Ephesus
Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 1:11). In ancient days, Ephesus was a bustling port town of 250,000, graced with wide, colonnade bordered streets. Today you will be impressed with the spectacular excavations of the major streets of ancient Ephesus. You’ll view the Library and the huge Agora. The Temple of Artemis was declared one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, only a single column remains to mark the site. You’ll visit the Basilica of St. John, traditional site of his grave. From the basilica, enjoy a commanding view of the area. You’ll visit the Museum of Ephesus for an up-close look at artifacts from the ancient city.
THE PLACES YOU'LL EXPERIENCE...
Athens
Enjoy the architectural splendors of the ancient city of Athens as you follow your guide to the world renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon, and the Erechtheum. View Mars Hill where the apostle Paul stood and said, “I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you” (Acts 17:23). See the Agora, the ancient market place and center of the Athenian public life. Here the apostle Paul preached “Jesus and the Resurrection” (Acts 17:18) to the skeptical Athenians.
Corinth
In Corinth, the city where Paul met Aquilla and Priscilla, the tent makers, and where the Lord spoke to Paul by a vision saying, “I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city” (Acts 18: 10). Here, Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue believed in the Lord, and many Corinthians as well hearing Paul, believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8); thus, began the church at Corinth to whom Paul wrote two epistles.
Istanbul
You’ll visit the famous Blue Mosque, with its six minarets and sparkling interior. Walk through St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia) that, for 1000 years, was the largest church in Christendom. Built by Justinian (532-537 AD), the church has 107 columns; fossil imbedded white marble floors and beautiful glass mosaics. Today, it is the Museum of Byzantine Art. Catch a whiff of cinnamon, cloves, thyme and other exotic spices as you explore the Grand Bazaar. Over 4000 shops sell everything from herbs to gold.
The Mediterranean sea
Enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean sea. It was one of the main passageways that connected the ancient world! Feel the cool breeze off the clear blue water, as you let your mind wander in the rich history of the region.
