DAY
1
Arrival in Istanbul. Transfer to the hotel. Brief city
orientation given. Free day at your own leisure. Overnight
in Istanbul.
DAY 2
After breakfast, visit Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.
Following a lunch break, visit the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome,
Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 3
After breakfast, there is a half-day tour visiting the
Spice Market, followed by a ferry cruise through the
Bosphorus. A coffee break is given at Ortaköy village.
Free afternoon at your own leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 4
Morning departure for Ankara, where you will visit the
Mausoleum of Atatürk, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations;
and Angora Castle. Overnight in Ankara.
DAY 5
Set off for Cappadocia, a landscape of extraordinary
rock formations. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Zelve
Open Air Museum, Avanos and Uçhisar Castle. Overnight
in Ürgüp.
DAY 6
Explore Cappadocia further; the land of Saints and early
Christians. Ramble in beautiful valleys, discover underground
cities and visit old Christian villages. Overnight in
Ürgüp.
DAY 7
Depart for Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul. Drive
through the Taurus Mountains and visit St. Paul's Arch,
Cleopatra's Gate and the Well of the Blessed Water.
Overnight in Adana.
DAY 8
Excursion to Antakya, the Biblical Antioch-on-Orantes.
Visit Samandag, the biblical Seleucia Pieria, the Grotto
of St. Peter, Titus Water Tunnel and Mosaic Museum.
Overnight in Adana.
DAY 9
Set off for Konya to visit the Shrine of Mevlana (the
mystic philosopher who inspired the 'Whirling Dervishes'),
and the Selcuk mosques. Overnight in Konya.
DAY 10
Depart for Yalvaç, the ancient Antioch-in-Pisidia, where
St.Paul's first recorded sermon was given. In the afternoon,
drive to Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.
DAY
11
Excursion to the ancient city of Perge, where St. Paul
preached, followed by a visit to the Aspendos Theater.
Continue on to Side to visit the Temple of Apollon.
Overnight in Antalya.
DAY 12
Depart for Pamukkale to visit the ancient city of Hierapolis,
where St. Philip the Apostle was martyred. Enjoy a leisurely
bath in a hot spring pool. Overnight in Pamukkale.
DAY 13
Set off for Eskihisar - ancient Laodicea; and visit
the its church and ruins, followed by Aphrodisias ancient
city featuring the Temple of Aphrodite, Theater, and
Hadrian Baths. Overnight in Kusadasi.
DAY 14
Drive to Ephesus to visit the spectacular ruins, the
House of Virgin Mary, Archaeological Museum and Basilica
of St. John. Stop-off at the picturesque Sirince village.
Overnight in Izmir.
DAY
15
Excursion to the Church of St. Policarp, symbolizing
the community of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse,
followed by Alexander the Great's "Velvet Castle", Sardis
ancient Lydian city and the ancient Philadelphia Church
in Alasehir. Overnight in Izmir.
DAY 16
Morning departure for Akhisar to visit the Church of
ancient Thyatira, followed by a visit to the Acropolis
and Asclepion in ancient Pergamon. Drive to Çanakkale.
Overnight in Çanakkale.
DAY 17
Visit the ancient city of Troy. Drive to Istanbul. Overnight
in Istanbul.
DAY 18
Departure from Istanbul, or, extra nights in Istanbul.
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Ephesus
St Paul
Cappadocia
Aspendos
Ephesus
Troy
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