The Holy Land & Turkey w/Egypt option
June 8-23, 2013
Director: Clark Anderson
DAY 1-2 (Sat & Sun June 8-9th): FLY USA to ISTANBUL, TURKEY \ SANCTA SOPHIA
Today we fly from the USA to Istanbul, Turkey. When we arrive we will get settled into our hotel and then enjoy a visit to Santa Sophia (Hagia Sophia). This structure was built by Emperor Justinian in the 7th century as a Christian basilica. It was the center piece of Constantinople, capital of Eastern Rome, or the Christian Byzantine Empire, which continued into the 15th century as the final enclave of Christianity in a world of Islam. Sancta Sophia is known as the basilica of Divine Wisdom. We overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 (Mon June 10th): ISTANBUL: BLUE MOSQUE \ HIPPODROME \ CISTERNS
Today we begin our explorations with a visit to the Topkapi Palace which has been the heart of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. Our next stop is the impressive Blue Mosque. This afternoon we will enjoy visiting the impressive Hippodrome as well as the Water Cisterns. Our evening will be a unique experience as we take a boat ride on Bosphorous by a private boat, followed by a nice dinner. We again overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4 (Tue June 11th): CANAKKALE \ TROY \ PERGAMUM (BERGAMA)
This morning we take a bus to Canakkale and from there enjoy a ferry though Dardanelles. En route we will visit the infamous city of Troy. Troy is home to such historical figures as Alexander the Great, Agamemnon, Ulysses, Achilles and Hector. Only a few miles south of the mighty walls of Troy is a sleepy little fishing village which marks the site of Troas where Paul beheld a vision of a man of Macedonia pleading with him to bring the message of Christ to the Western World. From here we will continue over to one of the seven ancient church sites; Pergamum, which is modern day Bergama. We have dinner and overnight in Bergama.
Day 5 (Wed June 12th): PERGAMUM \ SARDIS / PHILADELPHIA \ SMYRNA
Today we have the honor of visiting many of the seven ancient churches of the Apostle John’s day. We will review the Lord’s counsel to each of the cities as we pay them a visit. We begin with Pergamum (Rev 2:12) where we visit the Red Basilica, Acropolis and Asclepion. We next take a drive to Sardis (Rev 3:1), then Philadelphia (Rev 3:7), Thyatira (Rev 2:18) and continue to Izmir (Smyrna – Rev 2: 8). Far below the temple of Dionysos is the foundation of the Alter of Zeus which barely missed the cut for the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and which has been reconstructed in the Berlin museum. We overnight in Izmir.
Day 6 (Thurs June 13th): PAMUKKALE \ LAODECIA \ HIEROPOLIS
We continue our visits of the Seven Churches of Asia today. Neither John the Beloved nor the Apostle Paul may ever have visited the tri-sister-cities of the Aksu River valley, but they knew the Christian community that lived there. We will explore Laodicea (Rev 3:14) and also the Aksu Valley. This is an area with a lot of hot spring activity and tepid water, and may have been why John stated to them: “I know thy works, that thou are neither cold nor hot. So then because thou are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Rev.3:15-16). Hieropolis is the principal hot spring area with great white terraces of travertine like those of the Mammoth Springs in Yellowstone Park. It is known today as Pamukkale and is a major recreational area where the guests of modern hotels swim in the hot spring waters. Hieropolis is also the site of a huge Roman necropolis where countless sarcophagi lie scattered on the ground in disarray, and the Apostle Phillip looks down on the scene from his martyrdom on the hill above. We overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 7 (Fri June 14th): DIDYMA \ MILETUS \ PRIENE \ KUDADASI
Today begins with a visit to Didim where we will see Didyma. Next we will visit Miletus and Priene. At the time of Christ, the Meandrus Valley was flooded by the waters of the Aegean with sea ports at Miletus and Priene. From the sea a walking path led to the great temple of Apollo at Didyma, allowing pilgrims to visit the famous oracle who presided there. The temple of Apollo was the third largest Hellenistic building ever constructed with 122 marble columns, six feet in diameter surrounded the massive structure. Also, on the way to his last stay in Jerusalem, the Apostle Paul summoned his disciples from Ephesus to meet him at Miletus. In a sad farewell, he said they would see his face no more. He never returned. We will make our way to Kudadasi and overnight.
