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Greece & Turkey – Travels of Paul Scripture Tour

July 2024

N.T. Travels of Paul Scripture Tour
[Greece & Turkey]

July 26th — Aug 7th, 2024

(Extension options thru Aug 9th to Rome)
Directors: Dr. Curtis Castillow PhD & Dr. Clark D. Anderson EdD
Price for Greece & Turkey: $4,325

Day 1-2 (Fri & Sat July 26-27th): FLY to ATHENS / PANTHENON

Today we fly to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, the birthplace of democracy, and where Paul taught the Athenians. Our hotel is conveniently located near the Acropolis, where we can admire the Parthenon from the roof or take a short stroll to see it up close. The Parthenon is a magnificent temple built to honor Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. It is a masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture and art and a testament to the glory and wisdom of the Athenian civilization.

Day 3 (Sun July 28th): CHURCH / ACROPLIS / AGORA TEMPLE / MARS HILL

This morning we will attend services at a local Greek Orthodox Church which is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of Christian worship. Before lunch, we will take in the impressive Acropolis Museum. It is one of the most modern and impressive museums in the world, including the original friezes and pediments from the Parthenon and the statues and votives from Athena Nike and Hephaestus temples. This afternoon, we will enjoy free time exploring the ancient Agora, the civic, commercial, and social center of Athens as well as the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples. We will conclude our day with a visit to Greece’s most iconic and awe-inspiring site, the Acropolis which includes the Temple of Athena Nike, the small temple that celebrates the victory of the Athenians over the Persians, the Parthenon which is the majestic temple that crowns the Acropolis and honors the goddess Athena. Our visit will conclude at Mars Hill where Paul delivered his famous “unknown God” sermon. We again overnight in Athens.

Day 4 (Mon July 29th): CORINTH / ACROCORINTH / TEMPLE OF APOLLO / DELPHI

Today, we begin our adventure in Corinth, the prosperous and influential city hub of trade and culture in ancient Greece. We will follow the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, who visited Corinth during his second missionary journey and stayed there for a year and a half (50-52 A.D.). We will see where Paul preached the gospel and established a church. We will also see the remains of the temple of Apollo, the agora, the theater, and the Acrocorinth, the fortified hill that overlooks the city. The Acrocorinth is a castle on a high rock above the ancient city of Corinth, Greece. It was the fortified acropolis of Corinth for many centuries and where there was once a temple to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. As we leave Corinth and travel to Delphi, we stop at the Corinth Canal, the remarkable engineering project that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf and allows ships to avoid the long and perilous voyage around the Peloponnese peninsula. In Delphi we will visit the sacred sanctuary of Apollo and the home of the famous oracle that revealed the will of the gods. You will marvel at the archaeological site that contains the temple of Apollo, the theater, the stadium, the treasuries, and the museum that displays exquisite sculptures and artifacts. You will also enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and the valley from the site. We overnight in Delphi.

Day 5 (Tues July 30th): KALAMBAKA / MONASTARIES AT METEORA 

Today, we have a great day ahead of us. We will drive to Kalambaka, a small town at the foot of the Meteora rocks, where you will have lunch and enjoy the views of the towering cliffs. After lunch, we will visit the monasteries at Meteora, one of Greece’s most spectacular and unique sites. Meteora, meaning “suspended in air“, is a group of six active monasteries perched on top of vertical rock formations that rise above the plain of Thessaly. The monasteries date back to the 14th century when monks sought refuge in inaccessible rocks to escape invading forces and pursue spiritual solitude. You will also learn about the daily life and traditions of the monks and nuns there. You will see how they used to access the monasteries by ropes, nets, and ladders and how they still use baskets and winches to transport goods and people. The monasteries became centers of Orthodox Christian spirituality, learning, and culture. Today, the monasteries are UNESCO World Heritage sites and attract visitors worldwide who admire their architecture, artwork, and history. We overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 6 (Wed July 31st): TOMB OF PHILLIP II / PAUL MONUMENT / THESSALONIKI

