Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Ankara. Upon arrival in Ankara via Istanbul, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. (D)
Day 2: Ankara / Cappadocia. This morning, you begin with a visits to Anatolian Civilization Museum and the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. In the afternoon, proceed to Cappadocia, traveling along the shores of the great Salt Lake. Arrive in Cappadocia late this afternoon. (B,D)
Day 3: Cappadocia. Today you have a full day excursion into the magical moonscape of Cappadocia’s rocky hills and valleys. Dominated by Erciyes Dagi (Mt. Argaeus), Cappadocia was fi rst settled by ancient people, and was home to Romans and early Christians. You visit Goreme Church Valley, Zelve, Avanos, Uchisar, and see best of the many churches caved into the rocks throughout the region. (B, D)
Day 4: Cappadocia / Adana. Today begins at Kaymakli underground city, used by early Christians to escape from persecutors. Driving south, you visit Caravanserais before arriving in Adana. (B, D)
Day 5: Adana / Antioch / Adana. This morning, you drive to Antioch, the center where Paul, Peter and Barnabas established a very large church which became the center of the missionary activities. Here the followers of Christ were called Christians for the first time. Visit the port of Samandag, Seleucia, from which Paul sailed to Cyprus. Later visit the Grotto of St. Peter and the impressive Mosaic Museum. Return to Adana for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 6: Adana / Tarsus / Derbe / Iconium. Today, you drive to Tarsus, birthplace of Apostle Paul, to see the town, Cleopatra Gate and St. Paul’s Well. Driving along the Mediterranean coastline, you pass the towns of Pompeipolis, Corycos, and Silifke. Stop at Derbe where Paul preached before arriving at Iconium. (B, D)
Day 7: Iconium / Antalya. Follow the steps of Apostle Paul in Lystra and Antioch-of-Pisidia, the fi rst two cities where Paul preached. Arrive in Antalya. (B, D)
Day 8: Antalya / Perge / Aspendos / Side / Antalya. Explore the ancient Pamphylian, Hellenistic and Roman cities of Perge, Side and Aspendos. The ruins of Perge’s stadium and theater prove the city’s majesty. In Side, explore the seaside theatre, Roman baths and ruins. Large enough for 15,000 spectators, the theatre in Aspendos is the best preserved in the Mediterranean area. (B, D)
Day 9: Antalya / Laodicea / Hierapolis. We arrive in Laodicea today. The Church of Laodicea was warned for its indifference. Enjoy the rest of the day in the “cotton castles” of Pamukkale (Hierapolis), where cascading hot springs flow into limestone basins. (B, D)
Day 10: Hierapolis / Philadelhia / Sardes / Izmir. Our first visit today is Philadelphia, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Drive on to Sardes, the prosperous ancient capital of the Lydian Empire known for legendary King Midas and his “Golden Touch.” Continue to Izmir (ancient Smyrna) and visit the Church of St. Polycarp. Izmir is the birthplace of Homer. (B, D)
Day 11: Izmir / Ephesus / Izmir. Drive to Ephesus, the greatest metropolis of Asia Minor during the times of Apostle Paul. The extensive excavation includes 2,000 year old marble streets, a magnifi cent theatre where St.Paul preached, the Library of Celsius and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Paul ministered in Ephesus for 3 years. We will visit the stone cottage of St. Mary and the Basilica and tomb of St. John. Return to Izmir. (B, D)
Day 12: Izmir / Pergamum / Thyatira / Ayvalik. Drive to Pergamum where you visit the Asclepion, ancient healing center. Stroll through the acropolis and visit the Archaeological Museum. Then drive to Thyatira, smallest of the seven churches. Lydia, the seller of purple cloth in Philippi was originally from Thyatira. Finally, you drive to the coastal city of Ayvalik for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 13: Ayvalik / Alexandria Troas / Istanbul. Drive along the coast to Alexandria Troas where Paul had a vision to take the gospel to Europe. Next, visit Troy, city of the Trojan horse legend, and observe nine layers of civilization. En route to Istanbul, you stop at Bursa, city of many thermal hot springs and site of the Ecumenical Councils during the Roman Empire. Arrive in Istanbul. (B, D)
Day 14: Istanbul. A morning city tour features Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Roman Hippodrome and a brief visit to the Topkapi Palace. Afternoon is free. You can visit the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market on your own. (B, D)
Day 15: Istanbul / Home. You will be transferred to airport for departure. (B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Package includes:
- Round trip airfare from New York
- Selected quality accommodations sharing double occupancy (refer to hotel list)
- Buffet breakfast and dinner daily
- Sightseeing as shown in the itinerary
- All entrance fees
- Deluxe chartered motor coach for all services
- Expert English-speaking guide knowledgeable in Biblical history
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure in each airport
- Baggage handling
- All local taxes and service charges for meals, accommodations and transportation.
Not included:
- U.S. and foreign airport taxes & security charges, passport and visa fees, travel insurance
- tips to guide, driver, and hotel porters
- telephone calls
- laundry
- things not mentioned as included and things of personal nature.
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Turkey
Church Tours
Pilgrimage/Spirituality
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