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.
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