Turkey: The Wonders of Ancient Christianity and a Modern Muslim Nation
Explore the roots of religion on this 14-day tour of Turkey with Dr. Roy Hammerling. You will visit sites of ancient and modern Islam in Istanbul, walk through the ancient ruins of early Christianity in Ephesus, Cappadocia and Pergamon, and observe the whirling dervishes of Sufi Mysticism in Konya. You’ll also be traveling to Canakkale and the ancient city of Troy. Along the journey, you will stop to admire many natural wonders. Participants will also take a side trip for a few days by boat to Samos an historic Greek Islands in the Mediterranean.
Dr. Roy Hammerling is a Professor of Religion, who for the past 20 years at Concordia College has been teaching courses in Church History both for students and adults on campus and abroad across Europe, Egypt, and Turkey. Dr. Hammerling received his PhD at the University of Notre Dame in Early, Medieval, and Reformation Religious history; is an ELCA pastor with a MDiv degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary; and did his undergraduate work in Philosophy, Classical Studies, and Religion at Pacific Lutheran University. Dr. Hammerling's books include "A History of Prayer: The First to the Fifteenth Century" and "The Lord's Prayer in the Early Church: The Pearl of Great Price," and he is currently working on a book entitled, "The Prayerful Reforms of Martin Luther." He has published articles on the Early Church Fathers, Medieval Religious history, King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and on teaching global education. This is his first alumni trip to Turkey, but he has been there a number of times with students and once working on a documentary film with his son Jeremiah, a filmmaker. Dr. Hammerling seeks to provide unique learning opportunities when he travels. This includes seeing not only the most well known sights, but also getting to know the culture away from tourism. This educational travel experience will also benefit from having a Turkish guide who has a Master's Degree in Archeology and extensive guiding experience.
April 13-15: Friday Day 1-3 Istanbul
Istanbul (aka in the ancient world as Byzantium and Constantinople) is one of the most fable cities on earth and the only major city to be found on two continents (Asia and Europe). In ancient days Constantine, the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity, ruled his vast empire from here; later the Kingdom of Byzantium turned it into one of the most splendid cities in the world. Then in the fifteenth century Istanbul became the heart of the Muslim Ottoman Empire. While in Istanbul we will visit the famous Hagio Sophia (the ancient basilica whose foundations go back to Constantine and Emp. Justinian), the Blue Mosque (one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world), the palace of the Ottoman Sultans – Topkapi with all its remarkable treasures, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the magnificent medieval frescos of Chora Church, the Archeological Museum, and much more. Culturally we will, experience the wonderful Turkish food known the world over and be able to shop in one of the oldest and largest markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar, the spice market, and the ultra modern Taksim area of the city.
Accommodations: Golden Horn Sultanahmet
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner on April 13 only
April 16 Monday Day 4 Çanakkale and Troy
Today we drive along the Marmara Sea to Assos. En route, we stop in Galipoli and Anzac Bay where a famous Memorial commemorates the Turkish and Allied soldiers that died here in WWI. After lunch we continue to the Dardanelles Strait, where we cross by ferry, observing two 15th century fortresses, one on each side. We visit Troy and continue on to the fishing village of Assos. Dinner and overnight in Assos.
Accommodations: Hotel Kervanserai
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
April 17: Tuesday Day 5 Pergamon
At Pergamon we visit one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the book of Revelation (we will also visit Smyrna or modern day Izmir, and Ephesus, two other churches of the 7). Here there is a truly amazing Acropolis, city on a hill, with a dramatic hillside theater, and ancient ruins. Pergamon was known as an ancient healing center where the Greek Galen practiced. It was also conquered by Alexander the Great. Its breathtaking ruins are among the best in Turkey. On the way from Pergamon to Ephesus we will go through Smyrna / Izmir on the coast.
Accommodations: Kaya Prestige or Kalehan
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
April 18: Wednesday Day 6 Ephesus
In Ephesus we come to a city where the Apostle Paul spent much time and wrote his famous letter to the Ephesians. The city likewise is remarkably well preserved and we will visit the amazing library of the ancient world, the temple of Artemis, the Basilica of St. John, and the House of the Virgin Mary (which legend says is where she went to live after Jesus died and rose, it is outside the city). Other important sites here include the grave of St. Luke, the ancient baths, the Hercules gate, and much more.
