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Footsteps of the Apostles Tour

14 Day Türkiye/Greece Footsteps of the Apostles Tour – April 9th- April 22nd, 2024

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14 Day Türkiye/Greece Footsteps of the Apostles Tour Itinerary 

April 9th -April 22nd , 2024

Please note that due to local conditions changes may be made to the itinerary before or during the time of travel.

Day 1

Tuesday, April 9th – Meet our tour group in Houston (IAH) by 5 pm (if possible arrive by 4 pm at the latest) for a 8:35 pm Türkish Airlines flight 034 departure for our flight to the land of Greece and Türkiye arriving 4:30 pm at Istanbul on the 10th. We then connect at 6:50 pm with TK flight 1845  to Athens arriving 8:15 pm.

Day 2

Wednesday, April 10thATHENS, GREECE -Arrive at Athens airport 8:15 pm, meet our guide and our bus driver, and enjoy overview of the city by night by bus. Check-into the Herodion Hotel for dinner and a good night’s rest.

Day 3

Thursday, April 11th  – ATHENS and CORINTH, GREECE– Morning visit to the Athenian Museum to explore its archaeological treasures. Then, we drive to the site of ancient Corinth, background for the two Pauline epistles to the Corinthians, to see the modern Corinthian canal, tour the Museum of Ancient Corinth, the temple of Apollo, the Bema, and the agora and bathhouse. Return to Athens and overnight at the Herodion Hotel

Day 4

Friday, April 12 th – ATHENS, GREECE/ Flight to IZMIR– Tour of Mars Hill (Aeropagus), site of the Apostle Paul’s speech to the Athenian philosophers (Acts 17), the Acropolis with its Parthenon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and the Acropolis Museum. We continue at the remains of the ancient Athenian Agora (marketplace) where Paul spent time while in Athens. At 4:15 pm, we take a flight to Izmir. Arrive Izmir at 5:20pm. Check-in to Movenpick Hotel in Izmir (ancient Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor).

Day 5

Saturday, April 13th WESTERN TÜRKIYE – – Today we begin our day touring the site of ancient Pergamum, another of the seven cities(Rev. 2:12-17), to explore the Temple of Demeter, Bergama Acropolis, and its theatre. Next we will drive to Thyatira, the next city in our tour of the seven churches (Rev. 1:11; 2:18-29; cf. Acts – We then overnight at the Movenpick Hotel in Izmir.

Day 6

Sunday, April 14th  – WESTERN TÜRKIYE – – We drive to the ancient remains of Smyrna (Citadel of Alexander the Great and the Roman Forum). Next we will journey to the site of the ancient church of Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13) and afterward to Sardis, berated by the Apostle John for its pretense of spiritual strength (Rev. 3:1-6). We will tour its massive Temple of Artemis, white marble “Royal Road”, and the remains of the Jewish synagogue. In the afternoon we will travel to Palmukkale to view the magnificent natural calcium formations. Here people came to receive healing at the thermal pools (see Col. 4:13). We stay near Palmukkale at the Doga Hotel.

                                                                      

 

 

 

 

Day 7

Monday, April 15th   –  WESTERN TÜRKIYE – We visit Hierapolis and Philip’s Tomb. We continue to Laodicea, another of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation (Rev. 3:14-22), famous for its censure for being “lukewarm” (Rev. 3:14). We will tour the largely unexcavated site of the amphitheater and discuss the message to the Laodicians which included Jesus words: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock …” (Rev. 3:20-21). – We overnight again at the Korumar Hotel in Kusadasi (sea view rooms)

Day 8

Tuesday, April 16th  – PATMOS, GREECE – We take a ferry to Patmos for a day trip where we will tour the Greek Orthodox monastery of St. John the Divine built over the cave where tradition says John penned the Book of Revelation. After our own recounting of the character and contents of the Apocalypse and an explanation of John’s prophecies in our modern experience, we will enjoy the remainder of the morning to mid-afternoon at leisure on the island (swimming or sunning on the beach, rent motor bikes and traverse the island, or shop). In the late afternoon we will take a private ferry from Patmos to the Turkish port of Kusadasi. Return to overnight at the Korumar Hotel.

Day 9

Wednesday, April 17thWESTERN TÜRKIYE –  Our morning begins with a tour of the ancient site of Ephesus, the first city of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 1:11; 2:1-7) and one of the most extensive archaeological excavations of the ancient world. As we walk down its marble covered streets we will visit its temples, its amphitheater (which can still hold 24,000 spectators), gymnasiums, bath houses, and especially its partially restored Celsius Library, another of the seven wonders of the ancient world, ending with a visit to the 6th century A.D. Church of St. John. Return to overnight at the Korumar Hotel.

