U.S.A. • Transatlantic Flight • Istanbul, Turkey

We will take a morning flight from our various U.S.A. homes, change planes at JFK airport in New York, and arrive the following morning at the airport in Istanbul, Turkey.  Like Rome, Istanbul is built on seven hills.  Settled by the Greeks in the eighth century BC, the city was known as Byzantium.  In AD 330 the Roman emperor Constantine made it his capital and called it Constantinople.  After the western part of the Roman Empire fell, Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine Empire for a thousand years until 1453, when it was taken by the Ottoman Turks and renamed Istanbul.  

Istanbul

We will enjoy a city tour of Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia was an architectural marvel built by Emperor Justinian in AD 527. The Blue Mosque is an exquisite example of Islamic architecture built by Almet I, We will see the Hippodrome, containing an Egyptian obelisk brought to Constantinople in AD 390 from Egypt. Next, we will also visit the the Topkopi Palace and finally the unique Basilican Cistern.  If time allows, you may enjoy a fun stop at the world famous Sprice Market. Here you can browse and shop at the hundreds of stalls for souvenirs, spices and Turkish delights.  

Izmir

This morning we will visit Smyrna. Founded in the 11 century B.C it was once a Greek City on the Aegean coastline. We will see the ruins of the ancient Angora (public meeting place). We will next travel to Kusadasi (near Ephesus) where we will spend the evening,.

Ephesus

This morning we will visit Ephesus - one a Greek city on the Ionian Sea coast.  The impressive ruins date back to the 10th century B.C. The Apostles Paul spent much time in the area teaching to the Ephesians. We will visit the house of the Virgin Mary.  Many have thought that this was where she had lived and died in Ephesus. After lunch we will visit the ruins of the Basilica of John.  Overnight in Kusadasi.

Athens

Today we fly to Athens and visit the famous Acropolis and the Parthenon. We will also stroll through the ancient Agora - said to be one of the world's largest and best preserved ancient meeting place. It was here that such men as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle taught. The Apostle Paul taught the Athenians while staying in Athens on Mars Hill. Our lives still bare the deep imprint of Greece. After time for shopping and if time permits, we will visit the new Acropolis Museum.

Corinth

This morning we will travel west by bus around the Saronic Gulf, which separates Attica from the Peloponnese (the southern peninsula of Greece), crossing the famous Corinth Canal (a 4.2-mile-long channel cut between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf).   Then we will go on to Corinth to discuss the work of Paul, who lived here for one and a half years, and his two epistles directed to the Corinthian Saints as well as a stop in Eleusis.

Athens to Rome

Early in the morning we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome we hit the group running we a visit to the amazing Roman Colosseum (one the 7 Wonders on the World) was once the site of the Roman Gladiators and where the early Christians were executed. We continue on to the Forum streets to wonder at the history that is still be uncovered even today.  Included in the visit will the the Mamertine Prison which is believed to be the actual site where both Peter and Paul where held.   Afterwards we are transferred to our hotel in the city to rest before our included dinner. 

LDS  Rome Temple and Free Afternoon

Today we will transfer to LDS Temple in Rome and attend a session for those who'd like as well as visit the lovely gardens surrounding the temple. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Tour

This morning tour the Vatican, the world's smallest, yet wealthiest independent state. Your guide will start with an overview of the history of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. See the Hall of Tapestries and the Maps Gallery.  The highlight of the tour will be the Sistine Chapel, where the ceiling is covered with Michelangelo's famous paintings of the 'Creation' and 'Last Judgment.'  Then we explore St. Peter's Square, with Bernini's 284 columns, before entering St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in Christendom. See the many treasures including the golden mosaics of the apse, Bernini's bronze baldachin and the famed 'Pieta' by Michelangelo.  This afternoon you are free to enjoy the city of Rome.

Rome to U.S.A.

Today you will depart Italy for our flights back to our homes in the U.S.A.  After clearing customs, we will transfer to the domestic flights going to our local airports, arriving home tired but filled with memories of special and sacred places and all we have seen and heard―a true “trip of a lifetime.”

(itinerary is subject to change)