7 SEPTEMBER – 24 SEPTEMBER 2017LED BY CHERYL MCCALLUM

Steps of PaulGreece and T rkey

TOLL FREE 1300 554 654 MORE INFORMATION www.missiontravel.com.au

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Steps of Paul - Greece and Turkey

The inspiration for this tour is a man whose own travels more than two thousand years ago changed the world forever – the apostle Paul.

Our journey follows parts of Paul’s missionary journeys where his mission was to share the gospel with the Gentiles, as well as challenge the gods of the Roman empire & Greek society. This legacy now lives on in modern Greece and Turkey today.

This tour will bring the book of Acts and the Epistles to life!

Please join us in travelling with other Christians to explore this amazing bible land!

About Cheryl McCallum

The Principal of Eastern College Australia, Cheryl McCallum, is an ordained Churches of Christ minister. She has worked at Eastern (formerly Tabor Victoria) for over 20 years in various capacities including lecturer, Head of School and Principal.

Cheryl has also worked for TEAR Australia, Urban Neighbours of Hope, and as the National Director for the Australian Evangelical Alliance.

She has served on a number of Boards and Reference groups including TEAR Australia National Board, Australian Evangelical Alliance National Board, The Bible Society in Australia (Victoria) Board, Christian Woman Magazine Reference Board, Micah Challenge Reference Group and the Sophia Think-tank.

Cheryl’s passions include bible engagement, biblical equality and women in ministry. She enjoys reading, travelling and drinking coffee. She has two adult children, two grandchildren, and worships at One Community Church in Blackburn.

Greece and T rkey

Steps of Paul u

ItineraryTHU 7 SEPTEMBER 2017:Fly to AthensAll tour participants travelling on our group flights depart in the evening bound for Athens. FRI 8 SEPTEMBER 2017:Arrive AthensUpon arrival into Athens you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your accommodation where you will spend the night. Check-in at the hotel and then rest of the afternoon free to relax or explore, before a short briefing meeting followed by dinner at the hotel.

HOTEL: Crystal City or similar in AthensMEALS: In-flight & Dinner SAT 9 SEPTEMBER 2017:Athens - Free dayToday is a free day to explore Athens before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

HOTEL: Crystal City or similar in AthensMEALS: Breakfast & Dinner SUN 10 SEPTEMBER:Athens – KalambakaBreakfast at the hotel and check-out.

At 8.30a.m, we will start our journey to Northern Greece. We will pass by the towns of Thebes, connected with the tragedy of King Oedipus, Lamia and Trikala. In early afternoon we will arrive in Kalambaka. After check-in at hotel we will enjoy a spectacular drive up to Meteora monasteries in the afternoon. We will visit one of the Monasteries and return to hotel for dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

HOTEL: Famissi or similar in Kalambaka MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner

MON 11 SEPTEMBER 2017:Meteora – Berea - ThessalonikiThis morning we will visit another monastery before heading to

Thessaloniki. We will also stop in a workshop to see how icons are made. After a short lunch break we will depart from Kalambaka and drive to Berea. Here we will have 15 minutes for devotion at the site of the Byzantine mosaic monument commemorating the preaching of Paul. We will then continue on to Thessaloniki where we arrive in the afternoon. We will drive along Via Egnatia and we will see the Rotunda (St. George’s Basilica) and the Arch of Galerius. We will also see the White Tower and St. Demetrius Church which is dedicated to the patron saint of the city. Check-in at hotel followed by dinner and overnight.

HOTEL: El Greco or similar in ThessalonikiMEALS: Breakfast & Dinner TUE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017:Thessaloniki – Apollonia – Amphipolis - KavalaBreakfast at the hotel and check-out to continue our journey eastwards until we reach Apollonia where we will see ruins of a 4th century basilica. Recently discovered tomb is dated to the last quarter of 4th century BC, however is not open to the public. We will continue on to Amphipolis to see the Lion Statue which is a 4th century BC tomb sculpture. It is believed that was set up to honour an important admiral of Alexander the Great. Our last stop will be at Kavala where we will arrive in the afternoon for check-in at hotel. Dinner and overnight in Kavala.

HOTEL: Oceanis or similar in KavalaMEALS: Breakfast & Dinner

WED 13 SEPTEMBER 2017:Kavala - Philippi - AlexandroupolisBreakfast at hotel and check-out. We depart from Kavala after a panoramic tour of the city and drive about 30 minutes to reach Philippi. Paul visited this city on his second missionary journey (49-51 AD) it was the first congregation in Europe. Later he sent his Philippian letters from here, which became part of the New Testament. We will also see the river where the first European lady, Lydia was baptized. Continue on our way towards Greek/Turkish borders for our last overnight at Alexandroupolis. Check in at hotel for dinner and overnight.

