Day 1, Thursday May 22:
Depart Columbus on a morning flight to New York and board our non-stop flight to Istanbul, Turkey. (In-flight Meals)
Day 2, Friday May 23:
Arrival in Istanbul brings a warm welcome from our guide who is waiting to assist with arrival formalities and transfer us to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3, Saturday May 24:
We’ll spend the day exploring Istanbul, the ancient city founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago. In 330 AD Constantine the Great selected the city to be the capital of the Roman Empire and renamed it Constantinople. Following the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century it was called Istanbul. Visit Ayasofa Museum (St. Sophia) unquestionably one of the finest buildings of all time. Facing St. Sophia is the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Next we’ll visit the Hippodrome, scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life. Then have a look at the gigantic underground Basilica Cistern. On to the Archaeological Museum exhibiting artifacts from the Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Hatti and Hittite civilizations. Then shop ‘til you drop in the Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest and largest shopping mall, built in the 1300’s and housing over 4,000 shops under one roof! B, D
Day 4, Sunday May 25:
Depart Istanbul and cross the Gulf of Izmit to the Asian side of Turkey. Enjoy the ever-changing landscapes and timeless scenes of rural life on the way to Bursa. Founded by the Greeks, Bursa had its heyday as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire in 1326, and was hotly contested during the Crusades. Sightseeing includes the Ottoman Complex, the Great Mosque and the Silk Bazaar. B, D
Day 5, Monday May 26:
Our journey today takes us to three of the Seven Churches of Asia. First stop is Thyatira home of Lydia to view the ruins of an Early Church. Continue to Sardis, where coins were minted and the dying of wool originated. Tour the magnificent Roman Gymnasium, an early Jewish Synagogue and a gigantic Temple of Artemis (Diana). Afterward we stop to see a massive building of an Early Church at Philadelphia, the only church not censured. Then head for the fantastic “White Castle” Spa at Pamukkale. B, D
Day 6, Tuesday May 27:
This morning we visit the famous Hot Springs and nearby Cemetery of Hierapolis. Travel to the ancient city of Laodicea, where Christians were chastised for being lukewarm. Stop for a look at what’s left of Colossae and beautiful Aphrodisias on the way to mighty Ephesus, the most famous of the ancient cities of Asia Minor. A powerful trading port in Paul’s time, this was the scared center of Diana, whose temple was one of the Severn Wonders of the Ancient World. Today only a single column remains to mark the spot. We’ll see the Agora, the Odeion, the Temple of Hadrian, and Library of Celsus, and walk on the marble road to the great Theater of the city. Continue to Izmir for dinner and overnight. B, D
Day 7, Wednesday May 28:
An orientation drive of Izmir (Smyrna) includes the ancient Agora (marketplace) and Acropolis (citadel). Then we drive to Pergamum, an awesome mountaintop fortress some 1,500 feet above the ancient hospital of the Asciepion Temple. Then travel northward along the Aegean Sea to Assos, a Greek city visited by Paul on his third journey. Enjoy magnificent scenery on the way to Alexandria Troas, where Paul had a vision in which he was called to Macedonia. Continue to Troy, the immortal city of the legendary Helen, the Trojan horse, and Homer’s Iliad. Of the nine levels of ruins, the sixth is presumed to be Homer’s Troy. Dinner and overnight Canakkale B, D
Day 8, Thursday May 29:
This morning we’ll ferry across the Dardanelles Straits to the European side of Turkey. Travel through the scenic Turkish countryside to the Greek border, where we say goodbye to our Turkish guide and driver, and meet our Greek guide and driver. Then drive to charming Kavala, the Roman port of Neapolis, where Paul disembarked on his European journey. Time this afternoon to explore the port, the gardens, flagstone lanes, old city walls and 16th century aqueduct on your own. B, D
Day 9, Friday May 30:
Today we travel through rugged mountain passes and plains on the way to Philippi built by Philip II in 356 B.C. Here, outside the city walls, Paul baptized Lydia and her household, the first Christian converts. We’ll tour the fantastic Archaeological Site including ruins of a prison, 5th and 6th Century Basilicas, Roman Forum and walk upon a stretch of the Via Egnatia, a remnant of Rome’s efficient highway system. Continue to Thessalonica, the largest and most important city in northern Greece. B, D
