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Day 1:
Departure
Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of
ancient treasures and Christian history with an
overnight flight to Turkey. Prepare yourself for
a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the
flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where the
apostles walked!
Day 2:
Arrive Turkey
Arriving in Turkey,
we transfer to the port city of Kusadasi where
the remainder of the afternoon is free for you
to explore the harbor front area and enjoy a
leisurely dinner.
Day 3:
Ephesus
The morning is free. This afternoon we tour
Ephesus, the city
of the Bible and one of the largest restorations
still in progress with miles of ancient
treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town
of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the
spectacular excavations of the major streets in
this ancient city where we view the Library,
Agora, Temple of Artemis, theatre, colorful
mosaics, a panoramic view of the surrounding
ancient port area including a wealth of church
history and cultural insight. The day will not
be complete without a visit to a local Turkish
Rug cooperative. Our lodging this evening will
be in Kusadasi.
Day 4:
Ephesus, Hierapolis, Colossae & Laodicea
A wealth of artifacts awaits us at the Museum of
Ephesus. Hierapolis,
meaning "Sacred City," was an ancient center for
pagan cults until it was transformed into a
Christian center in the first century. According
to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was
martyred in Hierapolis. It was the likely the
hot springs of Hierapolis in contrast to the
cold mountain springs near Colossae that
combined to bring application to the "luke warm"
Laodiceans. (Rev 3:14-22) This connection
between the cities lies behind Paul’s reference
to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the
Colossians (Col 4:13). Colossae is
well-known throughout Christian circles as the
receiver of Paul's letter to the Colossians.
Today, the town has fallen into obscurity and
nothing remains. Ephesus contains many acres of
ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants
of a sophisticated water system. Our lodging
this evening will be in a lovely spa hotel in
Pamukkale.
Day 5:
Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira, Smyrna
Philadelphia was referred to as the "New
Jerusalem" (Rev. 3:7-13) in the Book of
Revelation, yet today, not much is left of the
city except for the ancient wall and the remains
of a Byzantine basilica in the modern city of
Alasehir.
Sardis was berated by John for its facade of
strength when in reality, it was weak (Rev.
3:1-6). Here coins were minted and the dyeing of
wood originated. We'll visit the gymnasium and
synagogue. A stop will be made in Thyatira to
view the ancient roadway and period columns.
Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and a
long time center for Jews and Christians. In
Paul's day, Izmir was known as Smyrna and was
another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11).
Here we'll see Polycarp's Church and the ancient
agora. Our lodging this evening will be in Izmir.
Day 6: Pergamum
& Ancient Troy
Once a busy trading center and famous as a
"seller of purple," the most favored of the
Seven Churches, the church of Pergamum was
praised for its forbearance (Rev. 2:12-17). It
was here that the first Christians were executed
by Rome. We'll visit the fabled Acropolis, pass
through the Royal Gates, view the foundations of
the Temple of Zeus and visit the ruins of the
library, which once held 200,000 volumes.
Ancient Troy is well known for its 3rd and 4th
Century BC excavations. Don't forget to have
your picture taken from the top of the Trojan
Horse. We pass by the area known as Troas,
where Paul had a vision during his second
missionary journey and was called to Macedonia
(Acts 16:8-13). Paul later spent a week in Troas
preaching here and Eutychus was resurrected
(Acts 20:6-12). Our lodging this evening will
be in picturesque Çanakkale.
Day 7:
Constantinople
This morning our bus boards a large ferry for
the scenic crossing of the Dardanelles to
"Trace," the European portion of Turkey. Views
of the bunkers on the hillside and the ocean
going vessels give clear understanding to the
commentary of the British major losses and World
War I defeat in the Dardanelles Strait. Sea of
Marmara with thousands of summer homes will
provide the scenery as we travel to Istanbul.
Upon arrival we will visit the fascinating
Topkapi Palace housing the many priceless
treasures and colorful stories of Ottoman
Sultans. Our lodging for the next three
evenings will be in Istanbul.
Day 8:
Bustling Istanbul
The tour today will be an unusual combination of
Greek Orthodox, Roman, Ottoman and modern day
Islam with a city driving tour and entrance into
the famed Blue Mosque and St. Sophia Church.
Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey is a
thriving seaport and commerce center with a
marvelous Bazaar and Spice Market allowing for a
perfect opportunity to pick up those last minute
souvenirs and gift items. The entire afternoon
is free for you to shop and enjoy the hotel
facilities.
Day 9:
Instanbul Free Day
Today is free with many things to do and see.
You may choose to take a scenic cruise along the
Bosphorus coast, enjoy the local museums or many
shopping opportunities.
Day 10:
Arrival Munich
We transfer to the airport for our flight
to Munich. The remainder of your day is free to
check in to your hotel for the evening, sightsee
on your own, relax and prepare for the
excitement ahead.
Day 11: Munich - Oberammergau
Our sightseeing begins with a morning
driving tour of Munich including outside views
of the Pinakotheken art museums, the world
famous Hofbräuhaus, the National Theater with
the Royal Palace, Free time for lunch and
shopping will be allowed at the Marienplatz and
the Viktualien market with its colorful outdoor
stalls. This afternoon, we enjoy a wonderful
ride through the Bavarian countryside to Our
lodging for the next two evenings. (B, D)
Day 12: Oberammergau Performance
Your morning is free to enjoy the
delightful village of Oberammergau with
outstanding opportunities for photos and
shopping. Lunch is provided by the Oberammergau
Committee. This afternoon and evening we enjoy
the Passion Play production. The play depicts
the story of Christ's Passion, beginning with
the entry into Jerusalem and ending with the
resurrection and transfiguration, a moving and
spectacular experience. Each performance starts
at 2:30 pm and ends approximately 10:30 pm, with
a three-hour dinner break/intermission from 5:00
to 8:00 pm. (B, L, D)
Day 13:
Homeward
This morning we depart for Munich for
our flight home.
Call for Prices from your gateway!
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