HOTEL: Alexander Beach in AlexandroupolisMEALS: Breakfast & Dinner

THU 14 SEPTEMBER 2017:Alexandroupolis – Gallipoli - CanakkaleBreakfast at the hotel and check-out. We leave Greece for a short journey as we head towards the border to make our way into Turkey. We will bid farewell to our Greek guide and driver here. After border formalities (Customs & Visa Procedures) we board the Turkish coach & meet our new local guide. Once in Turkey we will make a brief stop for lunch (at your own expense). We will then enjoy a scenic drive on the national highway on the northwest coast of Turkey. We will visit Gallipoli World War I battlefields (Lone Pine - Australian Memorial, Chunuk Bair - New Zealand Memorial, ANZAC Cove) The Nek and the Gallipoli Museum. We will then continue on to Eceabat port where we will cross by ferry the Dardanelles straights to reach Canakkale. We check-in at hotel for dinner and overnight.

HOTEL: Helen or similar in CanakkaleMEALS: Breakfast & Dinner

FRI 15 SEPTEMBER 2017:Canakkale – Troy – Troas - PergamumAfter breakfast we will depart from Canakkale and visit Troy, the home of legendary Trojan War with the replica of the wooden horse. We will then travel to Alexandria Troas and the port of Assos, both of which were included in St Paul’s missionary journeys. We will then continue our journey towards Bergama (Pergamum) for a lunch break. We will see the Red Basilica before we check-in at hotel for dinner and overnight in Pergamum.

HOTEL: Berksoy Hotel or similar in BergamaMEALS: Breakfast & Dinner

SAT 16 SEPTEMBER 2017:Pergamum – Thyatira - IzmirBreakfast and check out. We will visit the Acropolis of Pergamum and the ancient healing centre of Asclepeios, god of healing, before heading to Izmir. On our way we will make a brief stop in Thyatira to see the ruins of an early church. Continue on to Izmir for late afternoon check-in at hotel for dinner and overnight.

HOTEL: SC INN or similar in Izmir MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner SUN 17 SEPTEMBER 2017:Izmir – St Polycarp – Sardis – Philadelphia - PamukkaleEarly morning breakfast at hotel and check out. Morning visit to St. Polycarp church before the panoramic drive to see the highlights of Izmir. We will then depart on our way to Sardis, one of the most

picturesque areas of any of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 3:1-4; 1:11]. This city was the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom of the 6th century BC, portrayed as a dying church. We visit the great Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele, which became a Byzantine Church, some ancient Lydian houses and the restored gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue. We will then continue our tour with a visit to Philadelphia, nowadays called Alasehir, which is another of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:7]. We will see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, with a bit of high arch and some 11th century frescoes. Our last stop is Pamukkale where we check-in for dinner and overnight.

HOTEL: Lycus River, PamukkaleMEALS: Breakfast & Dinner MON 18 SEPTEMBER 2017:Hierapolis – Laodicea – Colossae – KusadasiBreakfast at hotel and check-out. This morning we will tour Ancient Hierapolis (martyrium of Apostle Philip, Gate of Domitian, Arcadian Way, Necropolis) & the Calcium Terraces. The therapeutic waters were known to the founders of Hierapolis and of Laodicea in 190 BC. Afterwards, it will be a short drive to Laodicea where we will see the ancient theatre, the remains of the basilica and the stone water pipes. We then pass by Colossae before arriving at hotel in Kusadasi.

HOTEL: Sozer or similar in Kusadasi MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner TUE 19 SEPTEMBER 2017:Ephesus – St John’s Basilica - Kusadasi After breakfast we will enjoy a morning visit to St. John’s Basilica where we will have 15 minutes devotion. We will stop for lunch at Bizim Ev restaurant (at your own expense). After lunch we visit Ephesus to see Baths of Scholastica, Temple of Hadrian, the Library and the Theatre. We continue our tour with a short stop in a rug making store to watch the demonstration. We will arrive back at hotel in Kusadasi at around 3pm.After dinner the guide may take us to city centre of Kusadasi to walk around and do last minute shopping. Overnight in Kusadasi.

