TURKEY & GREECE

MAY 12 MON        DEPART  SFO

MAY 13 TUE                 ARRIVE ISTANBUL 
Your tour guide will meet you after the customs and baggage claim with a  ‘TWIN LAKES – TUTKU’ sign. Meet and transfer to the hotel for check-in.  Your tour guide will give you brief information at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. (D)

MAY 14 WED        ISTANBUL
First, we visit the pinnacle of Byzantine Christian architecture--Hagia Sophia (the church of “Holy Wisdom”). Built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century as the crowning achievement of his sacred building program, this church was the center of the Christian Byzantine Empire. It's one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels and a designated World Heritage site. Located nearby is the Hippodrome (a.k.a. Sultanahmet Square) that once stood in the heart of the Byzantine city of Constantinople and originally held up to 100,000 people. Visit to the Blue Mosque, which was built during the years of 1609–1616 and which was intended to compete with the impressive beauty of the Hagia Sophia. Inside, the famous blue–and–white tile work from which the mosque gets its nickname, is bathed in light from 260 windows.. Afternoon visit to Topkapi Palace. Overnight Istanbul. (B,D)

MAY 15 THU        ISTANBUL 
Morning visit to the İstanbul Archaeology Museum containing important Biblical artifacts.  Then, visit the Underground Cistern, Spice Bazaar, and take a Bosphorus Boat Tour along the Bosphorus, seeing the Asian and European shores of Istanbul. Final visit to Chora Church famous with its mosaics. Overnight Istanbul. (B,D)

MAY 16 FRI         ISTANBUL – FLY İZMİR
Fly and arrive to İzmir. Drive along the coast of the Aegean Sea to the ancient city of Pergamum Acropolis 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). We return to our hotel in Izmir for dinner. Overnight İzmir. (B,D)

MAY 17 SAT         IZMIR - PAMUKKALE
We will visit Smyrna  Agora, 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). Then, visit Sardis capital of ancient Lydia where the first coin of the world was minted.and its restored gymnasium and synagogue.  Dinner and  overnight at the hotel in Pamukkale. (B,D)

MAY 18 SUN        HIERAPOLIS – LAODICEA - APHRODISIAS – KUŞADASI
At Hierapolis we see the tomb of Philip the Apostle  and the thermal springs, then journey to  Laodicea with its many newly excavated and restored ruins; including a magnificent 4th century church and  Aphrodisias, with the Temple of Aphrodite, the Sebasteion (the best sample of Roman imperial theology), monumental gateway, stadium, and museum—where “the god fearers” are mentioned. Transfer to the hotel in Kuşadası Overnight Kuşadası. (B,D)

MAY 19 MON        KUŞADASI
Visit Ephesus including the Terrace Houses, The ancient city of Ephesus gives the most impressive glimpse of 1st century urban life. The Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world) Temple of Hadrian, Temple of Domitian, and the “terrace houses” are but a few of the restorations. Lunch and Shopping.  Afternoon visit to the Basilica St. John, and the Ephesus Archaeology Museum. Overnight Kuşadası (B,L,D)

MAY 20 TUE         EMBARK CRUISE SHIP 
Embark Cruise in Kuşadası. Good dining aboard and cabins with clean linens and bath.  Visit Patmos. Visit the traditional “Cave of St. John”, reflect upon the imperial context of Revelation, and visit the Monastery of St. John.  Overnight   (B,L,D)

MAY 21 WED        CRUISE TOUR  Visit Rhodes.  (B,L,D)

MAY 22 THU        CRUISE TOUR  Visit Crete (Heraklion)- Santorini   (B,L,D)

MAY 23 FRI        DISEMBARK IN ATHENS 
Disembark Athens and tour in Athens. In Athens, we visit the Areopagus where Paul delivered his sermon about “an unknown God” and then climb the acropolis to see the temples of Athena, Nike, Poseidon, and Augustus. There will then be free time to visit the new archeological museum. Overnight Athens (B,D)

MAY 24  SAT        ATHENS
Take Corinth Tour – We visit the site of ancient Corinth with its excellent ruins and museum. While on the grounds, seated in view of the Temple of Apollo and the ancient meat market (1 Cor. 8), we discuss 1st Corinthians.  overnight Athens (B,D)

MAY 25 SUN        ATHENS AIRPORT - Transfer to the Athens Airport for  departure. End of our services.

OR TAKE CAPPADOCIA EXTENSION
MAY 25 SUN                ATHENS AIRPORT -  FLY CAPPADOCIA
Depart Athens to Kayseri via İstanbul. Meet at Kayseri airport, drive to Cappadocia, where nature has scoured surrealistic moonscape shapes, and the persecuted Christians dug underground cities and churches during the 9th century. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

MAY 26 MON          CAPPADOCIA
Visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum and see the famous painted rock churches.Then visit Underground City, and the Citadel of Uchisar. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

MAY 27 TUE        CAPPADOCIA
Optional Hot Air Baloon ride.Visit Avanos Pottery making village,Onyx Factory, the monastic Zelve Valley and the local wine factory. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

MAY 28 WED        DEPART - Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the Airport for your flight to USA via Istanbul. (B)

• Istanbul-Izmir domestic flight
• Athens-Cappadocia flight via Istanbul (Extension only)
• 3 Nights at Arcadia Blue Hotel in Old City Istanbul  or similar
• 1 Night at   Kordon Hotel Çankaya in İzmir  or similar
• 1 Night at Doga Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale  or similar
• 2 Nights  at Korumar Hotel in Kuşadası  or similar
• 3 Nights Aegean Cruise CELESTYAL CRUISES XB cabin accomodation 
• 2 Nights at Divani Palace Acropolis in Athens or similar
• 3 Nights at Yusuf Yigitoglu Cave Hotel in Cappadocia or similar
• Daily open buffet breakfasts at the hotels and cruise
• 12 Dinners (15 dinners at the extension)
• 4  Lunches
• Sightseeing as per the itinerary
• All transfers and transportation by private AC buses or minibuses with driver
• English Speaking, Government Licensed Tour Guide throughout the tour
• All Entry Fees to the sites and museums
• Boat ticket in Istanbul
• Tips to hotel staff throughout the tour
• Tips to Turkey tour guide $40 and driver $15
• Tips to Greece tour guide $10 and driver $5
• Tips to Cappadocia tour guide $15 and driver $5
• Service charges and local taxes

• Roundtrip Flights between San Francisco-Istanbul & Athens-San Francisco (can be booked thru TUTKU upon request)
• Kayseri – Istanbul flight on May 18  (can be booked thru TUTKU upon request)
• Lunches and drinks 
• All personal expenses and any other service which are not mentioned above
• Tips to cruise ship staff
• Travel and Health insurance, any kind of insurance (insurance may be given at an extra cost, please ask)
• Turkish Visa Fee to be obtained online before arrival www.evisa.gov.tr US citizen do NOT need a visa to enter Turkey anymore