Legendary Turkey
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After Israel, Turkey has more Biblical sites than any other land. This beautiful country is essential in understanding the context of the New Testament, as approximately two-thirds of its books were written either to or from churches in Turkey. The three major apostles—Peter, Paul and John—either ministered or lived in Turkey. Go on the adventure of a lifetime as you navigate the ancient bazaars, walk in the footsteps of Roman emperors and Ottoman sultans, visit key archaeological sites and experience for yourself the graciousness and hospitality of the Turkish people.
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Itinerary Registration If you are unable to download this registration form, please contact the Travel/Study department at 1-800-221-4644 ext.208 Tour Price
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Footsteps of PaulFollow in the footsteps of Paul at these ancient sites throughout Turkey:
ItineraryAn incomparable journey amid the history, archaeology and culture of a sacred land September 20, 2010 | Monday
Depart USA — overnight to Istanbul 
September 21, 2010 | Tuesday
Arrive Istanbul Welcome to one of the most captivating cities in the world! Your tour guide will meet you after the customs and baggage claim with a “BAS” sign to take you to your hotel for check-in. Following a short orientation of beautiful Istanbul, we will take a leisurely private boat tour along the Bosphorus, the legendary waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, and divides Istanbul into two continents: Asia and Europe. Once the capital of two of the world’s most important empires—the Byzantine and the Ottoman—Istanbul represents the best of both in its stunning monuments, architectural wonders and world class museums. Following the Bosphorus cruise we will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (D) September 22, 2010 | Wednesday Istanbul Today we explore the wonders of Istanbul.
Beginning with the stunning, subterranean
Basilica Cistern, we move on to the Golden
Mile of the Egnatian Way, Hippodrome
Square, and the breathtaking Blue Mosque as
well as the magnificent, 1700-year-old Hagia
Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afterwards, we will make our way to Istanbul’s
Archaeological Museum—one of the most celebrated
collections in the world. Among its
treasures are the Siloam inscription, the Gezer
calendar, and the stunning “Jerusalem mosaic”
depicting Orpheus. After our visit to the
museum you will have the opportunity to
explore the wonders and sights if Istanbul’s
Grand Bazaar, a centuries-old covered market
that is a delightful sensory experience. Dinner
will give you the opportunity to sample the
best of Turkish cuisine. (B,D)
September 23, 2010 | Thursday
Kaleiçi | Perga | Aspendus | Side | Antalya Morning flight to Antalya. Our day begins here with a walking tour of the old city Kaleiçi, where we will see the harbor that Paul and Barnabas departed from, as well as Hadrian’s Gate, a beautifully preserved testament to Roman architecture. Entering through the beautiful Hellenistic gate of Perga, we’ll experience the city that Paul visited during his first journey. At Aspendus we will see the best-preserved Roman theater in Turkey, which is still used for musical and theatrical performances. We will next drive to Side to see the monumental temples to Athena and Apollo. Return to Antalya for dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B,D) 
September 24, 2010 | Friday
Phaselis | Myra | Andriake Our morning begins with a breathtaking drive along the Mediterranean coast. Following a brief stop at Phaselis to see its three harbours, we will visit Myra, with its lovely Roman theater and Lycian tombs. Today Myra is best known as the city of St. Nicholas, where he served as bishop in the fourth century A.D. After visiting Myra we will stop briefly at its harbour, Andriake, where Paul changed ships on his way to Rome. Dinner & overnight in Antalya. (B,D) September 25, 2010 | Saturday
Eflatun Pinar | Psidian Antioch | Yalvac | Pamukkale This morning we begin our day with a visit to Eflatun Pinar, the site of an ancient sacred spring. Continuing on to Yalvaç, we will visit Psidian Antioch, where it is believed Paul preached his first sermon of Acts. We will also have the opportunity to visit the imperial cult temple built by the Roman emperor Augustus, as well as an important church dedicated to St. Paul. We’ll experience the beauty of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique travertine cascades, which were formed over thousands of years by mineral-rich waters. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B,D) 
September 26, 2010 | Sunday
Hierapolis | Laodicea | Colossae This morning begins with a visit to stunning Hierapolis, perched above the white cliffs of Pamukkale where thermal waters have made it an attraction to visitors for thousands of years. Featuring the largest known necropolis in Turkey, Hierapolis is also the site of the newly excavated martyrium of St. Phillip, who is believed to have been buried here after his execution at the end of the first century A.D. Paul mentions Hierapolis in his letter to the Colossians. Next we will move on to visit the recent excavations at ancient Laodicea. From here we will continue to the unexcavated site of Colossae in the Lycus valley. It is quite possible (and generally held) that Paul wrote two letters from this city—Colossians and Philemon. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B,D) September 27, 2010 | Monday
