CARDINAL SUENENS CENTER - John Carroll University

Turkey and Greece 2010

Departure from Cleveland Hopkins Airport, June 14, 2010
Return to Cleveland June 25, 2010

12 days Cost: 3650 US$

Western civilization and Christianity were born in Greece and Turkey. We begin our voyage in Turkey with a visit to Istanbul where early church councils were held and where Christianity was rooted during the reign of the Emperor Constantine. We visit the extraordinary ruins at Ephesus where the Apostle preached to the Ephesians and then travel to Athens, Patmos, Meteora, Delphi, Crete and Santorini in Greece for a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

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June 14, Monday: We depart Cleveland for Istanbul, Turkey

June 15, Tuesday: After our transatlantic journey, we arrive in the exotic and sophisticated city of Istanbul and we are met by our guide who will introduce us to sites on our way to the Marmara Pera, our hotel. A relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus is planned for the afternoon followed by supper at the hotel. (D)

June 16, Wednesday: After breakfast, we set off for a full day of sightseeing to the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and Haggia Sophia, built by the Emperor Constantine in the Fourth Century. (B; Dinner on our own)

June 17, Thursday: A half day sightseeing to the Chora Museum and the Grand Bazaar. Afternoon free. (B, D)

June 18, Friday: We take a flight from Istanbul to Izmir, spend the day in magnificent Ephesus where the Apostle Paul spoke to the Ephesians and visit the site where tradition holds that Mary, the mother of Jesus, died. Overnight in the beautiful seaport town of Kusadasi. Hotel: Pine Marina. (B,D)

Photos (l to r): Turkish carpets, the Chora Museum and its illustrious mosaics, the rooftop pool at the Marmara Pera Hotel.

June 19, Saturday – We transfer from our hotel to the port to begin our cruise aboard the SS Aquamarine. All cabins Category A outside. Our first stop is Patmos where we visit the Cave of the Apocalypse where tradition holds that the Evangelist John wrote his masterpieces. (B at hotel; L & D aboard ship)

June 20, Sunday – We are on board ship today and experience a taste of the culture of Greece as evident in the historic island of Crete, the center of Minoan civilization, and the stunning island of Santorini. (B, D)

June 21, Monday – We arrive in Athens today and depart via deluxe motor coach to Delphi where we visit both the Temple to Apollo (the Oracle) and the adjoining museum. We continue to our overnight at Kalambaka. (B, D) Accommodations at the Divani Meteora Hotel.

June 22, Tuesday – We visit an extraordinary monastery at Meteora, perched high above one civilization into its own heavenly civilization and then wind through the country of Greece to return to Athens, a lengthy journey. We stop for a nourishing lunch along the way. Overnight Athens at the Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel. (B, D)

June 23, Wednesday – Today we visit the Acropolis and the magnificent New Acropolis Museum. This alone would be worth a trip to Athens. Because the museum is walking distance from our hotel, we are free to spend as much time there as we like to view the art at our leisure. (B,D)

June 24, Thursday – A morning visit to the National Archeological Museum and the afternoon Free. In the evening, we gather for our last dinner together in Athens at our hotel (B,D). A slide show is also available through the New York Times

June 25, Friday – We depart from Athens and arrive in Cleveland.

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