THE HERITAGE OF TURKEY Exploring the Roots of Christianity

September 17 - October 1, 2014

15 Days • 26 Meals

Escorted by Bob Henderson

Istanbul, Turkey

Without a doubt, Turkey is one of the least known and yet most fascinating of countries. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, its history has been long and varied. Its more famous civilizations include the Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk and Ottoman Turkish, and all are harmoniously represented in fully preserved monuments.

Entering through Antioch, Christianity was carried by Paul, John and others along the coast and into the towns and cities of the interior, eventually finding its greatest proponents in Ephesus, Cappadocia and Istanbul. We shall find relics of the early Christian church throughout our journey.

Earlier departures of this itinerary filled very quickly, we urge you to send your enrollment as soon as possible. Carefully selected hotels, a fully inclusive price, an exceptional local guide and experienced leadership, ensure both a fascinating learning experience and a carefree holiday.

INCLUSIVE FEATURES

Return economy class airfare to Turkey from Canadian cities listed

First class hotels as indicated or similar

26 meals included as noted in the itinerary (B - 13 breakfasts, L - 1 lunches, D - 12 dinners)

Bottled water on the coach daily

Services of your tour escort from Canada and our Turkish Guide

Turkish Visa fee (for Canadian Passport holders)

All gratuities and taxes for included services

Comprehensive insurance coverage

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Special Welcome and Farewell Dinners

Partake in the healing waters and thermal therapy at Pamukkale, ‘Cotton Castle’

Cable car ride to the Acropolis

Explore the ancient city of Troy

Visit the Temple of Apollo in Didyma

TOUR ESCORT

A teacher by profession, Robert Henderson spent many years in the Niagara region, first teaching music and later as a professor attached to Brock University. Retiring a few years ago, he has since pursued his love of travel, including several seasons escorting tours and cruises first with Horizon Holidays and more recently with our groups exploring many parts of the world including Alaska, Europe and the Mediterranean as well as Africa, the Orient and the South Pacific.

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

The library of Celsus, an ancient Roman building in Ephesus

September 17, Wednesday Depart CANADA Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the overnight Air Canada flights to Ankara.

September 18, Thursday ANKARA Connecting in Istanbul, we arrive late afternoon in Ankara, the capital of Turkey since 1923. The city, founded where several important trade routes meet, dates back over four thousand years, from the earliest Hittites to Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Turks. Ickale Hotel (1 night) D

September 19, Friday ANKARA / CAPPADOCIA After a brief city tour, we cross the plains of the Anatolian plateau to visit ancient Cappadocia, a rugged region of mountains and unique rock formations. En route we shall stop to visit Agzikarahan, a walled Thirteenth Century caravansary. Dinler Hotel (2 nights) BD

September 20, Saturday CAPPADOCIA Explore the surrealistic landscapes, created by the effects of volcanoes, wind, water and human hands. Visit the churches and homes cut from rock in the Valley of Goreme, many of which are decorated with exquisite frescoes created by persecuted Christians over 1,000 years ago. This evening we have an opportunity to enjoy a Séance of the Whirling Dervishes, the cult dancers that put themselves into a trance through their dances. BD

September 21, Sunday KONYA Visit the pottery making town of Avanos and the underground city of Kaymakli, an intricate maze of tunnels and chambers carved from the solid rock. Enjoy a rest stop at the best preserved Seljuk caravansary, Sultanhani, before continuing to Konya, home of the Whirling Dervishes and one time capital of the Seljuk Empire. Known as Iconium in New Testament times, it’s where Paul “remained for a time” on his first missionary journey. Konya Dedeman Hotel (1 night) BD

September 22, Monday KONYA / ANTALYA Morning sightseeing in Konya will show us the Inceminare, the Mosque and Mausoleum of Mevlana, founder of the Dervishes and the Karatay Medrese (a former theological college). Departing the arid Anatalion plateau, we cross the picturesque Taurus Mountains and descend to the orchards and olive groves of the Mediterranean and the coastal resort of Antalya, ancient Attalia visited by Paul and Barnabas at the end of their first journey. This afternoon we explore the old Kaleici Quarter (full of small shops, friendly cafes and traditional architecture), the charming little fishing harbour and the excellent local museum which covers the region's long history. Khan Hotel (2 nights) BD

Pamukkale

September 23, Tuesday SIDE / ASPENDOS / PERGE Step back in time as we visit three historic centres along the coast. Dating from 700 BC, the popular seaside resort of Side was once the region's largest seaport and trading centre. Today we find a modern resort with many interesting shops, the beautifully restored Roman bath (now an excellent museum) and a free standing theatre which is the largest on the coast. Located inland, the ancient city of Aspendos is best known for its 15,000 seat theatre, one of the best preserved in the world. Founded around 1100 BC, Perge was an important city in Paul's travels. BD

September 24, Wednesday PAMUKKALE Turning inland, we cross the beautiful Taurus mountains, passing through green valleys, snow-capped peaks and quaint villages. Our route will take us to Colossae and past Laodicea (one of the seven Churches mentioned in the Revelation of St. John) en route to Pamukkale. This plateau, rising one hundred metres from the surrounding plain, is faced by chalk-white stalactites that cascade down the face of the cliff. On the plateau is the holy city, Hierapolis, a spa and religious centre since before Roman times and the reputed place of Philip’s martyrdom in 80AD. Pam Thermal Hotel (1 night) BD

