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"Wonders of Greece and Turkey"
November 3-14, 2010
Your Day-to-Day Itinerary
| Meal Codes | |
|---|---|
| B | Continental Breakfast |
| L | Lunch |
| D | Table d'hote Dinner |
Wednesday, November 3 - Washington, DC / Across the Atlantic.
Depart Washington, D.C. today on board your overnight transatlantic jet flight. En
route, enjoy dinner followed by a full-length movie, and breakfast before we land.
Thursday, November 4 - Arrive Istanbul, Turkey
Arrive Istanbul, ancient Constantinople, today. This city of Constantine became the
"Second Rome" in the fourth century. Ecumenical councils held here played an important
role in the first thousand years of the Christian Church. Eastern Orthodoxy and Islam
are also a significant part of the city's history. Istanbul was once referred to as
the "Earth's Pearl." It is still a beautiful city and exudes and Old World elegance.
(D)
Friday, November 5 - Istanbul
Your sightseeing of Istanbul today will include a visit to the Topkapi Palace, home of
the Ottoman Sultans. Visit the Treasury containing jewel encrusted thrones, the
world's largest emerald and the famous Topkapi dagger. Then to St. Sophia, originally
a Christian Basilica conceived by Constantine and rebuilt by Justinian, turned into a
Mosque in 1453, and in 1920 made into a museum by Ataturk for all to enjoy. You will
also see the legendary Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) with its six minarets and
dome of 109 feet. Then to the Archaeological Museum which houses the sarcophagus of
Alexander the Great and numerous discoveries of biblical interest. Finally the Grand
Bazaar, a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops displaying everything from souvenirs in copper
and onyx to precious jewelry, antiques and Oriental carpets.
(B,D)
Saturday, November 6 - Istanbul/Troy/Canakkale
Depart this morning across the Dardanelles heading south to the City of Troy, home of
the famous Trojan House. Troy was settled as early as 3,000 B.C. and is the subject
of Homer's Iliad. Continue on to Canakkale for overnight.
(B,D)
Sunday, November 7 - Canakkale/Pergamum/Izmir
Your first stop will be Pergamum. See the ruins of the famous temples dedicated to
the healing gods Asklepios and Serapis, along with the Acropolis, Temple of Athens,
and the Trojan Temple. This city was considered diabolical by early Christians
because of the many pagan temples that were here. Visit the remains of the Church of
St. John, probably built in the fourth century into the so-called "Red Court." On to
Izmir.
(B,D)
Monday, November 8 - Izmir/Ephesus/Kusadasi
This morning proceed on a sightseeing tour of Izmir. The first stop will be ancient
Smryna, one of the Seven Churches in Revelation. Much of this very important city is
hidden under modern Izmir. Archaeological remains of the Agora and a seventh century
Temple of Athens are visible. In the archeological Museum you will see the head of
Domitian from his temple in Ephesus, and the likeness of Flavius Damianus, an imperial
priest under Emperor Septimius Severus, wearing a diadem. Continue by coach to Seljuk
to visit the Archaeological Museum with its statues of Diana.
Then proceed to the fascinating city of Ephesus. View the magnificent harbor and the
great amphitheatre which seated nearly 25,000 people. See Marble Street, Celsus
Library, the Agora, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Domitian. You will also
see the temple of Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the site of the
scene of religious riots. St. Paul had founded the church here and was also
imprisoned in Ephesus. Visit the Cathedral of St. John whose later life and death are
associated with Ephesus. Overnight in Kusadasi, a resort city on the coast of Turkey.
(B,D)
Tuesday, November 9 - Kusadasi/Embark on your Cruise/Patmos
Transfer to the pier today for embarkation on your Greek Isles cruise. Set sail for
Patmos. Upon arrival in Patmos, you may visit the Grotto of the Revelation and the
11th century Monastery of St. John. Enjoy the panoramic view from this superb,
fortress-like complex. Cruise to the Island of Rhodes.
(B,L,D)
Wednesday, November 10 - Rhodes
Morning arrival in Rhodes, legendary home of the Sun God Apollo. Sightseeing tours
are available including the Mandraki Harbor, the twin deer statues that stand where
the Colossus of Rhodes once guarded the harbor of antiquity, the Temple of Apollo,
the stadium, the old town where you will see the Grand Master's Palace and the street
of the Knights which features the Archaeological Museum. Leave Rhodes in the evening
en route to Santorini.
(B,L,D)
Thursday, November 11 - Heraklion, Crete/Santorini
Morning arrival in Heraklion, Crete, the southernmost of the Greek Isles where a
sightseeing tour is available to the Palace of Knossos, discovered in 1900 by Arthur
Evans. This was the kingdom of King Minos, the site of the legendary Minotaur, later
slain by Theseus, and you can see the underground corridors of the Labyrinth. Next,
sail to Santorini, one of the most fascinating islands in the Aegean, with its rugged,
volcanic cliffs, topped by brilliant white houses in the town of Thera. The view from
the town is spectacular, looking down into the beautiful bay to the still active
volcanic island only a few miles away. Sail on to Piraeus Harbor.
(B,L,D)
Friday, November 12 - Arrive Piraeus/Corinth/Athens
Arrive Piraeus Harbor today where you will be met and escorted to your waiting motor
coach for the journey to Corinth. Drive along the Sacred Way of Elusian Mysteries,
passing the Island of Salamis. Cross the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean and
Ionian Seas. See the Isthmus where boats were once dragged over land from one sea to
the other. Arrive at Corinth, the most important city in the days of Paul. 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,
Fountain of Pirene, Temple of Apollo and the Bema.
This afternoon proceed to Athens where our city tour includes the royal palace, the
stadium and the temple of Zeus, the Theatre of Dionysius, Mars Hill, the Acropolis with
the famous Parthenon. See also the Agora (marketplace) where Paul spoke and Socrates'
prison. Overnight in Athens.
(B,D)
Saturday, November 13 - Athens
Today is at leisure for independent activities.
(B,D)
Sunday, November 14 - Athens/Washington, D.C.
Your adventure is over as you transfer to the airport today in time for your flight
back to Washington, D.C., arriving the same day.
(B)