Bear Valley Students, Faculty, Friends, and Alumni Seven Churches of Asia Tour + Greece!
Itinerary
Saturday, March 2
Depart from Denver to Munich; Munich to Istanbul
Sunday, March 3
Arrival in Istanbul and bus transfer to the hotel for check in, dinner and overnight.
Monday, March 4
Tour the Blue Mosque, Ancient Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. Breakfast and Dinner provided.
Tuesday, March 5
Following breakfast, check out and early morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Izmir. Arrival in Izmir. Visit Agora of Smyrna. Smyrna was the second city to receive a letter from the apostle John in the book of Revelation. Acts 19:10 suggests that the church there was founded during Paul’s third missionary journey. From here we travel to Sardis. Sardis was the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom of the 6th century BC, portrayed as a dying church. We visit the great Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele, which became a Byzantine Church. We will also visit some ancient Lydian houses, and the restored gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue. Then, we continue our journey to Philadelphia, today called Alasehir, another church of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:7], and the only church not rebuked by Jesus. There we will see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, with a bit of high arch and some 11th century frescoes. From here we will drive to the healing city of Hierapolis (Pamukkale) ,mentioned in Colossians, where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools, channels and stalactites. The therapeutic waters were known to the founders of Hierapolis and of Laodicea in 190 BC. Check in at the hotel in Pamukkale for dinner and overnight. (B&D)
Wednesday, March 6
In Hierapolis [Col. 4:13] we visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip where tradition says he was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian. We visit the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way, the 2nd century AD Theatre, the Nymphaion, the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium and Necropolis. We then depart for Laodicea (Denizli), yet another of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor [Rev. 1:11; 3:14; Col. 2:1; 4:13-16]. We will see the ancient theatre, the remains of an ancient basilica and the ancient stone water pipes. Then it’s off to Kusadasi and check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (B&D)
Thursday, March 7
This morning we enjoy a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. Here the Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived for three years. This church also received an epistle from him during his imprisonment at Rome. Here we will see the spectacular ruins where excavations still continue in this once great and important city, which was founded in the 10th century BC. Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Theatre where Christians faced an angry mob as revealed in the book of Acts. We will also visit the exquisite Terraced Houses, the remains of the luxurious residential houses, where the rich and famous citizens of Ephesus lived. We will also enjoy a visit to the Basilica of St. John before departing for Izmir for check in, dinner and overnight stay. (B&D)
Friday, March 8
Morning departure for Pergamum. Visit the Acropolis and the Temple of Trajan before our drive to Canakkale for check in, followed by dinner and overnight. (B&D)
Saturday, March 9
Morning breakfast and check out to start drive to Greek Border. Cross over border into Greece and meet with our Greek Guide. Check into hotel in Kavala (or Alexandroupoli) for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Sunday, March 10
Check out of hotel and make our way to Philippi. We visit the archaeological site where Paul established a strong church and sent his letter (Acts 16:9-33). We see the river where Lydia is said to have been baptized, the ruins of a prison where the Apostle Paul and Sylas had been kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica and the Theater. After the visit, we continue to Kavala, the ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16:11) where we enjoy a panoramic tour before continuing to Thessalonica (quick stop at lion statue of Amphipolis) for an overnight stay.
Monday, March 11
Following breakfast, check out and enjoy a panoramic city tour of Thessalonica. After our visit, continue on to Berea (Acts 17:10-15) where the apostle Paul arrived, and according to his custom, went to the synagogue and discovered ‘to his pleasant surprise’ that the Jews he had encountered in Thessalonica were "searching the scriptures". We see the Byzantine mosaic in the monument commemorating his preaching (Acts 17:10-11). In the afternoon visit the spectacular Meteora monasteries built on the top of huge gray boulders. These are veritable Byzantine monasteries, exhibiting superb icons and manuscripts from the 14th century.
Tuesday, March 12
Check out of hotel and beign drive to Athens. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour before your check in at hotel in Athens for dinner and overnight stay. (B,D)
Wednesday, March 13
In the morning, we walk around the ancient Agora of Athens and then climb up to the crowning jewel of Athens, the marble-capped Acropolis Hill and visit the famous Parthenon and Erechtheion Temples. Then walk to nearby Mars' Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where Paul delivered his soul-stirring sermon to the giants of philosophy, logic and learning and spoke about the inscription: “to an unknown god”. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure in Plaka, the oldest and most picturesque district of Athens. Dinner and overnight in Athens (B,D).
