The Archaeology of Paul in TurkeyFeaturing the culture, archaeology and significant monuments of Turkey Turkey | September 18 - 30, 2012 |
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Follow in the footsteps of Paul as we journey through a land of history and legend to experience some of the most important Biblical and historical sites in the world. Join scholar Dr. Mark Wilson, author of Biblical Turkey, on a journey of discovery and and scholarship through the ancient world of one of the Bible’s most influential figures.
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ItinerarySept 18 Tue | Depart New York — Fly Istanbul
Sept 19 Wed | 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 stroll
through the colorful spice bazaar — famous the world over for its exotic
spices and sweets. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (D)
Sept 20 Thurs | Byzantium— Constantinople — Fly Antalya
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. Following
our visit we will transfer to Istanbul airport for our flight to Antalya. Dinner
and overnight at the hotel in Antalya. (B,D)
Sept 21 Fri | Attalia — Perga — Aspendus
Our day begins 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. Return to Antalya for dinner
and overnight at the hotel. (B,D)
Sept 22 Sat | Myra — Andriake — Patara — Kalkan
Our morning begins with a breathtaking drive along the Mediterranean
coast, after which we will arrive at the ancient site of 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, and see the newly discovered
4th-5th synagogue. We will then continue on to Patara, which features a
beautiful theater and lighthouse. Dinner and overnight in Kalkan. (B,D)
Sept 23 Sun | Xanthos — Aphrodisias — Pamukkale
Our morning begins with a visit to ancient Xanthos. Designated a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Xanthos was ancient Lycia’s largest
and most important city. We’ll then continue on to Aphrodisias, where
archaeological excavations led by the New York University have unearthed
some of the finest examples of Hellenistic statuary in the world.
The site features the best-preserved stadium in Turkey as well as the
famous temple of the city’s namesake: Aphrodite, the goddess of love
and beauty. We will also have the opportunity to visit the newly opened
museum of Aphrodisias, which features sculptures from the imperial cult
sanctuary - the Sebasteion - among its treasures. Later we will drive to
Pamukkale for dinner and overnight. Swimming is available at the hot
spring pool of your hotel. (B,D)
Sept 24 Mon | Hierapolis — Laodicea — Colossae — Pamukkale
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. Paul wrote two
letters to this city—Colossians and Philemon. Dinner and overnight in
Pamukkale. (B,D)
Sept 25 Tue | Miletus — Didyma — Priene — Kusadasi
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 — the road that linked Miletus
to this ancient oracle site. The site of Didyma includes the Temple of
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)
Sept 26 Wed | 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 the magnificent, 24,000-person theater where the riots
described in Acts 19 took place. 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 Izmir (B,D)
Sept 27 Thurs | Kusadasi — Smyrna — Izmir
This morning we journey to ancient Sardis, the capital city of the powerful
Lydian empire and location of one of the largest known synagogues
from antiquity. This magnificant site also features a temple dedicated to
the goddess Artemis, a beautifully restored gymnasium and Byzantineera
shops. We’ll then proceed to the glittering seaside city of Izmir (ancient
Smyrna), Turkey’s third-largest city. We will have the opportunity
to explore the ongoing excavations of the agora and acropolis of this
site. We will then experience some of Izmir’s modern, vibrant life as we
stroll along the famous seaside street of Kordon and through Alsancak —
one of Izmir’s most lovely districts. Tonight, we will dine under the stars
at one of Izmir’s most beautiful outdoor restaurants. Overnight in Izmir.
(B,D)
Sept 28 Fri | Pergamum — Assos
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.
Continue to Assos for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Sept 29 Sat | Assos — Troy — Istanbul
This morning we will begin with by exploring Assos, the city where
Aristotle open his famous Academy before having to flee to Macedonia
during the Persian invasion. We’ll see the remains of the city’s temple
dedicated to Athena before we continue on to the legendary city of Troy,
made famous in Homer’s Iliad. After our visit we will make our way back
to Istanbul, crossing the Dardanelles by car ferry. Dinner and overnight
in Istanbul. (B,D)
Sept 30 Sun | Istanbul Airport — Fly back to New York
Today we conclude our wonderful adventure in the land of legend and
hospitality as we transfer to the Istanbul airport for our flight back to the
U.S., arriving in New York the same day. (B)
![]() TOUR HOST
Mark Wilson combines thorough knowledge of the Bible with an intimate familiarity with Turkey’s historic sites. Mark Wilson is the director of the Asia Minor Research Center in Izmir, Turkey. Mark received his doctorate in Biblical Studies from the University of South Africa (Pretoria), where he serves as a Research Fellow in the Department of Old Testament and Biblical Archaeology. He is currently Visiting Professor of Early Christianity at Regent University and leads field studies in Turkey for several universities and seminaries. He is the author of Charts on the Book of Revelation, the revising editor of The Cities of St. Paul, editor of Constantinople and the Scenery of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor and the author of “The Book of Revelation” in the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary. Professor Wilson also served as a consultant for “The First Christians” in the History Channel’s “Lost Worlds” series.
![]() This travel program is run by Tutku Tours and is endorsed by the Biblical Archaeology Society.
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