Day 10

Thursday, April 18thWESTERN TÜRKIYE – We visit MILETUS a seaport town and the ancient capital of Ionia, about 36 miles south of Ephesus. On his voyage from Greece to Syria, Paul touched at this port, and delivered that noble and pathetic address to the elders (“presbyters,” ver. 28) of Ephesus recorded in Acts 20:15-35. – Evening flight to Cappadocia and check into the Crown Plaza Hotel

Day 11

Friday, April 19th   –EASTERN TÜRKIYE -CAPPADOCIAGoreme Rock Churches, Optional opportunity for an early morning balloon ride to see the churches from above. Next, tour the ancient Underground City and explore the local shops. Overnight at the Crown Plaza Hotel.

Day 12

Saturday, April 20th  – EASTERN TÜRKIYE – CAPPADOCIA– Today we visit the Ihlara Valley Rock Churches with their unique history, architecture and images. Overnight again at the Crown Plaza Hotel.

Day 13

Sunday, April 21stWESTERN TÜRKIYE – Morning Flight to Istanbul – Visit the famed Hagia Sophia (early center of the Eastern Christianity), the Hippodrome, Hagia Irene, and explore the world famous Istanbul Archaeology Museum where biblical and ancient historical treasures are housed. Overnight at the Movenpick Golden Horn Hotel.

Day 14

Monday, April 22ndWESTERN TÜRKIYE -Early morning (8:15am TK133)non-stop flight to Houston (IAH) on Türkish Airlines with wonderful memories of the footsteps of the Apostles.

You are signing up for the Footsteps of the Apostles Tour for April 9th though April 22nd, 2024 cost $4039 Land Only (Book your own International Air- See Itinerary)/ One Form per person / $500 Deposit per person (couples/families can send combined check): Send Check made out to World of the Bible Ministries to PO Box 827, San Marcos, TX, 78667-0827. Please fill out form online and press submit button at the bottom of the form. Please read important tour information below registration form.

Tour Information

Tour Cost

Footsteps of the Apostles Study Tour – April 9th – April 8th, 2024

14 Days –  Price* $4039 Land Only

(Please note group air is unavailable but we can guide you for the personal booking of flights to get you to Greece/Türkiye about the same time as the group air and you will pay WBM a Land Only price of $4039), *Total Land Only price includes Internal flights in Greece/Turkey, 4 star Hotels with half board (Breakfast and Dinner),and all Guide/Bus/Tips cost.  Single supplement is plus $780. Price given is cash price (payment by check). Credit Card can be accepted but with 3 percent upcharge.

NOTE: A travel insurance medical policy is recommended at a minimum and not included in pricing. You can get an idea of of “medical only” policy cost or a total travel insurance policy by doing an estimate from https://faithventures.com. https://worldtrips.com is also another source. Choosing full trip cancellation insurance (along with the medical policy) raises insurance costs significantly. Also, for full trip cancellation insurance see also https://worldnomads.com (under 70).

A full cancel for any reason policy that seems to be the most reasonable can be looked at: https://battleface.com

You should sign up for a policy within two weeks of registration for best coverage.

Trip Payment, Cancellation & Refund

Full payment is due upon registration. Cancellations in writing and confirmed by phone (512-557-3140) received on or before January 15th will receive a full refund less $100 cancellation per person and administrative fee. Cancellations in writing after full payment will be subject to refunds based on the refund/credit policies of the respective airline carriers and ground operators to which payments for services have been paid. In most cases a percentage of monies may be debited by these providers. Interruption of trip for any reason will be subject to regulations imposed by respective providers. World of the Bible Tours, and Tuktu Tours assume no responsibility for refunds on any unused portion of the trip. Trip Insurance is recommended for protection in case of cancellation issues. Payment of deposit is indication of agreement with all the tour terms listed.

Meals

Meals are half-board (breakfast and dinner) daily within the hotels or guest houses, or outside restaurants as scheduled by the Tour Director. Lunch is not included, although time for a brief lunch break will be provided. At such times all food and beverage purchases are the sole responsibility of the participant. Missed meals (for whatever reason), substitution meals, and additional food and all beverage purchases at scheduled meals, room service, food items in store in the room, etc. are the sole responsibility of the participant. Snacks or meals at any time on the tour or in transit to the tour are the participant’s responsibility.

Tips for Services and Porterage

Tips to the bus driver, the tour guide, hotel staff, restaurants and miscellaneous people are included in the package price. Generally, this tip amount, which is specified on the Registration form, is paid within your final payment as Dr. Price tips for the whole group. Porterage is provided for one bag only between designated carriers upon arrival at foreign destination hotels. Excess luggage should follow the recommended tip schedule of $1 per bag. Each participant is responsible for their own luggage to and from tour arrival and home departure airports. Weight allowances vary with airlines and each participant is responsible for obtaining correct information from their carrier and for paying excess pounds. Carriers are now typically charging $100 for the second checked bag either way.

