In the Footsteps of Paul: A Biblical Journey Through Turkey and Greece

April 20 Tue Departure from US on your own. Fly to Istanbul

April 21 Wed Arrival Istanbul– Meet with “PRINCIPIA-TUTKU” sign and group transfer to Istanbul hotel for dinner and overnight. (D)

April 22 Thu Istanbul

Our day in Istanbul begins with Hagia Irene. Then visit the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul. Stop for a quick lunch and then enjoy a visit to Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. Walk to the Hippodrome for a visit and to the Basilica Cistern, visit Grand Bazaar and return to hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D).

April 23 Fri Istanbul- FLY HATAY (1.5 hr flight) (20 min drive to hotel)

Morning visit to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and enjoy a private Bosphorus cruise. Enjoy lunch on the shores of the Bosphorus and visit to Topkapı Palace. Transfer to Istanbul airport for late afternoon flight to Hatay– Transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight at Antioch Musuem Hotel. (B,D)

April 24 Sat Antioch

Depart for a visit to St. Simeon Monastery. Continue to Samandağ to visit Seleucia Pieria, Antioch’s port city, and Titus Tunnels. Lunch in Samandağ. Return to Antakya to visit the Church of Saint Peter, Antioch Hippodrome, and the Mosaic Museum under our hotel. Dinner and overnight at The Museum Hotel in Antioch. (B,D)

April 25 Sun Antioch-(2.5 hrs) Adana-(45 min) Tarsus (45 min)-Adana *church service on bus

After breakfast, check out of from the hotel and drive to Tarsus. Visit Donuktas and Roman Bridge, Tarsus Museum and Roman Street. Free time for lunch in Tarsus. Depart to Adana and visit the Adana Archaeology Museum. Walk across river on Roman bridge. Dinner at hotel in Adana. (B,D)

April 26 Mon Adana (3.5 hrs) –Derbe (2 hrs)- Lystra (45 min)– Konya

Drive towards Konya, known in the ancient world as Iconium. It was a key place where Paul ministered not only on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:1-7) but almost certainly on his second and third missionary journeys as well (Acts 16:6; 18:23). We stop briefly at Alaadin Tepesis—the current location of one of the oldest mosques in the city but more importantly the acropolis of ancient Iconium. The columns in the mosque date back to Roman times and so connect us to the ministry of Paul in this city. Continue to the region of Derbe, one of the cities visited by Paul the Apostle and Barnabas during the first missionary journey (Acts 14:20-21). The exact site, identified with Kerti Höyük, remains largely unexcavated but it marks an important place where many disciples were made as the gospel spread across Anatolia. Located nearby is the ancient city of Lystra, which is now being excavated. It is another important stie in Paul’s life, since here too the apostle ministered on each of his three missionary journeys (Acts 14:5- 20; Acts 16:6; 18:23) and it was the home town of his closest helper, Timothy. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Konya. (B,D)

April 27 Tue Konya (4 hrs) – Perge (20 min) - Antalya

We enjoy the scenic drive south over the Taurus Mountains towards Antalya, a popular resort town on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Located ten miles east of Antalya is the ancient city of Perge, where Paul landed after sailing from the island of Cyprus during his first missionary journey (Acts 14:13-14). Perge was a wealthy city still easily seen today from its 15,000-seat theatre, and 12,000-seat stadium. Arrive to Antalya, which in Paul’s day was known as Atallia and was the place from where the apostle sailed home at the end of his first missionary journey (Acts 14:25-26). In the heart of the old town we will visit St. Paul Cultural Center, a “coffee shop” run by Christians that more importantly also serves as home to two churches: one Turkish and the other international. Antalya hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

April 28 Wed (3 hrs) Colossae - (15 Min) Laodicea (20 min)

Hierapolis (20 min)Pamukkale *church service on bus Morning drive to the site of Colossae, which is now being excavated. Then continue on to visit nearby Laodicea. The Christians of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches (Rev 3:14-22), were chastised for being lukewarm, “You are neither cold nor hot” (Rev. 3:14) and for being too comfortable incorporating pagan and Christian beliefs. Today, there are many acres of ruins to see, including theaters, a temple, nymphaeum, and columned streets. Then on to Hierapolis that is blessed by hot mineral springs and some of the bestpreserved Roman ruins in Asia Minor. Christianity came to Hierapolis via Epaphras (Colossians 4:12–13). The ruins cover more than a square mile. We will see the impressive theater with seats still in perfect condition and visit one of thermal pools that still has ancient columns in it. Today, the area is known as Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle.” It is named for the limestone-laden hot springs that cascade from one white-edged terrace pool to the next. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. Enjoy the thermal pools at your hotel.(B,D)

April 29 Thu (1.20 hrs) Aphrodisias - (2.10 hrs) Miletus-( 1 hr) Kusadasi

Enjoy an optional hot air balloon ride over Heieropolis. After breakfast we drive to Aphrodisias to visit the 30,000 capacity ancient stadium. Then visit the excavations at Miletus, where Paul bid farewell to the elders of the church at Ephesus at the end of his Third Missionary Journey (Acts 20). Continue to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

April 30 Fri FREE DAY KUSADASI

Enjoy a shopping day in Kusadası or relax at the hotel. (B,D)

May 1 Sat (30 min) Ephesus (Site, Terrace Houses, Temple of Artemis, Museum, St. John’s Church) –(1 hr) Izmir

Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 1:11). In ancient days, Ephesus was a bustling port town of 250,000, graced with wide, colonnade-bordered streets. We will stroll the excavated streets of Ephesus visiting the magnificent Terrace Houses, the Library, the Temple of Serapis (if open) the Agora, the huge Theater and view where the Temple of Artemis used to stand—one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We will visit the Museum of Ephesus for an up-close look at artifacts from the ancient city as well as the Basilica of St. John, the traditional site of the burial place of John. We will also visit the rug showroom to learn about the weaving traditions and early Christian history of today’s art. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. (B,D)

May 2 Sun (1.30 hrs) Pergamum- (1.30 hrs) Izmir airport and FLY to Athens at 19:15 departure *church service on bus

Today we will visit the site of Pergamum. Visit the towering acropolis, the steepest theater of the ancient world, see the Temple of Trajan. Include a quick visit to the Asclepion, which was one of the world’s most ancient healing centers. ** Transfer to Izmir airport for departure flight to Athens-Arrive Athens .Dinner and Overnight Athens. (B,D)

May 3 Mon Athens

Paul visited Athens during his 2nd Missionary Journey (Acts 17:15-34). We’ll see the Agora (“Marketplace”) of ancient Athens where the apostle dialogued with the Athenian citizens and philosophers (Acts 17:17) and also at the Areopagus (“Mars Hill”) where Paul addressed the city leaders (Acts 17:19-33). Before going up to see the Acropolis, we’ll stop at the New Acropolis Museum for a historic overview of this world-famous site. Then we’ll go 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.” The area surrounding the Acropolis houses a number of other striking archeological sights: the Stoa of Attalos, the Theatre of Dionysus, the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Arch of Hadrian and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Dinner and overnight Athens(B, D).

May 4 Tue (1 hr each way) Corinth - Athens

After briefly stopping at the Corinthian Canal, we 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). We then 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. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

May 5 Wed DEPARTURE- Group Transfer to Athens airport, for departure home, or Join Optional Northern Greece Extension.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION

May 5 Wed Athens (3 hr) - Delphi - (3 hr) Kalambaka

Drive to Delphi. 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. Drive to Kalambaka for overnight (B, D). Church service at the hotel.

May 6 Thu Kalambaka (3 hr)- Thessaloniki

Visit one Monastery in Meteora. Then drive to Thessaloniki for a half day visit in the city. Paul spent a number of weeks in Thessalonica during his 2nd Missionary Journey establishing a church (Acts 17:1-9) to whom he would write two letters (1 & 2 Thessalonians). From outside visit the Roman Agora (marketplace), where a mob was formed against Paul and an ensuing riot started (Acts 17:5). Other impressive sites include the triumphal Arch of Galerius (AD 305-311), remnants of two beautiful Byzantine churches (Hagia Sophia & Saint Dimitrius), the ancient city walls, and the White Tower—the symbol of the city. Dinner and overnight Thessaloniki. (B,D)

May 7 Fri (2 hr) Philippi - (2 hr) 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 8 Sat Departure transfer from hotel to Thessaloniki Airport.

• Istanbul-Hatay domestic flight on April 23
• Izmir- Athens flight on May 2
• 2 nights at Sheraton Atakoy Istanbul or similar
• 2 nights at Antioch Museum Hotel or similar
• 1 night at Adana Hilton Hotel or similar
• 1 night at Konya Dedeman Hotel or similar
• 1 night at Antalya Ramada Hotel or similar
• 1 night at Doğa Thermal Hotel Pamukkale or similar
• 2 nights at Charisma Hotel Kusadasi or similar
• 1 night at Renaissance Hotel Izmir or similar
• 3 nights at Athens Divani Acropolis Hotel or similar
• Daily breakfasts at the hotels
• 14 dinners
• Water at breakfast and dinner
• 1 bottle of water on the bus daily (additional available for $1 per bottle)
• Private bus with driver on all tours
• English-speaking guide for all tours
• Academic insight from a Principia Lifelong Learning trip scholar
• Attentive support from a Principia Lifelong Learning host
• Optional Christian Science church services
• English-speaking assistant during transfers to the airport
• 2 main group airport transfers on April 21 and May 5. Any other transfers at extra cost.
• Entrance fees to all sites and museums included in the itinerary
• Whisper headsets
• Taxes, parking fees, tolls, driver and guide expenses, port charges
• TUTKU gifts: archaeology map, t-shirt, plug adaptor, luggage tag, tour brochure

EXTENSION INCLUDING

• 1 night at Divani Meteora Hotel or similar
• 2 nights at Grand Palace Hotel Thessaloniki hotel or similar
• 3 dinners and all breakfasts at hotels
• 1 main group airport transfer to Thessaloniki airport on May 8, all other transfer requests at extra cost
• Private bus with driver on all tours
• English-speaking guide for all tours
• Academic insight from a Principia Lifelong Learning trip scholar
• Attentive support from a Principia Lifelong Learning host
• Optional Christian Science church service
• Entrance fees to all sites and museums mentioned above
• Whisper headsets

• International airfare
• Lunches and drinks (water is included at breakfasts and dinners listed on the itinerary as well as on the bus)
• Any personal expenses or items not mentioned above
• Tips to guide and driver in Turkey and Greece (suggested tips: Turkey $90 per person for guide, $36 per person for driver; Greece $15 per person for guide and $8 per person for driver)
• Travel and health insurance

EXTENSION EXCLUDING

• Lunches and drinks (water is included at breakfasts and dinners listed on the itinerary as well as on the bus)
• Personal expenses or items not mentioned above
• Tips to guide and driver in Greece (suggested tips: $25 per person for guide and $15 per person for driver)