HOTEL: Sozer or similar in Kusadasi MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner

WED 20 SEPTEMBER 2017:Kusadasi - PatmosEarly breakfast at the hotel in time to depart for port to embark on ferry at 7.00am. Bid farewell to our Turkish guide this morning as we depart Turkey. After customs formalities we will board our chartered boat for our relaxing journey to the Greek island of Patmos. We will share devotions during this trip. Upon arrival at 10.30 in Skala port our luggage will be transferred to the hotel by mini-van while the group will take the short walk to the hotel (as the streets are too narrow for a large coach).The remainder of the day is at leisure for lunch and to enjoy this typical Greek Island.Dinner at local restaurant in Patmos. Overnight at hotel.

HOTEL: Skala in PatmosMEALS: Breakfast & Dinner

THU 21 SEPTEMBER 2017:Patmos-Overnight FerryBreakfast at the hotel and check-out (leave packed suitcases with reception). At 9.00am we will commence a morning tour of the Monastery of St John and the cave of the Apocalypse. We will have 15 minutes for devotional segment at outside area adjacent to the cave. We will then return to Skala for free time for lunch. We will have free afternoon to explore or do some last minute shopping. Make your own way back to the hotel to retrieve your luggage. Dinner will be at local restaurant before embarkation on the night ferry departing at 23.55 for our journey back to the Port of Piraeus (Athens). Overnight in twin-berth inside cabins on board.

HOTEL: BLUE STAR - Overnight FerryMEALS: Breakfast & Dinner

FRI 22 SEPTEMBER 2017:Athens arrival - Athens & Corinth TourUpon arrival at 8am at Piraeus port we meet the local guide and drive on our way to Corinth.We enjoy the scenic drive along the Saronic Gulf and then we stop at the historic Corinth Canal for photos and refreshments. We will then visit ancient Corinth and the nearby small archaeological museum. Here we will share 15 minutes for devotions. After the visit we will return to Athens for a lunch break. We will then continue our tour with a visit to Acropolis Hill, to see Parthenon Temple, Erechteion and the Temple of Athens Nike. Here we will enjoy the breathtaking views of the city overlooking the ancient agora, the Odeon and the theatre of Dionyssos. We will then walk to nearby Mars Hill where Paul preached to the Athenians and delivered his well know sermon about the “Unknown God”. Before the check-in we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city to see the highlights.

Farewell dinner at hotel and overnight in Athens.

HOTEL: Crystal City or similar in AthensMEALS: Breakfast & Dinner

SAT 23 SEPTEMBER 2017:Athens DepartureEnjoy the morning at leisure. We have a pickup from hotel for transfer to Athens International Airport for your flight home.

MEALS: Breakfast & in flight SUN 24 SEPTEMBER 2017:Arrival Home

Tou r CostsBROCHURE TOUR PRICE

Per person Twin shareSingle room supplement

AUD

$5,949.00

$699.00

Inclusions- Return economy class airfares from Australia to Athens flying Etihad,

Emirates or similar

- 7 nights accommodation at 3* hotels in mainland Greece ( 4* hotel only in Alexandroupolis)

- 1 night accommodation at 3* hotel in Patmos island, Greece

- 6 nights accommodation at 3* hotels in Turkey

- 1 night on board of the night ferry from Patmos to Athens

- Daily Buffet Breakfast & Dinner at hotel (except for Patmos where dinner is at local tavern)

- English speaking escorted group transfers on arrivals at ports/airports & departures from ports/airports

- All land transportation by private FULLY air conditioned luxury insured motor coach with experienced driver in Greece and Turkey

- All sightseeing tours in Greece & Turkey with the services of local professional English speaking Bible oriented tour guides

- Entrance fees to the historical/archaeological/biblical sites as specified in the itinerary.

- Highway tolls and parking fees

- Hotel service charges and local taxes (as of 23 Sep 2016)

- 2 dinners at local tavern/restaurant in Patmos

- Private bus tour to St John Monastery and Cave of Apocalypse with local English speaking professional tour guide fees and entry fees

- One Way ferry from Patmos to Piraeus Port in twin or triple inside cabins (no meals on board)

- Kusadasi departure port tax

- Chartered ferry from Kusadasi to Patmos

- Whisper sets during the tours in Greece and Turkey (except for Patmos)

- Tips to local bus drivers, guides, escorts

Not included in above cost- All personal expenses

- In/Out porterage at hotels

- Visa for Turkey to be pre-purchased online - www.evisa.gov.tr

- Breakfast on arrival day from Patmos

- Lunches, drinks and beverages during the land tours

- Travel and Medical Health insurance

- Tips to hotel and restaurant staff

- Any other services not mentioned as being included

TOLL FREE 1300 554 654 MORE INFORMATION www.missiontravel.com.au

Price is based on a minimum of 25 passengers.