Description
Turkey & Greece Tour with Pastor Jim & Tori Wright - May 2025
A journey to Greece! We want to invite you on an unforgettable journey in the footsteps of Paul which is filled with ancient biblical history, culture and spiritual blessings. Visit the sites important to the ministry of Paul and history of the Empire of ancient Greece.
This journey will provide you a deeper understanding of scriptures traveling thru the lands of the Bible. You will get a closer look at the life of Paul and His mission of redemption. When you make this journey in the company of friends and others of like mind, you can look forward to an unforgettable experience. Picture yourself in biblical cities you’ve always read about like Athens, Corinth, Thessalonica, Philippi, Berea and more.
You can read your way through the New Testament, or you can bring it to life with an all-inclusive trip to where it all took place. At the end of this tour two things will most certainly be changed, you, and your understanding of the Bible.
Join us on this life changing tour.
What's Included
Our tours are all-inclusive. Always.
Itinerary
Day by Day
- 3
Friday
Istanbul, Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia, Grand BazaarAfter enjoying our Turkish breakfast, we will depart from the hotel to visit historical highlights of Istanbul including the Hippodrome where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. We will also visit the Blue Mosque which is a 17th-century Ottoman Mosque famous with its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tiles, and then on to the Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans housing the richness of 700 years with its treasury section that includes the crown jewels and a unique collection of Chinese porcelains. Our afternoon visit start at St. Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century. The last stop will be the Grand Bazaar, the massive covered market that houses a labyrinth of streets lined with shops selling jewelry, leather products and many other handcrafted souvenirs. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
- 4
Saturday
Istanbul, Thyatira, Pergamum, IzmirToday after breakfasts we will board our bus and head to the town of Akhisar to visit ancient Thyatira, one of the Seven Churches praised for its increasing faith but admonished for its tolerance of Jezebel (Rev. 2:18-28). ). And then, Bergama (Pergamum), home to the invention of parchment and the church that John both affirmed and chastised (Rev. 2:12-17). Visit to the Acropolis of the Hellenistic City of Pergamon. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.
- 5
Sunday
Izmir, Sart, Alasehir, PamukkaleThis morning we depart from our hotel for an orientation tour of Izmir (Smyrna), a city established in 3,000 B.C. and one of the Seven Churches which John referred to as the poor, persecuted church that God announced was rich (Rev. 2:8-11). Afterwards, travel to Sart (Sardis), the church with a reputation for being alive, but God announced that it was dead (Rev. 3:1-6). Continue to Alasehir (Philadelphia), the church which received God's highest commendation (Rev. 3:7-13). Arrive in Pamukkale, home to the spectacular hot springs. Visit the nearby ruins of Hierapolis, an important seat of early Christianity Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
- 6
Monday
Pamukkale, Laodecia, KusadasiToday we begin our day with a visit to the ancient city and church of Laodecia where Apostle John chastised the inhabitants for being lukewarm (Rev. 3:14-22). Continue our drive to Ephesus, one of the New Testament's most significant cities (Rev. 2:1-7). Apostle Paul came here in 53 A.D. and according to tradition Apostle John wrote his Gospel here and where the Virgin Mary spent her last days. Visit the Archaeological site, including the House of Mary and the Basilica of John the Evangelist. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.
- 7
Tuesday
Ephesus, Cruise, PatmosThis morning we board our cruise ship and settle into our cabins. Lunch on board the ship. This afternoon our ship takes us to Patmos, a beautiful verdant island where Saint John the Evangelist wrote the book of Revelation in a mountainside Grotto, after hearing the voice of God. Atop its highest hill, within the halls of Hora stands the monastery founded in his honor in 1088. This island apart from its great significance to Christians all over the world, is now turning into a cosmopolitan destination. Included is a shore excursion to St. John’s Monastery and Grotto of the Apocalypse.After leaving the port of Scala, we will reach the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, a rare example of monastic, fortified architecture which survived the pillaging of pirates and various Aegean conquerors. In 1088, a gifted monk called Christodoulos established a Monastery in honour of St. John the Evangelist and transformed the Cave of the Apocalypse into a sacred place. We will then enjoy the town of Patmos (Chora) with its contrasting mixture of old magnificent mansions and most humble homes built around the wall of the Monastery. Use your free time to enjoy all the town has to offer including unparalleled views of the sea -- equally fascinating at sunrise or sunset – and its charming boutique shops and cafes. Our final stop is the Cave of the Apocalypse, an important place of pilgrimage for Christians around the world. The rock is ragged with three small fissures which symbolize the Holy Trinity, and it is said that in this place the voice of God dictated to St. John the text of the Revelation. The cave was transformed into a devotional site by the founder of the Monastery of Patmos Island, Saint Christodoulos.
