OVERVIEW
We are delighted to announce that the Brisbane School of Theology will be running a study tour of Greece and Turkiye in 2025.
Richard Gibson, the Principal of BST will be leading this tour.
ITINERARY
Late evening departure from Brisbane
Included Meals: None
Arrive in Athens (early afternoon) where you will be met and transferred to your hotel (one transfer). Remainder of the day is free to relax. Meet at 6pm for a welcome meeting followed by dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: Stanley Hotel, Athens
Hotel: Stanley Hotel, Athens
Included Meals:
D
After breakfast at the hotel meet with your guide. We will climb up to the marble-capped Acropolis and visit the famous Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Then, we go to nearby Mars' Hill (or Areopagus) to read Acts 17:22, where Paul delivered his well-known sermon and spoke about the inscription: “to an unknown god”.
Then we walk down and visit the ancient Agora, now in ruins, was formerly the commercial hub of ancient Athens and birthplace of politics and philosophy. Here the apostle Paul reasoned with the most skeptical audience he met in the course of his travels.
Hotel: Stanley Hotel, Athens
Then we walk down and visit the ancient Agora, now in ruins, was formerly the commercial hub of ancient Athens and birthplace of politics and philosophy. Here the apostle Paul reasoned with the most skeptical audience he met in the course of his travels.
Hotel: Stanley Hotel, Athens
Included Meals:
B
D
Breakfast at hotel. At 8.00 am our full day excursion out of Athens takes us by the Saronic Gulf via the historic Corinthian Canal (quick stop for photos) to the Diolkos. It was in use during the time Paul was at Corinth. The commercial benefit to Corinth, as well as to the port cities of Lechaion and Cenchrea, was significant. Then we drive to ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18). It was to this megalopolis where the Apostle Paul came, worked and established a thriving church. We will visit the archaeological site and museum as well as all the points of interest associated with Paul's ministry. On our way back to Athens, we will pass by the ancient port of Cenchrea, this port city across the narrow isthmus from Corinth was the embarkation port for the apostle Paul when he sailed after 18 months in Corinth to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19). Phoebe was a deaconess (Rom. 16:1). To avoid delay and danger of sailing around the Peloponnese, ships were unloaded at Corinth, and then dragged overland to be reloaded at Cenchrea, or vice versa. Dinner & overnight in Athens.
Hotel: Stanley Hotel, Athens
Hotel: Stanley Hotel, Athens
Included Meals:
B
D
Today we drive to Philippi (Acts 16:12-40; 20:6) the site where the apostle Paul preached his evangelistic sermon to women who had gathered at the river. You will visit the river where Paul baptised Lydia, a purple fabric merchant, who became the first Christian woman to be baptized on European soil (Acts 16:14, 15, 40). You will see the crypt, dating from the Roman period, which according to church tradition may have been the place where Paul was flogged and imprisoned. Also at Philippi you will see, the ancient Roman forum built during the time of Augustus and mentioned in the Book of Acts as the place where Paul was publicly punished after he healed the demon-possessed girl (Acts 16:19). You will see the Basilicas and the Greek Theatre (4th century BC), which was converted into an arena by the Romans and used during the persecutions of the early days of the church. Paul’s letter to the Philippians was addressed to the local Christians 14 years after his first visit there. Of all the churches Paul founded, probably none was as near and dear to him as the church at Philippi (Acts 16:9-33). Philippi was named after Philip II, king of Macedonia father of Alexander the Great. The Roman Road/Via Egnatia crossed this city and ran from Rome to Byzantium. On the way to Thessaloniki you will pass by the Lion statue of Amphipolis, which was a district capital of Macedonia, on the Via Egnatia, the route used by Paul, Timothy and Silas (Acts 17:1).
Return to the hotel in Thessaloniki. Dinner & overnight.
Hotel: Capsis Hotel, Thessalonica
Return to the hotel in Thessaloniki. Dinner & overnight.
Hotel: Capsis Hotel, Thessalonica
Included Meals:
B
D
Farewell Greece and travel to Thessalonica airport for our flight to Istanbul.
Check in to our hotel and enjoy a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus tonight.
Hotel: Radisson President Beyazit, Istanbul
Check in to our hotel and enjoy a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus tonight.
Hotel: Radisson President Beyazit, Istanbul
Included Meals:
B
D
Today we explore all that Istanbul has to offer with visits to Hague Sophia and Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar. Then visit Spice Market and Blue Mosque afer Friday prayer at 3pm. The remainder of the day and evening is free for you to explore this fascinating city.