Day 8 (Sat June 15th): SELCUK \ MARY’S HOUSE \ EPHESUS
Today we have the opportunity of visiting Ephesus (Rev 2:1) and all that surrounds it. We first bus to Selcuk and visit Mary’s House. After the stoning of Stephen, most Christians left the Holy land, and Ephesus became a major center of Christianity with a large gathering of Saints. “The Pearl of Asia” was also the center for the worship of Artemis (Diana), and her temple dominated the city – one of the Seven Wonders. John the Beloved may have written his gospel at Ephesus, and he certainly wrote The Revelation on a tiny island off shore (Patmos). John’s basilica and his traditional tomb stand on a low hill above the temple of Artemis. Mary’s traditional home lies in a small mountain valley above Ephesus. The Double Church Basilica of St. Mary also testifies of her presence there. Paul also spent most of his third mission at Ephesus, taught formal classes there and wrote letters to the Corinthians. Luke interviewed Mary and wrote of Jesus’ life, telling Mary’s tender story of the virgin birth. Timothy became the first bishop of Ephesus, and other Church authorities like the apostles Phillip and Andrew are rumored to have made their way to Ephesus. Phillip is thought to have been martyred only a few miles to the east. We overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 9 (Sun June 16th): FLY FROM TURKEY TO TEL AVIV, ISRAEL \ JERUSALEM
Today we transfer to the Izmir airport and flight to Tel Aviv via Istanbul. When we arrive we will go directly to the Mount of Olives for a view of ‘the Golden City’. We will check into our hotel and with any luck will enjoy a musical concert at the BYU Jerusalem Center where local musical artists are featured. We overnight in Jerusalem. Our hotel is only steps away from the Old City.
Day 10 (Mon June 17th): THE LAST WEEK OF THE SAVIORS LIFE WALKING TOUR!
We begin our day by visiting a money changer to exchange some American dollars into shekels (Israeli Currency). Today is one of our most enjoyable days as we venture through the wonders of the ‘Eternal City’ and retrace the events and sites of the last week of the Saviors Life! We begin in the Upper Room where the Savior held the Last Supper. From here we travel over to the traditional site of the Garden of Gethsemane (Church of all Nations). Following lunch we will visit Caiaphas’ Palace (St. Peter of Gallicantu) where Jesus went before the Sanhedrin and where Peter allegedly denied Christ thrice. We will next enter Lions Gate and enjoy a stop at St. Anne’s Cathedral (Pool of Bethesda) and the Antonio Fortress (Jesus before Pilate). From here we will be on the Via Dolorosa (or Path of Suffering. This is the path Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha). From here we will reflect on the burial & resurrection of the Savior as we visit the two possible sites for Golgotha & Calvary. First we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher [believed site for many Christians] and then the Garden Tomb [where others feel is the true site]. As we make our way back to the hotel we will be introduced to the shopkeeper that makes LDS scripture covers, necklaces, etc. Following dinner we will also have an opportunity to visit a few shopkeepers near our hotel (olive wood, etc). They have been doing business with “The Mormons” for close to 30 years. We overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 11 (Tue June 18th): CAESAREA / Mt. CARMEL / NAZARETH / GALILEE
This morning we will make our way north following an early morning visit to the Temple Mount where we see the Dome of the Rock, the Wailing Wall, etc. We will view the current structures and discuss the past as well as the future of that site. On our way up north we will make a brief stop near Caesarea where we view the ancient amphi-theater near the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Our next stop will be Mount Carmel (Elijah & the Priests of Baal). On Mt. Carmel is a great view of the Jezreel Valley (Valley of Armageddon). From this vantage point we will discuss Armageddon, the 2nd Coming and the future of this Holy Land. Following lunch, near Carmel, we will drive to Mount Precipice where there is a view of where Jesus spent most of His life, Nazareth. From here we also have a great view of Mt. Tabor (Mount of Transfiguration) and will reflect on the amazing experiences there! We will conclude our day by visiting Yardenit at the Jordan River (Jesus’ traditional baptismal site). We then drive around the Sea of Galilee to our Hotel. Checking into our Hotel this evening is a joy. Every room is only steps away from the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This evening you can enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening strolling on the Sea shores, etc.