Responsibility

World of the Bible Tours, Tuktu Travel, its tour hosts, and any other sponsoring organizations, designated persons, airlines and their representatives, act only in the capacity of agents for passengers in matters relating to all means of conveyance, lodging, and all other services in relation to tourism domestic and foreign, and as such hold themselves free of responsibility for any damages from any causes whatsoever and assume no liability for any injury, delay, loss, or accident occasioned by equipment defect, fault or negligence of any person(s) or company entrusted with fulfilling the services and/or arrangements of the tour. We furthermore accept no responsibility for inconveniences or expenses caused by delays, changes of any kind, or other conditions that may affect the passenger in any way. We reserve the right to change any tour arrangement should conditions warrant (based on the judgment of the tour operators) and will attempt to substitution of equal value (as is possible in the estimation of the tour director). We also reserve the right to decline, accept or retain any person as a member of the tour for any reason. In such cases refund for the unused portion of the tour will be made according to the refund policy as set forth in this document. We are also not to be held responsible for any event, act or omission occurring while passengers are under the control of scheduled or unscheduled conveyances. The passage contract in use by such carriers shall constitute the sole contract between these carriers and the purchaser(s) and/or passenger(s) of this tour. These terms and conditions apply from the moment of registration and payment of deposit and remain in effect until the conclusion of the tour and return to Newark or other International departure point.

Accommodations

Accommodations in destinations of travel are in four- or five-star hotels. All rooms are double occupancy. Triple occupancy is possible at a reduced charge but is not necessarily recommended. Single Occupancy rooms are available at the additional rate specified on the Registration form. Participants who join the tour without a roommate will have a roommate assigned. In the event that no roommate is available before the final payment is due the participant must pay the single supplement rate. Any substitutions or alteration of these arrangements during the tour due to personal preference and other reasons are the sole responsibility of the participant.

Insurance

Insurance is not included for any losses whatsoever. Please purchase your own insurance for trip cancellation, life and health, and any other coverage required (there are several tour insurance web sites to compare prices at).

Other Expenses

Costs and tips to porters, taxi drivers, and restaurant wait staff for personal services are not included in the group tipping program, beverages not included with meals (bottled & mineral water, coffee & tea [included at breakfast only], soft drinks, laundry, personal items, and other conveyance fares not specified as a part of the tour package, or any other item or expense not detailed in the terms above are also the sole responsibility of the tour participant.

Transportation

Transportation is usually provided by our agent Tuktu Tours or their agents. Tour rates usually include international air transportation between USA and Tel Aviv (except for fuel surcharge subject to change) but can be modified to Land Only rate if requested or required if group air requirements are not met (flights purchased by participant(s) under Land Only arrangement are their sole responsibility), transfer to and from the airport, conveyance within countries, between hotels and tour sites by bus.

Domestic Air fares from home cities to International departure airport are the sole responsibility of each Participant except when included with additional cost by mutual agreement prior to final payment.

Prepare For Your Tour

Included in the tour costs is our extensive TOUR PREPARATION TIPS, a 26-page PDF guide with all the information you need  to get ready for your Israel tour.

Additional recommendations available for purchase:

The Stones Cry Out (book) introduces you to the places and personalities involved in revealing biblical history. Read about and see exclusive photos of the sites you will visit on our tour. Many charts and diagrams also help you get a grasp of the various historical time periods and new archaeological discoveries.

The Stones Cry Out DVD takes you on an archaeological journey hosted by Dr. Price letting you preview many of the places you will experience on the tour.

Our WORLD OF THE BIBLE TOUR MANUAL, a two-volume 1,000 page, illustrated guidebook compiled by Dr. Price is available on CD as a PDF as an optional resource to help you maximize your tour (only available after registration)!

I am not sure I can pinpoint one word that could describe the trip. My first time being there, it was just so surreal, I loved everything we got to see. I loved how our Israel guide and Randall backed everything up with scripture. It was a great trip- I am still processing everything! Also met some new people who are friends for life. I look forward to returning soon!

Christina J.

We had an amazing time on the tour! Everything was so well organized, very comfortable hotels, loved Kenny’s informative talks, Randall’s wealth of detail from the Bible and archaeological knowledge, enjoyed the “surprise” activities not shown on the tour itinerary. It was so nice to spend the night the Dead Sea Hotel and have two nights at Petra, and 7 nights in Jerusalem! We loved the numerous locations, many more than our previous tour of Israel!

Rachel K.

Our trip was perfect !!! I am a picky traveler …. I always told my husband we were travel snobs because we liked traveling in comfort, and this trip did not disappoint! My favorite part of the trip was Randall’s scripture reading and mini sermons! I could not have gone with any other tour and had nearly the experience. The hotels were wonderful, the pace of the days was perfect, Kenny, our tour guide, was excellent, and our travel companions are my new friends.

Julaine C.