A Fellowship Journey through The Bible Europe TURKEY GREECE PATMOS ITALY VATICAN Lead by : C. V. Mathew (Chief Editor, Good News) Ephesus Leodicia Pamukkale Sardis, Philadelphia, Smyrna Pergamum & Thyatira Patmos, Athens, Corinth Amphibolies Philippi Kavala (Neapolis) Veria, Vergina Kalambaka Rome, Vatican
Day 1 NEW YORK- ISTANBUL Arrive into Istanbul, capital of Turkey Assemble at JFK International Airport for boarding our flight to Istanbul. Then enter the world of G J Vacations Inc as you begin your beautiful journey of Bible Europe. After completing all the formalities at Ataturk International Airport at Istanbul, meet your professional and experienced Tour Manager in the arrival area situated outside the customs hall. Drive directly to your hotel and check in. After check in to the hotel, meet at the lobby for welcome and info cocktail. Overnight stay at Istanbul. Hotel Grand Anka or similar.
Day 2 Ephesus & Laodicea Breakfast at Hotel. Proceed to Istanbul Airport for boarding our flight to Ephesus for 1 hours. We arrive at Ephesus, the ancient Roman city which was one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient word. We will visit the Ephesus ruins, Odeon, Celsus Library and the Theatre which is still in use today for concerts and has an amazing capacity of 25,000. As we walk through this ancient site you will notice the streets paved with marble which gives a hint to this city's great wealth many years ago. Visit the Church of St. John the Theologian. After lunch break drive to Leodicea, was another prosperous city in the chain, where Christianity first spread. Once visited Leodicia drive to Pamukkale for overnight. ( 220 km ) Check in to our Hotel at Pamukkale. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Pamukkale Pam Thermal or similar.
Biblical History of Ephesus The land itself is also mentioned many times in the old testament and the new testament. In regards of old testament sites: Mount Ararat is located in the eastern part of Turkey close to teh Armenian border. It is the mountain that Noah's Ark was landed. River Euphrates and river Tigris both sourched from the eastern part of Anatolia. South east of Turkey a city called Harran, thats where Jacob and Abraham lived. Not far away from the city of Harran, Antioch is located. Antioch was the city Paul and Peter lived. It was one of the 4 major cities of Roman Empire like Ephesus. In the second Missionary journey Paul came to Ephesus with his companions like Luke, Silas, Timothy, Aquila, Priscilla...Promising his companions that he will come back, he departed Ephesus for Antioch. Less than a year he stayed in Antioch and came back to Ephesusin 53 AD. He lived in Ephesus over 2.5 years. Preached in school funded by a wealthy Ephesian named as Tyrannous and in the Synagogue of Ephesus. Day 3 Pamukkale, Sardis & Philadelphia
After breakfast from the hotel, we visit the encient city of Hierapolis and St. Philip s Martyrium. Then have a tour of the spectacular natural site of Pamukkale. It is a hot thermal springs of calcium spill over the plateu s edge creating dazzling white formations called Cotton Castles. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis which also was the home of Papias and Epicitus, early Christian writers and Philip the Evangelist. The Martyrium of St. Philip, an octagonal chamber has recently been discovered. Free time to enjoy hot waters in thermal pool. Then drive to Sardis, one of the most picturesque areas of these even cities. It is here St. John expressed his concern for pushing further with the progress of the city s faith. Then we drive to Philadelphia (Alasehir), a favourite city of Paul and John. Once visited Philadelphia drive to Izmir for overnight stay (200 Km). Overnight Stay at Izmir. Hotel Aksan or similar Day 4 Smyrna - Pergamum & Thyatira After breakfast we drive to see the site of the Church of Izmir (Symrna), was the second one of the seven Christian churches in Asia Minor to which St. John the Divine wrote (Revelation l-11). Once visited Smyrna we will drive Pergamum. Upon arrival to the Pergamon antique city, visit to Aesculapium, the ancient medical center built in the name of Aeusculapis, the God of medicine. We continue to Pergamum Acropolis, visit Athena and Trojan Temples - Temple of Zeus -
Temple of Dionysus - Gymnasium of Youth - Odeon - Library - Agora - Great Theatre - and Roman Bath. Proceed to Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight night stay at Kusadasi. Hotel Marina or similar. Day 5 GREECE - PATMOS Tour of Patmos with Monastery After breakfast from Kusadasi port you will depart to Patmos Island by Private Ferry (4 Hours). Arrival in the Island of Patmos. Once of the beautiful and distinctive of the Dodecanese Islands, Patmos is best known as the place where St. John received his visions and wrote the Book of Revelation. A small island with a population of about 3,000, Patmos has managed to remain one of the least touristy of the Greek islands, despite its many visitors and firm presence on the cruise circuit. It remains delightfully unspoiled, yet it has still developed a good tourist infrastructure, with a number of excellent restaurants, hotels and beaches. Patmos is located in the South Aegean Sea near the island of Kos and not far from Turkey. There are two main "cities" on Patmos: Skala, the harbor area and where most of the residents live; and Hora (or Chora), the hilltop area dominated by the Monastery of St. John. The monastery and the nearby Cave of the Apocalypse, where the revelations took place, are major pilgrimage destinations and popular tourist sites as well. Dinner at the main city of Patmos and overnight on board to Piraeus.
