The Steps of St. Paul & The Ancient Mediterranean World in Greece and Turkey MAY 9 - 20, 2011 Tour Hosts: Dr. Neil Anderson – Dept. of Bible/Theology Dr. Burnam Reynolds – Dept. of History 12 days – 2 countries on 2 continents “The adventure of a lifetime…”
A Study Tour Sponsored By
Day 1 (May 9) — Departure from US Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Turkey. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!
Day 2 (May 10 — Arrive Turkey, Izmir Arriving in Izmir we transfer to our lodging for the next two evenings, where the remainder of the afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy a leisurely dinner.
Day 3 (May 11) — Ephesus This morning we visit the Church of St. John (the Beloved Apostle) for a tour and a scenic overview of the Ephesus area. From here our guide will point out the location of the ancient harbor of Ephesus and describe the silting process that led to the demise of this important Roman city. Of special interest is the tomb of John and the baptismal where new believers were immersed. We will also be able to view the site of the ancient wonder - the Temple of Artemis and the nearby Mosque of Jesus (Jesus is a respected prophet to Muslims). This afternoon we’ll view a wealth of artifacts awaiting us at the Museum of Ephesus and visit the archeological site of Biblical Ephesus, which hosts a large restoration effort and miles of ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city where we view the Library, Agora, Temple of Artemis, theatre, colorful mosaics, a panoramic view of the surrounding ancient port area including a wealth of church history and cultural insight. The day will not be complete without a visit to a local Turkish Rug cooperative.
Day 4 (May 12) — Smyrna & Pergamum Izmir was known as Smyrna and was another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11). Here we'll see Polycarp's Church and the ancient agora. Once a busy trading center and famous as a "seller of purple," the most favored of the Seven Churches, the church of Pergamum was praised for its forbearance (Rev. 2:12-17). It was here that the first Christians were executed by Rome. We'll visit the fabled Acropolis, pass through the Royal Gates, view the foundations of the Temple of Zeus and visit the ruins of the library, which once held 200,000 volumes. We continue to Canakkale where will enjoy our dinner and overnight. Day 5 (May 13) — Troy & Istanbul We begin our sightseeing in ancient Troy, which is well known for its 3rd and 4th Century BC excavations and the historic ties to ancient Mycenae dating back to the Bronze Age. We ferry across the Dardanelles Strait, and then follow the road that parallels the water with views of World War 1 bunkers and fortifications in the region of “Trace”. Listen to the stories of Turkey’s success in defending Constantinople en route to modern day Istanbul where we enjoy introductory touring before checking into our hotel for the next
Day 6 (May 14) — Istanbul The tour today will be an unusual combination of Greek Orthodox, Roman, Ottoman and modern day Islam including entrance into the famed Blue Mosque and St. Sophia Church. After lunch we visit the fascinating Church of St. Savior in Chora. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine church built in the 11th century. In the 16th century, the Ottoman rulers converted the church into a mosque, and it became a secularised museum in 1948. The interior of the building is covered with fine mosaics and frescoes. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey is a thriving seaport and commerce center with a marvelous Bazaar and Spice Market allowing for a perfect opportunity to pick up those souvenirs and unique gift items.
Day 7 (May 15) — Turkey to Greece – Arrive Kavala We set off traveling west to Greece. After a drive across the area known as “Trace,” the European portion of Turkey we arrive at the border. Continuing on we arrive in Kavala, Greece's prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala. We overnight in this lovely seaport town.
Day 8 (May 16) — Philippi, Thessalonica This morning we make the short trip to Philippi where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will view the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ and visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. We travel west following the coast arriving in Thessalonica, Macedonia the evening. The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today. En route to the hotel we will view the old city ramparts, the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument that was transformed into a church and the Galerius Arch, which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. We visit St. Demetrius basilica, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert before arriving at our hotel for the evening in Thessalonica.
Day 9 (May 17) — Berea/Delphi A stop will be made in Berea to view the ancient synagogue where Paul spoke and the Bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the "more noble" church. Driving through town we see remnants of the original Roman road that spanned the nation during Paul’s time. We also visit King Phillip's (Alexander's father) tomb in Vergina, one of the most outstanding finds in all of Greece. The exhibit includes many items including intricately designed lavish gold crowns designed for the royalty of the day.
Day 10 (May 18) — Thermopylae & Athens This morning we continue southward to the site of the Battle of Thermopylae, The battle was fought between an alliance of Greek city-states, led by Sparta, and the Persian Empire of Xerxes I over the course of three days, during the second Persian invasion of Greece in August or September 480 BC. Free time will be allowed at a beach area for swimming and lunch before we travel on to the city of Athens, the birthplace of democracy and our home for the next two nights. Here we visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. The remainder of the day is free with many things to do and see. You may choose to visit the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes.
Day 11 (May 19) — Corinth & Mycenae Following breakfast this morning we depart Athens. We immediately travel west with a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal. We then travel to the ancient city of Corinth, another treat for the New Testament scholar. Corinth is the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love of I & II Corinthians. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. After the visit to ancient Corinth we travel to Mycenae where the remains of the ancient city date back to the Bronze Age to see the famous Lionesse Gate, the Tomb of Agamennon in the shape of a Beehive, and many other sites before continuing back to Athens. Day 12 (May 20) — Day 12: Home This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to the USA.
Hosts: Dr. Neil D. Anderson, Professor Dept. of Bible, Theology & Philosophy Dr. Burman W. Reynolds, Professor Dept. of History
Cost: $3388 complete.
Academic: This tour meets the cross-cultural experience requirement of the general education core. Also, students will earn 3 hours academic credit at no extra charge in one of the following: – NT 100 Understanding the New Testament (meets NT gen. ed. requirement) – HIS 101 Western Civilization I (meets History gen. ed. requirement) – NT 393 or HIS 393 Travel Seminar: Greece/Turkey
Included: Round trip air travel from Lexington Bluegrass Airport, air taxes, all ground transportation (via air conditioned motor coach), all tips and gratuities, breakfast and dinner daily (while touring on ground), all entrance fees to museums and sites.
Exclusions: – Lunch daily (10 ground days – $4-6 per day) – International Student I.D. required ($22 from Cross-Cultural Office. Includes travel and medical insurance) – Turkey entrance VISA $20 at Customs. (No fee for entrance to Greece)
Reservations: $500 deposit Limited number of seats available. Reserve early!
Payment Terms: 50% (includes deposit) or $1194 by Jan. 24, 2011 Balance or $1694 by Mar. 7, 2011
Information and Reservations: [email protected] [email protected]
Refundable. See Asbury University Cross-Cultural Requirement Manual for conditions.