Day 1 : Istanbul
Arrive Istanbul. Meet and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon orientation tour in Istanbul, if times permits (according to the arrival time). Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 02 : Istanbul
St.Sophia ,Hippodrome, Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace, St. Irene and St. Chora Museum. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 03 : Flight to Cappadocia - Kayseri Airport and drive to hotel. Leisure Day.
Day 04 : Cappadocia
Full day exploring Cappadocia. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Avanos, the pottery making town, the naturel Citadel of Uchisar and the monastic Zelve Valley.
Day 05 : Cappadocia
Visit the Ihlara Valley including painted cave churches, Güzelyurt (Karballa), the birthplace of St. Gregory of Nazianzus and the underground city of Kaymakli.Return to hotel for overnight.
Day 06 : Cappadocia - Konya - Antalya
Early departure to Konya. Visit the Mevlana Museum and the 13th century Whirling Dervish Monastery. After lunch, drive to Antalya.
Day 07 : Demre - Hierapolis - Pamukkale
Early departure to Demre, one of the six great cities of the Lycian civilization which was first settled in the 5th century B.C.The rock tombs, theater and Church of St. Nicholas commemorate the life and work of this Fourth Century Bishop. Saint Nicholas provided the dowries for three poor girls who would not have been able to marry otherwise, the beginning of our tradition of Christmas giving. Continue to Hierapolis, where we will visit the Martyrium of St. Philip amidst the site's extensive ruins. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 08 : Demre - Hierapolis - Pamukkale
Complete the tour of Hierapolis, see the wonderful formation of stalactites in Pamukkale (Cotton Castle), the Roman Bath which later became a church, then visit Laodicea,one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation, continue to Kusadasi for overnight.
Day 09 : Patmos - Kusadasi
Today we will travel by private boat to the Greek Island of Patmos, location of the cave where John wrote the Book of Revelation and also spend time at St. John's Monastery. Return to Kusadasi for overnight.
Day 10 : Ephesus - Izmir
Depart for Ephesus, cradle of the early Church. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, ancient Ephesus, the Temple of Diana (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the grave and Basilica of St. John. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.
Day 11 : Sardes - Philadelphia - Izmir
After Mass at the Church of St. Polycarp, travel to Sardes, the capital city city of the ancient kingdom of Lydia and the church which was built on the foundations of the Temple of Artemis. After traveling to Philadelphia, return to Izmir. Balance of the afternoon is free to explore the city and its ancient bazaar. Overnight in Izmir.
Day 12 : Pergamum - Bursa
Depart to Pergamum to see the Asclepion, the ancient hospital whose approach to medicine was remarkably modern, the Acropolis, the church at the site of ancient Serapium,and the Red Court dedicated to St. John. Continue to Bursa ; visit the Green Mosque and the Green Mousoleum. Overnight in Bursa.
Day 13 : Bursa - Nicea - Iznik - Istanbul
Drive to Iznik (ancient Nicaea) via the beautiful Iznik lake road. Two ecumenical councils were held here : the First Ecumenical Council of 325 and the Seventh Ecumenical Council of 787. Visit the ruins of the St. Sophia Church where the Seventh Ecumenical Council was held. In the afternoon, drive to Istanbul, the only city in the world spanning two continents ; transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure.
Biblical References
The Seven Churches mentioned by St. John in the Book of Revelations (The Apocalypse) are all found in Turkey and each was a founding community of Christianity.
Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11
Pergamum Revelation 2:12-17
Thyatira Revelation 2:18-19 Acts 16:14
Sardes Revelation 3:1-6
Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13
Laodicea Revelation 3:14-22
Ephesus Revelation 1:11:2:1-7 Acts18:19-28:19
Included :
• Transfer from airport or hotel and back
• Transportation by a comfortable AC non smoking Luxurious car / Van with professional driver.
• Professional and experienced licensed guide during the tours.
• Entry fees to the museums and sites.
• Parking fees.
