This tour is offered as a unique combination of the Holy and Ancient Sites of Turkey. In 15 days we will attempt to cover the most important historical monuments of Anatolian Civilizations from the Hittite times through present with very special attention given to the Byzantine sites and Holy places of the Eastern Christendom. Even as most of religious places are no longer in use, we will try to create the spirit of a true pilgrimage during this impressive historical and educational tour. We will explore the ruins of Antiquity in many cities and sites along the Mediterranean and in the interior; we will visit the wondrous Cappodocia in the center of the country; will admire the Syriac Monasteries in the South-East and will gaze at the beauty of the Royal City of Constantinople – Istanbul in the West. The lives of mighty rulers, all-laudable Apostles, glorious saints and humble hermits will pass in front of us documented by and in precious historical relics and stones. This trip should be very interesting, edifying and educational to anyone who has interest in the history of the Eastern Christendom and/or Antiquity at large. Although this trip prepared with an Orthodox traveler in mind, anyone interested is welcome. Tour dates: 13 September - 29 September.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Flight Day
Depart for Turkey (We plan to leave from NYC, out of the JFK airport).
Day 2: Izmir - Kusadasi
Arrival in Istanbul and connecting flight to Izmir. Tour of Izmir including the Agora and free time for lunch. Izmir is the historical and Biblical Smyrna, also known for its heavenly patron – St. Polycarp, bishop of the city and disciple of St. John the Evangelist, who was martyred for Christ in 155 AD in the city’s theater. Little remains of the ancient city, except for the Agora, as the ancient remains were largely built over and consumed by the new developments of Turkey’s third largest city. Drive to Kusadasi, one of the most famous resorts of the Turkish Aegean. Dinner and overnight at Kismet Hotel. Includes: (D).
Day 3: Kusadasi
Today we will spend a full day in exploration of the ancient city of Ephesos. It is impossible to overstate the importance of this city in the historical context. The city is closely associated with important New Testament and Early Church historical figures; two of the Seven Ecumenical Councils recognized by the Orthodox Church were conducted in this city. The antiquities of the city are very well preserved and in some sense rival those of Pompeii in Italy. Among many other sites, we will visit the Artemision (one of the 7 wonders of the world), the Museum, Basilica Tomb of St. John, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Lunch in a local restaurant on your own. Dinner and overnight at Kismet Hotel. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 4: Pamukkale
Today we will depart for the exploration of the important historical places and magnificent archeological parks of Aphrodisias and Pamukkale. The first is known as one of the major cult centers of the goddess Aphrodite (hence the name of the city); the other was renown from antiquity for its natural hot springs. Drive to Pamukkale and visit. Dinner and overnight at Pamukkale Collosea Hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Antalya
Today we will take a scenic route that will lead us south, to the shores of Mediterranean. This day will pass under the special patronage of St. Nicholas, as we will visit the ancient ruins of Patara, the birthplace of the famous Christian saint, and Myra (Demre) the town where he was bishop and where he rested till the time when his relics were taken away to Bari in Italy. Both Patara and Myra are also very important historical centers as in their day they were some of the prime cities of the province of Lycia. Lunch will be provided on our way from Patara to Myra. For dinner and overnight we will transfer to Antalya Hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Konya
Today we will have an earlier start. On our way to Konya, our next overnight stop, we will visit two archeological parks – those of Perge and Aspendos. Both cities are some miles away from Antalya and both of them were considered important centers during the Byzantine period. While Aspendos was known for its well preserved theater and large aqueduct, Perge has some important surviving Christian monuments. It is known that Perge was visited by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys. After lunch we will transfer to Konya (Iconium of old). Time permitting we will visit the tomb and museum of Mevlana – an “unorthodox” Islamic mystic and the founder Mevlevi sect. The sect is also known for the dance of the Whirling Dervishes, which today is very closely associated with the Turkish cultural landscape at large. Dinner & overnight Konya Ozkaymak Park Hotel. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 7: Cappodocia
Today we will be entering into one of the most interesting regions in Turkey – Cappodocia, which is also incredibly important in Christian history. On the way we will visit the Agzikarahan Caravanserai, build in the 13th century as the safe haven on the major trade route. Upon our arrival to Cappodocia we will visit Kaymakli underground city, and after lunch Goreme and Zelve cave cities. Many of the dwellings in this wondrous region were inhabited up until 1920s, monasteries were populated and churches were in use. The sad events of the early 20th century turned most of the once densely populated cave cities into ghost towns and “open air museums”. Dinner and overnight at Special Cave Hotel*. Cave hotel is subject to availability due to the very limited size of the facility. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Tarsus
Early in the morning an optional hot air balloon ride will be offered to the most adventurous from the group. But in our main program for the day, the further exploration of Cappodocia is planned. We will visit Avanos, Uchisar and the town of Mustafapasa. In route to Tarsus we will stop for a visit to Eskigumus Monastery, the most impressive and most southerly of all Cappodocian monasteries, lost in history and rediscovered only in the mid-20th century. It is very well preserved and has some of the best preserved frescoes in all of Cappodocia. Later tonight we will arrive at Tarsus, the birthplace of Paul, one of the most glorious apostles of our Lord. We will arrive at the Tarsus Mersin Hotel for dinner and overnight. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: Antioch ad Orontes - Antakya