Aphrodisias | Magnesia We begin our day with a visit to the beautifully preserved site of Aphrodisias, named for Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. Recent archaeological excavations led by the New York University have unearthed numerous statues that are some of the finest existing examples of ancient art. During our exploration of this magnificent site, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the best-preserved stadium in Turkey, the temple of Aphrodite and the lovely museum, which features statues from the Sebasteion. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B,D) September 28, 2010 | Tuesday
Miletus | Didyma | Priene A visit to Miletus this morning will include the well-preserved theater and bouleterion. It is here at Miletus that Paul delivered his speech to the Ephesian elders, near one of its four harbours. As we approach Didyma, we will see the remains of the Sacred Way that linked Miletus to this ancient oracle site. The site of Didyma includes the Temple to Apollo, considered to be the finest in the Aegean region. Continuing on to Priene, we will see the best preserved Hellenistic theater in Turkey and visit the newly excavated remains of a synagogue in the west residential district. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B,D) September 29, 2010 | Wednesday
Ephesus | Kusadasi Our morning begins with a visit to the incomparable site of Ephesus, whose most famous feature—the ancient library—will rise majestically into view as we stroll down the monumental street. Located near the modern town of Selçuk, Ephesus is considered the best-preserved classical city of the eastern Mediterranean. Paul spent nearly three years here during his third journey. As we explore the site, we’ll see the Temple of Domitian, the Temple of Hadrian, and a magnificent theater that had a seating capacity of 24,000. Our visit includes a special visit to the ongoing excavations at the terrace houses, where the elite of Ephesian society resided. We will also visit the excellent local archaeological museum and the site of the temple of Artemis, the largest religious structure of the ancient world and one of the Seven Wonders. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B,D) 
September 30, 2010 | Thursday
Smyrna (modern Izmir) | Sardis This morning we explore the ongoing excavations of the agora and acropolis of ancient Smyrna, nestled in the middle of the glittering seaside city of Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city. We’ll continue on to ancient Sardis, the capital city of the powerful Lydian empire and location of one of the largest known synagogues from antiquity. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. (B,D) October 1, 2010 | Friday
Pergamon This morning we drive north to the stunning city of Pergamon, whose ancient acropolis is perched high on a hill above the modern town of Bergama, commanding sweeping views of the Aegean. The site boasts its famous ancient library, the Trajan imperial cult temple, the steepest and most dramatic theater in Turkey, as well as the foundation of the altar of Zeus. We will also see Pergamon’s Asclepion—an ancient cultic healing center that was renowned throughout the ancient world, and where the famous second-century physician Galen trained and practiced. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. (B,D) October 2, 2010 | Saturday Izmir Airport | Departure Today we conclude our wonderful adventure
in the land of legend and hospitality as we
transfer to the Izmir Airport for our flight to
Istanbul, from where we will depart for the
U.S. (arriving the same day). (B)
Tour Features
EXCLUDING
Terms and ConditionsPayments: A deposit of $500 per person is required to secure your place on the program, along with signed application form. (Full deposit may be refunded only if Biblical Archaeology Society [BAS]/Tutku Tours withdraw the offer of the program.) Final payment is due to BAS no later than June 28, 2010. Thereafter, late fees may be issued by some land and air providers. Cancellation & Refund Policy: All cancellations for any reason and at any time must be received in writing and will be subject to a $500 per person administrative fee. Cancellation between 90-61 days of departure will be subject to additional loss of some non-recoverable sums from independent providers of land and air services. No refund is available 60 days or less prior to departure. Air tickets once issued are non-refundable. Itinerary length: Flight times are subject to change without advance notice. BAS/Tutku Tours are not responsible for changes and delays in airline schedules and cannot reimburse passengers for expenses resulting from airline delays. Because airlines often change flight times and dates at the last minute, BAS/Tutku Tours strongly recommend the purchase of domestic tickets, which can be changed without heavy fees and penalties. If airline changes flight schedules, BAS/Tutku Tours reserve the right to lengthen or shorten