Seven Churches of the Revelation II - 15 Days

DAY 2, TUESDAY - ISTANBUL: We arrive at Ataturk International Airport where we will be met by our representative. Welcome and transfer to our hotel in Istanbul. (D)

DAY 3, WEDNESDAY - ISTANBUL Morning visit to the Topkapi Palace - the former imperial residence of the Ottoman Empire with its large collection of porcelain and silverware, unique pieces of jewelry like the 'spoon makers diamond', the Hippodrome Square - the former center of sports and political activities, the fountain of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the Blue Mosque - so called because of its stunning color of the tiles and the frescoes. Then we visit the Aghia Sophia -the church of the Divine Wisdom- which was changed into a mosque and later to a museum. After, we will have free time for shopping at the Grand Bazaar. (B, D)

DAY 4, THURSDAY - ISTANBUL: Full day Bosphorus & Asia visit. We first visit the Church of St. Saviour in Chora (Kariye Camii) which is located at the city walls and famous for its mosaics and frescoes and the Underground Cistern where water was stored for the city. Then visit the Egyptian Spice Market, and then embark on a Bosphorus Boat Tour viewing the beauty of the European and Asian shorelines on either side. Cross to the Asian side to visit the Camlica Hill and tour the Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans with its magnificent gardens. (B,L, D)    

DAY 5, FRIDAY - ISTANBUL –TROY – TROIAS – ASSOS: Morning departure to Assos. Drive along the Sea of Marmara from Istanbul. Cross the Dardanelles, where you see Gallipoli, the famous site of the bloody World War I battle and visit Troy to see the city made famous in Homer's poems, as the center of the Trojan War, including the legendary Trojan Horse . Proceed to Troas, where Paul had a vision in which he was called to Macedonia (Greece). Overnight: ASSOS (B, D)

DAY 6, SATURDAY – ASSOS  - PERGAMUM – ASCLEPION – THYATIRA – SMYRNA: After breakfast drive  to the Hellenistic city of Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) and visit the Altar of Zeus, the Agora, the large theater built into the hillside, the Temple of Athena, the Temple to Trajan and Hadrian, the ruins of the famous library and more. Then we drive to the ancient medical center - Asclepion, we see the theater, the library, the Temple of Asclepius and, under the central square, a long tunnel. The famous physician and prolific writer, Galen, was born in Pergamum and practiced medicine here in
the 2nd century AD. Afternoon drive to  Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29 Acts 16:14) and see the short section of a colonnaded street, a Temple and walls of a church. Proceed to Alexander the Great’s Citadel on Pago’s Hill overlooking Izmir and the ruins of the ancient Agora. Izmir (Smyrna) today is the third largest city in Turkey and one of the main centers for exports. In biblical times Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Overnight: Izmir (B, D)

DAY 7, SUNDAY - SARDIS – PHILADELPHIA – PAMUKKALE - HIERAPOLIS: We leave Izmir to Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) and visit the main street of ancient Sardis with a number of shops once opened on that street. We see the Roman-era synagogue, the gymnasium and go on to the Temple of Artemis and a small church. King Croesus of Sardis minted, for the first time in history, pure silver and gold coins, which were guaranteed by the state. We continue to Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13), which with Smyrna were the only two churches among the seven that did not receive disapproval. The ruins of a Byzantine basilica with some 11th century frescoes are remaining from Christianity. We drive to Pamukkale at the ‘cotton castle’ of white travertine terraces and visit ancient Hierapolis. Then you have some free time for the fantastic white limestone terraces. Overnight: Pamukkale  (B, D) 

DAY 8, MONDAY - LAODICEA – EPHESUS – KUSADASI: In the morning we drive to Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) and visit the ruins of the ancient town, which was intersected by main trading routes running east-west and north-south: the ruins of theaters, a gymnasium, a stadium, several other public buildings and the newest findings of the archaeologists. We continue to Ephesus (Revelation 1:11:2:1-7 Acts 18:19-28:19), dedicated to Artemis and the best preserved ancient city of Asia Minor with its majestic theater, a marble  paved arcaded street ‘the Arcadian Way’, the lecture hall of Tyrannous, the Church of the Virgin Mary or the Double Church, the library of Celsus, the Temple to Hadrian, the Odium, the little theater and more. Overnight: Kusadasi (B, D) 
  

DAY 9, TUESDAY- KUSADASI - PATMOS: You will be transferred to the pier to embark on a 3-night Greek Island cruise. Cruise to Patmos Island. and take an optional excursion to the Monastery and Cave where John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelation. Overnight cruise to Rhodes.(B,L,D)

DAY 10, WEDNESDAY - RHODES: Arrive in Rhodes where you will spend a full day. Take an optional excursion of Rhodes and the Acropolis of Lindos to visit the Temple of Athena. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, THURSDAY – HERAKLION (CRETE) / SANTORINI: Arrive in Heraklion, Crete, one of the most picturesque towns of Crete. Take an optional excursion to the Palace of King Minos at Knossos, the center of Minoan civilization. Sail on to Santorini, the volcano island, one of the most unforgettable places in the world. Walk in the narrow streets of the town of Fira or visit the beautiful village of Oia, perched on the rim of the caldera offering panoramic views of breathtaking beauty. (B,L,D)

DAY 12, FRIDAY - PIREAUS / ATHENS / USA: Return to Piraeus. Disembark after breakfast and hop on our motorcoach tour to ancient Corinth, a major commercial crossroads in the time of the Apostle Paul and the city where Paul spent over a year in ministry (Acts 18:11). We will see the very road that Paul walked on almost 2000 years ago when he entered the city. We will stand on the Bemah platform where Paul’s case was dismissed by Roman proconsul Gallio (Acts 18:12). We will also see the Corinthian canal which connects the Aegean and Adriatic Seas. Return to Athens for overnight stay. (B,D)

DAY 13, SATURDAY - ATHENS: After breakfast this morning, a sightseeing tour of Athens. Visits include the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Spend the afternoon at leisure or explore this fascinating city on your own. (B, D)

DAY 14, SUNDAY - ATHENS: Day at leisure. Watch the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Parliament and/or last minute shopping for bargains at the Athens Flea Market in Monastiraki, Plaka. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner with entertainment. (B, D) 

DAY 15, MONDAY - ATHENS - USA: Today transfer to the airport for your return flight home. The Book of Revelation is now more alive, more familiar, and more personal than ever before, that you can truly share with your loved ones. (B)