Turkey
New Testament Backgrounds,
Christian Origins

10 Days Plus a 4 Day Elective
2 -11 November 2020
$3,787 from New York City

4 day elective: Early Christianity in Cappodocia $1,273
returning on 15 November 2020

for more information, click on this link or call us at 781.641.4453

While enjoying the romance and beauty of the Aegean Sea, this journey will acquaint participants with the geographical and cultural settings of the New Testament and the early church communities in ancient Anatolia. It will illuminate not only places associated with the ministry of Paul in Turkey, but also identify missionary strategies Paul used to advance his ministry. It will explore the traditions of Mary and John in Turkey, with a special interest in the backgrounds of the Book of Revelation. It will explore points of contact between Christianity and Islam. Person to person learning experiences with missionaries and indigenous people will supplement extensive field trips. The pilgrimage will include morning and evening fora on historical and contemporary themes, visits with church workers and mission sites. The program will also give you plenty of free time and opportunities to become acquainted with Turkish culture on your own.

Registration Form
(Click the link to open, print a copy, fill in the blanks,
sign it and mail it to S.B.S.)

Daily Itinerary
(tentative and subject to local circumstances):
individual preferences will be accomodated when possible

Day 1 Your journey begins with your international flight from New York City (other departure cities available, prices vary).

Day 2 After arriving in Izmir, on the Aegean coast of Turkey, we will transfer to our hotel In Kucadasi for orientation and introductions. Overnight in the port city of Kusadaci.

Day 3 Today we become acquainted the Hellenistic backgrounds of the New Testament and the Ephesian context of Paul's ministry. We will visit the Selcuk Museum, the Polio aqueduct, the Issa Bey Mosque and, time permitting, St. John's Basilica. Dinner will be on your own at one of the many wonderful restaurants in Kucadasi. Overnight in the port city of Kusadaci.

Day 4 We venture into Anatolia for a full day excursion to Aphrodisias, enjoying implressive scenery along the way. In Aphrodisias, we will explore impressive and well preserved monuments, including the theatres, the stadium and the propylon. Dinner is on your own at one of the many outstanding restaurants near the hotel. Overnight in the port city of Kusadaci.

Day 5 Today's itinerary brings us to the ancient site of Ephesus. We will explore the most prominent and impressive monuments, such as the State agora, the theatre, the library of Celsus. We will walk Arcadia Street and Curetes Street and, if you elect to do so, visit the excavated and restored "slope houses." We will also visit the Church of St. Mary, where the third Ecumenical Council of Ephesus was held. Dinner is on your own at one of the many outstanding restaurants near the hotel. Overnight in the port city of Kusadaci.

Day 6 Our day beings with a drive north along the Aegean coast to Bergama, the site of ancient Pergamum, one of the seven cities of the Apocalypse. We will visit the Asclepion, the archaeological museum, the Acropolis, and view the Red Hall. Dinner is on your own, overnight in Bergama.

Day 7 After breakfast, we will make our way to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, we having a driving tour of Istanbul with stops at the Church of St. Savior, Chora and the Theodosian walls. There are wonderful restaurants in Istanbul. Dinner is on your own. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 8 Our journey begins with an orientation to Sultanahmet: the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque (if possible), Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Museum, Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar). Dinner is on your own, overnight in Istanbul.

Day 9 Today we continue to explore Christian origins as well as the rich Islamic heritage in Istanbul: Suleimaniyya Mosque, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Istanbul Archaeological Museum, Grand Bazaar (optional and time permitting).Dinner is on your own. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 10 Those on the 10 day journey transfer to the airport and return to USA. Those on the 14 day program transfer to the airport and fly to Antalya.

 

 

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Early Christianity in Cappodocia

4-Day Elective, $1,273:

returning on 15 November 2020

Registration Form
(Click the link to open, print a copy, fill in the blanks,
sign it and mail it to S.B.S.)

Daily Itinerary
(tentative and subject to local circumstances):
individual preferences will be accomodated when possible

Day 10 transfer to Istanbul Airport, flight to Antalya, Aspendos, Perga. Dinner is on your own. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 11 We journey into the interior of Anatolia, following the route taken by the Apostle Paul according to the narrative of Acts. We will visit the tomb & convent of Rumi in Iconium (Konya). Dinner is included. Overnight in Konya.

Day 12 After breakfast, we will continue into anatolia stopping in the Zelve Valley, Goreme Valley, where we will visit the impressive underground cities, featuring early Christian homes and visiting Byzantine churches along the way. Dinner is included. overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 13 Discretionary day. Overnight in Cappodocia.

Day 14 Our journey concludes with our flights back to the USA.

for more information, click on this link or call us at 781.641.4453