Day 1 IZMIR
Arrive at Izmir airport where you will be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight in Izmir
Day 2 EPHESUS - PAMUKKALE
After breakfast depart for Ephesus, the cradle of early Christianity. Visit the ancient Ephesus, the Archaeological Museum and St. John’s Basilica where, according to legend, he is buried. Also visit Temple of Diana, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue on to Pamukkale once known as the ancient Roman thermal city of Hierapolis. This was Philip the Evangelist’s home Octagon. Touring the beautiful snow – white frozen waterfalls’ see the Roman thermal baths, theater, main streets, gates and Necropolis. Drive to Laodicea, visit the Church of Laodicea and ruins. Next visit Mount Honaz National Park and the Biblical site of Colossai.
Overnight in Pamukkale
Day 3 PHILADELPHIA- SARDES - IZMIR
In the morning visit Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Laodicea, Philadelphia and drive to Sardes. the capital of ancient Lydia. Visit the Temple of Cybele and Diana, which later became a church, then to the famous Synagogue from 3rd century, the Gymnasium and the new excavation area. Continue to Izmir.
Overnight in Izmir
Day 4 THYATIRA – PERGAMON - ASSOS
After breakfast drive to Thyatira to visit the church of Thyatira then drive to Pergamon. Visit the Acropolis, the steepest theater of the ancient world. See the Temple of Trajan, the Library, Askelepion, the ancient healing center and the Red Basilica, which is one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse.
Overnight in Assos
Day 5 ASSOS – TROY - ISTANBUL
Today visit Assos and Troy the legendary city of Homeros and Alexandria Tros, believe that St. Paul met S. Luke here. Continue to Istanbul.
Overnight in Istanbul
Day 6 ISTANBUL
Visit the St. Sophia Museum, built in the 6th century, which was once the largest Christian Church in the world, the Topkapi Palace, the Imperial Residence of the Ottoman Sultans, with displays of priceless World Class collections of artifacts, jewelry and rare porcelain. On to a stimulating visit at the unique Blue Mosque, with its 6 minarets, and famous for its blue Iznik tiles, the Hippodrome Square, where ancient chariot races were held, and then visit the world famous Grand Covered Bazaar.
Overnight in Istanbul
Day 7 ISTANBUL - KAVALA
This morning travel north to the Greek boarder of Kipou. You will be met in Greece and transfer to the city of Kavala. Dinner at your hotel in Kavala.
Overnight in Kavala
Day 8 KAVALA - THESALONIKI
After breakfast we will visit the sites where Paul, Silas, Luke and Timothy first set foot in Europe from Troas. On Via Egnatia to Phillipi where Paul preached his first sermon in Europe and “baptized a certain woman named Lydia,” Europe’s first convert to Christianity. View the Roman City Forum and early basilicas and see where Paul was flogged, imprisoned and later released. Proceed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, as did Paul to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
Overnight in Thessaloniki
Day 9 THESSALONIKI - METEORA
This mornings Discuss Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians (Acts 17). Tour the Ancient Walls, the White Tower, St. George Church, the basilicas of St. Demetrius and St. Sophia. On to the Meteora, with its particularly impressive scenery. Visit the Ageless Monasteries containing priceless historical and religious treasures, stand suspended between earth and sky, on top of huge granite rocks Dinner at your hotel.
Overnight in Kalambaka
Day 10 METEORA – DELPHI – ATHENS
After breakfast drive to Delphi to visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the Museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Afternoon travel to Athens. Dinner at your hotel.
Overnight in Athens
Day 11 ATHENS - CORINTH
In the morning start with a sightseeing tour to the Golden Age of Pericles. The tour takes you to the Acropolis with its Museum the Parthenon, Mar’s Hill ,Hadrian’s Arch, the modern Olympic Stadium, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Royal Palace. Also view the Agora from the Acropolis. Afternoon travel to the Peloponnesian Peninsula and biblical town of Corinth. “After that Paul left Athens and went to Corinth” The Corinth Canal links the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Explore Cornith, which was visited by Paul for 18 months, the Bema Seat and the museum.
Overnight in Athens
Day 12 DEPARTURE
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home
http://www.turkeytourism.ca/
http://www.visitgreece.gr/
