TUE, SEP 08:  SAN DIEGO • ISTANBUL

Today we begin our travels by meeting at the church parking lot and boarding a luxury bus to LAX. We will arrive at the International terminal in plenty of time to check-in as a group for our flight to Istanbul, Turkey.  Meals and overnight on board.  After dinner relax and enjoy the on-board entertainment.

WED, SEP 09: ISTANBUL

Upon arrival in Istanbul, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. On our way there will be a short overview of the city. Find out more about Istanbul here and here.

THU, SEP 10: ISTANBUL

This morning we start with a Bosporus boat cruise to get an overall view of Istanbul. Once off the boat we make our way to St. Savior in Chora, considered one of the most beautiful surviving examples of a Byzantine church. We will visit the Blue Mosque commissioned by Sultan Ahmet in 1616 and is famous for the finely glazed blue tiles that adorn the interior.  It sits opposite the site of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, which we will see. Continue with a visit to the outside of the Topkapi Palace Museum, once home to the Ottoman Sultans and strategically located overlooking the Bosporus. From here we will see the Hagia Sophia Church, which was built by the Emperor Justinian of the Byzantine Empire. The Hagia Sophia was completed in 537 A.D. and ruled as the greatest Christian Church in the world for more than 1000 years until it was converted into a mosque by the conquering Ottomans, who used it as a model for the construction of all their later mosques. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

FRI, SEP 11: ISTANBUL   • IZMIR

Wake up at your leisure for a relaxing morning and some local shopping in the nearby Grand Bazaar. Our hotel is in Old City Istanbul and walking distance to many sites including the Grand Bazaar, Column of Constantine, and the Topkapi Palace Museum. Today is the day if you want to go inside the museum to visit the Treasury containing jewel encrusted thrones, the world’s largest emerald, and the famous Topkapi Dagger. This afternoon we get on a plane and head to Izmir to meet up with the rest of our group.

THU, SEP 10: SAN DIEGO • IZMIR

Today we begin our travels by meeting at the church parking lot and boarding a luxury bus to LAX. We will arrive at the International terminal in plenty of time to check-in as a group for our flight Istanbul, Turkey.  Meals and overnight on board.  After dinner relax and enjoy the on-board entertainment.

FRI, SEP 11: IZMIR

Upon arrival into Istanbul, we will transfer to our local connection to Izmir. Once there we will be met and transferred to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

SAT, SEP 12: PERGAMUM • IZMIR • SMYRNA

This morning we drive north to tour Pergamum, one of the Seven Churches of Revelations and capital of a large and powerful pre-Roman kingdom. It is here that the first Christian was put to death by the Roman state. Visit the Church of Pergamum, the Homonym Church and the Acropolis with its pagan temples including the Altar of Zeus, which is mentioned as the “Throne of Satan” in the Book of Revelation. We will also visit the health center of Asclepion, the Agora and theater. We end the day in Izmir (ancient Smyrna) site of one of the Seven Churches. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. Find out more about Pergamum here and here. Find out more about Smyrna / Izmir here and here.

SUN, SEPT 13: IZMIR • LAODICEA • COLOSSEA • PAMUKKALE

Today we journey to Laodicea (Rev. 14) to see the remains of one of the Seven Churches. Laodicea church was a branch of Ephesus, as were the churches of Hierapolis and Colossea. This afternoon we drive to the modern city of Pamukkale, where we visit the nature formed travertine hot pools for some R&R time in the natural hot springs. Find out more about Laodicea here. Find out more about Corinth here. Find out more about Pamukkale (Hierapolis) here.

MON, SEP 14: HIERAPOLIS • EPHESUS • SELCUK • KUSADASI

This morning we proceed to the ancient city of Hierapolis were we will see the Necropolis, the Temple of Apollo, the Theater and Roman baths. In the afternoon we will make our way toward Ephesus, stopping in the nearby town of Selcuk for a visit to the Basilica of St. John, housing an emersion baptismal and the believed resting place of John. We will see the Temple of Artemis (on of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and drive through the colorful town of Kusadasi for Dinner and overnight. Find out more about Hierapolis here. Find out more about Selcuk here.

