Wonders of Turkey and Greece Pilgrimage
March 16-27, 2011
Visiting Istanbul * Canakkale * Izmir * Ephesus * Kusadasi *
Patmos * Rhodes * Heraklion * Santorini * Athens
plus
A 3-Day Cruise to the Greek Isles
Hosted by:
- Rev. Paul Robichaud, C.S.P.
- Rev. Frank Desiderio, C.S.P.
- Rev. Lawrence Rice, C.S.P.
- Mr. Adam Dawkins
The itinerary
Wed. March 16 New York/Across the Atlantic |
Depart the New York today on board your overnight transatlantic jet flight. Enroute enjoy dinner followed by a full-length movie. |
Thurs. March 17 Arrive Istanbul |
Arrive today in Istanbul, ancient Constantinople. This city of Constantine became the "Second Rome" in the fourth century and ecumenical councils held here played an important role in the first thousand years of the Christian Church. Eastern Orthodoxy and Islam are also a significant part of the city's history. Istanbul was once referred to as the "Earth's Pearl". It is still a beautiful city and exudes an old world elegance. [Dinner included] |
Fri. March 18 Istanbul |
Your sightseeing of Istanbul today will include a visit to the Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman Sultans. Visit the Treasury containing jewel encrusted thrones, the world's largest emerald and the famous Topkapi dagger. Then to St. Sophia, originally a Christian Basilica conceived by Constantine and rebuilt by Justinina, turned into a Mosque in 1453, and in 1920 made into a museum by Ataturk for all to enjoy. You will also see the legendary Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) with its six minarets and dome of 109 feet. Then to the Archaeological Museum which houses the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great and numerous discoveries of biblical interest. Finally the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops displaying everything from souvenirs in copper and onyx to precious jewelry, antiques and Oriental carpets. [Breakfast and dinner included] |
Sat. March 19 Istanbul, Troy & Cannakale |
Depart this morning across the Dardanelles heading south to the City of Troy. Troy was settled as early as 3,000 B.C. and is the subject of Homer's ILIAD. Continue on to Canakkale for overnight. [Breakfast and dinner included] |
Sun. March 20 Canakkale, Pergaumum, Izmir |
Your first stop today will be in Pergamum. See the ruins of the famous temples dedicated to the healing gods Asklepios and Serapis, along with the Acropolis, Temple of Athens and the Trojan Temple. This city was considered diabolical by early Christians because of the many pagan temples that were here. Visit the remains of the Church of St. John, probably built in the fourth century into the so-called "Red Court." Continue to Izmir. [Breakfast and dinner included] |
Mon. March 21 Izmir, Ephesus & Kusadasi |
This morning proceed on a sightseeing tour of Izmir. The first stop will be ancient Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches in Revelation. This very important city is hidden under modern Izmir. Archaeological remains of the Agora and a 7th century Temple of Athens are visible. In the archaeological Museum you will see the head of Domitian from his temple in Ephesus, and the likeness of Flavius Damianus, an imperial priest under Emperor Septimius Severus, wearing a diadem. Continue by coach to Seljuk to visit the Archaeological Museum with its statues of Diana. Then proceed to the magnificent city of Ephesus. View the magnificent harbor and the great amphitheatre which seated nearly 25,000 people. See Marble Street, Celsus Library, the Agora, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Domitian. You will also see the Temple of Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the site of the scene of religious riots. St. Paul had founded the Church here and was also imprisoned in Ephesus. Visit the Cathedral of St. John whose later life and death are associated with Ephesus. Enroute to Kusadasi, visit “Meryemana,” the traditional site of the home of Mary, who also spent her last days there. Overnight in Kusadasi, a resort city on the coast of Turkey. [Breakfast and dinner included] |
Tues. March 22 Kusadasi, embark for cruise, Patmos |
Transfer to the pier today for embarkation on your Greek Isles cruise. Set sail for Patmos. Upon arrival in Patmos, you may visit the Grotto of the Revelation and the 11th century Monastery of St. John. Enjoy the panoramic view from this superb, fortress like complex. Cruise to the island of Rhodes. [Breakfast, lunch and dinner included] |
Wed. March 23 Rhodes |
Morning arrival in Rhodes, the legendary home of the Sun God Apollo. Sightseeing tours are available including the Mandraki Harbor, the twin deer statues that stand where the Colossus of Rhodes once guarded the harbor of antiquity, the Temple of Apollo, the stadium, the old town where you will see the Grand Master's Palace and the street of the Knights which features the Archeological Museum. Leave Rhodes this evening en route to Crete. [Breakfast, lunch and dinner included] |
Thurs. March 24 Heraklion & Santorini |
Morning arrival in Heraklion, Crete, the southernmost of the Greek Isles where a sightseeing tour is available to the Palace of Knossos, discovered in 1900 by Arthur Evans. This was the kingdom of King Minos, the site of the legendary Minotaur, later slain by Theseus, and you can see the underground corridors of the Labyrinth. Then sail to Santorini, one of the most fascinating islands in the Aegean, with its rugged, volcanic cliffs topped by brilliant white houses in the town of Thera. The view from the town is spectacular, looking down into the beautiful bay to the still active volcanic island only a few miles away. Sail on to Piraeus Harbor. [Breakfast, lunch and dinner included] |
Fri. March 25 Arrive Piraeus, Corinth & Athens |
Arrive Piraeus Harbor today where you will be met and escorted to your waiting motorcoach for the journey to Corinth. Drive along the Sacred Way of Elusian Mysteries, passing the Island of Salamis. Cross the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas. See the Isthmus where boats were once dragged over land from one sea to the other. Arrive Corinth, the most important city in the days of Paul. Visit the ruins of the ancient city where Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. See the remains of first century shops, the agora where Paul’s trial by Gallio took place, Fountain of Peirene, Temple of Apollo and The Bema. This afternoon proceed to Athens where your city tour includes the Royal Palace, the Stadium and Temple of Zeus, the Theatre of Dionysius, Mars Hill, the Acropolis with the famous Parthenon, the Agora (marketplace) where Paul spoke and Socrates’ prison. Overnight in Athens. [Breakfast and dinner included] |
Sat. March 26 Athens |
Today is at leisure for independent activities. [Breakfast and dinner included] |
Sun. March 27 Athens to New York |
All too soon your adventure is over as you transfer to the airport today in time for departure back to New York, arriving the same day. [Breakfast included] |
- PRICING: $2,399 per person
- TO REGISTER or for more information: Call 1-800-472-8547 or e-mail
