Leave from Philadelphia Airport for flight to Turkey with a stopover in Germany.

Tuesday, February 22    Arrival Izmir

We arrive in the modern day city of Izmir—ancient city of Smyrna. We will obtain our necessary Turkish visa upon entry into Turkey. A short drive from the airport to our hotel and the balance of the day at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.

Wednesday, February23    Izmir/Smyrna/Sardis/Philadelphia/Izmir

After a short tour of Smyrna, we drive to Sardis the most picturesque of the seven churches. John told the Christians of Sardis that the letter in Revelation was from "the One who holds the seven spirits of God, the seven stars". He admonished them to "wake up and put some strength into what is left," continue to Philadelphia another of the seven churches. Return for dinner; overnight in Izmir.

Thursday, February 24    Izmir/Ephesus/Miletus/Izmir

Drive to Ephesus. Here, history truly comes to life; walking towards the ancient harbor you pass architectural masterpieces like the Magnesian Gate and the Library of Celsus before arriving at the Great Amphitheater where Paul spoke to the Ephesians. Also visit the St. John Basilica. Continue to Miletus where Paul delivered his touching farewell address to the elders of Ephesus. Return for dinner; overnight in Izmir.

Friday, February 25    Pergamon/ Istanbul

Drive to Pergamon to see the Homonym Church, as well as the Acropolis; the Ascleplion, one of the foremost medical centers of Classical times; the Red Basilica as well as the site of the Church of Pergamon. We have a short flight to Istanbul in time for dinner and overnight.

Saturday, February 26    Istanbul Tour

After breakfast, depart for a full day in Istanbul. Visit the Church of St. Sophia, the oldest Christian Basilica where the ecumenical councils were held, the Hippodrome of old Constantinople and the Blue Mosque. In the afternoon, visit the Topkapi Palace, the Sultan's former residence with its incredible collections of jewels and china. We will have some free time at the wonderful Grand Bazaar, a city within a city, complete with a post office. Here we find the finest jewelry, carpets, leather and typical souvenirs for all ages. Turkish currency is in lira and one million lira is valued at approximately $1.00, so we may have the chance to spend millions!! Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Sunday, February 27    Istanbul/Alexandroupolis

This morning we enjoy breakfast and then visit the Church of St. Savior in Chora, known for its famous mosaics and frescoes, designed and executed between 1315 and 1321. The theological themes are of the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary as portrayed in beautiful mosaics. It will be a spectacular and memorable visit. We now drive to the Turkish/Greece border and overnight in the Greek town of Alexandroupolis.

Monday, February 28    Kavala/Phillipi/Thessaloniki

Visit Philippi where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity. Here Paul baptized a "certain woman named Lydia" the first Christian convert in Europe. The Roman forum, completely excavated, is from after Paul's time. Among the ruins, located on the rocky ledge above the town's main road is the place where Paul and Silas were imprisoned. We continue into the modern port city of Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke and Timothy first set foot in Europe. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Tuesday, March 1    Thessaloniki/Kalambaka

The morning is dedicated to the city of Thessaloniki. Paul preached in Thessaloniki during the winters of 49-50 AD and later wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. See the ramparts of the city, the triumphal Arch of Galerius starting the Via Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire, the House of Jason and the Roman Agora where Paul preached. We will also see St. Demetrius Church with its valuable mosaics and frescoes, and drive to the upper town which offers a marvelous view of the city. The site where the monastery of Vlatadon was built is believed to be the location where Jason's house once stood and where Paul was accommodated during his visit to Thessaloniki. Afternoon departure to Meteora; overnight in Kalambaka.

Wednesday, March 2    Meteora/Delphi

Visit Meteora Monasteries. Amid striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks, which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand the ageless monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Continue to Delphi for dinner and overnight.

Thursday, March 3    Delphi/Athens

Visit Delphi, the center of the Ancient world - the "omphalos" (navel) of the earth - whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Continue to Athens for dinner and overnight.

Friday, March 4    Athens at Leisure

Today is free to visit the wonderful museums of this diverse city. It is the site of ancient civilization and the site of a modern day city. Guides can recommend several museums, but two highlights are the National Museum and Beniki Museum. A second choice is an all day cruise to 3 small islands ($65pp option). Another option is to spend the day shopping in the modern day boutiques or the old city area of the Plaka. The day is yours to choose. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Saturday, March 5    Corinth and Mycenae

Drive to Ancient Corinth. Here under the shadow of the towering Acropolis, St Paul preached and lived for two years. The vigorous and mostly Gentile Church he founded here in 50AD caused him much grief and prompted him to write at least four letters to them. Visit the ruins of the ancient city where Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. See the remains of first century shops, the agora where Paul's trial by Gallio took place, the Fountain of Peirene, Temple of Apollo and the Bema. Continue to Mycenae the city "rich in gold" and visit the Lions Gate, the Cyclopean Walls and the Royal Tombs. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

Sunday, March 6   Athens

A full day in Athens. Visit the sites of the Acropolis, Agora, Mars Hill and more. We will visit the Acropolis to see the ruins of the Parthenon, Erectheum and Propylae. We will also ascend Mars Hill, view the Agora (ancient market place) where Paul spoke to the ancient Athenians. A time of devotions will be observed at Mars Hill. We will also see the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Presidential Palace, Hadrian's Arch and the Panathenaic Stadium. The balance of the day is free to do last minute shopping, relaxing or packing. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Monday, March 7   Departure for US

We leave this morning from Athens for our return flight home. The time that we have spent in Greece and Turkey will be remembered time and again as we read the New Testament and recall our visit to the ancient sites so familiar to us from the pages of scripture.

This Trip along with 3 class sessions is approved for 3 credits at Eastern Mennonite University, Lancaster.
For more information contact EMU at 717-397-5190

Click Here for a Reservation Form

For further information, contact:
Judy K. Collins, AiM
717-367-2786
E-mail:collinsaim@juno.com

Rev. Kenneth W .Collins
717-397-5190
E-mail:kenneth.collins@emu.edu


124 E. Main St
Ephrata, PA 17522
717) 721-7324
(800) 874-9330
Contact Cindi Brodhecker
800-418-2929 EXT. 81383
E-mail:cindib@mtstravel.com

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