Turkey & Greece

Apr 13 Mon Depart from Dallas – Own Flights

Apr 14 Tue Arrive in Istanbul
Arrival in Istanbul, our representative will meet you after the customs and baggage claim with a “REBECCA TANKERSLEY – TUTKU” sign. Meet and transfer to our Hotel. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. (D) 

Apr 15 Wed Tour Istanbul - Fly to Antalya
Today we will visit the Archaeological Museum and nearby Museum of the Ancient Orient (if open) — 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). 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 Istanbul Airport for late afternoon flight to Antalya (THY). Dinner and overnight in Antalya. (B,D)

Apr 16 Thu Perga, Antalya, Antalya Museum
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)  

Apr 17 Fri Colossae, Laodica, Hierapolis - Pamukkale
We will begin our day by traveling northwest through the Taurus Mountains to the unexcavated site of Colossae, a biblical site mentioned in the books of Colossians and Philemon. 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. In the famous passage from Revelation (3:20-21), Jesus says to the Laodicean church: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock...” 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 best-preserved 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 themal 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. (B,D)

Apr 18 Sat Smyrna Agora, Pergamum — Bergama
In Izmir (ancient Smyrna) we will visit the Roman Agora. Drive to Pergamum where, according to Revelation, the “Throne of Satan” was located (Rev. 2:12-17). Visit the towering acropolis—1000 feet above the town. Will also visit the healing center (Ascelpion) on the plain below the acropolis. In the late afternoon visit Assos (where Paul stopped on his third missionary journey; Acts 20:13-14) Dinner and overnight near Bergama. (B,D)

Apr 19 Sun Alexandria Troas, Troy — Çanakkale
In the morning, drive to Alexander Troas where Paul had a vision calling him to go to Macedonia (Acts 16; 20; etc.) and see the harbor and the new excavation area. Then visit the legendary Troy and see the replica of the Wooden Horse. Dinner and overnight in Çanakkale. (B,D)

Apr 20 Mon Turkish-Greek Border — Kavala
Drive from Çanakkale to Greece—crossing the Dardanelles. At the Turkish/ Greek border change buses and drive to Kavala (in Greece; called “Neapolis” in the New Testament—where Paul landed in Europe; Acts 16:11) for dinner and overnight. (B,D) 

Apr 21 Tue Philippi, Thessaloniki — Thessaloniki
Enjoy a picturesque drive to the city of Philippi, where Paul established the first church in Europe. Here we see the river where Lydia and possibly the jailer were baptized and the ancient forum where Paul and Silas appeared before the magistrates. In the late afternnon we will have a city tour of Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight stay in Thessaloniki. (B,D)

Apr 22 Wed Vergina, Berea, and a Monastary in Meteora — Kalambaka
In the morniing we will drive to Berea (Acts 17) to see the monument commemorating Paul’s preaching. Afterwards we wisit Vergina and the magnificent presentation of the golden finds from the tomb of Phillip II—the father of Alexander the Great. Drive to Kalambaka and visit one of the famous “hanging monastaries” of Meteora. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka. (B,D)  

Apr 23 Thu Delphi, drive to Athens — Athens
Drive to Delphi. On the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, in a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty and majesty, lies the archaeological site of Delphi. We will visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the Museum that contains masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture such as the bronze Charioteer, the famous athlete Aghias and the important Gallio Inscription. Drive to Athens. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Athens. (B,D) 

Apr 24 Fri EMBARK CRUISE SHIP Athens (Greece) Mykonos (Greece)

Apr 25 Sat CRUISE SHIP Ephesus, Kusadasi (Turkey) Patmos (Greece)

Apr 26 Sun CRUISE SHIP Heraklion (Greece) Santorini (Greece)

Apr 27 Mon DISEMBARK in Athens – Corinth & Athens
Our morning excursion is to ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18). It was to this huge city that the apostle Paul came and worked. Here, we see all of the sites associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Erastus Inscription, the Bema and Gallio’s Seat. Afterwards, we visit the ruins of the early Christian 5th century basilica at the port of Cenchreae (Acts 18:18; Rom 16:1). Return to Athens and climb the marble-capped Acropolis and visit the famous Parthenon and the Erechtheum. Then, we go to nearby Mars’ Hill (or Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where the Apostle Paul delivered his well-known sermon. We will explore the old agora (market place). The remainder of the afternoon will be free for shopping and individual museum visits. Dinner & overnight Athens. (B,D)

Apr 28 Tue Athens Airport – Fly back to Dallas – Own Flights – END 

• Istanbul-Antalya domestic flight
• Sightseeing as per the itinerary
• 1 night at Sharaton Atakoy Hotel or similar
• 2 nights at Best Western Khan Hotel in Antalya or similar
• 1 night at Doga Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale or similar
• 1 night at Berksoy Hotel in Bergama or similar
• 1 night at Kolin Hotel in Canakkale or similar
• 1 night at Galaxy Hotel in Kavala or similar
• 1 night at Grand Palace Hotel Thessaloniki or similar
• 1 night at Amalia Hotel in Kalambaka or similar
• 1 night at Parthenon Hotel in Athens or similar
• 3 nights at GREEK CRUISE SHIP – CELESTYAL CRUISES – Category IB inside cabin
• Shore Excursion to PATMOS, EPHESUS, and SANTORINI (other shore excursions are NOT included)
• 1 night at Parthenon Hotel in Athens or similar
• Daily breakfasts and 14 dinners
• All Entrance fees to the sites listed in the tour program
• Guiding services during all tours
• All Transfers & transportation by private A/C motorcoach
• Biblical documents,
• Tips to hotel and restaurant staff
• Portage for one piece of luggage at the hotels
• Service charges and local taxes

• International flights
• Tips in Turkey ($40 per person for the Turkish Guide) and ($15 per person for the Turkish driver)
• Tips in Greece ($30 per person for the Greek Guide) and ($15 per person for the Greek driver)
• Lunches and drinks (water is included at the dinners)
• Personal Expenses, Travel & Health Insurance any other item which is not included above