We'd love to have you travel with us!
I hope you will join us on this remarkable journey.
Warmly,
Cindra Stackhouse Taetzsch ’82
Interim Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations
Executive Director, Wheaton College Alumni Association
Dear Friend,
We invite you to join us October 19 – 29, 2015 when we host the first Wheaton College Alumni Relations tour to Turkey. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, this is a country where ancient ruins meet bustling modern bazaars. We’ll explore the historic city of Istanbul and visit the sites of the seven churches that St. John wrote about in the book of Revelation. Traveling along the Aegean Coast, we will study John’s letters in their historic context, giving us insights into some of the ways Revelation can challenge and encourage the church today. We'll also visit locations where much of the Apostle Paul’s ministry took place.
Managing our tour is Wheaton's longtime travel partner, Footstep Ministries. The Rev. Dr. David Sparks (Wheaton College class of ’75) and Elizabeth Iliadou-Sparks have conducted more than 100 tours to Israel, Italy, Greece and Turkey. They will lead our journey with expertise, warmth, and an attention to detail for which they are renowned.
Wheaton College Alumni Relations Tour
TURKEY 11 DAYS
Istanbul & the Seven Churches of Revelation
October 19 - 29, 2015
$4,195 from Chicago
Itinerary
Day Nine
Thyatira | Pergamum
After enjoying a Turkish breakfast we depart for the artifacts of Thyatira, then on to splendid Pergamum where the great Temple of Zeus once stood. Here we tour the monuments of worship in the upper site as well as the lower portion’s Sanctuary of Asclepius, famed as a therapeutic center. Galen, the most renowned physician of antiquity after Hippocrates, was born in Pergamum. We return to Izmir for our overnight. (B,D).
Day Ten
Smyrna (Izmir)
Smyrna, noted for its delicious figs, is a vibrant coastal city that has still retained the charm of its beautiful boardwalk along the Aegean Sea. Here we recall the ministry of Polycarp who was martyred in the second century by the Romans for his faith. We visit Smyrna’s ancient agora and take in a spectacular view from one of its many Ottoman and Crusader castles. As we close our travels, we do so with a time of sharing and a farewell dinner. Overnight Izmir. (B,D)
Day Eleven
Izmir - Istanbul - Chicago
We depart Izmir for a quick flight to Istanbul to catch our plane heading back to the United States. We do so with wonderful memories of travel and new insights into God's Word.
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Day One and Two
Departure and Arrival
Depart Chicago and arrive in bustling Istanbul. Here we begin our adventure in one of the greatest cities of the world located on the crossroads of civilization. Overnight in Istanbul. (D)
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Day Five
Istanbul: Grand Bazaar - Free Day
Stroll through the Grand Bazaar with its covered streets and more than 3,000 shops to purchase a Kilim rug or some Turkish delight. Or, venture over to the Dolmabahçe Palace, home of the sultans during the 19th century. If Byzantine mosaics intrigue you, there is no better place to see them in the Church of the Holy Savior in Chora. Overnight in Istanbul. (B)
Day Six
Istanbul to Izmir
This morning we leave the hustle and bustle of Istanbul for the Aegean coastline and the ancient city of Ephesus. Our morning flight is only one hour, leaving us plenty of time to explore this ancient city where the Apostles John and Paul carried on their ministries. Here we visit the Terrace Houses with their outstanding frescoes, the church that held one of the great ecumenical councils, and the grand theater. We’ll also visit the Ephesus Museum with its Greek and Roman artifacts, including the statue of Domitian, the emperor responsible for John’s exile to Patmos. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B,D)
Day Three
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia | Hippodrome | Blue Mosque
After our orientation we set out on our first full day in Istanbul - the great city of Emperor Constantine and the monuments of the Eastern Roman Empire. We begin in the heart of the ancient forum with its hippodrome, serpent column, and Egyptian obelisk. Next we take in the expansive Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles. After visiting one f Islams' most religious sites, we make our way to Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Holy Wisdom, once the Greek Orthodox patriarchal basilica and the leading church in all Christendom. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,D)
Day Four
Istanbul: Topkapi Palace | Hagia Irene | Bosporus Cruise
The day begins with a tour of the spectacular Topkapi Palace, its Treasury, and Harem. Built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, this huge complex commands views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosporus and the Golden Horn. Just inside the gate we step into Hagia Irene to recite the Nicene Creed in the very place it was crafted. In the afternoon, we continue our tour by water as we board our boat for a cruise up the Bosporus. While in the harbor area we venture into the Spice Market to close out our day. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,D)
Day Seven
Ephesus | Pamukkale | Hierapolis
What better way to celebrate our Lord’s Day than in worship at the ancient Basilica of St. John, built over the site where it is believed John was buried. After worship, we depart for Hierapolis where we’ll see the gleaming white travertine terraces created by the thermal springs. Were these the inspiration for Jesus’ message “I wish you were either hot or cold"? Here we’ll also tour the mile-long necropolis as well as its theater, one of the best preserved in the Mediterranean world. In the afternoon, you may choose to enjoy a swim in the thermal baths of Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale. (B,D)
Day Eight
Laodicea | Philadelphia | Sardis
This morning we depart for the recently excavated ancient city of Laodicea, familiar to many as the city of the “lukewarm church” mentioned in Revelations. From here we continue to Philadelphia to read Jesus’ letter addressed to its church. After lunch we travel to Sardis with its expansive gymnasium and Jewish synagogue. Sardis was the home of King Croesus renowned for his great wealth. Again we pause to read the Scriptures and learn the lessons of Jesus. Overnight in Sart. (B,D)
Contact Us for more information on this exciting tour
We'd love to have you travel with us!