the itinerary accordingly, and whenever possible, you will be notified in writing. If airline changes necessitate an extra overnight, you will be charged (per night) the full cost of the hotel room. Passport Requirements: A valid passport, good for at least 6 additional months from date of return (April 2, 2011) is required of all tour members. TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Air Transportation: Round-trip flights, group economy class, scheduled from New York JFK to Istanbul. Your tickets are usually finalized and written a minimum of 45 days prior to departure in order to guarantee the fare. Once your group ticket has been written, it cannot be rewritten or refunded to the passenger by the airlines. Air transportation will be jet economy class aboard carriers which may utilize non-refundable, non-transferable tickets to/from your destination for groups flying together for the entire itinerary. Any fare increases or surcharges will be paid by the passenger. Biblical Archaeology Society (BAS) and Tutku Tours cannot be responsible for any such increases. Transfers: You will be transferred with the group between arrival airport and hotel, transfer to and from airports on September 23 and to the departure airport. Non-group flight participants must handle their own ground arrangements. Accommodations: Price is based on two persons in a room in four-star and five-star hotels. A supplemental room charge of US $600 will be applicable to individuals enrolling without a roommate. If you are interested in BAS assigning you a roommate, all attempts will be made to do so, but it is not guaranteed. All single rooms are subject to availability and are often smaller than normal twin rooms. Meals: Breakfasts and dinners included. Travel Program: Includes the services of an English speaking scholar/lecturer, local guides (where required), entrance fees and transportation to sites on deluxe coaches as listed in the program, lectures by other scholars. All entrances for activities scheduled on the tour, plus the guide services, are included throughout. Luggage: Restricted in size and shape by your airline. You may contact them if you need the specific restrictions. PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Insurance: We highly recommend that applicants purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment in the event of illness or accident. Information will be provided upon deposit. Tour deviations: All deviations from or additions to the tour may be subject to a handling and processing fee plus any out-of-pocket charges (i.e., telex, hotel cancellation charges, messenger or other fees involved). Notice: Dates, schedules, program details and costs, although given in good faith and based on information available at the time of publication of the brochure, are subject to change and revision. In the event of such an omission or substitution, no liability will be granted by BAS/Tutku Tours. All itineraries are subject to change. Prices quoted for this tour are based on a minimum group size of 15 participants and July 1, 2009 exchange rates. Responsibility: The Biblical Archaeology
Society (BAS), Tutku Tours and/or their
agents, affiliates, assignees and cooperative
agents act only as agents for the passenger
with respect to transportation, hotels and
automobile contractors. They exercise every
care possible but cannot be held responsible
for personal injury in connection with the
service of any hotel, ship, airplane, train,
automobile, horse, donkey, carriage or other
conveyance used in carrying out the tours,
nor are they responsible for delay, accident,
sickness, loss of personal property, strikes,
armed conflict, additional expenses due to
weather, disruption of advertised schedules,
refusal of visas or other causes beyond their
control. Further, the operation of vehicles
used in their tour is the full responsibility of
the companies and individuals engaged in
the conveying of passengers; said companies
or individuals are governed by the laws
of the country of operations, and recourse
for any mishap must be filed locally. Unforeseen
conditions may necessitate tour
changes and the right is reserved to make
such changes or withdraw the tour as
deemed advisable. The right is also reserved
to refuse to accept or retain any passengers
on any tour at any time for any reason.
Cooperating airlines and steamship companies
are not to be held responsible for any
act, omission or event during the time
passengers are not on board; the limit of
their liability is that of a common carrier, and
the passage contract in use by such carriers,
when issued, shall constitute the sole contract
between companies and the purchaser
of this tour and/or passenger. Acceptance of
the services of BAS/Tutku Tours, by all agents
and/or travelers constitutes acceptance by
them of all the above terms and conditions.
The program conditions become a binding
contract when your signed enrollment form
and deposit payment are received and
accepted by Biblical Archaeology Society,
Travel/Study Department. ContactIf you have any questions, please contact the Travel/Study department:
Biblical Archaeology Society Travel/Study Programs
4710 41st Street NW Washington, DC 20016-1700 USA |
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