In 2001, the WCG will offer a fall festival tour to Turkey, one of the most historically and archeologically rich areas in the world.
The departure date is Sept. 30, and the return date is Oct. 10.
The apostle Paul spent several years of his ministry in this region. John wrote the Book of Revelation from a prison off the western coast of Turkey. His letters to the seven churches were addressed to congregations in this ancient land.
The tour begins with a flight to Istanbul, Turkey, and includes a round-trip flight to Izmir (Smyrna).
Members will be educated and inspired by tours and worship services during this 10-day excursion. The tour will be led by a WCG minister experienced in international travel and tour group organization.
Ephesus was a commercial center in the ancient world. Its wealth and patronage, which supported its architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her temple was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The ruins include a theater, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus.
Included in the itinerary is Pergamum, once a center of culture, and now one of Turkey's finest archaeological sites. In the acropolis, above the modern town, are the remains of the library, a theater, the temples of Trajan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on three terraces and the Agora. Visitors will also see the Asclepion and the archaeological and ethnographical museum.
An overnight excursion will be taken to the ruins of Laodicea and the waterfall of the Pamukkale hot springs. These thermal spring waters laden with calcareous salts running off the plateau's edge have created a formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. The hot springs have been used since Roman times for their therapeutic powers. A tour of the ancient city of Hierapolis is included.
In Istanbul, members will visit the Sultanahmet, heart of Istanbul's historic, cultural and tourist sites. This area includes the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, St. Sophia's church and Topkapi Palace. St. Sofia's was built by Constantine and reconstructed by Justinian in the sixth century.
The Archaeological Museums at Topkapi Palace include the Alexander Sarcophagus, the facade of the temple to Athena from Assos and the Siloam tunnel inscription of King Hezekiah.
The Museum of the Ancient Orient displays artifacts from the Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Hatti and Hittite civilizations.
The trip will include a boat excursion up the Bosporus. Shopping in Kusadasi and the Covered Bazaar are part of the tour. These will allow tour participants to purchase souvenirs such as Turkish carpets, hand-painted ceramics, copperware, brassware, gold jewelry, leather, suede goods and antiques.
An optional trip to the Cappadocia region will also be available.
For complete pricing, itinerary and information contact John Siston at Travel Gallery; 1388 E. Walnut St.; Pasadena, California, 91106-1528; 1-800-858-6999; fax: 1-626-577-0577; e-mail john@travelgallery.com; web: www. travelgallery.com
The WCG and Holland America will offer a seven-day (Sept. 30 to Oct. 7) Western Caribbean Festival Cruise for the fall of 2001.
Holland America has discounted all cabins to members 65 percent off of the full tariff. Prices will start at $579 per person (price based on double occupancy. Add $149 per person for port charges and taxes). The suites and penthouse discount is 59 percent.
Ports of call will include the Mexican Yucatan, Cozumel, Grand Cayman Island, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.
The itinerary is Sunday to Sunday, which will mean only five business days missed from work. Since this cruise is on Holland America Line all previous cruisers alumni benefits apply.
Worship services will be conducted by a WCG minister on select days during the cruise.
For itinerary, pricing and details contact John Siston at Travel Gallery, 1388 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, California, 91106-1528, call 1-800-858-6999, fax 1-626-577-0577, e-mail john@travelgallery.com, web: http://www.travelgallery.com
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000