- 8
Wednesday
Ephesus - Cruise, PatmosThis morning our cruise arrives in the Turkish port of Kusadasi (Island of Birds) known for its marina and its colorful bazaar. Here visitors can find a wide selection of hand-made carpets, leather bags and local products. But mostly, Kusadasi is known for its proximity to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and its Terrace Houses, one of the world’s largest open-air museums, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Our included Ancient Ephesus bus tour is a journey through the golden ages which shaped a pivotal center of commerce and spirituality. Built 3,000 years ago, Ephesus shaped the history of Greek, Turkish and Christian civilizations from its privileged location, chosen (according to legend) by the oracle of Delphi. A site of pilgrimage, due to its proximity to the Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 Wonders of the World) and the presence of major Christian figures (the apostles Paul and John and the Virgin Mary) within the city walls, Ephesus is currently one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The splendour of its golden age is visible throughout its streets and exceptionally well-preserved ruins. As we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site you will have the opportunity to breathe in the centuries of cultural effervescence, visible in the Ephesus Agora, Odeon, the Houses of the Patricians, the beautiful Temple of Hadrian and the astonishing Library of Celsus. You will also have the opportunity to bargain and shop local merchandise such as carpets, leather goods, souvenirs etc.
This afternoon our ship takes us to Patmos, a beautiful verdant island where Saint John the Evangelist wrote the book of Revelation in a mountainside Grotto, after hearing the voice of God. Atop its highest hill, within the halls of Hora stands the monastery founded in his honor in 1088. This island apart from its great significance to Christians all over the world, is now turning into a cosmopolitan destination. Included is a shore excursion to St. John’s Monastery and Grotto of the Apocalypse.After leaving the port of Scala, we will reach the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, a rare example of monastic, fortified architecture which survived the pillaging of pirates and various Aegean conquerors. In 1088, a gifted monk called Christodoulos established a Monastery in honour of St. John the Evangelist and transformed the Cave of the Apocalypse into a sacred place. We will then enjoy the town of Patmos (Chora) with its contrasting mixture of old magnificent mansions and most humble homes built around the wall of the Monastery. Use your free time to enjoy all the town has to offer including unparalleled views of the sea -- equally fascinating at sunrise or sunset – and its charming boutique shops and cafes. Our final stop is the Cave of the Apocalypse, an important place of pilgrimage for Christians around the world. The rock is ragged with three small fissures which symbolize the Holy Trinity, and it is said that in this place the voice of God dictated to St. John the text of the Revelation. The cave was transformed into a devotional site by the founder of the Monastery of Patmos Island, Saint Christodoulos.
- 9
Wednesday
RhodesThis morning we arrive at the island of Rhodes. Separated by a mere 10-mile strait from the Asia Minor coast, Rhodes is blessed by nature with exceptional gifts. Homer called it “the Bride of the Sun,” later poets “the Island of Roses.” In the Middle Ages, the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem established themselves at Rhodes and built a fortified city, now the best-preserved of its kind in the Mediterranean area. Our included tour takes us to Lindos,situated 55 km (40 miles) from the city of Rhodes and “bears” above it the Acropolis of Lindos, with the ancient Temple of Athena, built in 300 B.C. Here and there you will come across the captains’ mansions, built between the 16th and 18th century. In the centre of the village lives and breathes the Church of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) of Lindos, with frescoes from the 15th century. Ascend to the Acropolis of Lindos. Here lies the Temple of Athena, of Doric order, which was erected on the location of an older monument. The ancient city-state of Lindos was for many centuries the most important on the island. It reached its heyday in the 6th century B.C. At the old city of Rhodes you will go through D’Amboise Gate to walk on the Street of the Knights. Along this street you will find the residences of the Knights, separated according to Order, which bear until today their corresponding crests.
- 10
Thursday
Heraklion, SantoriniThis morning we arrive in Heraklion. The capital of Crete is a former Venetian harbor with representative architecture and art and an Archaeological museum with invaluable treasures. Our included tour of the city takes us on a short drive to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home to Europe’s oldest civilization. If you are not into sightseeing, walk the city center where you can dine or shop.
This afternoon we continue our cruise to Santorini is one of the most renowned places of the world. People travel thousands of miles in order to admire its unique geography, a result of an earthquake that took place many centuries ago. Our included shore excursion takes us to the picturesque village of Oia located on the caldera rim, 300 meters above the sea.
- 11
Friday
Piraeus, Athens, CorinthThis morning we disembark our cruise ship and drive along the coastal road to Corinth. Continue along the wonderful beach of Kinetta, make a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, then on to ancient Corinth to visit the Museum, the Bema of St. Paul, the Doric Temple of Apollo, the Askeleion, Agora, Lechaion Road, and the Peirene Fountain. Continue on to Athens where we have a short orienaion tour of the city before settling into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
- 12
Saturday
AthensThis morning we start our tour of Athens by visiting the important modern and archaeological sites in the city of Athens, the Acropolis and neighboring monuments. While driving through the main streets of Athens, we have an opportunity to see other places of interest such as the University, the Academy, the National Library, the Temple of Zeus, the Panathenian Stadium, Omonia Square, Constitution Square and the Royal Palace.
This afternoon will be free to explore the city on your own, shop, or to relax at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. - 13
Sunday
Athens, USAThis morning we transfer to the airport for our flight back home. We arrive back in the U S and transfer to our flights home with unforgettable memories to cherish always. Knowing we have walked in the footsteps of the early Christians on such a memorable tour will bring new meaning to our Bible reading.
Cruise Basic: IB Inside Cabin
Cruise Upgrade: Standard Outside Cabin XA
Cruise Upgrade: Superior Outside Cabin XC
Cruise Upgrade: Junior Suite Outside Cabin SJ