Hotel: Radisson President Beyazit, Istanbul
Hotel: Radisson President Beyazit, Istanbul
Included Meals:
B
Today we farewell Istanbul and fly to Cappadocia in the morning.
Afternoon exploration of Goreme Open-Air Museum, featuring ancient Christian cave churches and frescoes.
Hotel: Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel, Cappadocia
Afternoon exploration of Goreme Open-Air Museum, featuring ancient Christian cave churches and frescoes.
Hotel: Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel, Cappadocia
Included Meals:
B
D
Early morning hot air balloon ride (optional approx EUR350) for a breathtaking view of the surreal landscapes.
Visit the Kaymakli Underground City, experiencing the refuge used by early Christians.
Afternoon hike through the Rose Valley, contemplating the beauty of God's creation.
Hotel: Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel, Cappadocia
Visit the Kaymakli Underground City, experiencing the refuge used by early Christians.
Afternoon hike through the Rose Valley, contemplating the beauty of God's creation.
Hotel: Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel, Cappadocia
Included Meals:
B
D
Today we fly from Cappadocia to Izmir. In Izmir we will visit the church of St Polycarp (currently under renovation), as well as the ancient Smyrna site.
Hotel: Double Tree By Hilton Alsancak , Izmir
Hotel: Double Tree By Hilton Alsancak , Izmir
Included Meals:
B
D
Today we leave Izmir and travel to Sardis where we step back into the glory days of the ancient Lydian capital. Explore the remains of the Temple of Artemis, the impressive Gymnasium, and the renowned Synagogue. Unearth the secrets of this once-thriving city, known for its wealth and strategic importance. Continue our adventure to Laodicea, an ancient city at the crossroads of major trade routes. Experience the surreal terraces of Pamukkale.
Hotel: Pam Thermal, Pamukkale
Hotel: Pam Thermal, Pamukkale
Included Meals:
B
D
As we farewell Pamukkale we will travel to Hierapolis perched on the hill overlooking the terraces. Visit the well-preserved Roman theatre, the sacred pool, and the necropolis. A time of rest & refreshment on arrival in Kusadasi. You will have time in the afternoon to shop or simply relax at the hotel.
Hotel: Signature Blue Resort, Kusadasi
Hotel: Signature Blue Resort, Kusadasi
Included Meals:
B
D
This morning we depart for Selcuk where we visit the St. John Basilica and the ancient city of Ephesus. Here we’ll see the Baths of Scholastica, Temple of Hadrian, the library and the Great Theatre. After a lunch break, we continue our tour to Temple of Artemis before our check-in at hotel in Kusadasi and enjoy some rest by the pool at or lovely boutique hotel. At tonights dinner we farewell our Turkish guide and driver.
Hotel: Signature Blue Resort, Kusadasi
Hotel: Signature Blue Resort, Kusadasi
Included Meals:
B
D
At 5.00 am today we farewell Türkiye and travel to Patmos by private ferry, where John received the vision as scribed in Revelation. Visit the Cave of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of St. John. Free time this afternoon after we check in to our hotel.
Hotel: TBC, Patmos
Hotel: TBC, Patmos
Included Meals:
B
Today is a day of rest as we enjoy a day on this beautiful island. We reconvene for our last dinner together at a local restaurant, before we board an 11pm overnight ferry back to Athens.
Hotel: TBC, Patmos
Hotel: TBC, Patmos
Included Meals:
B
D
Our ferry arrives at 8am into Piraeus port. We will gather to worship with a local congregation followed by some free time in the Plaka before a late afternoon transfer to Athens airport for our flight home. You are welcome to extend your time in Athens (own expense).
Included Meals:
B
Highlights
Athens
Corinth
Thessalonica
Philippi
Istanbul
Cappadocia
Izmir/Symrna
Sardis
Philadelphia
Pamukkale
Hierapolis
Ephesus
Kusadasi
Patmos
Map
Destinations
TOUR INCLUDES
Travel with
like-minded people
Christian
Tour Leaders
Option of land
only package
Option of upgrading
to single room
Meals
Sights and entry
fees listed
OUR PRICING
Pricing
| Category | Description | Twin PP | Single |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour only | Start & end in Athens | $7,050.00 | $8,750.00 |
| Tour and airfare ex Australia | Estimate - fares out in November 2024 | $9,550.00 | $11,250.00 |
Inclusions
Exclusions