Day 6 ATHENS CITY TOUR & ANCIENT CORINTH ATHENS BY NIGHT Today from the Acropolis to Omonia Square, we'll see all the famous sites of ancient and modern Athens on this comprehensive tour. Offering a perfect overview of the modern city, this guided tour will help us get our bearings if this is our first visit to Athens. Depart for Panathinaikos Stadium cradle of the first Olympic Games took place in 1896 (short stop). Pass by the Prime s Ministers residence, Ex Royal Palace, (guarded by colorful Evzones) Zappion (Conference and Exhibition Hall). Proceed passing by Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus. Continue passing by National Garden, Hadrian s Arc, St. Paul s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown soldier, Schlieman s House (Nomismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Academy, University, National Library, Old Parliament, Constitution Square, Russian Orthodox Church, and finally Acropolis (visit Propylae, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens). Continue with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the new Acropolis museum. Main attractions such as votives, artefacts of everyday life, statues from archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you. Continue to Ancient Corinth which was once the glorious city near
The Isthmus, where Paul met Aquila and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the word of God. We will visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples and the famous Bema, where Paul stood before Gallio, accused by the Jews of Corinth. Dinner and overnight stay at Athens. Hotel Titania or similar Day 7 AMPHIPOLIS PHILIPPI KAVALA (NEAPOLIS) After early breakfast, we will be picked up and head for the Northern part of Greece. Passing by Lamia, Volos and Larissa we will reach Amphipolis. Amphipolis, was an Athenian colony founded in the 5th BC on a Thracian site. Here, according to Herodotus, the invading Persian army seized 9 youths and buried them alive as a sacrifice on their way to further atrocities South. Amphi-polis, named because it looks like an amphi-theater, is surrounded by a loop of the Strymon River. In addition to enjoying these defensive advantages it also commands the strategic flat lands, the mouth of the river and the coveted gold mines of
Mt. Pangeon. Upon its table top plateau was fought the battle of Amphipolis which decided the 1st phase of the Peloponnesian was bet ween Sparta and Athens 433 BC. Finds the area are kept in the museum at Poliyiros. Next we will head to Philippi where we will see the Agora and the prison where Paul and Sylas were kept. After worship at the baptismal site of Lydia we shall continue to Kavala and the ancient port of Neapolis a picturesque city-port. View the Byzantine Castle and the Roman Aqueduct. Dinner and overnight stay at Kavala. Hotel Esperia or similar. Day 8 VERIA - VERGINA - KALAMBAKA After breakfast from the hotel, this morning we get a taste of the beautiful countryside of Central we visit Veria, where we see the Bema of apostle Paul. Continue to Veria-ancient Beroea - to the monument commemorating Paul s preaching to the local Jews in 54 AD. We contine then on to Vergina (ancient Aiges), the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia. Here we will see the tombs of Vergina and the breathtaking collection of golden artifacts, which were found inside these two un-plundered tombs of Philip of Macedon and the Young prince. Then we drive to Kalambaka. Dinner and overnight stay at Kalambaka. Hotel Famissi or Famissi Eden or similar
Day 9 KALAMBAKA ATHENS Today morning after break fast we visit Meteora and enjoy a unique and most impressive scenery with ageless Monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing bet ween earth and sky atop huge rocks. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Themopylae (short stop to see across the road the Leonida s Monument.) arrive in Athens early in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at Athens. Hotel Titania or similar
