New Testament Letters on location Led by Heather Packett 22 SEP - 11 OCT 2018 Optional Extension: 10-15 OCT 2018 TOLL FREE 1300 554 654 MORE INFORMATION www.missiontravel.com.au/new-testament2018
New Testament Letters on location As part of my MA(th), I had the opportunity to do a Biblical Lands Tour. I was hoping for Israel. I had always wanted to visit the Holy Land and to get a real picture in my mind s eye of where Bible events occurred. Unfortunately Israel was not on offer during my degree, but a tour to Turkey and Greece was. What I discovered was anything but disappointing. In fact visiting the sites of the early Church in Asia Minor and Europe dramatically affected the way I viewed the New Testament. All I could think about was how important it was to get as many Jesusfollowers to experience those places in person and allow a tour like this to inform their faith and understanding of Scripture. It s from that passion and a desire to share the experience with others that I am leading a tour to Turkey & Greece with an optional extension to Rome/Pompeii. Alongside on-site biblical overviews, I will be providing in-depth exegetical teaching specific to all the locations we visit. This means you can go as in-depth into the NT letters as you like, either before or after the tour. Exegetical series will be available via my website: www. heatherpackett.com so you can get started with your prep as soon as you like! I look forward to having you join me on this life-changing tour of the early church locations throughout Turkey, Greece and Rome. Led by Heather Packett Heather Packett is a vibrant and down to earth communicator who has been preaching and teaching regularly for the past two decades. Her passion is the Word of God and she has a deep desire to see it more powerfully known and obeyed by his people. Born a Kiwi, Heather moved to Melbourne as a step of faith in her late teens. Several years down the track God has directed her through two theological degrees (Bmin; MAth) and into full time ministry, through both church leadership and not-for-profit advocacy. Now a wife and mother of two, Heather is a Teaching Pastor at Crossway, the largest Baptist church in Australia, where she has been on staff for 18 years. She also partners with her husband, Lucas, in heading up ARK, a charity designed to support families involved in foster-care and adoption. Her ministry has become known for its practical and down to earth approach, and an obvious desire to see God s people grow in biblical knowledge that outworks in obedience.
Itinerary DAY 1 SUN 23 SEP Depart Australia EK 407 depart Melbourne 9.25pm arrive Dubai 5.30am 24 Sept DAY 2 MON 24 SEP Arrive Istanbul Upon arrival into Istanbul you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your accommodation where you will spend the night. Check-in at the hotel and then rest of the afternoon free to relax or explore, before a short briefing meeting followed by dinner at the hotel. HOTEL: Yasmak Sultan, Istanbul. MEALS: In-flight & Dinner DAY 3 TUE 25 SEP Istanbul Full day city tour Roman Hippodrome, Underground Cistern, St. Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight. HOTEL: Yasmak Sultan, Istanbul. DAY 4 WED 26 SEP Istanbul gallipoli anzac cove canakkale Breakfast at hotel. Board the coach and head on our way to Gallipoli National Park and visit ANZAC Cove, and Lone Pine. We will then continue on to Eceabat where we will board our ferry to cross the Dardanelles to Canakkale where we will spend the night. Dinner hotel and overnight. HOTEL: Akol, Canakkale DAY 5 THU 27 SEP Troy Pergamum After breakfast we depart from Canakkale and drive towards Izmir. On the way enjoy a fascinating visit to recent excavations of ancient Troy, made legendary by Homer s story of Helen and the Trojans wooden horse. We will visit Pergamum, one of the seven churches in Asia Minor [Rev. 1:11; 2:12]. Here, we explore the impressive Acropolis, the steepest theatre in the world, see the Altar of Zeus which is mentioned as the Throne of Satan in the book of Revelation and the Library which was equal to the famous Library of Alexandria in Egypt. Dinner and overnight in Pergamum. HOTEL: Berksoy, Bergama DAY 6 FRI 28 SEP asclepieion thyatira st polycarp church izmir After breakfast we will visit Asclepieion, famous medical centre of classical times in Pergamum. Then we will make a brief stop at Thyatira to the see the ruins of an early church. Afternoon drive to Izmir. Visit St. Polycarp Church before the panoramic drive to see the highlights of Izmir. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. HOTEL: Ramada Plaza, Izmir DAY 7 SAT 29 SEP Izmir Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea Pamukkale Early morning breakfast at hotel and check out. We will then depart on our way to Sardis, one of the most picturesque areas of any of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 3:1-4;1:11]. This city was the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom of the 6th century BC, portrayed as a dying church. We visit the great Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele, which became a Byzantine Church, some ancient Lydian houses and the restored gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue. We will then continue our tour with a visit to Philadelphia, nowadays called Alasehir, which is another of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:7]. We will see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, with a bit of high arch and some 11th century frescoes. We board the bus and drive to Laodicea which once was the chief seat of Christianity. We see the ruins of theatre, an aqueduct and a gymnasium. Our last stop is Pamukkale where we check-in for dinner and overnight. HOTEL: Pam Thermal, Pamukkale DAY 8 SUN 30 SEP hierapolis Colossae Ahrodisias Kusadasi In the morning we will tour ancient Hierapolis & the calcium terraces. Visit Colossae that is unexcavated site. Continue on to Aphrodisias the city which was built near a marble quarry that was extensively exploited in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The marble sculpture of Aphrodite and the Temple of Aphrodite became famous in the Roman world. The character of the building was altered when it became a Christian basilica. After the visit we continue on to Kusadasi for check-in at hotel followed by dinner and overnight. HOTEL: Marina, Kusadasi
Itinerary DAY 9 MON 1 OCT Ephesus Kusadasi After breakfast at hotel we drive onto Selcuk and visit the ancient city of Ephesus, probably the strongest church where Paul lived and worked for a number of years. Visit the spectacular ruins, the baths of Scholastica, the public buildings, the library of Celsius, the Temple of Hadrian and the theatre. Return to Kusadasi for a visit to a carpet making factory. HOTEL: Marina, Kusadasi DAY 10 TUE 2 OCT Embarkation on Cruise Kusadasi Patmos After breakfast, transfer to Kusadasi port to embarkation on cruise at around 9.30a.m. Sail to Patmos where we arrive at 4pm or 5.45pm We disembark by tender and visit the Monastery of St John and the Grotto where the book of Revelation was written. At 9.30pm set sail after dinner for an overnight cruise to Rhodes. HOTEL: Cruise MEALS: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner DAY 11 WED 3 OCT Rhodes An early arrival into Rhodes so that you can enjoy a full day exploring this island. Rhodes town is considered one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Take an optional tour with the cruise or do your own thing. You even have enough time to hire a car and drive all the way around the island. We set sail at 6pm and cruise overnight to Crete. HOTEL: Cruise MEALS: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner DAY 12 THU 4 OCT Heraklion Crete Santorini Arrive into Crete at 7am and spend the morning there. Escorted walking tour in Heraklion centre OR optional tour to Knossos Palace. According to the book of Titus, it is apparent that Paul visited Crete at some point following his first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28). Thus, a Greek convert of Paul s (Galatians 2:3; Titus 1:4) had accompanied the apostle to the island and, in fact, was left there to assist in maturing the church, and to lend his opposition to certain false teachers (Titus 1:5-16). At 12 noon we sail for Santorini. At 4.30pm the ship will drop anchor across Santorini island. We will spend whole afternoon strolling in Fira, the capital town and enjoying the views from Caldera. Free time for shopping, ice cream or coffee at one of the local shops overlooking the Aegean Sea and the volcanic islets. Return to the ship at dinner time. At 9.30p.m. sail back to Athens. HOTEL: Cruise MEALS: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner DAY 13 FRI 5 OCT Disembarkation Athens Corinth Tour After docking at Piraeus port at around 7.30 we will enjoy the scenic drive along the Saronic Gulf and then we stop at the historic Corinth Canal for photos and refreshments. We will then visit ancient Corinth and the nearby small archaeological museum. We will see all the sites associated with Paul s ministry. We will pass by Cencreae the ancient port that he set sail for Syria (Acts 18:18) and had his hair shorn since he had a vow. We will see the ruins of local church established there by Paul, since Phoebe was the deaconess of Cenchreae. After a short lunch break we will return to Athens for free time in Plaka. We will return to hotel on our own at dinner time. Overnight in Athens. HOTEL: Crystal City Hotel, Athens DAY 14 SAT 6 OCT Athen Today will explore the city of Athens. We will start our tour with a visit to Acropolis Hill, to see Parthenon Temple, Erechteion and the Temple of Athens Nike. Here we will enjoy the breath taking views of the city overlooking the ancient agora, the Odeon and the theatre of Dionyssos. We will then walk to nearby Mars Hill where Paul preached to the Athenians and delivered his well know sermon about the Unknown God. Before return to hotel we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city to see the highlights. HOTEL: Crystal City Hotel, Athens