Thursday, March 14
Today we depart for our morning tour out of Athens. Driving along the Saronic Gulf, we enjoy a quick photo stop at the historic Corinth Canal. Continue to Corinth archaeological site (Acts 18:1-18) where the Apostle Paul lived and worked, establishing a thriving church, subsequently sending two of his epistles, now part of the New Testament. Here, we see all of the sites associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio’s Seat. The small local archaeological museum is an absolute must! Return to Athens in the afternoon. Evening will be free to explore the historical and modern center of the city. (B,D)
Friday, March 15
Free Day in Athens!
Saturday, March 16
Departure Day. Flights back to the United States
Important Info
Download the brochure for complete information, terms and conditions
Bear Valley Tour Info
This unique learning opportunity is being offered by Bear Valley Bible Institute International and is made available for all Bear Valley Bible Institute staff, students, alumni, and friends. Bible Lessons, lectures, and onsite instruction will be given by the faculty of Bear Valley Bible Institute International. Check out the Bear Valley Bible Institute website here.
Participant Information
To safeguard the security and intent of the Bible Land Tour program, unless otherwise stated, the following rules apply to be eligible for participation in a Bible Land Passage tour:
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Be a local church member, or be the spouse, family member, or friend of someone traveling on the Bible Land Passages Tour.
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You must also meet the physical and mental health guidelines prescribed in the terms and conditions.
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Comply with all conduct and biblical principles of Christian decorum and practice.
To maximize the travel and tour experience, and to keep costs affordable, a minimum and maximum number of passengers is set between 30 and 50. To ensure your place on this unique tour opportunity, please secure your reservation immediately by completing the registration form and making your deposit. Registration forms will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cost
The estimated (based on 2023 projections) for sharing a twin room, including roundtrip airfare from Denver, is $5,150 (double occupancy). If you prefer single occupancy you will need to add the $1,200.00 supplement. Please click here for full terms and conditions. Bible Land Passages will accept credit card payments (a credit card fee will be assessed). For those wishing to make their own flight arrangements, a “land-only” price is offered at $3,850 (see terms and conditions regarding portage).
Included in the full trip fee:
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Round Trip Airfare from Denver on Lufthansa Airlines
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Accommodation at below hotels or similar with daily buffet breakfast:
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2 overnights in Istanbul at Grand Gulsoy 4* hotel
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1 overnight in Pamukkale at Pam Thermal 5* hotel
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1 overnight in Kusadasi at Neopol deluxe 4* hotel
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1 overnight in Izmir at Kaya Prestige 4* hotel
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1 overnight in Canakkale at Buyuk Truva 4* hotel
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1 overnight in Kavala at Galaxy 4* hotel-
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1 overnight in Thessaloniki at Capsis 4* hotel
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1 overnight in Kalambaka at Divani Meteora 4* hotel
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3 or 4 overnights in Athens at Stanley 4* hotel
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Daily dinners at the hotels
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One way flight ticket from Istanbul – Izmir with 1 suitcase 20 kilos limit + 8 kilos carry on
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All land transportation and tours as outlined in the itinerary by motor coach including air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
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Sightseeing tours and activities with the services of local government licensed, English speaking, Biblical focused guide (separate guides 1 in Turkey and 1 in Greece).
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All entrance fees to the archaeological, historical sites and museums as outlined in the itinerary.
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All bus transfers upon arrival and departure from airport
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“Whispers” headset rental
Price Does Not Include: Fee if you choose to make payment by credit card to Bible Land Passages. Airfare or portage to and from original point of group embarkation (Denver). Passport (it is the responsibility of the Traveler to obtain and maintain a current U.S. Passport in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations), phone calls, valet/laundry service, and other items of a strictly personal nature, excess baggage, beverages and meals not detailed in the itinerary (e.g., daily noon meal), optional excursions, health or trip insurance.
BLP highly recommends that you purchase travel/trip insurance.
Payment Information
Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card (w/fees). A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your reservation. Within 145 days of departure, 50% of payment is required (an airfare supplement may apply). The remaining balance of the tour price is due upon receipt of the final invoice, approximately 60 days prior to departure. To officially enroll, either register online or complete the registration form, acknowledge that you have read the terms and conditions document, and mail the form along with your $300 per person deposit to 287 Beulah Rd., Dripping Springs, TX 78620. For further information, please email us at johnmoore.biblepassages@gmail.com or call 512-695-5099.