Today begins with an exciting visit to the royal tomb of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. Next we drive to Vergina, where we will then visit the monument commemorating the preaching of the Apostle Paul in Veria (ancient Berea). Paul arrived in 50 CE during his second missionary journey. The monument rests near Clock Square, dressed with mosaic murals that depict scenes from the life and work of Paul and marks the spot where Paul stood on a Roman platform while addressing the people. After a delicious lunch in Veria, we travel to Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece. Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedon, who named it after his wife Thessalonike, a half-sister of Alexander the Great. Thessaloniki has a rich and diverse history, as it was part of the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Greek empires. The Apostle Paul visited it during his second missionary journey in 50-51 AD where he preached in the city’s synagogue and established the first European Christian community (after Philippi). We conclude our day by visiting two very impressive churches that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The first is the Church of St. Sophia, which is modeled after the famous Hagia Sophia in Constantinole. The second is the Church of Hagios Demetrios. This evening you can take a short walk from your hotel to stroll along the bay and see the impressive monuments and landmarks that reflect the city’s glorious past, such as the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, or the Rotunda. We overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 7 (Thurs Aug 1st): BAPTISTRY OF LYDIA / PHILIPPI / CANAKKALE (TROJAN WAR)

Today’s tour will be a highlight in Greece. We will visit the baptistery of Lydia, the first Christian woman in Europe, whom the Apostle Paul baptized in the river Zygaktis near Philippi. The baptistery is a modern architectural monument that commemorates this event and celebrates the spread of Christianity in Europe. The baptistery has a stained glass that depict scenes from the life and work of Paul. You will also see the open baptistery in the form of a cross, where adult baptism ceremonies are held annually. Not far from Lydia’s baptistery is Philippi the ancient city of Philippi, founded by Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, and became an important Roman colony. Philippi was also the first European city where Paul preached the gospel and established a church. You will see the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, and the early Christian basilicas. You will also see the traditional prison site where the Philippians incarcerated Paul and Silas but were released by the jailor following a miraculous earthquake. You will enjoy lunch at Kavala, a picturesque port city on the Aegean Sea. Kavala is the modern name of Neapolis, the seaport of Philippi, where Paul landed on his way to Macedonia. You will see the old town of Kavala, which has a rich history and culture, and the impressive aqueduct. Following lunch, we will drive to Canakkale, a city and seaport on the southern shore of the Dardanelles, the narrow strait that connects the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea. Near Canakkale is the site of the legendary Trojan War, as narrated by Homer in the Iliad, and the Gallipoli Campaign, a major battle of World War I. We overnight in Canakkale.

Day 8 (Fri Aug 2nd): TROY / TEMPLE OF ATHENA / HEALING COMPLEX / THYATIRA

Today, we will embark on a quest to discover the secrets of Troy, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, where the legendary Trojan War took place. We will explore the ruins of the city walls, the theatre, the temple of Apollo, and the famous wooden horse. Next we will travel to Assos to marvel at the Temple of Athena, a Doric masterpiece that dates back to the 6th century BC. You will enjoy the panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the island of Lesbos from the hilltop. After lunch in the charming little coastal town of Ayvalık, we will journey to the ancient city of Pergamon in the modern town of Bergama. Pergamon functioned as the capital of the Attalid kingdom and a significant cultural, scientific, and political center of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Bergama has many impressive monuments we will visit, such as the Church of St John, the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena/Zeus, the Grand Theater, and one of our favorites, the Asclepius Healing Complex. The Asclepius Healing Complex in Pergamon is a sacred site dedicated to the god of medicine and healing, Asclepius, and his daughter Hygieia, the goddess of health and cleanliness. They founded the complex in the 4th century BC, and it became one of the most famous and successful healing centers of the ancient world. The complex offered various treatments and therapies, such as mud baths, music therapy, dream interpretation, snake handling, and bloodletting. Following a delicious lunch in Bergama, we will travel to Thyatira (Akhisar), another of the Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation and which has many historical and cultural sites, such as the Thyatira Church, the Akhisar Museum, and the Hacı İshak Mosque. We overnight in Thyatira.