TUE, SEP 15: EPHESUS • KUSADASI • CRUISE TO PATMOS

This morning proceed on a tour of Ephesus. Start with the Magnesian Gate, entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. After seeing the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trojan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, you will reach the Library of Celsus, adorned with its columns and statues, considered one of the most magnificent ruins in the world. The Great Theater, where Paul preached, is the largest theater in antiquity, with a capacity of 24,000 people. At the end of the tour, our motorcoach will be waiting to take us to Kusadasi port where we board our four day cruise ship which will continue to Patmos where you will depart the port of Scala and enjoy a drive to the Monastery of St John and visit the museum. Then continue to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse. Dinner and overnight on the ship. Find out more about Ephesus here. Find out more about Patmos here.

WED, SEP 16: RHODES (CRUISE)

After cruising all night we arrive at Rhodes. Leaving the harbor, we will drive along the picturesque eastern coastline, scattered with white-washed villages, to Lindos, which is guarded by huge medieval walls constructed by the Knights of St. John in the 13th Century. Within, stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos on the brink of a precipice 400 feet above the sea. From the Acropolis there are breathtaking views of the great expanse of the Aegean Sea and St. Paul’s Bay where the Apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. We will proceed up the Great Staircase leading from the Hellenistic portico to the Temple of Athena – among the most important temples of the Ancient Greek World. After having visited the Acropolis, return to Rhodes city. Enjoy a panoramic drive in the new part of the city, stop for a view of the walled old town from Mt. Smith and then see the ruins of ancient Rhodes town, the Temple of Apollo and Diagoras Stadium. The return is directly to the port and the ship for lunch. Overnight on board our cruise ship. Find out more about Rhodes here and here.

THU, SEP 17: CRETE, SANTORINI (CRUISE)

This morning we wake up at Heraklion, Crete, the home of the great Minoan Civilization. Visit the Knossos excavations dating back to 4000 B.C. and the Palace. Return to our cruise ship to sail to Santorini. OPTIONAL:  Enjoy a short trip by local boat to Athenios harbor where we board our motorcoach to visit Oia Village, built on the Caldera rim which is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture .A unique sight is the various layers of lava that can be seen on the face of the rock, each layer being another phase of the volcano activity. Proceed through the beautiful countryside to Fira, an attractive town perched on the Caldera rim where the land slopes gently in one direction and falls steeply in to the sea in the other. Enjoy the town at leisure or perhaps relax over a coffee as you gaze down upon Kamenes, the two black volcanic islets in the Caldera Bay. Afterwards, return to the small pier of Scala by cable car or mule, where the vessel’s tenders will take you back to the ship. Overnight on board our cruise ship. Find out more about Crete here and here. Find out more about Santorini here and here.

FRI, SEP 18: ATHENS • METEORA • KALAMBAKA    

This morning we disembark the ship in Athens and drive north to Meteora; literally “middle of the sky”, “suspended in the air” or “in the heavens above” — etymologically related to Meteorite) is one of the gems of Greece and second only to Mount Athos as being the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries.

It consists of a number of rock pinnacles topped with a total of 24 monasteries of which we will visit the Grand Monastery of Meteora and see the Convent of Aghios Stefanos. These immense, solid rocks, split by earthquakes, weathered by water and wind over thousands of years, are nature’s authentic masterpieces. Dinner & overnight in Kalambaka. Find out more about Meteora here and here. Find out more about Kalambaka here.

