And Early Christian Sites
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Departure from New York JFK Airport for Istanbul-Turkey.
Day 2 Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul. Upon arrival half day sight seeing in Istanbul. Visit the remnants of Roman period Hippodrome, the magnificent Byzantine church Haghia Sophia, from 6th century, 17th century Blue Mosque. Then transfer to your hotel for overnight. Overnight in Istanbul (D)
Day 3 Istanbul
Full day sight seeing in Istanbul: Sight seeing of the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the magnificent Byzantine church Haghia Sophia and the underground cistern from 6th century. In the afternoon is the sight seeing of Chora Church which was originally built around 5th century, then renovated in 14th century. The magnificent mosaics and frescoes form the best examples of Byzantine art. Then a short tour of Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul (B, D)
Day 4 Istanbul - Ankara
After breakfast transfer to airport for morning flight to Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey. In Ankara visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara Castle, the Temple of Augustus from 1st century and the Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of Turkish Republic.
Overnight in Ankara (B, D)
Day 5 Ankara - Cappadocia
After breakfast depart from Ankara for Cappadocia on the way enjoying the beautiful countryside views of Turkey. On the way see also the great Salt Lake and 13th cent. Agzikarahan Caravanserai from Seljuk Turks. In the afternoon visit a number of places in Cappadocia including Uchisar and Guvercinlik valley. Overnight in Cappadocia (B, D)
Day 6 Cappadocia
Full day tour of Cappadocia region. The region of wonderful scenery of unusual natural formations and man-made dwellings, churches and chapels from early Christian and Byzantine periods. Your visits will include Goreme Open Air Museum, Avanos village, the valley of Zelve and underground city of Kaymakli. Overnight in Cappadocia (B, D)
Day 7 Cappadocia - Konya - Egirdir
After breakfast we will depart for Konya, today's city of ancient Iconium (Acts 13:51-14:7). Upon arrival we will visit the Mevlana Museum and Karatay Medrese both from the period of Seljuk Turks. In the afternoon drive for Egirdir, a small town near the beautiful Egirdir Lake. On the way visit Antiocheia in Pisidia, which was also visited by SS Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:14-51). Overnight in Egirdir (B, D)
Day 8 Egirdir - Pamukkale
In the morning, we will depart from Egirdir and drive for Pamukkale. On the way we will visit the ruins of Laodicea (Revelation 3:14) and upon arrival to Pamukkale we will visit the ancient site of Hierapolis (Colossians 4:13), with its fascinating necropolis, theater and cotton-white cascades. Overnight in Pamukkale (B, D)
Day 9 Pamukkale - Kusadasi
After breakfast we will leave Pamukkale for Kusadasi. On the way we will visit the beautiful ruins of Aphrodisias, the most important city of the ancient Caria region which was also important for its school of sculpture. Overnight in Kusadasi (B, D)
Day 10 Kusadasi
Today we have a full day excursion to Miletus, Didyma and Priene.
Overnight in Kusadasi(B, D)
Day 11 Kusadasi
Today is the tour of Ephesus. This glorious city which was founded about 4000 years ago, still surprises the visitors with its ruins. We will also visit the House of Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John from 6th century and the Museum (Revelation 2:1).
Overnight in Kusadasi (B, D)
Day 12 Kusadasi - Izmir
After breakfast we will leave Kusadasi and drive for Alasehir, the site of ancient Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7) and Sardis (Revelation 3:1), with its remains of Artemis temple and gymnasium. They we will drive to Izmir, ancient Smyrna (Revelation 2:8). Overnight in Izmir (B, D)
Day 13 Izmir - Assos
Today we will drive from Izmir to Assos and visit Akhisar, the site of ancient Thyatira (Revelation 2:18) and Bergama (Revelation 2:12). In the site of the ancient Pergamon, we will visit the Acropolis, including the theater, temple of Trajan, altar of Zeus, the Asklepion, famous medical center of the Roman times, and the Red Basilica of the Byzantine period. Assos (Acts 20:13-14), where we will stay for the night is an ancient town which was visited by St. Paul on his biblical journeys.
Overnight in Assos (B, D)
Day 14 Assos - Istanbul
After breakfast we will leave Assos for Istanbul. On the way we will visit Troy, the legendary city, which became the stage for Homer's Iliad. Then after a short cruise by car ferry, we cross Dardanelles and drive to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul (B, D)
Day 15 Istanbul
Full day sight seeing in Istanbul: In the morning is the sight seeing of Topkapi Palace, which was the residence of Ottoman Sultans from 15th to 19th century. After lunch we will visit the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul (B, L)
Day 16 Transfer
Transfer to the airport after breakfast for departure from Istanbul.
(B)
| Cities | Hotels |
| Istanbul | Richmond**** |
| Ankara | Merit Altinel***** |
| Cappadocia | Cappadocia Lodge**** |
| Egirdir | Egirdir Hotel**** |
| Pamukkale | Colossae***** |
| Kusadasi | Fantasia***** |
| Izmir | Grand Mercure***** |
| Assos | Eden Garden**** |
items of a personal nature such as drinks with meals (except tea or coffee with breakfast), medical services, phone calls etc.