Turkey & Northern Greece

The Apostle Paul truly went forth and spoke to the multitudes – In Turkey and Greece, he established church after church as he spread Christianity through the teachings of Christ. He also visited in Rome where it is believed that he was imprisoned. Follow in his footsteps as we visit these religious and historical areas.

DAY 1 - Depart the USA. Meals in flight

DAY 2 – Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer by air to Dinizli with overnight in Pamukalle or Izmir. D

DAY 3- Pamukalle
Pamukalle or “cotton castle,” is known for its resort center with its hot springs and cascading limestone pools. Today we will visit the Church of St. Polycarp and the Agora of ancient Smyrna. Drive to Thyatira (Akhisar), famous for the dyeing of purple clothes and one of the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelations. Also visit Sardes, the wealthy capital of the ancient Lydian Empire and one of the most amazing sites in Turkey. Sardes was also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Continue to Philadelphia (Alasehir), an important place for the spreading of the Christian faith. Overnight in Pamukale, Turkey. B, D

DAY 4 – Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Laodicae – Colosae – Kusadasi
After breakfast, visit Hierapolis, an ancient city of pagan cults. Hierapolis or “holy city” was evangelized by Paul and Epaphras. The apostle Philip lived and is said to be buried here. Continue to Laodicae, where the Christians were chastised for being lukewarm and for being too comfortable incorporating pagan and Christian beliefs. It was to them that Christ said “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Overnight in Kusadasi, Turkey. B, D

DAY 5 – Kusadasi – Ephesus – Kusadasi
Today we have a full day tour of Ephesus. In ancient days, Ephesus was a bustling port town of 250,000, graced with wide colonnade bordered streets. St. Paul’s first visit to Ephesus was brief. However, he visited Ephesus three different times with one visit lasting about three years. The Great Theater (stadium) mentioned in Acts 19:1 to 20:31 could seat 25,000 people. Walk the marble-paved street with grooves made by chariot wheels. Visit the Chapel of the Virgin Mary and the House of Virgin Mary where shespent her last days. Visit the Basilica of St. John. Early tradition associated John, the disciple of Jesus and the author of the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation with the city of Ephesus. Overnight in Kusadasi, Turkey. B , D

DAY 6 – Kusadasi – Pergamum – Alex Troas or Troy – Canakkale
Today drive from Kusadasi over Izmir to Pergamum (Bergama), a most memorable experience with its Acropolis and Great Theater, the steepest of the ancient world. Revelation 2:12-16 describes the city as “where Satan’s seat is,” a reference to the altar of Zeus. Visit the Red Basilica, once a pagan temple that was later converted into a Christian church. Then walk through the Asclepion, the famous medical center of Antiquity. In the afternoon, drive northward, visiting Alexandria Troas where Paul, during his second missionary journey, had a vision in which he was called to Macedonia. During his third journey, Paul spent a week in Troas preaching. On one occasion he also resurrected Eutychus who fell to his death from a window. Overnight in Canakkale, Turkey. B, D

DAY 7 – Canakkale – Dardanels – Gallipoli – Turkish/Greek Border Gate -Kavala, Greece.
Cross Dardanels by ferry from Asia to Europe and drive through 1915 Gallipoli battlefields to Turkish/Greek Border. After completing border crossing formalities land travel to Greece through area known as “Trace”. Visit ancient Neapolis later renamed Christoupolis. Overnight in Kavala, Greece. B , D

DAY 8 – Kavala – Phillippi – Thessalonica
Visits to Philippi, Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica and the Theater. Phillippi is where St. Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity. Here St. Paul baptized a “certain woman named Lydia,” the first Christian convert in Europe. The Roman forum, completely excavated, is from after St. Paul’s time. Among the ruins, located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road is the prison where St. Paul and Silas were thrown. Overnight in Thessalonica, Greece. B, D

DAY 9 -Thessalonica – Veria – Vergina – Kalambaka
Visit the Byzantine church of St. Dimitrios and crypt. Continue to Veria (ancient Boria) where St. Paul preached the gospel to the Beroeans. Also visit Vergina, a unique site that houses the Treasures of Ancient Macedonia and the Royal Tombs including the tomb of King Philipp (father of Alexander the Great). Visit the Museum in Vergina. Overnight in Kalambaka, Greece. B , D

DAY 10 – Kalambaka – Meterora – Athens
Visit 2 monasteries in Meteroa with its striking scenery. Ageless monasteries are perched on the top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air. Here the visitor will view exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Overnight in Athens, Greece. B, D

DAY 11 – Athens - Drive to Corinth Canal for view. Continue to Ancient Corinth and visit the archaeological site and museum. Return to Athens for a city tour and visit the Acropolis. Overnight in Athens, Greece. B, D

DAY 12 -Athens to the USA
Depart Athens on morning flight and to the US. B and Meals in Flight.