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Footsteps of St. Paul in Turkey 10 Day Itinerary

 

DAY 1 Wed: DEPART USA

Depart the USA for Turkey on our transatlantic flight. Dinner and breakfast served aboard overnight flight.

 

DAY 2 Thu: ISTANBUL

Your representative awaits to greet you as you land in Istanbul. After transferring to your hotel, the remainder of your day is free. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul.  (D)

 

DAY 3 Fri: ISTANBUL

Morning Mass at St. Esprit Cathedral. Istanbul sightseeing includes Topkapi Palace the Byzantine Hippodrome (once used for Chariot races), the Grand Bazaar with its 3,000 exotic shops. (B,D)

 

DAY 4 Sat: ISTANBUL

Morning meeting with Vatican representative of Istanbul. After a brief lecture of Catholics history in Turkey, visit the Catholic quarter of Istanbul. Continue to La Paix hospital or Petites Soeurs assisted living,  to pay respect to elderly and poor Catholics in need. Evening Mass at St. Antoine Church. (B,D)

 

DAY 5 Sun: ALEXANDER TROAS / ASSOS / CANNAKKALE

In the Morning we drive along the Sea of Marmara and we ferry across the Dardanelle waterway to Troas visited by St. Paul on his third Journey, (Acts 16:8-11; 20:5-12; II Cor 2:12-13; II Tim 4:13) then we continue to Assos (Acts 20:13-14) where St. Paul was joined by St. Luke. Dinner and overnight in Canakkale. (B,D)

 

DAY 6 Mon: PERGAMUM & ASCLEPION / THYATIRA / SMYRNA

After breakfast we visit Pergamum's (Rev 2:12-17) acropolis, home to the Altar of Zeus, and the Roman medical center of Aesculapiums, then continue to Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29; Acts 16:14) a city of artisans' guilds in St. Paul time. For evening we continue to Izmir (Smyrna, Rev 2:8-11) homer's birthplace on the Aegean coast. Evening mass at St. Polycarp Church. Dinner and overnight in Smyrna.. (B,D)

 

DAY 7 Tue: EPHESUS / PAMUKKALE

This morning we explore Ephesus with its expansive synthesis of Greco-Roman and Christian remains (Ephesians; Rev 1:11; 2:1-7; Acts 18:19-28; 19:1-4).It was home of St. Paul between 54 and 57 AD. Nearby we visit the Virgin Mary’s House on a wooded hilltop where it was miraculously discovered. Finally we stop at the restoration of St. John's Basilica where according to legend, he was buried. For evening we continue on to Pamukkale, the white "Cotton Fortress" lime cascades of the Roman spa Hierapolis. Enjoy a leisurely bath in the warm mineral waters of your hotel's pool. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B,D)

 

DAY 8 Wed: HIERAPOLIS / LAODICEA / PHILADELPHIA / SARDIS / BURSA

After breakfast we visit the Hierapolis. This was Philip the Evangelist's home. We will tour the extensive necropolis, churches and baths then stop at nearby Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22; Col 2:1; 4:13-16;).Then continue to Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13), a favorite city of St. Paul and John. We visit Sardis (Rev 3:16) with its beautiful gymnasium and marble paved synagogue. Continue to Bursa, first capital of Ottoman Empire where you can enjoy real Turkish bath, the famous kebab and great shopping opportunities. Dinner and overnight in Bursa. (B,D)

 

 

DAY 9 Thu: NICEA / ISTANBUL

Visit the site of the first ecumenical Council in Nicea. Continue to Istanbul. Istanbul sightseeing includes the Saint Sophia Basilica, ancient seat of Byzantine Church,

and the Blue Mosque (famous for unequaled ceramic tiles). Farewell dinner at a local restaurant after a short cruise on the Bosphorus where Europe meets Asia. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. (B,D)

 

DAY 10 Fri: ISTANBUL / USA

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our return flight to the USA arriving home the same day. (B)

 

Included Highlights:

• Airfare: Roundtrip from New York JFK Airport

• Accommodations: 8 nights Superior Tourist Class Hotels.

• Meals: 8 Breakfasts & 8 Dinners.

• Sightseeing: as indicated above.

• Also Included: Daily Mass, Airport-hotel transfers, hotel tips and taxes, baggage handling, Touring by Private Air-conditioned Motorcoach, Services of a professional tour escort.

 

Prices for Footsteps of St. Paul in Turkey
2008 Departure Dates	Per person in twin *	Land Only Price *	Single room supplement
June 18 to 27	$ 2,179	$ 1,229	$ 300
October 1 to 10	$ 2,179	$ 1,229	$ 300

 

Depart New York JFK Airport * Price is per person, based on double occupancy.   There are a limited number of single rooms available. Add $135 departure tax, $170 fuel surcharge and $139 for optional travel insurance ($169 for May departure).

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