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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

INCLUDED TOUR FEATURES:

• Round-trip airfare between New York and Istanbul
• Istanbul-Antalya domestic flight
• 2 nights at Special Class Germir Palas Hotel www.germirpalas.com
• 2 nights at 5 star Dedeman Hotel in Antalya www.dedemanhotels.com
• 1 night at 5 star Patara Prince Hotel in Kalkan www.pataraprince.com
• 2 night at 5 star Colossae Hotel in Pamukkale www.colossae.com.tr
• 2 night at 5 star Korumar Hotel in Kusadasi www.korumar.com.tr
• 2 nights at 5 star Moevenpick Hotel in Izmir www.moevenpick-hotels.com
• 1 Night at 4 star Grand Assos Hotel in Assos www.grandassoshotel.com
• Sightseeing as per the itinerary
• All escorted transfers
• Daily open buffet breakfasts at hotels
• 10 dinners at hotels
• One dinner at outdoor restaurant in Izmir
• Transportation by private, air-conditioned bus
• English-speaking. professional tour guide throughout the tour
• All entry fees to the sites & museums
• Luggage portage at hotels
• Tips for the hotel and restaurant staff
• Service charges & local taxes
• Tips for the tour guide and driver ($5 per person per day for the guide - $2 for the driver)

EXCLUDED TOUR FEATURES:

• Drinks and lunches
• All personal expenses, such as alcohol and souvenirs, and any other items or services that are not listed above
• Turkish visa fee ($20.00 per person for US citizens - to be paid upon arrival before passport control)

For Registration please contact:
Anne at 202-364-3300 ext. 202

Biblical Archaeology Society Travel/Study Programs
4710 41st Street NW
Washington, DC 20016-1700
USA

Toll free: 1-800-221-4644 ext.208
Fax: 1-202-364-2636
email: travelstudy@bib-arch.org