Today, we depart San Francisco or Pittsburgh to connect to our overnight flight to Istanbul. We enjoy in-flight movies, dinner and breakfast.

Upon arrival to the Istanbul Airport, we will meet our guide in the arrivals hall and head to our hotel located near Taksim Square. Dinner and Overnight in Istanbul.

After enjoying our Turkish breakfast, we depart from our hotel and begin our tour of the historical highlights of Istanbul. First, we will stroll through Hippodrome Square, the former sporting and social center of Constantinople that hosted chariot races during the Roman period. Afterwards, we are off to witness the incredible majesty and splendor of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Popularly known as the Blue Mosque, this 17th century Ottoman sanctuary is adorned with six minarets and more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. And then we will walk directly across from the mosque to visit the domed masterpiece of the Hagia Sophia before we head to Topkapi Palace. Located on the very cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace is the former abode of Ottoman Sultans that still houses their legion of treasures, including an extensive collection of royal jewels. Then, we will end our day with an evening of shopping at 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 in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we will drive to Akhisar and end our day with a visit to Thyatira, one of the Seven Churches praised for its increasing faith but admonished for its tolerance of Jezebel (Rev. 2:18-28). continue on to the town of Bergama to visit Pergamum, one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. Today, we will tour the Acropolis which sits atop a 1000-foot windswept mountain, offering a view of the neighboring modern towns, the azure waters of the Aegean, and the ruins of Pergamum that cascade down from the ancient city center. Here, we will explore the Temple of Trajan, Temple of Athena and the Altar of Zeus. If the time permits, we will explore the Asklepion. Allegedly one of the world’s first full-service health clinics, the Asklepion was the ancient world’s version of a spa, attracting health pilgrims from all over the region, including Roman Emperors Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. Moreover, the physician Galen trained at this center and developed the foundation for modern Western medicine. Continue to Izmir. Dinner and Overnight in Izmir.

This morning, we will visit the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Smyrna. Located in modern day Izmir, Smyrna was one of the Seven Churches that the Apostle John relays the promise from God: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10). Afterwards, we will visit Sardis, a militarily strong ancient city located along an important highway and among the fertile plains of Hermus (Geldiz River). Though Sardis was a powerful and wealthy city with a reputation for being alive, God announced that it was actually dead (Rev. 3:1-6). Then, we will head to the modern town of Alasehir and visit the site of ancient Philadelphia, the Church which received God's highest commendation (Rev. 3:7-13). Here, we will see the remains of a brick built Byzantine Basilica adorned with 11th century frescoes. En route to Pamukkale, we will visit the ancient city of Laodicea. This city was one of the Seven Churches that the Apostle John chastised the inhabitants for being lukewarm (Rev. 3:14-22). Here, we will see the site’s well preserved stadium, gymnasium, and theatres, giving us insight into this city’s former prominence. Dinner and Overnight in Pamukkale.

Today, we will visit Pamukkale, “Cotton Castle”, and dip our feet in the thermal waters that flow down the hilltop’s unique white travertine terraces. Here, we will also visit the archeological remains of Hierapolis, a significant site of early Christianity thanks to Paul’s missionary efforts here (Colossians 4:13). Because the city sits atop the travertine cascades of Pamukkale (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hierapolis became a healing center wherein the site’s thermal pools were used to treat various ailments. continuing on to Ephesus. Located in the modern town of Selcuk, ancient Ephesus is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Originally an ancient Greek Ionic city built in the 10th century B.C., Ephesus grew to become the largest metropolis and capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

After breakfast, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary to see where the mother of Jesus is believed to have spent the last days of her life with the Apostle John. Before returning to Izmir Airport, we will stop at the ruins of St. John’s Basilica. Constructed by Justinian I in the 6th century, this Basilica stands over the believed burial site of John the Apostle. We then drive to the Izmir Airport and fly to Thessaloniki via Istanbul. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Today, we will drive along the ancient route of the Apostle Paul to Amphipolis (Acts 17:1). Journey to ancient Philippi, which was named after the father of Alexander the Great. This busy Roman colony boasted a great library and theater. In Philippi, Paul preached, established the first Church in Europe, and was to whom he wrote one of his epistles while imprisoned in Rome (Acts 16:11-40; Philippians). It was in this area that Paul met Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She and her household accepted Christ and were baptized in the nearby river (Acts 16:11-15). Next, continue to Kavala, ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16:9-11). Return to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

This morning, we will depart our hotel to visit the city and see the white tower, the Arch of Galerius, and the Byzantine Churches of St Demetrios and St Sophia. Continue to drive to Veria (Beroea of the New Testament), where Paul and Silas were sent by friends after being accused of treason in Thessaloniki (Acts 17:5-15). Visit the BEMA where Paul is said to have stood and preached the Gospel to the local community. Continue to Kalambaka. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

Today, we will see the famous hanging monasteries situated atop vast rocks, the 14th-century monasteries compose one of the most breathtaking sites in the world. Inside the monasteries, discover many historical and religious treasures. Continue to Athens. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, will have a short drive to Ancient Corinth to visit the site where the Apostle Paul worked for 18 months with tent makers Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-18).We will have a stop at the handmade Corinth Canal before driving back to visit the most important and famous sites in the city. We will visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, Areopagus, and Mars Hill where the Apostle Paul delivered his well-known sermon. We will also have a panoramic tour to see the Parliament House, the Academy ,Omonia Square and Panathenaic Stadium Kalimarmaro . We will end our day in the Plaka area at the foot of Acropolis where we will enjoy some free time to explore at our leisure. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo.  Upon arrival, we will met the guide and transfer to our hotel for check in. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.

Today, we enjoy a full day excursion, beginning at Giza where we will explore the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We will visit the Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest pyramid in the world before continuing our visit at the Pyramids of Chephren and Mykerinos, learning about the architectural significance and history of these incredible structures. Before leaving the Giza Plateau, we will see The Great Sphinx, one of the most enigmatic sculptures in the world. We continue our exploration at the Sakkara pyramid, an astonishing stepped tomb known as Egypt’s oldest pyramid. We then end our day at Memphis to discover the UNESCO-listed ruins of ancient Egypt’s capital. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.

After breakfast, we begin our tour of bustling Cairo. We step back through the millennia at the Egyptian Museum, admiring Tutankhamen’s gold treasures and marveling at ancient mummified animals and pharaohs at the Royal Mummy Halls. After a break for lunch, we visit the Mohammed Ali Mosque at the Citadel of Saladin, and barter for souvenirs at the endearingly chaotic Khan El Khalili bazaar. Farewell dinner and overnight in Cairo.

We bid farewell to Egypt and transfer to the Cairo Airport for our flight home.