SAT, SEP 19: BEREA • VERGINA • PHILIPPI • KAVALA

This morning we drive north to Berea for a visit.  Paul and Silas were sent to Berea after fleeing from Thessalonica (Acts 17:10). They immediately went to the synagogue to preach, and the Bereans were very accepting. We visit Vergina to see the Tumulus (tomb) of Philip II as well as some of the treasures buried with him.  Continue to Ancient Philippi where we find two early Christian basilicas, traces of the Egnatian Way, which Paul followed from the harbor of Neapolis (ancient port of Philippi) on his first visit on European soil. View the Roman Forum, the Citadel, the ancient theater, and the Lydia’s brook. Continue on a short drive to Kavala on the site of ancient Neapolis where Paul landed on the way to Philippi. Dinner and overnight in Kavala. Find out more about Berea here. Find out more about Vergina here. Find out more about Philippi here. Find out more about Kavala here.

SUN, SEP 20: THESSALONIKI • AMPHIPOLIS • ATHENS

This morning we drive west to Thessaloniki and drive along the ancient route of Paul, through mountain passes and plains for a short stop to view the ancient Lion Statue in Amphipolis. We will then tour the biblical Thessaloniki where Paul founded the Church in AD 49-50.  We will see the ancient ruins as well as some local churches. “And from there we went to Philippi which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia…” (Acts 16: 12-18).  In the afternoon we will make our way to the Thessaloniki airport for a short journey to Athens. Upon arrival in Athens we will board our motor coach for a city overview tour: We will see Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium and the Neoclassical buildings of Athens. Then, we proceed to our hotel for a relaxing dinner with a great nighttime view of the Parthenon and overnight in Athens. Find out more about Thessaloniki here. Find out more about Amphipolis here. Find out more about Athens here.

MON, SEP 21: ATHENS

Today we tour the highlights of this center of one of the world’s greatest civilizations and the cradle of Western civilization. First visit the Acropolis and wander through the ruins of some of the most architecturally perfect buildings ever constructed. We’ll see the Propylaea, the Temple of the Wingless Victory, the Erechtheum with its peerless Porch of Maidens and Mars Hill where Paul was brought before the council. Finally, we reach the ‘harmony between matter and spirit’, the monument that ‘puts order in the mind’, the Parthenon. Dinner and overnight in Athens. Find out more about Athens here.

TUE, SEP 22: CORINTH • ATHENS

This morning we drive to Corinth.  We will drive through Daphni and Eleusis to the Corinthian Canal, which connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Then we will drive to ancient Corinth. We visit the ruins where Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla and the First Century shops, the Agora, Temple of Apollo and the Bema Seat.  Still gurgling under the ruins is the water of the springs of the mighty Acropolis above, which once fed the Fountain of Pirene. Continue your drive to Cenchreae where Paul took a vow and shaved his head, and also the harbor from where he sailed to Ephesus. We make our way back to Athens for a free afternoon, dinner and overnight. Find out more about Corinth here. Find out more about Cenchreae here.

WED, SEP 23: ATHENS • SAN DIEGO

Morning transfer to Athens airport where we are assisted with check in for our flight back home. Arrive LAX with wonderful memories of the lands we recently visited. Luxury bus from LAX back to church.

Los Angeles/Istanbul (TK-0010) SEP 08, 6:20PM/5:10PM+1

Istanbul/Izmir (TK-02336) SEP 11, 7:00PM/8:05PM

TK = Turkish Airways

+ 1 Denotes arrival the next day

Important: Please recheck flight times as airlines frequently changes times.

Los Angeles/Istanbul (TK-0010) SEP 10, 6:20PM/5:10PM+1

Istanbul/Izmir (TK-02336) SEP 11, 7:00PM/8:05PM

TK = Turkish Airways

+ 1 Denotes arrival the next day

Important: Please recheck flight times as airlines frequently changes times.

Athens/Istanbul (TK-01846) SEP 23, 10:05AM/11:30AM

Istanbul/Los Angeles (TK-00009) SEP 23, 12:45PM/4:30PM

TK = Turkish Airways

Important: Please recheck flight times as airlines frequently changes times.