We will leave Tarsus early in the morning and will drive further to the modern city of Antakya, historically ancient Antioch. In that city the followers of the Galilean were called Christians for the first time. On the way we will visit the ruins of Seleukia and Pierea, the seaport of the mighty Antioch and monastery of St. Simeon Stylites the Younger, a prominent Orthodox saint of the sixth century, who spent 68 years in ascetical labors atop the column that was erected for him. Later in the day, we will visit several sites associated with memory of the Apostle Paul and some Roman ruins – fragile remains of the once glorious city. We will end our sightseeing in the mosaic museum, that is considered to be one of the best of its sort anywhere in the world. Dinner at Harbiye and overnight at the Buyuk Antakya Hotel. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 10: Kahta
We will start our day with a transfer to Gaziantep, one of the oldest cities in the region that most likely dates back to the Hittite times. The city is one of the most developed communities in southeastern Turkey. It attracts many visitors because of its rich history and its museum, famous for many historical artifacts. Since 2000, the Gaziantep Archeological Museum houses spectacular mosaics and some of the artifacts that were rescued from the very important ancient Roman city of Zeugma, whose remains were flooded after the building of the dam on the Euphrates River. After lunch we will visit the Yasemek open air museum, the oldest discovered sculpture workshop that dates back to the second millennia B.C. (!). Then we will continue to Mt. Nemrut West terrace for sunset. Dinner and overnight Kahta Zeus Hotel. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 11: Urfa
Next morning we will get up for an early ride to see the sunrise on the East Terrace of Mt. Nemrut. After that spectacular sighting we will drive to Urfa or Sanliurfa, the historical city of Edessa. We will stop for lunch and to visit the Ataturk Dam on the way to Urfa. Urfa is Edessa of old and has close connection to the Old Testament and Church tradition. Some of the toponimic names bear the allusion to Old Testament personalities and it is believed that it was here that King Abgar, the ruler of the city, was healed and converted after receiving the gift of a cloth with an image of Christ not made by hands on it. We will visit the Old Bazaar in Urfa, the Sacred Pool and the area. Late in the afternoon we will visit Harran, the place where according to tradition Adam and Eve went when they were expelled from the Garden of Eden and where Abraham lived after he left his birthplace in Ur of Chaldeans. For dinner and overnight we will return to Urfa’s Edessa Hotel. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 12: Mardin - Batman
This morning we will visit the city of Mardin that was established by Assyrian Christians in the third century AD. The city remained populated predominantly by Christians until recent times. There is still a Christian community here, with very strong historical continuity. Many of the Mardin churches date back to the 5th century AD. One of the earliest churches dedicated to the 40 Martyrs of Sebastia is in the city. We will tour the medieval town of Mardin and the Monastery of Dayrul-Zeferan, founded in 493 AD. For many centuries and until 1932 it was the seat of the patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church. After Lunch we will visit several more ancient Christian sites of Anitli, Midyat and Mor Gabriel Monastery. Dinner and overnight Batman Bozogullari Hotel. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 13: Diyarbakir - Istanbul
In route from Batman to Diyarbakir, we will stop for a visit to Hasankeyf, another settlement that dates back millennia before Christ. The Romans built a fortress here, and under the Byzantine rule a bishophoric see was introduced here. In the afternoon we will arrive at Diyarbakir, also famous for many historical monuments and a mighty fortress made of dark basalt slabs. The walls of the city are over 5km long and to date are the second largest and best preserved walls in the world after the famous Great Wall of China. After sightseeing in town we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. Dinner on your own and overnight at the Ottoman Imperial Hotel. Includes: (B).
Day 14: Istanbul
Istanbul-Constantinople is in no need of introduction. We will start our visit of the glorious imperial city with a visit to what was once the heart of Eastern Christendom, the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia. We will continue the exploration of the city with a visit to Hagia Irene church (if open), an underground cistern, the most beautiful Chora Church with its world famous mosaics and frescoes and the ruins of the monastery of St. John the Baptist in Stoudios. Many famous theologians and one of the church typikons (the book of ecclesiastical order) came from this monastery. Perhaps the most prominent of them is St. Theodore the Studite, the great saint, theologian and adamant defender of the holy icons. Dinner on your own and overnight at the Ottoman Imperial Hotel. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 15: Istanbul
Today we will continue the exploration of Istanbul-Constantinople. We will visit the Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, Church of Sergius and Bacchus, Pammakaristos Church, and the Blue Mosque. Then you’ll have some free time for further exploration and dinner. Overnight Ottoman Imperial Hotel. Includes: (B).
Day 16: Istanbul
This morning we will start with Divine Liturgy at the Greek Patriarchate in Phanar. After liturgy we will visit the Archeological Museum. Your afternoon will be at leisure or an optional Bosphorus Cruise will be offered. Farewell dinner at Kumkapi and overnight at the Ottoman Imperial Hotel. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 17: Departure Day
This morning, after breakfast we will transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price of $2700 is per person/double occupancy. Single supplement $500. A non-refundable deposit of $400 is due to sign up. Sign up deadline/entire amount due: April 30, 2008
Price includes:
- All hotels as indicated in the itinerary. (Based on availability, may be substituted with similar class without notice)
- All meals as indicated
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- A/C motorcoach
- Hotel tips only
- All entrance fees and admissions
- Baggage handling. No Hidden Costs.
Not Included:
- Guide and driver tips
- International and domestic flights
- Visa (obtained at the airport in Turkey for $26 per person for 2007)
- Meals where not indicated
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Turkey
Archeology/History
Pilgrimage/Spirituality
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