In the Footsteps of the Apostles - Turkey & Greece

Apr 9 Fri Fly from Chicago to Istanbul

Apr 10 Sat Arrival in Istanbul — ON Istanbul
Arrival in Istanbul and transfer tour Hotel. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. (D)

Apr 11 Sun Tour Istanbul – Fly to Antalya — ON Antalya
Today we will visit the Archaeological Museum and nearby Museum of the Ancient Orient (if open) — two world class museums where artifacts from all over the Near East have been collected — including the famous Jerusalem Temple Inscription and the inscription from Hezekiah’s Tunnel (also from Jerusalem). Walk through St. Sophia (HagiaSophia) that, for 1000 years, was the largest church in Christendom. Built by Justinian (532-537 AD), the church has 107 columns and beautiful glass mosaics. Transfer to Istanbul Airport for late afternoon flight to Antalya (THY). Dinner and overnight in Antalya. (B,D)

Apr 12 Mon Side, Perga, Antalya Museum — ON Antalya
We will begin our day with a visit to ancient Side. Later we will proceed to Perge —a place visited by Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark (Acts 13:13-14). Perga is extensively excavated and we will study life in an ancient Roman city in the time of Paul. In the afternoon, we will visit the award winning Antalya (= AttaliaActs 14:25-26) Archaeological Museum with its amazing statuary. Dinner and overnight in Antalya. (B,D)

Apr 13 Tue Colossae, Laodica, Hierapolis — ON Pamukkale
We will begin our day by traveling northwest through the Taurus Mountains to the unexcavated site of Colossae, a biblical site mentioned in the books of Colossians and Philemon. Then continue on to visit nearby Laodicea. The Christians of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches (Rev 3:14-22), were chastised for being lukewarm, “You are neither cold nor hot” (Rev. 3:14) and for being too comfortable incorporating pagan and Christian beliefs. In the famous passage from Revelation (3:20-21), Jesus says to the Laodicean church: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock...” Today, there are many acres of ruins to see, including theaters, a temple, nymphaeum, and columned streets. Then on to Hierapolis that is blessed by hot mineral springs and some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Asia Minor. Christianity came to Hierapolis via Epaphras (Colossians 4:12–13). The ruins cover more than a square mile. We will see the impressive theater with seats still in perfect condition and visit one of themal pools that still has ancient columns in it! Today, the area is known as Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle.” It is named for the limestone-laden hot springs that cascade from one white-edged terrace pool to the next. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B,D)

Apr 14 Wed Didyma, Miletus — ON Kusadasi
In the morning, we will drive to Didyma and visit the Temple of Apollo—one of the best-preserved temples from antiquity. Then visit the excavations at Miletus, where Paul bid farewell to the elders of the church at Ephesus at the end of his Third Missionary Journey (Acts 20).  Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B,D)

Apr 15 Thu Ephesus (Site, Terrace Houses, Museum) — ON Izmir
Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 1:11). In ancient days, Ephesus was a bustling port town of 250,000, graced with wide, colonnade-bordered streets. We will stroll the excavated streets of Ephesus visiting the magnificent Terrace Houses, the Library, the Agora, and the huge Theater. Today we will have a complimentary lunch at the local carpet cooperative and see the handmade weaving techniques. Afternoon visit the Ephesus Museum to see the artifacts from the ancient city up close. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. (B,D)

Apr 16 Fri Smyrna - Fly from Izmir to Thessaloniki (via Athens)
In Izmir (ancient Smyrna) we will visit the Roman Agora, St Policarp Church, and Polycarp Memorial Site. Then transfer to Izmir Airport for to Thessaloniki (via Athens). Meet and transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki. (B,D)

Apr 17 Sat Philippi, Thessaloniki — ON Thessaloniki
Enjoy a picturesque drive to the city of Philippi, where Paul established the first church in Europe. Here we see the river where Lydia and possibly the jailer were baptized and the ancient forum where Paul and Silas appeared before the magistrates. In the late afternoon we will have a city tour of Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight stay in Thessaloniki. (B,D)

Apr 18 Sun Vergina, Berea, and a Monastary in Meteora — ON Kalambaka
In the morniing we will drive to Berea (Acts 17) to see the monument commemorating Paul’s preaching. Afterwards we wisit Vergina and the magnificent presentation of the golden finds from the tomb of Phillip II—the father of Alexander the Great. Drive to Kalambaka and visit one of the famous “hanging monastaries” of Meteora. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka. (B,D)

Apr 19 Mon Delphi, drive to Athens — ON Athens
Drive to Delphi. On the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, in a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty and majesty, lies the archaeological site of Delphi. We will visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the Museum that contains masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture such as the bronze Charioteer, the famous athlete Aghias and the important Gallio Inscription. Drive to Athens. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Athens. (B,D)

Apr 20 Tue Corinth, Isthmia, Cenchreae — ON Athens
Our morning excursion out of Athens takes us by the Saronic Gulf to visit the famous Corinthian canal and the Doilkos. From there we drive to ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18). It was to this huge city that the apostle Paul came and worked. Here, we see all of the sites associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Erastus Inscription, the Bema and Gallio’s Seat. Afterwards, we visit the ruins of the early Christian 5th century basilica at the port of Cenchreae (Acts 18:18; Rom 16:1). Dinner & overnight stay in Athens. (B,D)

Apr 21 Wed Acropolis, Mars Hill, Agora, the afternoon free — ON Athens
The morning we will climb the marble-capped Acropolis and visit the famous Parthenon and the Erechtheum. Then, we go to nearby Mars’ Hill (orAreopagus) (Acts 17:22) where the Apostle Paul delivered his well-known sermon. We will explore the old agora (market place). The remainder of the afternoon will be free for shopping and individual visits. Dinner & overnight stay in Athens. (B,D)

Apr 22 Thu Depart Athens – Fly back to Chicago

 Participants will receive a complimentary copy of Dr. Mark Fairchild’s new book; “Paul’s Enslavement”.

• Roundtrip international air fare from Chicago-Istanbul and Athens-Chicago
• Istanbul-Antalya flight
• Izmir-Thessaloniki flight
• 1 Night at Crowne Plaza Old City or similar in Istanbul
• 2 Nights at Best Western Khan Hotel or similar in Antalya
• 1 Night at Doga Thermal Hotel or similar in Pamukkale
• 1 Nights at Korumar Hotel or similar in Kusadasi
• 1 Night at Movenpick Hotel or similar in Izmir
• 2 Nights at Grand Palace Hotel or similar in Thessaloniki
• 1 Night at Amalia Hotel or similar in Delphi
• 3 Nights at Parthenon Hotel or similar in Athens
• Sightseeing as per the itinerary
• All transfers and transportation by Private AC Deluxe Bus (42 or 46 seats)
• Daily open buffet breakfasts and all Dinners at hotels
• All entry fees to the sites and museums
• English Speaking, Bible Oriented, licensed Tour Guides
• Service charges and local taxes
• Tips to tour guides and drivers
• Dr. Mark Fairchild’s new book; “Paul’s Enslavement

• Drinks and Lunches
• Personal Expenses and any other item which is not listed above
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance may be given as a separate package at an extra cost. Travel Insurance agreement is contract between the traveler and the Insurance Company (American Express).