Day 10 GREECE to ROME (Flight to Rome) Today after breakfast we will check out from the hotel and head to Athens International Airport for our flight to Rome. Meet upon arrival at Rome Airport by our Italian travel coordinator and transfer to Hotel. Check into hotel. The rest of the day free at leisure. Dinner at Restaurant. Over night stay in Rome. Hotel Best Western or similar. Day 11 ROME - VATICAN Breakfast at Hotel. You can today experience the Guided City Panoramic Tour of Rome. This tour introduces you to the grandeur part of the City. Being one of the richest communities in the world, the independent Vatican State holds superb Vatican Museums which you will be able to visit. These include the Treasure House of the Catholic faith with vast collections of ancient and Renaissance Art, gathered by Popes over the ages. Marvel at Raphael s brilliant work as you continue into the Sistine Chapel, glorious masterpieces of Michelangelo s frescoes. St Peter Cathedral, Panoramic view from Gianicolo, Navona Square. Now enter St Peter s Basilica, Observing Michelangelo s early
Pieta and Bernini s Popes Altar sited above the spot where St Peter is reputed to have been crucified. Cross the Tiber to hear tales of the glory of Ancient Rome as you view the Colosseum and overlook the Forum. Rest of the day free at leisure. Lunch and Dinner at restaurant. Overnight at Rome. Hotel Best Western or similar Day 12 ROME - DEPARTURE Break fast at hotel. Today rest of the day free at leisure until departure transfer to Airport. Over Night on Board. Day 13 ARRIVAL IN USA AIRPORTS Arrive in US Airports with sweet memories of the journey through Bible Europe. Our goal is to provide you with a worry free well planned spiritual tour resulting in wonderful memories that will last a life time.
A Fellowship Journey through The Bible Europe Highlights of your tour and inclusions: Ex Cochin return Economy Class Airfare with Taxes 1 Night Accommodation in Istanbul 1 Night Accommodation in Pamukkale 1 Night Accommodation in Izmir 1 Night Accommodation in Kusadasi 1 Night Accommodation in Cruise 2 Night Accommodation in Athens I Night Accommodation in Kavala 1 Night Accommodation in Kalambaka 2 Night Accommodation in Rome Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners All transfers & sightseeing by A/C Coach with guide Package Exclusions: Any Increase in the rate of exchange leading to an increase in all land arrangements which may come in to effect prior to departure. Portage, laundry, wines & alcoholic beverages, mineral water (unless specified), telephone charges, shopping, all items of personal nature Any extra expenses incurred for changing the route due to any unforeseen circumstances, forced major instances, natural calamities, political disturbances, strikes etc. Extra cost incurred due to illness, accident, hospitalization or any Individual unforeseen cost incurring incidence. Any private transfers taken to move from one place to another instead of coach. Medicines required in case of emergency Any meal other than specified in the inclusion Fluctuation in exchange rate,that may come into force prior to the operation of the tour Travel Insurance Anything not mentioned in Package inclusions. G J Vacations Inc USA In Association with Harvest T V
Terms and Conditions Departure Date : 13 May 2019 Non refundable registration amount USD 1000 to be paid at the time of Booking. Balance payment should be made in 60 days prior to departure. Maximum of 3 persons are allowed in one room The Rate of Exchange (R.O.E) will be the prevailing rate on the date/day of remittance. Above rates/seats are subject to availability Cancellation charges applicable as per company policy Price of the package is calculated per passenger on twin/double share basis. Package designed for minimum of 35 passengers. If the size of the group reduces by any reason tour may be cancelled with out prior notice. Disclaimer: We acts only as an agent for tour members in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, touring, restaurants or any other services in connection with the itinerary. We will exercise reasonable care in making such arrangements. However, we do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity to person and property because of an act of default of any hotel, airline carrier, restaurant, company or person rendering any of the services included in the tour. The right is reserved to cancel or change itineraries or to substitute comparable services without notice. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or to retain any tour passengers should such person's health impede the operation of the tour or be a detriment to the other tour passengers. G J Vacations Inc In Association with Harvest T V 914 255 6211 845 300 5056 E Mail: johnsongeo72@gmail.com