From a tour itinerary of Istanbul:
Tracing the Footseps of Saint Paul
Day 1:
USA to Instanbul Your spiritual pilgrimage begins as you depart the United States on your international flight.
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Day 2:
Instanbul You will be welcomed on your morning arrival by our airport representative and transferred to the hotel for overnight.
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Day 3:
Instanbul Formerly Constantinople, the one-walled city of Instanbul is built on seven hills and is the only city in the world situated astride two continents. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the 15th century Topkapi Palace, once home of the royal Sultans. Inside you will see the fabled jewels of the Treasury, delicate displays of Chinese porcelain in the Kitchen Quarters, and the Harem Quarters. Marvel at the famous Blue Mosque with its six minarets and sparkling interior a nd the Mosque of Suleiman and Hagia Sophia. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, this early Christian church was later converted into a mosque with fossil imbedded white marble floors and beautiful glass mosaics. It is known as the Museum of Byzantine Art. This evening fly to modern Izmir (ancient Smyrna) for an overnight stay.
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Day 4:
Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale This morning drive to Pergamum where the first Christians were executed by the Roman state. The most favored of the Seven Churches, Christianity reached the city of Pergamum very early and was praised for its forbearance during hard times (Rev. 2:12-17). Towering 1,000 feet above the town is a fabled Acropolis, and as you pass through the Royal Gates you will enter one of the great centers of classic Greek culture. You will see the foundations of the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Athena, and the ruins of the Library. You will also see the remains of the Temple of Trajan, the Grand Theatre, the Gymnasium, and the Health Center (Aesclepion). After a brief visit to Thyatira, continue to Sardis, capital of the Lydian Empire, where the Worlds first metal coinage was produced. One of the seven churches of Asia, Sardis was berated by John the Revelator for its facade of strength when in reality it was weak (Rev. 3:1-6). Philadelphia is also one of the Seven Churches (Rev. 3:7-11) and is referred to as the "New Jerusalem". The only thing left to see here is an ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica. Proceed through the Lycos Valley enroute to Pamukkale for an overnight stay.
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Day 5:
Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Laodicea, Miletus, Kusadasi This morning you will visit the famous archaeological site of Pamukkale, meaning the "Cotton Castle" , where limestone-laden hot springs cascade from one white-edged terrace pool to the next. Formerly known as Hierapolis, you will view some of the most well-preserved Roman ruins in Asia Minor. Continue on through the Lycos Valley to Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, to visit the remains which include the stadium and columned streets. The Christians of Laodicea were chastised for being too comfortable incorporating pagan and Christian beliefs (Rev. 3:14-22). Leaving the Lycos Valley, travel to the coast to visit the ancient seaport of Miletus. This wealthy city was a cultural and intellectual center. On his way to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentacost, Paul asked the elders of Ephesus to meet him in Miletus where he predicted his own death. Today in Miletus, you will see the finest Roman period theatre. On several of the front row seats you will see inscriptions which reserve the seats for those whose names they bear. You will also catch a glimpse of a 3 story fountain built by Titus. Overnight near Kusadasi.
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Day 6:
Ephesus This morning we enjoy a brief ride to ancient Ephesus, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 1:11). The Apostle John was one of the early leaders of the church of Ephesus, and also special miracles were wrought there by the hands of the Apostle Paul. The major streets of ancient Ephesus have been excavated and highlights here include the Library, the Agora, the Temple of Artemis, the Museum of Ephesus, and the Basilica of St. John. Continue back north along the Turkish coast where you will overnight before the journey to Greece the following day.
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Day 7:
Troas, Troy, Greek-Turkish Border & Instanbul Travel to ancient Troas. Here, on his second missionary journey, Paul had a vision in which he was called to Macedonia. Later, during his third journey Paul spent a week in Troas preaching. Continue to the ancient city of Troy where nine separate periods of settlements have been revealed. Homers Iliad relates the legendary story of the Trojan war of Troy. Afterwards, you will travel east and cross the Greek-Turkish border and continue to the affluent town of Kavalla with its impressive harbor for an overnight stay.
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Day 8:
Philippi and Thessaloniki Travel to Philippi, the leading city of the district of Macedonia, where Paul first preached the gospel to Europe (Acts 16:12-18). Marvel at the extensive ruins of ancient Philippi as you visit the Agora, the ancient theatre, and the Acropolis. Continue to modern day Salonika where the New Testament books of Thessalonians will come alive as you visit the medieval monuments which testify to its former splendor. Highlights of your sightseeing in Thessaloniki will include the Archaeological Museum with its numerous exhibits of the Classical and roman periods and the triumphal Arch of the Emperor Galerius which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. Visit the remarkable Basilicas of Saint Demetrius and Saint Sophia with a display of splendid mosaics.
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Day 9:
Thessaloniki, Veria & Kalambaka Conclude your sightseeing in Thessaloniki before traveling to Veria where Paul discovered Jews and high-born Greeks who had accepted the new faith. Continue through the rugged western Thessaly to Kalambaka where you will overnight.
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Day 10:
Meteora, Delphi & Athens This morning visit Meteora where World famous Byzantine monasteries perch precariously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. You will visit two of these picturesque monasteries. Continue to Delphi, an ancient city of fame and wealth considered by early Greek to be the center of the World. The exact age of Delphi is not known, but it is mentioned by Homer. Your visit will take you along the sacred way to the Athenian Treasury, the Theatre, and the Temple of Apollo, of which six columns have been restored similar in design to the Parthenon. You will also visit the famous Archaeological Museum where, among other treasures, you will see the unique 5th century B.C. bronze charioteer. Continue to Athens where you will enjoy a two-night stay.
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Day 11:
Athens & Corinth Discover Athens this morning as you follow your guide on a journey to the world-renowned Acropolis with the Propylaea entrance, and the ruins of the Parthenon and Erectheum. You will view Mars Hill, the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Presidential Palace. This afternoon, travel to Corinth, the city that inspired many of St. Pauls most familiar letters. You will visit the Market Place, the Berma, and the Temples. Note: Greek Island cruise passengers will board their ship today and will enjoy this sightseeing day upon disembarkation.
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Day 12:
Greece to USA Transfer this morning to Athens airport for your international flight to the USA.
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