Accommodations: Kalehan/Selchuk
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
April 19: Thursday Day 7 Ferry to the Greek Island of Samos
For two days we will stay in Pythagorion, on the island of Samos at the Labito Hotel. Pythagorion is named after its most famous son Pythagorus, who was born here, and whose theorem is well known. The island's history and beauty are well reknowned.
Accommodations: Samos
Meals: Breakfast
April 20: Friday Day 8 Excursion of Samos
On this half day of excursion of Samos we will visit the Archaeological Museum (with the famous Kouros statue), go to an old Winery for wine tasting, visit a Monastery with the Cave of Panagia Spiliani, see the Efpalinus Tunnel and then return to Pythagorion.
Accommodations: Samos
Meals: Breakfast
April 21: Saturday Day 9 Samos to Mainland Turkey
Today we go back to mainland Turkey with a regular boat at 5 pm and drive directly to Pamukkale. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Accommodations: Richmond/Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
April 22: Sunday Day 10 Pamukkale
At Pamukkale we visit one of the geological wonders of Turkey. Pamukkale means "cotton castle" and refers to white limestone-laden thermal springs which have formed beautiful stalactites, potholes, and cataracts through sedentary deposits. In ancient days the pools were considered sacred and today they are known the world over.
Accommodations: Richmond/Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
April 23: Monday Day 11 Konya
Konya is inland and the ancient home of Rumi, the famed Muslim mystic poet and founder of the Whirling Dervish order, also known as the Mevlevi Sufis. In the USA it is a fact that no other poet today sells more books that Rumi, a man renowned for his spiritual insight and wisdom. Konya is home to the splendid tomb of Rumi and a magnificent modern Whirling Dervish center where we will watch the Dervishes practice their spiritual art of dance. Not far from Konya is an area some think the Apostle Paul went through and some ancient caravan centers that we will visit.
Accommodations: Ozkaymak/Konya
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
April 24: Tuesday Day 12 Cappadocia
Cappadocia takes us further inland to the heart of Turkey and ancient Christianity and some of the most remarkable geological sites of Turkey. In ancient times early Christians tunneled down into the soft sandstone of Cappadocia to build entire underground cities and magnificent ancient churches. The unusual rock formations and beautiful frescoes in ancient churches and monasteries are truly among the most beautiful and unusual ancient churches in the world.
Accommodations: Dinler/Nevsehir
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
April 25: Wednesday Day 13 Cappadocia
Cappadocia is such a place of wonder it will take two days to see.
Accommodations: Dinler/Nevsehir
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
April 26: Thursday Day 14 Flight to Istanbul and on to USA
Costs
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Tour Price
Single Supplement |
$2,375 per person
$490 (subject to availability) |
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| Inclusions |
Exclusions |
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-Double occupancy accommodations
-Air conditioned bus
-One domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
-Round trip ferry ticket to Samos
-Services of Roy Hammerling as group leader
-Full time tour guide during tour
-Meals as listed in itinerary
-Parking fees and tolls
-Tips to hotels
-Trip insurance through Concordia College's -EIIA International Travel Program
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-No internaional flight ticket is included
-Lunches throughout tour
-Dinner in Istanbul except upon arrival |
Insurance
All travelers with Concordia Alumni Travel are covered under Concordia's travel insurance through
Educational and Institutional Insurance Administrators, Inc. The following services are provided:
Medical Services
- Referral to English-speaking doctors
- Advance payment of medical expenses
- Guarantee of hospitalization fee
- Medical evaluation
- Medical case monitoring
- Medical records and medication shipment
Personal Services
- Passport and visa requirements
- Immunization requirements
- Political/Environmental warnings
- Currency information and ATM locations
- Global weather information
- Emergency message transmissions
- Telephone translations
- Rental car return
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In Route Services
- Lost or stolen luggage and personal effects
- Lost or stolen travel documents or tickets
- Emergency cash transfer
- Trip interruption
- Insurance/Claims coordination
Legal Services
- Referral to Local Attorney |
Contact
To find out more information about traveling to Turkey, contact
Karen Carlson
Director of Alumni Relations
218.299.3734
carlsonk@cord.edu
Registration
Downloadable Registration Form
Health Form