Day 9 (Sat Aug 3rd): SARDIS / PHILADELPHIA / LAODICEA / HEIRAPOLIS

Today we will visit three of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. We will see the impressive ruins of the gymnasium and the Temple of Artemis in Sardis, the city of gold and wool. After Sardis, we will journey to Philadelphia, a place known as the city of brotherly love because it was loyal to its allies and principles. It was founded by King Attalus II and named after his nickname, Philadelphus, meaning “brotherly love.” He built the city as a center of culture and trade and a missionary base for spreading Hellenism. One of the most famous landmarks of Philadelphia was the Temple of Apollo, which the Greeks dedicated to the god of healing and prophecy. When the apostle John wrote a letter to its church as part of the Book of Revelation. The letter praised the church for its perseverance and faithfulness and promised them a reward in heaven. Following Philadelphia, we will walk along the colonnaded street and the theater in Laodicea, the city of lukewarm faith. You will marvel at the white travertine terraces and the hot springs in Hierapolis, the city of the apostle Philip. You will also enjoy the stunning views of the amphitheater, the basilica, and the martyrdom of Philip in Hierapolis. Our last exciting stop will be Hierapolis. It was a thermal spa city where people came to enjoy the hot springs and the healing waters. Hierapolis was also a sacred city dedicated to the goddess Cybele, the mother of the gods. It had a large temple complex called the Plutonium, which locals believed to be the entrance to the underworld. Hierapolis also became a Christian city in the 1st century A.D. and was the place where enemies martyred Apostle Philip. It had several churches and chapels, including the Martyrium of Philip, which they built over his tomb, and had a cruciform plan and an octagonal dome. Today, it is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pamukkale. We overnight in this charming town.

Day 10 (Sun Aug 4th): EPHESUS / TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS / THEATRE / SELCUK

Today we will visit some of the most impressive ancient world sites in Ephesus, a city that was once the center of trade, religion, and art in the Mediterranean region. We start our day exploring the house of the Virgin Mary, a unique and historic site where tradition says Mary, the mother of Christ, lived her last years. You will see the humble stone building, the chapel, and the fountain and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. After lunch, we will head to the impressive city of Ephesus to marvel at the magnificent ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Theatre. You will admire the architecture and artistry of the ancient Greeks and Romans. You will discover why Ephesus was an important place for the early Christians and how it influenced the development of Christianity. We will end our day overnight in Selcuk, one of the most impressive and well-preserved ancient cities in the world.

Day 11 (Mon Aug 5th): BASILICA OF JOHN / EPHESUS MUSEUM / ISTANBUL / CRUISE

This morning, we will finish our tour of Ephesus with a visit to the supposed burial site of John the Apostle, who wrote the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation. We will also have some free time at the Ephesus Museum. It displays the pieces found in and around the ruins of Ephesus, such as statues, coins, jewelry, and mosaics. Its best-known exhibit is the ancient statue of the Greek Goddess Artemis (Diana), retrieved from the temple of the goddess in Ephesus. Her temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Ephesus Museum will deepen your insight into why Paul’s ministry challenged cult worship of Diana. Following the museum, we fly to the impressive and magical city of Istanbul. It’s a city that bridges two continents and cultures and is the site of the ancient city of Constantinople. This unique city will mesmerize you with its beauty, culture, and heritage. Upon arrival and following some free time we will take a boat ride up the Bosphorus Channel and enjoy the visual feast of this unique and historic city. We will see glimpses of the Topaki Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Park and Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge. You will discover that Istanbul is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, art, religion, or entertainment. We overnight in Istanbul, enjoying the vibrant city and the delicious Turkish cuisine.

Day 12 (Tues Aug 6th): ISTANBUL / HAGIA SOPHIA / BLUE MOSQUE / BAZAAR

Today we explore the historic sites in Istanbul. We begin with the impressive Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel with a rich history. Next we will visit the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles. We will take time to appreciate the intricate details of its architecture and the peaceful ambiance. We will wander through the historic Sultan Ahmet area, soaking in the atmosphere and discovering hidden gems and local culture. We will enjoy a visit to the famous Spice Bazaar which offers a sensory delight with its aromatic spices, Turkish delights, and a variety of local products. We will immerse ourselves in the bustling market atmosphere including lunch. We will conclude our day with a visit to the enchanting Basilica Cistern, an underground wonder featuring ancient columns and mysterious medusa heads. This evening we will enjoy our “last supper” together and then you will have some free time in the evening to explore the city at your own pace, perhaps enjoying a leisurely stroll along the vibrant streets or indulging in local cuisine. We again overnight in Istanbul.