September 25, Thursday APHRODISIAS / KUSADASI Crossing the valley to the south we come to Aphrodisias, one of the most important artistic and cultural centres of the ancient world, from which a wealth of archaeological discoveries have been excavated in recent years. Of particular note are the temple of Aphrodite and the beautifully preserved 30,000 seat stadium. We follow the famous Maeander river valley, passing attractive little villages and dramatic scenery, en route to the Aegean coast where we will visit the Temple of Apollo in Didyma, one of the most sacred sites of the ancient world. Ilayda Avantgarde (2 nights) BD

September 26, Friday EPHESUS With a history spanning some 7,000 years, Ephesus is one of the most important sites in Asia Minor. A major centre of worship of the Phrygian mother goddess Cybele (identified with the Greek Artemis and Roman Diana), the city was considered sacred to many ethnic groups. As far as we know, St. Paul spent more time here than in any other city, and it was here that St. John became leader of the most thriving Christian community in Asia. We shall spend the morning in Ephesus, strolling along the Sacred Way and seeing the restored facade of the Celsus Library and the great amphitheatre where St. Paul was almost put to death.

Spice Market in Istanbul

As a special bonus highlight we have included admission to the recently restored and newly opened Ephesus Villas, once the homes of the wealthiest residents of the city state. Later we shall visit the remains of the Basilica of St. John and the chapel of the Virgin Mary, in its delightful hill top setting. BD

September 27, Saturday IZMIR / PERGAMUM / CANAKKALE Heading north, we'll make a brief visit to Izmir (ancient Smyrna, another of the seven Churches) to discover its beautiful location and modern avenues. Follow the Ionian coast to ancient Pergamum with its Acropolis and Asklepeion, a centre devoted to the god of healing. Located here was another of the seven Churches. Continue north to Canakkale and overnight by the Aegean Sea. Buyuk Truva Hotel (1 night) BD

September 28, Sunday TROY / ISTANBUL This morning we will explore ancient Troy, so familiar to us through the account of the Trojan Wars captured in Homer's Iliad. Inhabited for over 3,000 years, the area reveals relics of its glorious history. Later we cross the Dardanelles by ferry and pass close to Gallipoli, site of the most infamous battle of the First World War, before we continue into Istanbul, the city where Europe and Asia meet. Nippon Hotel (3 nights) BD

September 29, Monday ISTANBUL Cruise the waters of the Bosphorus this morning with views of the old quarters of the city and fabulous summer palaces, located in the Asian and European parts of the city. After lunch visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, former home of the Ottoman Sultans and the Kariye Museum, in the Church of St. Xavier, with its exceptional collection of Byzantine Mosaics. Next, we'll have some free time in the Grand Bazaar! BL

September 30, Tuesday ISTANBUL After exploring the 16th century Ottoman mosque, Suleymaniye, which is dedicated to Suleyman the Magnificent, we continue with visits to the Hippodrome (the centre of Byzantine civic activities), the sumptuous Blue Mosque (the 17th century Ottoman mosque, world famous for its minarets and rich blue tiles) and the renowned St. Sophia (the Byzantine Basilica that dates from AD 537). Our afternoon is devoted to Topkapi Palace, an early residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the nerve centre of the Ottoman Empire. We shall explore the grounds of the palace and see the opulent jewels in the Treasury. This evening, we will have our Farewell Dinner at a selected local restaurant. BD

October 1, Wednesday ISTANBUL / CANADA Our journey draws to a close as we board our direct Air Canada flight to Toronto with connections to our homes across Canada. B

CT RATING 3 - Moderately Challenging: While Turkey offers comfortable accommodations and excellent transportation, members should be aware that facilities in remote areas may be limited and this tour involves considerable walking over uneven surfaces and in hilly conditions. Members should be able to walk unaided for at least a few kilometres and be in good physical health.

Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels. Prices are based on a minimum 20 members and on rates, taxes and fees effective December, 2013 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control.

The price includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($250 - $285pp) for passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date (rate varies by the cost of the trip). Cost supplements will apply for members aged 75 - 85 (from $185 - $352pp). Clients 86 years and older and/or residing outside Ontario - please contact our staff for procedures. This insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Please check our website for the most current information. See enrollment form for general information and conditions.

Final payment will be due on July 8, 2014. Deposit is

$400 per person plus the cost of the insurance.

To reserve your spot on this tour, complete the enclosed enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:

CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD

1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6

Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143

Email: tours@craigtravel.com

Web: www.craigtravel.com

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Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)

Land Only (Join Ankara / Leave Istanbul) ................. $3,195

Toronto ...................................................................... $4,495

Ottawa / Montreal ...................................................... $4,595

Halifax / St. John’s ..................................................... $4,695

Thunder Bay / Winnipeg ........................................... $4,775

Regina / Saskatoon ................................................... $4,855

Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver............................... $4,795

Victoria ....................................................................... $4,855

Single Supplement .................................................... $ 725

Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares and air carriers are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to inclusive features for details.

Friendly smiles!