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Here's just a summary of this
inspiring tour, for Christians, with Christians, about
Christians.
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April 30 |
(Saturday) Depart Ontario, transferring in Houston and Europe. |
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May 1 |
Arrive in Istanbul where we’ll be met and transferred to our
hotel. |
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May 2 |
Today we’ll visit famous sites in Istanbul, including the Blue
Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia, the Cistern, Chora Museum
and finally the Grand Bazaar. BD |
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May 3 |
We fly to Cappadocia this morning. We have a half day tour of
Zelve, the Goreme Open Air Museum with its numerous cave
churches, the Underground City and Avanos. Break at a lovely
Anatolian restaurant and then spend tonight at the unique Museum
Hotel. BLD |
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May 4 |
Finish the sites and then drive into Konya. Konya (Iconium) was
one of Paul’s missionary stops, but most importantly was the
site of one of the first church councils. After Konya we stop
for a unique lunch along the way before we finish our drive and
end up in Pamukkale (Hierapolis). The city at one time had a
large Jewish community and Paul mentions the city in his letter
to the Colossians. The magnificent natural thermal pools are
one of nature’s wonders. You can enjoy the thermal pools, both
indoor and outdoor, at your hotel and spa. It will be a great
way to relax after our busy day. BLD |
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May 5 |
Today we visit Philadelphia, Laodicia and Sardis. We spend the
evening in the city of Izmir – former Smyrna. Your hotel is
within walking distance of the marina and waterfront. BLD |
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May 6 |
Today is another big day as we visit Pergamon with its
commanding theatre and the Roman ruins of Askplion which is a
former ancient medical center. Then we are on to visit Thyatira
and Smyrna. We will spend another night in Izmir. BLD |
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May 7 |
Drive to Selcuk and then to the most magnificent ruins in the
Mediterranean – Ephesus, home to one of the 7 wonders of the
world, the Temple of Artemis. Currently there are vast amounts
of interesting ruins including the Library of Celsus and the
theatre where Paul spoke.
We board the ship Aquamarine today and get settled into
our home for the next 3 days. After refreshments and lunch we
arrive at the Greek island of Patmos, site of the grotto where
John received the book of Revelation. We drive up to the cave
and enjoy a teaching onsite overlooking the bay and our ship.
Walk around the quaint town and sample coffee and island life.
We leave after dinner.
BLD |
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May 8 |
(Sunday) This morning we arrive on the island of Crete. Crete
is
home of the Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of
Zeus. There are some great excavations. Because of its
importance, Paul spent time here. An optional tour to the ruins
of Knossos will be offered or you may have Sunday fellowship
with a local evangelical church. We depart Crete before lunch.
BLD
 Later
today we arrive on Santorini, considered by many to be the most
beautiful island in the world. You will have many choices of
tours, or you may just want to take the tram up to the top of
the island and enjoy the quaint shops and winding streets or
enjoy something to drink as you take in the commanding view from
Fira Town. There are a few modern day scientists that link the
volcanic explosion that reduced Santorini as a key to the
miracles of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. BLD |
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May 9 |
Arrive in the bustling port of Piraeus outside of Athens. We
will tour Mars Hill, famous for Paul’s sermon here. We go up to
the famous Parthenon and then visit the quaint Plaka district –
the oldest area of Athens. We will also see the first Olympic
Stadium and the changing of the guard. We spend the night in
Athens tonight. B |
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May 10 |
Today we have a free morning to enjoy the hotel pools and a bit
of shopping in this chic city. After lunch we travel out to
Corinth to see the ruins of this ancient city, the Bema Seat and
the Corinth Canal. We’ll end the day with a farewell
celebration dinner overlooking the Acropolis. BD |
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May 11 |
(Wednesday) Return flight to Ontario. |
