Greece/Turkey EMU Alumni and Friends Land and Sea Seminar Itinerary and Themes Sept 29 Oct 16, 2018 Sat Sep 29 D Arrive individually to Athens airport, then taxis or metro for transfer to Katerina Hotel in time for dinner at 7:00 pm in hotel. After dinner we will meet for a brief orientation to travel plans, organizing the group for the journey and tomorrow s schedule. Sun Sep 30 Theme: Paul in the Pagan World, Scripture: Acts 17:16-34 Today we will begin exploring the world of Acts by climbing to the Areopagus for a look at first century and twenty-first century Athens. Then you will be given tickets and information to explore the main ancient sites on your own including the agora with the reconstructed stoa, time out for lunch and a visit to the museum. We will meet again as a group in late afternoon to visit the stadium constructed in ancient Greek style for the first modern Olympics in 1896. Mon Oct 1 Theme: Paul in the City of Love and Violence, Scripture: Acts 18:1-18 After breakfast we will travel to Corinth, stopping at the awesome Corinth Canal, then on to Old Corinth site of the biblical Corinth where we will have time to explore the excellent archeological remains with the bema, and temple to Apollo. An impressive little museum of discoveries in Corinth is included. Following lunch in Old Corinth we will visit the ancient harbor of Cenchrae, and then travel back to Athens for some free time and dinner in the Plaka. Tues Oct 2 After a leisurely breakfast, you will have time to independently explore Athens, then return to Hotel Katerina by 1:00 for transfer to the Athens airport for the 4:15 flight to the Greek island of Samos. 50 minutes later we land in Samos, then cross the island to Vathi. After checking in to the Samos Hotel on the waterfront, there will be time to wander the back streets of the little town, then meet for dinner in one of the many restaurants. Wed Oct 3 Theme: The Greek Islands of Acts and Paul the Traveler, Scripture: Acts 18:19 19:21 Today we will explore the island of Samos, beginning in the ancient port of Pythagorio, then wind our way to the top of the mountains for breathtaking views and a charming mountain village returning to Vathy in time to board a ferry for the 2 hour crossing to Kusadasi, Turkey. After clearing customs we will check into the Liman Hotel, a popular little hotel known for its hospitable owner Mr. Happy. Great location right on the port and close to the bazar. Over an amazing Turkish dinner, watch the sun set over the Aegean from the hotel s rooftop restaurant. Thu Oct 4 Theme: Paul in Ephesus, Scripture: Acts 19:23-41 We will spend the full day visiting the spectacular area of Ephesus! We will walk the marble streets and visit the stadium that seats 25,000, see the life-styles of the rich and famous, and the incomparable Celsus Library. We will also visit the asilica of St. John, the forlorn remains of the Temple to Artemis, and the exquisite museum in nearby Selcuk before returning to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight at the Liman Hotel. Fri Oct 5 Theme: Paul's farewell in Miletus, Scripture: Acts 20:13-38 Today we travel south along the coast stopping at Miletus where we will engage in some archeological exploration of our own in this remote harbor city on the once navigable Meander River. We will continue on to Didyma with its incredible temple built during the reign of Alexander the Great, then on to odrum, ancient Halicarnassus, famous for one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum built by Mausolus (375-53 C.) Check into Myndos Pansion near the waterfront. Dinner on our own there are a huge selection of wonderful bay front seafood restaurants near the hotel.