Day 13 (Wed Aug 7th): FLY HOME!

Today we go to the airport and begin our journey home to be reunited with our loved ones.

EXTENTION OPTION to ROME:

ROME OPTION (through Aug 9th): $850 – see details below at the bottom

(Included; hotels, airport transports, entrance fees. NOT Included: flight from Istanbul to Rome – this can very easily be added to your international flight itinerary)

Day 13 (Wed Aug 7th): ROME: VATICAN / SISTINE CHAPEL / TREVI FOUNTAIN

We arrive early in the morning and make our way to our hotel to drop off our luggage. Next those interested will enjoy a visit to one of the more fascinating places in the world; the historical Vatican City. We will marvel at Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel and be in wonder at St. Peters Basilica. We will explore all we can and again take in some Italian Ice Cream (Gelato) and delicious Italian food. We overnight in Rome.

Day 14 (Thurs Aug 8th): COLISEUM / SAN GIOVANNI / FORUM / ROME TEMPLE

Today we will visit the area of the San Giovanni Cathedral, the Sacred Steps, Coliseum, and the Forum. We will also continue to enjoy some of the amazing sites in this historic city; the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piaza Navona, etc. This evening those interested in visiting the newly dedicated Rome Temple can do so. We again overnight in Rome.

Day 15 (Fri Aug 9th) FLY HOME!

Today we make our way to the airport and fly home to be reunited with our loved ones!

COSTS AND DETAILS
PRICE for Greece & Turkey Portion: $4,325 per person double occupancy

[These prices include all visas, fuel surcharges, 2 meals daily, entrance fees and transportation, service materials and tools. Not included would be lunches and airfare to and from Tel Aviv]

DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $500 per person.

ROOMMATES: Those traveling SOLO may sign up for accommodations on a share basis and will be assigned roommates as circumstances permit. If a roommate is unavailable, the participant will be notified of the adjusted price for single supplement prior to departure.

CANCELLATION FEES: A $25 fee will be charged by Anderson Tours, LLC for all cancellations until 60 days prior to departure, at which time the fee will be $100. In addition, all cancellation charges imposed by airlines, hotels, vendors, operators, etc., will be passed on to the participant.

TOUR INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

First-class, top quality Tour with experienced Tour Directors
If you would like us to help you arrange your international flights to Greece which is a free service we provide and also includes Travel Insurance in the price of the airline ticket. We can add the international flight to your total amount due.
Private, deluxe Air-Conditioned Motor Coach
Hotel Accommodations
Cold Bottled Water will be available for purchase on board bus
Two Meals Daily (breakfast and lunch or dinner) as indicated in the detailed itinerary
All Admission and Entrance Fees to sites specified in the itinerary
Country Visas, Airport as well as other Departure Taxes

REGISTRATION, DEPOSIT, PAYMENT, AND CANCELLATION:

Early reservations are strongly recommended, and a Deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to departure. Applications received after this date should include full payment. Any payments made after this date should also include also include full payment. Any payments made 30 days prior to departure must be in the form of a money order. Checks should be made payable to Anderson Tours. All cancellation penalties are the responsibility of the participant.

Please send check payment and names of participants to:

Anderson Tours LLC
8661 Millpond PL
Riverside, CA 92508

OTHER ITEMS & DETAILS

Good Health is encouraged for our Tours!

ITEMS NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE:
Items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs; excess baggage or portage charges; personal, trip, or baggage insurance; room service; laundry; phone charges; food or beverages not part of the group menu; gratuities for special services; expenses incurred on personal activities not included where group participation is not specified in the itinerary; international flight to TLV is not included but we are more than able to assist in arranging flights.

CURRENT PASSPORT REQUIRED FOR THIS TOUR

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