Day 3

Woke up this morning at 7:00 after a great night's sleep. After freshening up, I proceeded to breakfast where I was met with all manners of breads, cheeses, and meats along with assorted other foods. My favorite was the honeycomb, which I had with a slice of bread. 

Our tour began at 8:30, starting with a beautiful mosque. Many of you know of my hatred for Islam, but that quickly vanished after stepping into the courtyard. Moslems must wash themselves and then remove their shoes before entering the mosque--a practice much to my liking. The inside of the mosque smelt clean and it had a very respectful, yet inviting atmosphere. Beautiful tiles and frescoes covered every wall, all lit by the generous windows that lined the many domes. Moslems do not adorn their places of worship with faces of men, but of beautiful calligraphy containing the names of their prophets and verses from their scriptures. Our guide continued to explain the Islamic faith and I soon found my hatred turned into reverence as I watched two Moslem men kneel and pray. Were their doctrine not flawed, I think I myself would convert to Islam. 

We departed the mosque and headed toward the Hagia Sophia--I could hardly contain my excitement. That moment, when the blackened dome emerged from the metropolis, my heart skipped a beat. There, before my eyes, was the church where emperors, sultans, kings, crusaders, vikings, merchants, priests, and peasants had stared at in awe since the time of Emperor Justinian. Now I too would stand on that sacred marble floor and stand in awe at what had been the most glorious building on earth for almost 1000 years. I walked through the gateway into the inner sanctuary and marveled at the depressions in the marble where the praetorian guard stood vigil for a millennia. The columns,  mosaics, windows, and domes were impressive beyond my wildest dreams. In the center of the vast expanse was the spot where all the Eastern Roman emperors had been crowned, including Justinian himself. Though marred by time, the crusades, and Islam, the church of holy wisdom still takes the breath away--and we didn't even see all of it. As we left, the ruins of the imperial palace greeted us, a testament to the end of the Roman Empire. 

Next was the Hagia Irene, the church of holy peace. This 4th century church held the Second Ecumenical Council, the Council of Constantinople presided over by Emperor Theodosius. A lone cross from the Iconoclastic Age kept vigil over the corpse of this once magnificent basilica. It reminded me very much of Constantine's Palace in Trier and I could only wonder how many people had stared in wonder at this ancient relic.

Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans since the capture of the city in 1453, was our next stop. It had an eclectic mix of styles compiled over the ages, but they mixed well. My favorite part was gazing at the sword wielded by Mehmed II, no doubt as he laid siege to the city where it now eternally resides. Crown Jewels, vestments, and furniture were all on display, holding tourists captive as if they still held a figment of royal authority. Lunch was expensive, but delicious: a Turkish chicken sub thing with lettuce, pickles, and peppers, washed down with a signature palace fruit drink.

After the Topkapi Palace, we saw the grave of the Hippodrome. Now a public square, all that's left are two obelisks that stand like tombstones over the ancient nascar track. 

Our last stop was the grand bazaar, Mehmed's attempt to revitalize the city's economy, the tourist trap of all tourist traps. Gold, spices, leathers, rugs, tapestries, scarfs, cheap T-shirts, you name it: all for sale. I didn't bother looking at the price. 

We finished our day with a cruise on the Bosporus. It offered great pictures of the city, as well as excellent orange juice and Turkish tea. 

No dinner tonight. The boat ride left me a little unsettled, and I figure I'll eat well for breakfast. After a piping hot shower, I crawled into bed to pen the day's events. It's going to be a long day tomorrow, waking at 5. Guess that's all for today, hopefully the next hotel will have equally good wifi--this one's is better than ours at home! 

Days 1&2

As always, the first day of travel is one of uncertainties. Yet today was fairly easy, mostly comprised of waiting, reading, and watching. The diversity of our country is surely unmatched in all the world. Dinner on the first flight consisted of stroganoff, salad, crackers, cheese, and a brownie. After a several hour nap, plagued constantly by my cramped legs, breakfast was served--yogurt and a square of blueberry muffin. The next flight served us lunch: Italian tortellini, bread, cheese, crackers, and a sweet puffed cream with strawberries. 

Though the numerous and lengthy delays hindered our ability to see the sights we wanted to, our bus is quite nice and I could do nothing but stare in awe as we passed the ancient walls of Constantinople. Mosques cap almost every hilltop of the Golden Horne--I barely caught a glimpse of the Hagia Sophia. Istanbul is one of the largest cities in the world, and is the only to span two continents. We caught a glimpse of some Syrian refugees as we neared the hotel.

Our hotel is very modern, lacking nothing by means of comfort and convenience. Dinner was a new experience with Turkish foods I dare not try to name. It was all very moist, save the meat, which was very dry. It was delicious, and I can only pray that it does me no harm tomorrow. 

Though I had intended to stroll about the city, I did not feel up to it after dinner. After the first piping hot shower in days, I climb into bed, anticipating the adventures to come tomorrow.