Day 12 (Wed June 19th): SEA OF GALILEE / CAPERNAUM / MT OF BEATITUDES / DAN
After breakfast we will load a small fishing boat and cross the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. On our way we cut the engines & have a short discussion. On shore we’ll visit Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered. Following lunch we will take a short nature hike to the ancient city and alter at Tel Dan. Our next stop will be at Banias, the ancient site of Ceasaria Philippi, where we will view a beautiful waterfall. As we bus our way home if possible we will travel on the Golan Heights where we can look over into Syria. Dinner is a unique experience at the St. Peter’s Fish restaurant that will be followed by another relaxing evening by the Sea of Galilee.
Day 13 (Thurs June 20th): JERICHO / DEAD SEA / QUMRAN / LAZARU’S TOMB / JERUSALEM
Today we will make our way back to Jerusalem. On our way we will visit the modern city and ancient ruins of Jericho. Following lunch we will enjoy a visit to Qumram (discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls) and also have the unique experience of taking a float in the Dead Sea. You cannot sink! From here we make our way to Jerusalem. We will visit Lazarus’ Tomb and then conclude our day with those that are interested having the unique opportunity to walk through the flowing water in Hezekiah’s Tunnel. This evening we enjoy some free time in Jerusalem where there are countless things to see and do. We will overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 14 (Fri June 21st): BETHLEHEM / MUSEUMS / SHEPHARDS FIELDS / WAILING WALL
Our day begins with a sobering experience at the new and improved Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem. Our next stop is a very impressive miniature model of the city of Jerusalem in Christ’s day; The Model City. This will be followed up with an experience at the “Time Elevator Jerusalem” (a fun movie experience that recounts the history of Jerusalem). We will cross through ‘The Wall’ (20’ cement wall that separates Israel and Palestinian controlled land) and visit the birthplace of the Savior in Bethlehem (Church of the Nativity). Time permitting we will visit a local Bethlehem Olive Wood shop before crossing back through the wall. Our day will conclude stop in the Shepherds’ Fields where we’ll reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth and the concept of “Sheep”. This evening we will view how the Orthodox Jews bring in the Sabbath at the Western Wall. We will again overnight in Jerusalem!
Day 15 (Sat June 22nd): GETHSEMANE / GARDEN TOMB
Today just might be the most memorable of all as we begin with some more ponder time in the Orson Hyde Memorial Park (Church regulated property and where some feel is the real ‘Garden of Gethsemane’). The view of Jerusalem during our Sacrament Service in the BYU Jerusalem Center is inspiring. On our way to lunch we will wander down the Mt. of Olives and pass thousands of Jewish graves, including those of the Biblical Prophets; Haggai & Zechariah. Lunch is a unique place in the Old City. From here we will enter Herod’s Gate and enjoy a stop at St. Anne’s Cathedral (Pool of Bethesda). For the rest of the afternoon and evening we will enjoy some free time as tonight is our final day in Jerusalem. Following our “Last Supper” together those opting not to continue on will make their way to the airport and begin their journey home. Those continuing on into Egypt will overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 16 (Sun June 23rd): FLY HOME TO USA
Those headed home will continue their journey back to the USA and reunite with our loved ones!
EGYPT & PETRA OPTION:
Day 16 (Sun June 23rd): MASADA / PETRA, JORDAN
Those continuing on into Jordan and Egypt will depart Jerusalem and go ‘down by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea’ (1 Nephi 2:5). As we do so we will be traveling on the road from ‘Jerusalem to Jericho’ and we will reflect on a certain parable (Luke 10). On the way we will pass Qumram (discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls) and stop for a picture of the natural spring and waterfall at Ein-Gedi (where David hid from King Saul). From here we will visit the majestic Masada where we will gondola to the top and be in wonder at its fabulous story. On our way to the Israeli/Egyptian border we will enjoy a discussion on Sodom & Gomorrah. We will cross the border and make our way up to fascinating city of Petra, Jordan where we will overnight.
Day 17 (Mon June 24th): PETRA, JORDAN / EGYPT
This morning we explore Petra, the newly voted “Wonder of the World.” We will walk down the narrow canyon to the breathtaking view of the Treasury, Petra’s most famous landmark. You will have time to visit this fascinating city carved from the cliffs of the canyon and experience some of the best ruins found anywhere in the world. Petra was once a great commercial empire with a long history, it is best known today as the lost city in the Indiana Jones Movie, The Last Crusade. This afternoon we will make our way over to St. Catherine’s in Egypt. After crossing the border we will bus our way to our Hotel (the Morganland Village) which is near the base of “Mt. Moses”. We will enjoy a relaxing evening reviewing the scriptural account of Moses and the Children of Israel in preparation for our climb up the ancient temple….Mt Sinai.
