Day 1: Athens
We had a 7-hour layover in Athens, which is enough time to get on the metro and do a 3 hour tour of the city. We were able to see the Acropolis and Mars Hill, then grab lunch and gelato and get on the next metro back to the airport!
We made it to Istanbul a few hours before sunset. This gave us enough time to have dinner and then get ready to keep the Passover.
Day 2: Istanbul
We were only able to spend 5 hours in the city. We drove into the old city, saw some of the sights, and went to the archaeological museum. We didn't get to stay long, but what we were able to see was beautiful and has left us with a desire to go back.
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| Hagia Sophia |
We then caught a flight to Izmir and rented a van to drive to our condo in Kusadasi. We arrived, with some difficulty, after dark and took a recommendation for a restaurant, all making for a night that will definitely be remembered!
Day 3: Kusadasi
We had a wonderful 1st Day of Unleavened Bread. After services and a snack, we headed down to the water front and took a stroll. We enjoyed exploring the area and watching the sunset.
We then set off to find a place to eat dinner. The food was fabulous! We want to go back to Turkey to eat more of their delicious food!
Day 4: Laodicea and Pamukkale
After breakfast, we headed out to our next destination. It took us about 3 hours to reach the historic remains and active excavation sight of Laodicea.
After some time for exploration, we drove over to nearby Pamukkale, which is also called the "cotton castle." Here we enjoyed walking in the hot springs and swimming in the mineral bath. This is also the location of the ancient city of Hieropolis. We didn't go through much of the ruins because we were having too much fun swimming in the ancient bath house!
Day 5: Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus was only 20 minutes from our condo. This morning we took a trip to see it. The highlights were the library, some excavated Roman upper-class condos, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Ancient Wonders (of which nearly nothing is left).
Day 6: Priene and Miletus
Two ancient Greco-Roman cities about an hour south, sister cities to Ephesus, Priene and Miletus were port cities which now lie some ways inland because of the silting up of the bay. Both were nice in their own ways: Priene was better preserved and had a great view, and Miletus has one of the largest and complete Roman theaters in Turkey.
Day 7: Travel home
Our time in Kusadasi done, we began our long trek home: drive to the airport, fly to Istanbul, fly to Athens, wait for hours, fly to Amman, taxi to our apartment - about 19 hours altogether.
What a trip: seeing great Ottoman monumental architecture, visiting the same cities in west-central Asia minor as the Apostle Paul, having delicious Turkish food, and receiving spiritual insight during the Days of Unleavened Bread!