Sat Oct 6 After breakfast we will visit one of the finest maritime museums in the Mediterranean, then stock up on any supplies to take on the boat. Around noon we will board the Kaya Guneri I, the gullet that will be our home for the next number of days. After finding our cabin and stowing our gear, we will launch for destinations along the Turkish coast. The remaining time and program will be determined by the gulet schedule. ecause of weather and other contingencies such as the location of good anchorages, it is not possible to give a fixed itinerary, but we will be stopping at a variety of Acts sites. This is the time of relaxation, eating good food, learning about the incomparable Mediterranean Sea and the people who learned how to sail it in order to achieve their goals, including Paul. Overnight in anchorage. Sun Oct 7 Theme: The Roman Empire and the Sea, Scripture: Acts 27 selections Depending on weather and time, we will cruise past the island of Kos, and on to Cnidus, (Acts 27:7) a key military and commercial harbor complexes of Rome and fascinating, beautiful ruins. If weather permits, we will anchor in the ancient harbor overnight. Mon Oct 8 Theme: Theme: The Mediterranean Sea Travel and Trade, Scripture: Ezekiel 27 Continue on eastward along the beautiful Turkish coast, exploring coves, ancient settlements and fortresses, and resting in beautiful anchorages. Tues Oct 9 Wed Oct 10 Theme: The Sea in Scripture - Genesis to Revelation Explore Gocek ay s coves and anchorages. Relax and enjoy! Theme: Gods of Land and Sea, Scripture: Jonah Continue eastward along the coast stopping in anchorages and a small coastal town to visit archeological site of Patara, a key harbor in the eastern Mediterranean and birthplace of one of the most famous saints in the world. Thu Oct 11 Theme: Shipping Grain Fuel of the Roman Empire: Acts 27 Continue up the coast spending time to explore the restored first-century harbor of Andriaki. Anchor overnight in Ucagiz. Fri Oct 12 Our final leg on the gulet brings us to Finike, home port of SailingActs. After disembarking we will take time to welcome everyone aboard SailingActs for a brief visit, then take a bus for a 2 hour scenic ride to Antalya (called Attalia in Acts). After checking in to the La Paloma hotel in the old city, we will have time for visiting the ancient harbor mentioned in Acts, explore, shop and dinner in local restaurants. Sat Oct 13 Theme: The Church between Land and Sea, Scripture: Acts 13:1-13, Acts 21 Today we will visit the archeological site of Perge, the first stop in Asia Minor on Paul s first missionary journey. After lunch we will have opportunity to visit the archeological museum in Antalya containing an impressive display of treasures found in Perge. followed by free time in the old city of Antalya. Dinner in nearby restaurants and overnight in La Paloma hotel. Sun Oct 14 This morning we will catch a flight to Istanbul, go to the Sude Konack Hotel for check-in, then explore some of the charm of old Istanbul. Janet and Linford will lead or direct people to options including the Grand azar, shopping, or the lively harbor area. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Mon Oct 15 Theme: Religious Empires, Scripture: Gen. 11:1-8, Luke 4:1-7 Guided tours to the architectural triumph of yzantine Christendom, the Hagia Sophia (1,000 years older than St. Peter s asilica in Rome.) We will visit the lue Mosque, the only mosque in the world with six minarets, and Topkapi Palace of the sultans, now filled with exorbitant riches of the Ottoman Empire. Opportunity to explore and visit Grand azaar. Celebration dinner and overnight in Sude Konak Hotel. Tue Oct 16 reakfast and depart as individually arranged
Fri Oct 19 Theme: The Church between Land and Sea: Acts 13:1-13, Acts 21 After early breakfast, transfer to airport for 8:30 am flight to Antalya. Upon arrival and near the airport, we will visit the ancient port city of Perge. Check in to the LaPaloma Hotel in the old city of Antalya. Opportunity to visit the archeological museum containing an impressive display of treasures found in Perge or explore/shop in the old city. Dinner on your own in nearby restaurants. Sat Oct 20 Theme: Paul at Sea, Scripture: Acts 27 After breakfast, check out of hotel, transfer (2 hour scenic bus ride) to Finike - home port of SailingActs. In the marina, we board the gulet that will be our home for the next number of days. Sun Oct 21 Theme: Shipping Grain - Fuel of the Roman Empire: Acts 27 Continue up the coast stopping in anchorages to visit archaeological sites Myra and Patara - key ancient harbor cities in the eastern Mediterranean. Mon Oct 22 Tues Oct 23 Wed Oct 24 Thu Oct 25 Theme: The Roman Empire and the Sea, Scripture: Acts 27 selections Westward along the mountainous Turkish coast passing the Seven Sisters (small capes) and around into Gocek ay. Explore the Gocek ay s coves and anchorages. Favorite sailing area for international sailors! Explore the Gocek ay s coves and anchorages. Relax and enjoy! Continue westward along the beautiful Turkish coast. Today we stop and visit Cnidus, (Acts 27:7) a key military and commercial harbor complex of Rome and fascinating, beautiful ruins. Fri Oct 26 Cruise past island of Kos. Arrive at Sat Oct 27 Sun Oct 28 Mon Oct 29 Tue Oct 30 Today we will take a short, early morning flight to Athens, leave our luggage (or check in) to the Katerina Hotel, then take a walking tour for an introduction to Athens atop the Areopagus. Dinner on your own. Wed Oct 31 Theme: Paul in the Pagan World, Scripture: Acts 17:16-34 Today you will be given tickets and information to explore the main ancient sites on your own including the agora with the reconstructed stoa, time out for lunch and a visit to the museum. We will meet as a group in late afternoon. Together, we will visit the stadium constructed in ancient Greek style for the first modern Olympics in 1896. Dinner on your own. Thu Nov 1 Fri Nov 2 reakfast and depart as individually arranged.