Itinerary

Itinerary



Summary

Day 1  Depart for Istanbul

Day 2  Istanbul

Day 3  Istanbul

Day 4  Smyrna, Pergamum, Sardis

Day 5  Hierapolis, Colossae, Laodicea

Day 6  Isle of Patmos

Day 7  Ephesus

Day 8  Athens

Day 9  Athens, Corinth

Day 10 Rome

Day 11 Rome

Day 12 Return to US



Extended Itinerary

May 12:           Depart for Istanbul

Depart from New York City (JFK).



May 13:           Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul in the morning and begin touring this unique city that spans the continents of Europe and Asia. Visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and exquisite blue-tile interior. Stroll through the remnants of the Hippodrome, a huge stadium enlarged by Constantine to seat 100,000 people. Explore Hagia Sophia, the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and the largest church in Christendom for 1000 years. Tour the Dolmabahce Palace, a monument to the extravagance of the Ottoman Sultans. Conclude the first day in Istanbul with a relaxing cruise on the Bosporus to view the beautiful sites and ancient fortresses along both the Asian and European shorelines leading to the Black Sea. Overnight in Istanbul.



May 14:           Istanbul

Ascend to the top of the Galata Tower for a beautiful view of Istanbul's Old City and the Golden Horn. Stroll through the vast complex of Topkapi Palace, headquarters for the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. Explore the Archaeological Museum, housing a rich collection of ancient artifacts from around the world. Visit Hagia Eirene, the first church to be built in Constantinople and site of the Second Church Council in 381. Then hunt for bargains at the Grand Bazaar, where more than 4,000 shops await. Overnight in Istanbul.



May 15:           Smyrna, Pergamum, Sardis

Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Smyrna (Izmir) and then drive to Pergamum (Bergama), an impressive site whose acropolis includes the Temple of Trajan, the ruins of a famous library and a massive theater carved into the steep hillside. Continue to Sardis, one of the most picturesque areas of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Examine the temple, the Byzantine church, the Roman-era synagogue and the gymnasium. Overnight in Pamukkale.



May 16:           Hierapolis, Colossae, Laodicea

Marvel at the stunning white travertine terraces of Pamukkale (Turkish for "Cotton Castle") formed by natural mineral waters flowing down the hillside. In Hierapolis walk through the extensive necropolis and view the ancient theater, the Plutonium, the temple of Apollo and the Arch of Domitian. Climb the unexcavated hill of Colossae; then drive a few miles to Laodicea, where you can walk along the colonnaded street and explore the ongoing excavations of this remarkable ancient city. Travel to the coastline of the Aegean Sea, where we will spend the next two nights. Overnight in Kusadasi.



May 17:           Isle of Patmos

Take a chartered excursion boat across the Aegean Sea (weather permitting) to the Isle of Patmos, where John wrote the book of the Revelation while in exile. Visit the cave where he lived, which is near the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse; and ascend the hill to the Monastery of St. John, built on one of the island's highest points, which houses priceless artifacts and manuscripts in its treasury. Enjoy some leisure time to stroll along the seaside shops of this picturesque Greek island before returning to the mainland. Overnight in Kusadasi.



May 18: Ephesus

After a morning worship service, explore Ephesus (Efes), one of the world's finest archaeological sites and home to the apostle Paul for more than two years (Acts 19:1-20). Stroll down the Arcadian Way to view the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the splendid facade of the Library of Celsus. Examine the Terrace Houses and then sit in the Great Theater where an idolatrous mob rioted against the gospel (Acts 19:21-41). See the ruins of the Church of the Virgin Mary, site of the Third Church Council in AD 431; the location of the Temple of Artemis; and the Basilica of St. John, where the Apostle John is buried. After a visit to the Ephesus Museum, transfer to the Izmir airport for a flight back to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.



May 19: Athens

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Athens. Upon arrival tour ancient Athens, including the world-renowned Acropolis with the Propylaia entrance, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion (with its Porch of the Caryatids), and of course, the Parthenon. In addition, see the Theater of Herodes Atticus and ascend Mars Hill (Areopagus), where Paul preached the gospel before the skeptics. Overnight in Athens.



May 20:           Athens, Corinth

Visit the new Acropolis Museum to examine the countless fascinating ancient artifacts. In the afternoon drive along the coastal road to Corinth, where Paul ministered for 18 months. View the Temple of Apollo, the bema seat where Paul was brought before the governor, the Lechaion Way, the Erastus inscription and much more. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Corinth Canal on the return trip. Overnight in Athens.



May 21:           Rome

Take a morning flight to Rome and transfer to the hotel for check-in. The tour will begin with the magnificent ruins of the ancient city, including the Coliseum, the Roman Forum including the Triumphal Arch of Titus, the Mamertine Prison and the Pantheon. The evening will be at leisure to enjoy the food, sights and sounds of this fascinating city. Overnight in Rome.



May 22:           Rome

Stroll through the luxurious Vatican Museum, which houses inestimable treasures, ending with the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo's stunning frescos. Continue in the Vatican by touring St. Peter's Basilica, including an opportunity to view the city from the top of the enormous dome. Examine the exquisite architecture as well as various works of art, including Michelangelo's Pietà. The day will also include a tour of the Catacombs located beneath the city and some free time for shopping. Overnight in Rome.



May 23:           Home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight back to New York City.