Day 18 (Tue June 25th): MT. SINAI / SHARM / RED SEA
We arise very early and enjoy a moonlight hike up Mount Sinai (Camels are available for those not able to make the entire hike or who would like the adventure). On top we will enjoy the sunrise and a very special meeting before making our descent. Those not able to make the hike can enjoy sleeping in or other things at the hotel. Once off the mountain we will bus our way to one of the very best locations for snorkeling and deep sea diving in the world…Sharm El Sheikh (Ras Mohammed). Arriving at this luxurious resort is a very welcomed experience following our early morning hike. We will enjoy all the amenities and comfort of this 5-star resort for the next day and a half. There will time for deep sea diving, snorkeling, swimming, reading, relaxing, etc.
Day 19 (Wed June 26th): RED SEA
This morning we will continue to enjoy the Red Sea. Those who desire can enjoy some of the world’s best snorkeling & deep sea diving and those who are not interested in getting in the water can relax at the resort hotel which has several beautiful pools, a lazy river, spa options, etc. This evening those interested in visiting Naama Bay can do so. It can be fun to see the exciting night life and shopping of this popular resort city before retiring. We once again overnight in Sharm.
Day 20 (Thurs June 26th): LUXOR: TEMPLES
This morning we take a short flight from Sharm to Luxor. We will first enjoy lunch and then begin our exploration of Luxor where over 60% of the world’s ancient ruins are located. Today we will explore the sites on the East bank of the river Nile. Our first site is one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and is also one of the largest temple structures in the world; the Karnak Temple. You will truly be amazed at this 64 acre temple. Following dinner we will enjoy an evening visit to the impressive Luxor Temple. These structures are amazing and must be seen to be believed. You might even enjoy these experiences more than the Pyramids in Cairo! We overnight in Luxor.
Day 21 (Fri June 27th): LUXOR: VALLEY OF KINGS
This morning we will explore the sites on the West Bank where we will visit one of the most intriguing spots in the world; the “Valley of the Kings” and “Valley of the Queens” (burial place for the Egyptian Pharaohs & Queens). You will marvel at the similarities in Egyptian and LDS beliefs and rituals! We will next take pictures of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Collosi of Memnon & Nobels as well as Pit Tomb #33 where the Book of Abraham was discovered. We will next explore the Temple of Ramses III. Alabaster is mined near Luxor and we will visit a shop that specializes in hand carving alabaster items. This evening we will take a short flight to Cairo and overnight.
Day 22 (Sat June 28th): CAIRO: PYRAMIDS / MUSEUM
Today we enjoy a full day touring the sites in Cairo! We begin with the splendor of the famous Pyramids and Sphinx. Those interested can go inside the Pyramid as well as take a camel ride. From here we will make a visit to the Egyptian Museum and explore all the unique items there (including the opportunity to view real live mummies as well as King Tut items). This afternoon we will visit one of the largest
Day 23 (Sun June 29th): FLY HOME (OR ROME OPTION)
mosques in the world; the Mohamed Ali Mosque. With any luck we will also visit Memphis and Sakkara (the oldest pyramid in the world). We will enjoy a short rest in our hotel rooms before making our way to the airport to begin our journey home or to Rome.
Day 23 (Sun June 29th): FLY HOME (OR ROME OPTION)
Today we will all make our way to the airport. Those opting to participate in the Rome option will fly to Rome and the others will begin their journey back to the USA to be reunited with their loved ones!
ROME OPTION:
Day 24 (Sun June 29th): ROME, ITALY
Today we enjoy a full day visiting some of the amazing sites in Rome! If you desire to stay in a group we plan to visit St. Peters and Vatican City first, which includes Michaelangelo’s famous Sistene Chapel. We will next make our way over to San Giovanni and also visit the Sacred Steps. From here we will take the walk that leads to the Pantheon, Coliseum, and the Forum. We will also take in some Italian Ice Cream (Gelatto) and some tasty Italian food. Tonight we overnight in Rome.
Day 25 (Mon June 30th): FLY HOME!
Today we will all make our way to the airport and begin our journey back to the USA to be reunited with their loved ones!
