Highlights: Istanbul – Izmir – Ephesus – Kusadasi – Aphrodisias – Laodicea – Pamukkale – Philadelphia – Sardis – Pergamum – Thyatira – Patmos – Crete – Santorini – Athens – Corinth

DAY 1 –ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL
Transfer to your Hotel.

DAY 2 –ISTANBUL
Today we shall see Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Aghia Sophia, finishing our day with a trip to the covered Grand Bazaar.

DAY 3 –IZMIR – EPHESUS – KUSADASI
After flying to Izmir we will spend the remainder of the day at Ephesus where Paul lived for 3 years and to where he sent his letter to the Ephesians.

DAY 4 –APHRODISIAS – LAODICEA – HIERAPOLIS (PAMUKKALE)
Our first stop is Aphrodisias where we see the 30,000 capacity ancient stadium. It is the best preserved stadium ever excavated. Then on to Laodicea, before reaching Hierapolis where ancient hot springs cascade over steep cliffs, forming stalactites and pools

DAY 5 –PHILADELPHIA – SARDIS – IZMIR
In Philadelphia we will see the remains of a Byzantine Basilica and 11th century frescoes. After we will visit Sardis, one of the most picturesque sites of the Seven Churches of Asia.

DAY 6 –PERGAMUM – THYATIRA – KUSADASI
Our whole day shall be spent at Pergamum with its impressive sites including the Altar of Zeus referred to as the “Throne of Satan” in the book of Revelation. We continue on to Thyatira, famous for its purple dyes before driving on to Kusadasi for overnight.

DAY 7 –EMBARK CRUISE SHIP – PATMOS
Board our cruise ship at the port of Kusadasi and at noon set sail for Patmos. Our afternoon is spent on the serene island of Patmos. Here we shall see the cave the Apostle John made his home when he had been exiled here. The cave was also the location where John wrote the book of Revelations.

DAY 8 –SANTORINI
In the morning we enjoy walking at the narrow streets of the unique island of Santorini. White-washed houses, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs. We can stroll freely through the cliff hanging villages and admire the breathtaking views.

DAY 9 –ANCIENT CORINTH – CENCHREAE – ATHENS
After disembarkation, we commence our enchanting drive along the Saronic Gulf where our first stop will be at the Corinth Canal. Then, on to the site of Ancient Corinth, home to the Apostle Paul for 1½ years. Visit the ancient port of Cenchreae before returning to Athens. In the afternoon we shall see the highlights of Athens including visits to the Acropolis and Mars Hill, where the Apostle Paul preached to the Athenians.

DAY 10 –ATHENS DEPARTURE
Depart from Athens.