnabas visited Paphos during their first missionary journey (Acts 13:6-12). This is considered pivotal in the spread of Christianity to Cyprus and beyond. –overnight Northern Cyprus. (B,D)
May 4 Sun SALAMIS – FLY ANTALYA
Visit Salamis (Acts 13:5)As one of the major cities of Cyprus in antiquity, Salamis played a role in the early Christian movement’s expansion beyond Jerusalem, contributing to the growth of Christianity in the region. Transfer to the airport for PC1874 18:05 / 19:05 flight to Antalya. Dinner and overnight Antalya. (B,L,D)
May 5 Mon PERGA – MUSEUM – ANTALYA
After breakfast in the hotel, visit the Greco- Roman city of Perga ( Acts 13:13 & 14; Acts 14:25), , (aka Attalia, Acts 14:25), Stop at St Paul Cultural Center& Church for some brief free time and lunch. visit the award winning Antalya Archaeology Museum. Dinner and overnight Antalya. (B,L,D)
May 6 Tue MYRA, EMBARK GULET BOAT IN FETHIYE
After breakfast drive to visit Myra (Acts 27:5) ancient city of Myra, within the Lycian region, holds importance in Christian history and St. Nicholas, the inspiration for the figure of Santa Claus, served as the Bishop of Myra in the 4th century. The Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, near Fethiye, is believed to be the final resting place of St. Nicholas Drive to Fethiye- Embark Gulet Boat in Fethiye (B,L,D)
May 7 Wed ST NICHOLAS ISLAND – GULET BOAT
Experience the spiritual essence of St. Nicholas Island, a haven of tranquility and history. This program offers a glimpse into the island’s sacred sites, fostering moments of contemplation and connection. (B,L,D)
May 8 Thu LYDIA – GULET BOAT
The Apostle Paul’s journey to Lydia is documented in the Book of Acts (Acts 16:11-15),a region steeped in biblical history. This program invites people to explore Lydia’s archaeological treasures. (B,L,D)
May 9 Fri LORYMA – GULET BOAT
Discover the hidden gem of Loryma, a coastal sanctuary on the Datça Peninsula, through a spiritual program. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Loryma’s natural beauty, explore its ancient ruins, and engage in moments of reflection, experience seeking a connection with history and faith. (B,L,D)
May 10 Sat KNIDOS – GULET BOAT
(aka Cnidus, Acts 27:7) Explore the archaeological wonders, and engage in coastal pilgrimages, fostering spiritual growth and connection. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Knidos, creating lasting memories and deepening your faith on this unforgettable journey. (B,L,D)
May 11 Sun DISEMBARK IN MARMARIS – EPHESUS – KUSADASI
After breakfast disembark gulet boat in Marmaris and drive to the famous ancient city of Ephesus (Acts 18:19-24; 19:1-35; 20:16-17; 21:29, 1 Cor. 15:32; 16:8, I Tim. 1:3 II Tim. 1:18; 4:12, Rev. 1:11, 2:1), with its spectacular Terrace Houses, Basilica of John, and the ancient Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B,L,D)
May 12 Mon MILETUS - IZMIR AIRPORT – FLY ATHENS
After breakfast drive to Miletus which, due to its four harbors and strategic location on the Aegean coast of Asia Minor, became one of the great cities of commerce in the ancient world. Of the surviving buildings, the finest is the 15,000-seat theatre originally built in the Hellenistic period and expanded in Roman times. Paul stopped in Miletus on the return leg of his third missionary journey where he summoned the elders from Ephesus to meet with him and hear his poignant farewell speech (Acts 20:17-35). In the afternoon transfer to the airport for A3 997 18:15 / 19:15 flight to Athens. Upon arrival at Athens Airport our representative will meet you after the customs and baggage claim. Transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight in Athens. (B,L,D)
May 13 Tue CENCHREA, CORINTH, ACROCORINTH, MUSEUM –ATHENS
After breakfast visit the city of Corinth, in Paul’s day, controlled all traffic crossing this narrow isthmus and contributed to this ancient city’s power and wealth. After stopping briefly at the Corinthian Canal, proceed to nearby Cenchrea, one of the two harbors of ancient Corinth. Cenchrea is not only the place from which Paul sailed on more than one occasion (Acts 18:18), but it was also the home of both another early church and an influential Christian woman briefly mentioned by the apostle (Rom. 16:1). Spend time visiting ancient 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 visible today include several 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. Dinner and overnight in your hotel in Athens. (B,L,D)
May 14 Wed ATHENS ACROPOLIS, MARS’ HILL, AGORA, ACROPOLIS
MUSEUM- ATHENS After breakfast we start the morning with a walking tour from the hotel, ascending to the Acropolis and the full splendor of the 5th century B.C. Athens. We will visit the Propylaria (Gateway), the Temple of Athena Nike (Victory), the Parthenon and the Erechteion. Upon descent, we will pass Mars Hill with the text of Paul’s famous sermon inscribed on the rock at its foot. We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Plaka. Dinner and overnight Athens. (B,L,D)
May 15 Thu FLY ROME – COLOSSEUM - ROME
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Rome. Upon arrival at the Airport in Rome A3 650 07:35 / 08:35 our representatives will meet you after the customs and baggage claim. Colosseum Tour in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight in your hotel in Rome. (B,L,D)
May 16 Fri POMPEII – ROME
After breakfast transfer to Pompeii and visit one of two cities that were destroyed when the volcano Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79- Pompeii—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore the site, walking along the ancient streets where you can see baths, forums and villas along with fabulously preserved frescoes which adorned their walls. Transfer back to Rome. Dinner and overnight in your hotel in Rome. (B,L,D)
May 17 Sat VATICAN - ROME
After breakfast we start with a visit to Vatican City and the various Vatican Museums. We will also spend time at St. Peter’s Basilica. In the afternoon, our tour will take us to the Basilica of Paul outside the Walls and Abbaziadelle Tre Fontane. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Rome. (B,L,D)
May 18 Sun DEPARTURE– Fly back to Chicago via ISTANBUL
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for departure to Chicago via Istanbul TK1362 07:00 / 10:40 - END (B)