Day 10, Saturday May 31:
Our tour of Thessalonica highlights treasures of the ancient Byzantine and medieval eras, and includes the Archaeological Museum exhibiting antiquities from all over Northern Greece. From the Old City Walls enjoy a great view of the city below. We see the White Tower (the city’s Landmark), Vlatadon Monastery, the imposing Rotunda and Triumphal Arch of Galerius. If time permits, we’ll drive to nearby Berea to see the Old Cathedral. Continue our journey southward to Kalambaka. B, D
Day 11, Sunday June 1:
Today we travel through rugged mountains and groves of gnarled olive trees on the way to Delphi, home of the celebrated oracle. We walk upon the Sacred Way to the Treasury of the Athenians before reaching the Temple of Apollo, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visit the Delphi Museum and see the famous 5th century statue of “The Charioteer.” Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Continue to Athens, the vibrant Greek capital our home for the next four nights. B, D
Day 12, Monday June 2:
Our tour of modern Athens includes the majestic Acropolis rising high above the city. We’ll view the magnificent Parthenon which has stood on this site since 450 B.C. and visit the Acropolis Museum. Next stop is Mars Hill, where Paul preached the Gospel to the Athenians. Touring the heart of the city, we see the Parliament with the Tomb of he Unknown Soldier, the University, the Academy, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Royal Palace. B, D
Day 13, Tuesday June 3:
Today we’ll travel south along the Saronic Gulf to Corinth, gateway to the historically rich Peloponnese region. First stop is the spectacular Corinthian Canal linking the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Continue to ancient Corinth, where the apostle Paul lived and preached. We’ll visit the Museum, and see the 6th B.C. Temple of Apollo. Stop for a look at the Bema, where Paul was on trial, and walk upon the ancient street past shops and temples. Then follow the coast road through vineyards and age-old olive groves past Nauplia to Epidaurus. Tour the famous 3rd century B.C. Theater of Epidaurus, and test the perfect acoustics. Return to Athens in the afternoon. B, D
Day 14, Wednesday June 4:
The entire day is at leisure to discover Athens on your own. Perhaps a stroll through the Plaka, where you find shops, door restaurants and souvenirs. B, D
Day 15, Thursday June 5:
Transfer to the airport and board our flight bound for the USA.
Athens Study Tour for OVU Students
June 5-11, 2008
Hosted by Dr. Moss
Day 1, Thursday June 5:
Athens with Dr. Moss.
Day 2, Friday June 6:
Day 3, Saturday June 7:
Day 4, Sunday June 8:
Worship with Athenian church
Day 5, Monday June 9:
Day 6, Tuesday June 10:
Day 7, Wednesday June 11:
Transfer to the airport and board your Olympic Airline flight bound for the USA. Arrive home later today with marvelous memories of these ancient and vibrant lands of the Bible.
Reservations & Payments
Deposit: $400.00 per person is required at the time of booking. Final Payment is due 75 days prior to departure. The tour price quoted is in effect at the time of the printing of this brochure and accordingly is subject to change without notice. The tour price is based on the current rate of exchange, and accordingly is subject to increase without notice if this rate changes prior to departure. Cancellations must be received by TravelMasters, Inc. in writing at least 90 days prior to departure. No refunds are possible for unused portions of the tour once the tour begins. A valid passport is required of all tour participants to travel outside the U.S. Passports must be valid for at least six months AFTER arrival in Istanbul! Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket and your tour reservation name or you may be denied boarding. Airline Cancellation Fees: Airline tickets are based on non-refundable and non-transferable airfares. Cancellation penalties will apply according to airline policy. The airline deposit in the amount of $100 is non-refundable if you cancel within 90 days of departure. Optional Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance is available and is recommended. Land and airfares are subject to change without notice.
Information Request Form (Please also see that you receive all other necessary paperwork)
