BIBLICAL TURKEY TOUR
FOR ETS MEMBERS

JUNE 5-16, 2013

Tour Hosts: Dr. Clint Arnold & Dr. Mark Wilson

Tutku Tours wants ETS members to experience the place where much of the New Testament and early church history happened—the holy land of Asia Minor, modern Turkey. For this reason Tutku Tours, a leader in biblical tourism and a regular exhibitor at the ETS annual meetings, has put together a special low-priced, tour to make your participation possible. The June 5 to June 16, 2013, per person cost in double room, including land and Air from New York is $2,890.

Why this tour? The itinerary includes most of the Seven Churches of Revelation as well as many of the key cities related to Paul’s journeys. It also includes the locations of the early church councils of Constantinople, Nicea, and Ephesus. Plus you will be given access to areas where regular groups are not allowed to visit. Along the way you will hear from local archaeologists who will describe their latest discoveries as well as several ETS members whose research focuses on Asia Minor. Last but not least, there will be time to relax with bathing in the thermal pools of Pamukkale and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. For more information or to sign up for this one-in-a lifetime trip, visit the Tutku Tours booth #415 in San Francisco. Or if you cannot attend the annual meeting, contact info@tutkutours.com

TOUR ITINERARY:

June 5 Wed Depart from New York JFK – Direct flight to Istanbul

June 6 Thu Arrive Istanbul at 10:00 am
Our representative will meet you after the customs and baggage claim with an “ETS” sign. Meet and transfer to the city center. Visit the St Chora Church with its golden mosaics, and the famous St. Sophia Church. Then, check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (D)

June 7 Fri Istanbul
09:00 am depart from the hotel. Visit the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in the morning. Afternoon visit to the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Eirene, and Archaeology Museum of Istanbul to see the important Biblical artifacts.

June 8 Sat Istanbul – Nicaea – Canakkale
08:00 am fast ferry to Yalova. Arrive Yalova at 09:15 am. Drive to Iznik to visit Nicaea. Then, drive to Canakkale for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

June 9 Sun Troy – Alexander Troas – Assos – Pergamum – Bergama
Early departure to Troy, see the city walls and the replica of the wooden horse. Drive to Alexander Troas, and then to Assos. Continue to Bergama to visit Pergamum Acropolis and Asclepion. Dinner and overnight in Bergama. (B,D)

June 10 Mon Sardis – Smyrna - Izmir
Visit the latest excavations at Sardis to visit the Gymnasium, ancient Synagogue, and the Temple of Artemis, then drive to Izmir to visit the Smyrna Agora together with Dr. Akin Ersoy, Head of the Smyrna Excavations.
Tonight, Lecture by Dr. Mark Wilson. (B,D)

June 11 Tue Ephesus – Kusadasi
Visit the ancient city of Ephesus including the Terrace Houses. Walk up to the Cave Church which is closed to the public, and see the frescoes of Paul and Thecla. Afternoon visit to the Basilica of John and the Archaeology Museum. Tonight, Lecture by one of the Austrian Archaeologists. (B,D)

June 12 Wed Miletus – Aphrodisias – Pamukkale
Drive south and visit Miletus and its museum. Then, drive to Geyre to visit Aphrodisias and its museum. Tonight, Lecture by Clint Arnold on Colossae. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B,D)

June 13 Thu Hierapolis - Laodicea – Pamukkale
Visit Hierapolis, its Necropolis, Theater, St Philip’s Martyrium. Then, visit Laodicea and its new excations. Tonight, Lecture by Prof. Celal Simsek, Head of Laodicea Excavations. (B,D)

June 14 Fri Colossae - Pisidian Antioch – Antalya
Visit the unexcavated site of Colossae. Drive to Yalvac to visit Pisidian Antioch. Continue to Antalya for dinner and overnight. Tonight, Lecture by Nevzat Çevik, Head of Myra-Andriake Excavations. (B,D)

June 15 Sat Antalya
Visit Perga, Lunch at St. Paul Culture Center, walking tour of Attalia and the Archaeological Museum of Antalya. Tonight, Farewell Dinner and Lecture by Dr. Mark Wilson. (B,D)

June 16 Sun Departure – Fly Back to New York JFK
Transfer to Antalya Airport. Fly back to New York JFK Airport via Istanbul. End of our services.