SAT. 19 MARCH: Canada to Istanbul

Today we depart from Toronto on our overnight flight to Istanbul Group seating will be pre-assigned by the airline for our flight. Dinner and complimentary in-flight service will be provided this evening. ( D )

SUN. 20 MARCH: Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul we will follow passport and visa formalities and meet our Turkish tour manager and driver. Driving through the Marmara region we arrive at the gateway between Europe and Asia, Istanbul ( Constantinople .)  Here we check-in to The President Hotel, for the next two nights.

Dinner is at our hotel tonight . ( B,D )

MON. 21 MARCH: Istanbul

After breakfast we enjoy our full day visiting historic Istanbul . Visit the Hagia Sophia Museum (built in the 6th century), the Topkapi Palace with priceless collections of jewelry and rare porcelain, the Blue Mosque , famous for its blue Iznik tiles, the Hippodrome Square where ancient chariot races were held, and the Grand Covered Bazaar in search of treasures. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. ( B,D )

TUE. 22 MARCH: Istanbul , Adana

This morning we begin with a visit to take in the aromas of the Egyptian Spice Market , followed by a boat tour on the Bosphorus, viewing the picturesque beauty of the European and Asian shorelines on either side. In the afternoon visit of the St. Sauveur in Chora church, containing the most beautiful Byzantine mosaics in the Mediterranean ! At the end of our afternoon we depart for the airport and board our flight to the region of central Anatolya and the airport of Kayseri . From here we drive to Cappadocia where we check-in for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel Peri Tower hotel . ( B,D )

WED. 23 MARCH: Cappadocia

This morning we drive through the staggering geological Central Anatolian region of Cappadocia . Truly one of the most unique landscapes in the world, it was here that early inhabitants carved into the soft volcanic rock to create underground dwellings, which eventually grew to become entire cities. Over one thousand elaborate places of worship, Early Churches, were carved out from the landscape. Many of the lavishly decorated frescoes, from as early as 5 th century, can be seen today. Sometimes as many as six thousand Christians escaped from persecution by hiding in this region.

Our overnight and dinner will be back at The Peri Tower Hotel. ( B,D )

THU. 24 MARCH: Cappadocia

Today we remain in the Cappadocia region and spend the full day exploring such sights as the Goreme open air museum, the underground city of Kaymakli , the pottery town of Avanos , the natural Citadel of Uchisar, the monastic Zelve valley and the carpet factory.

Our afternoon sees us travel west towards the Aegean coast. Our first stop is the ancient mystic city of Konya . Here we will visit the Mevlana Museum and the Whirling Dervish Monastery , before arriving at our hotel, The Ozkaymak , for dinner and overnight stay. ( B,D )

FRI. 25 MARCH: Pisidian Antioch, Laodicea .

Today our journey follows that of Paul and Barnabas as we stop in Pisidian Antioch . Here we will visit the site of the synagogue that Paul visited during his journey. The ruins of an early Byzantine church are still visible with a mosaic of Psalm 42:4 found during recent excavations.

From here we enjoy a scenic journey through the mountains of Galatia until we arrive at ancient cities of Colossae and Laodicea .

Laodicea- The “luke warm” church that is neither hot nor cold. (Rev. 3:14-22)

Our day ends with a visit to the natural salt flats of Pamukkale , a truly spectacular sight indeed! 

Dinner and overnight stay will be at The Lycus River Hotel .

( B,D)

SAT. 26 MARCH: Ephesus

Today we have a full day visit to the unforgettable ruins of Ephesus : - The ‘desirable church' that left its first love!

(Rev. 2:1-7.)

In the ancient world, Ephesus was a center of travel and commerce.  Situated on the Aegean Sea at the mouth of the Cayster River , the city was one of the greatest seaports of the ancient world. It was here that Paul visited, whilst on his return to Israel , but was forced to leave the city, vowing to return.

He never returned to Ephesus but, instead, held council from Melitus during his Third journey. Our day also includes a visit to the church of Apostle John .

Dinner is back at our hotel, The Marina Hotel , Kusadasi. ( B,D

SUN. 27 MARCH:

PRIENE-MILETUS-DIDYMA

Depart for Priene the first planned city of the ancient world. Visit the Theatre, the Temple of Athena , the Prytaneum, the Agora and the fish market and the Altar of Zeus. Proceed to Miletus , one of the principal Ionian cities and home of Thales. Visit the very well preserved Theatre, the Byzantine Fortress, the Delphinion, the Nymphanion, the Bouleterion, the Faustina baths and the mosque. Then continue to Didyma and visit the Temple of Apollo with its gigantic columns.

Later this afternoon we will go back to Kusadasi and our hotel. (B,L,D)

MON. 28 MARCH: Smyrna , Pergamon, Thyatira and Sardis

After breakfast we depart for a day visiting some more sights of the Seven Churches of Revelation.

Smyrna- The persecuted church that suffered poverty and martyrdom! (Rev. 2:8-11.)

Pergamum - The worldly church that mixed doctrines and needed to repent! (Rev. 2:12-17.)

Thyatira - The false church that followed a seductive prophetess (Rev. 2:18-29.)

A truly memorable day ends with a return to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.( B,D )

TUE. 29 MARCH: Izmir to Istanbul

This morning we take our domestic flight from

Izmir to Istanbul . Upon arrival at Istanbul we shall drive to the border with Greece and say “goodbye” to our Turkish guide and “hello” to our Greek guide. Our resting point this evening is Kavala (ancient Neapolis) where we will have dinner and overnight stay. ( B,D )

WED 30 MARCH: Philippi , Thessalonika

After our breakfast we depart for Philippi , where Paul established a large church. This church was very near and dear to Paul's heart. (Acts 16:9-33)

Here we also visit the river where Lydia was baptized and the prison where Paul and Sylas were kept captive.

From Philippi we head towards Thessalonika where we learn about Paul's teachings at the old synagogue. (Acts 17:1-4)

Dinner will be at our hotel this evening. (B,D )

THU 31 MARCH: Berea and Athens

After breakfast we leave Macedonia and head south to Berea where we see the beautiful mosaics depicting Paul's teachings to the Jews. (Acts 17:10-11) journeys.

Our final stop will be Athens where we shall visit the Acropolis and Mars Hill (Acts 17:16-30), before checking into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D )

FRI 01 APRIL: Corinth and Athens

After breakfast we will embark on the short journey to ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-17). Situated between Athens and Sparta the archeological ruins of this city offer a wonderful insight into life at the time of Paul's visit during his second and third journeys. Dinner will be at a local restaurant this evening.( B,D)

SAT. 02 APRIL: Homeward bound.

After breakfast we board our morning flight and depart, via Istanbul , for home. Our flights bring us back to Toronto in the late afternoon. Complimentary in flight service is provided on our fights, including breakfast and lunch. ( B,L )

B = Breakfast. L = Lunch. D = Dinner.

Pricing and inclusions