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DAILY
ITINERARY
DAY
1 USA to ISTANBUL
Begin your
memorable pilgrimage with the departure of your international
flight from the USA.
DAY 2
ISTANBUL
Morning arrival
in Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our
representatives and transferred to the hotel for overnight.
DAY 3 ISTANBUL
Formerly
Constantinople, the one-walled city of Istanbul is built on
seven hills and is the only city in the world situated astride
two continents. Begin your sightseeing with a visit the 15th
century Topkapi Palace, once home of the royal Sultans. Inside
you'll see the fabled jewels of the Treasury, delicate displays
of Chinese porcelain in the Kitchen Quarters, and the Harem
Quarters. Marvel at the famous Blue Mosque with its six minarets
and sparkling interior, and the Mosque of Suleiman and Hagain
Sophia. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, this early
Christian church was later converted into a mosque with fossil
imbedded white marble floors and beautiful glass mosaics. It is
known as the Museum of Byzantine Art.
DAY 4
DARDANELLES, TROY, CANAKKALE
Today you will
visit some famous WW1 sites along the Marmara Sea. Cross the
Dardanelles and visit ancient Troy where nine separate periods
of settlements have been revealed. Homer's Illiad relates the
legendary story of the Trojan war of Troy. Dinner and overnight
in Canakkale.
DAY 5 PERGAMUM,
KUSADASI
The most favored
of the Seven Churches was Pergamum. Christianity reached
the city very early and the church was praised for its
forbearance during hard times . In Pergamum, the first
Christians were executed by Rome. Towering 1000 feet above
the town and commanding a spectacular panorama is the fabled
Acropolis. As you pass through the Royal Gates, you will
enter one of the great centers of classic Greek culture.
You'll see the foundations of the Temple of Zeus, The Temple of
Athena and the ruins of the Library which once held 200 thousand
parchment volumes. You see the remains of the Temple of
Trajan, the Grand Theatre, the Gymnasium, and the Health Center
(Aesclepion). You will also catch a glimpse of a 3 story
fountain built by Titus. Overnight in nearby
Kusadasi.
DAY 6 EPHESUS,
PATMOS
This morning we
enjoy a brief ride to ancient Ephesus, another of the Seven
Churches of Revelation (Rev. 1:11). The apostle John was one of
the early leaders of the church of Ephesus, and also special
miracles were wrought there by the hands of the Apostle Paul.
The major streets of ancient Ephesus have been excavated and
highlights here include the Library, the Agora, the Temple of
Artemis, and the Basilica of St. John. Embark on your
cruise ship at Kusadasi for 3 days among the Greek Islands.
PATMOS:
4:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
The beautiful
island of Patmos is where St. John wrote the book of Revelation,
the last book of the New Testament. Excursions include the
Grotto of the Revelation, and the 11th-century Monastery of St.
John. Dinner and overnight on board your cruise ship.
DAY 7 RHODES
This old
fortified city was built by the Knights of St. John, and has
changed little since medieval days. You may elect to
stroll through the streets, or take an excursion to the
Acropolis of Lindos. You may want to take one of the waiting
taxis to swim at the nearby crystal-clear Aegean beaches. Dinner
and overnight on board your cruise ship.
DAY 8
HERAKLION, SANTORINI
HERAKLION
(CRETE): 7:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Heraklion, the
capital of Crete, was the center of the great Minoan
Civilization which flourished in the Bronze Age and abruptly
ended with the eruption of the volcano of Santorini. Enjoy an
optional excursion to the incredible ruins of the Palace of
Knossos which was discovered in 1899 by Sir Arthur Evans and
partially reconstructed. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion
displays many of the treasures found during the excavations.
SANTORINI:
4:30 P.M.to 9:00 P.M.
The island of
Santorini is one of the most breathtaking of all the Greek
Islands, also known as the "Black Pearl of the
Aegean". An optional excursion is available to the town of
Thera where white-washed houses, open-air cafes, and glittering
boutiques cling to steep cliffs accessible only by cable-car or
donkey.
DAY 9 PIRAEUS
(DISEMBARK) ATHENS
Disembark very
early this morning and begin your tour. Follow your guide on a
journey to the world-renowned Acropolis with the Propylaea
entrance, and the ruins of the Parthenon and Erectheum.
You will view Mars Hill, the Agora (ancient market place and
center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace. Dinner
and overnight at your hotel in Athens.
DAY 10 CORINTH
This afternoon,
travel to Corinth, the city that inspired many of St. Paul's
most familiar letters, you will visit the Market Place, the Bema
and the Temples. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight
at your hotel.
DAY 11 GREECE
to USA
Transfer this
morning to Athens airport for your international flight to the
USA. You will return home with new images and a new
appreciation for the ministry of Paul.
QUALITY
HOTELS
ISTANBUL: Mercure
CANAKKALE: Akol
KUSADASI:
Fantasia or Onur
CRUISE: Royal
Olympic Cruise Line
ATHENS:
Divani Caravel, Divani Palace
YOUR PILGRIMAGE INCLUDES:
Scheduled
trans-Atlantic flights via IATA Carriers
Transfers from
airports, hotels and piers
Deluxe
air-conditioned motor coaches
Superior First
Class hotel accommodations, based on twin-bedded rooms with
private bath
Category A or B
cabins (outside) on cruise
Breakfast and
Dinner daily (3 meals per day on cruise)
Sightseeing as
outlined in the itinerary (including excursions on the Greek
Isles cruise)
Professional
services of the Educational Travel Services representatives in
Greece.
2002
Greece and Turkey Departures and Prices (GT02)
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TOUR
CODE
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DEPART
USA
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RETURN
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NEW
YORK PRICE
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GT0314
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MAR
14 THU
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MAR
24 SUN
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$2598
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GT0502
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MAY
2 THU
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MAY
12 SUN
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$2898
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GT1010
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OCT
10 THU
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OCT
20 SUN
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$2898
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GT1107
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NOV
8 THU
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NOV
17 SUN
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$2598
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Single Supplement
(No Triple Reduction): $550
Land Prices (Add
Gratuities):
May - October
$2298
March and
November $2098
NOT INCLUDED
Taxes: $199
(visas are additional and paid upon arrival in Turkey)
Gratuities: $69
Cruise is Based
on Royal Olympic Cruises Outside Cabins A and B
Shore
Excursions are included.
Minimum
of 20 passengers required to operate this tour.
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