Itinerary DAY 15 SUN 7 OCT Athens Meteora Kalambaka Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At 8.30a.m, we will start our journey to Northern Greece. We will pass by the towns of Thebes, connected with the tragedy of King Oedipus, Lamia and Trikala. In early afternoon we will arrive in Kalambaka. After check-in at hotel we will enjoy a spectacular drive up to Meteora monasteries in the afternoon. We will visit one of the Monasteries and return to hotel for dinner and overnight in Kalambaka. HOTEL: Famissi, Kalambaka DAY 16 MON 8 OCT Meteora Berea Thessaloniki This morning we will visit another monastery before heading to Thessaloniki. We will also stop in a workshop to see how icons are made. After a short lunch break we will depart from Kalambaka and drive to Berea. at We will see the site of the Byzantine mosaic monument commemorating the preaching of Paul. We will then continue on to Thessaloniki where we arrive in the afternoon. We will drive along Via Egnatia and we will see the Rotunda (St. George s Basilica) and the Arch of Galerius. We will also see the White Tower and St. Demetrius Church which is dedicated to the patron saint of the city. Check-in at hotel followed by dinner and overnight. Optional Italy Extension DAY 19 WED 10 OCT Arrive Rome Fly from Athens to Rome. Settle in to our hotel and remainder of day free to explore Rome at your leisure. Visit the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and of course, sample a gelato! MEALS: Breakfast DAY 18 THU 11 OCT End of Tour Full day visit to Pompeii a Roman town frozen in time, thanks to a devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Explore houses from modest to majestic; see Roman shops and baths as they would have been in Paul s day. DAY 19 FRI 12 OCT Free Day Rome Free day. Option to visit Vatican City or the Catacombs, or take a walking art tour of Rome s ancient churches and the Pantheon. HOTEL: Tobacco Hotel, Thessaloniki DAY 17 TUE 9 OCT Kavala Philippi Thessaloniki Today we drive along the Via Egnatia to reach Philippi. Paul visited this city on his second missionary journey (49-51 AD) it was the first congregation in Europe. Later he sent his Philippian letters from here, which became part of the New Testament. We will also see the river where the first European lady, Lydia was baptized. Continue back to Thessaloniki for our last night in Greece. HOTEL: Tobacco Hotel, Thessaloniki DAY 18 WED 10 OCT End of Tour Check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport in Thessaloniki for our flight to Athens, and then home. If you are continuing for the Italy extension you will fly from Athens to Rome DAY 20 SAT 13 OCT Rome Touring Guided tour of the Colosseum, followed by the Mammertine Prison where Paul was held. Continue to ancient church called St. Paul ala Regola; in this church you can visit the room where St. Paul wrote part of his letters. Today the room has been transformed into a chapel. DAY 21 SUN 14 OCT Tour Ends Enjoy the morning at leisure. We have a lunchtime pickup from hotel for transfer to Rome s International Airport for your flight home. MEALS: Breakfast MEALS: Breakfast
Tou r Cos ts TOUR PRICE Inclusions Full tour includes flights Melbourne-Istanbul/Athens or Rome-Melbourne flying Emirates Domestic flight from Thessalonica to Athens incl 23kg bag 13 nights accommodation at 3* superior hotels in Greece & 4* hotels Turkey as specified in the itinerary Daily Buffet Breakfast & Dinner at hotel English Speaking escorted group transfers on arrivals at ports/ airports & departures from ports/airports in Istanbul/Athens and Thessalonica. All land transportation by private FULLY air conditioned luxury insured motor coach with experienced driver in Turkey & Greece. Port taxes & tips for cruise All sightseeing tours with the services of local professional English speaking Bible oriented tour guides in Turkey and Greece. 4-day Cruise to Greek Islands & Turkey based on sharing INSIDE or OUTSIDE (pay upgrade) cabin with private facilities; Including ALL meals on board and free use of ship s facilities. 2 shore excursions in Patmos and Rhodes during the cruise including bus transportation, English speaking tour guide and entry fees. Silver drink package on board the cruise. English speaking escort assistance throughout the cruise. Entrance fees to the historical/archaeological/biblical sites as specified in the itinerary. Whisper sets during the tours in Turkey, Greece and Italy. Not included Visa for Turkey to be issued online www.evisa.gov.tr/en Lunches, drinks and beverages not mentioned as being included Travel insurance Italy extension includes Flight from Athens to Rome 4 nights accommodation in Rome Airport transfers to/from Rome airport Breakfast daily 2 dinners in local restaurants All touring per the itinerary Tipping for guide/drivers AUD Greece/Turkey tour including airfares $6,599.00 Greece/Turkey tour land only (no airfares) $4,959.00 Italy extension $1,430.00** Single supplement (Greece/Turkey) $1,120.00 Upgrade to outside cabin on cruise $325.00 TOLL FREE 1300 554 654 MORE INFORMATION www.missiontravel.com.au/new-testament2018