ISTANBUL: Wyndham Istanbul Old City

IZMIR: Kaya Thermal Hotel & Resort

TA Review: 4.5 of 5.0 Trip Advisor Review

PAMUKKALE: Doga Thermal Hotel

TA Review: 5.0 of 5.0 Trip Advisor Review

KUSADASI: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel

TA Review 4.2 of 5.0 Trip Advisor Review

GREEK ISLES: Louis Cruise Lines (Cruise)

KALAMBAKA: Divani Meteora Hotel

TA Review: 4.0 of 5.0 Trip Advisor Review

KAVALA: Lucy Hotel

TA Review: 4.0 of 5.0 Trip Advisor Review

ATHENS: Hotel Divani Palace Acropolis

TA Review: 4.6 of 5.0 Trip Advisor Review

The estimated package price for this trip is $4,950.00 per person, double occupancy, from San Diego. A Land Only package is available for $3,750* (no airfare) and optional Istanbul Extension at $698. PLUS cost of required travel insurance (see below).

This package includes:

– Round-trip airfare from LAX (does not apply to Land Only package)

– Superior First Class Four Star Hotels

– Outside cabins on the Greek isle tour

– Breakfast and dinner daily (all meals included on cruise)

– Comprehensive sightseeing with a licensed English-speaking guide

– All entrance fees per the itinerary, taxes and tips to hotels, drivers and guides

– Turkey visa and port taxes

– Private deluxe motorcoach in Turkey and Greece including arrival and departure transfers

– Private deluxe motorcoach to LAX from NCCC and return

*If you choose the “land only” option, the individual selecting that package will be responsible for all costs incurred to get in sync with the group travel plans.

PLEASE NOTE:

– Package price does NOT include required travel insurance (see below), lunches, special drinks at meals, extras at hotels, extra tips, or any expense of a personal nature.

– Airline prices are subject to change due to new airline fuel surcharges and/or tax increase that may be changed up to the non-refundable airline ticketing date.

– Single Occupancy: If you wish to have a single room, an additional fee of $869 will be applied to your package price.

– Roommates: If you need a roommate, we are usually able to provide one. A fee of $869 may be applied if you are among the last to register and we cannot provide one for you, so register early.

– A non-refundable $232.80 travel insurance fee is required per person to hold your spot on the trip ($180 Land only or $271.10 with extension).

– An initial trip deposit of $500 per person is due upon registration (in addition to the non-refundable travel insurance fee). See below for cancellation fees.

– A second deposit of $2,000 per person is due by April 1, 2015.

– A third and final payment of $2,450 per person (plus $698 for the Istanbul extension and / or $869 for single supplement, if applicable) and a copy of your passport are due by June 1, 2015.

Cancellations (Refunds & Penalties):

All cancellations must be in writing to Bob Mackenzie at NCCC. Cancellation fees apply regardless of the reason including medical and family matters. The following cancellation fees apply:

Before April 1, 2015             $150 Change Fee

April 1 – May 31, 2015        $500 Deposit Amount

June 1 – June 30, 2015       25% of total package

July 1 – July 31, 2015          50% of total package

On or after Aug 1, 2015       No Refunds

NCCC requires all travelers to purchase travel insurance (in addition to the trip price above). Travel Insurance covers non-refundable expenses if the trip is canceled due to travel restrictions. The required travel insurance covers any out-of-pocket cancellation costs for 13 different reasons listed in insurance benefits. You can purchase upgrades to cover cancellation costs for any reason.  Please see insurance details for further information. Additional coverage options, such as cancellation coverage for any reason, will be available at an additional cost.

Insurance Premiums:

NCCC requires all travelers to purchase “Basic” Travel Insurance (in addition to the trip cost). Travel Insurance covers non-refundable expenses if the trip is canceled due to travel restrictions. This basic package insurance covers any out-of-pocket cancellation costs for 13 different reasons listed in insurance benefits.

The Required ‘Basic’ Insurance Package

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Additional coverage options, such as cancellation coverage for any reason is available at an additional cost under the “Choice” Travel Insurance package (cost based on traveler’s age).

The ‘Choice’ Insurance Option

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NCCC offers a very low cost Increased Medical Insurance upgrade that is optional but highly recommended.

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