11 Days
Specific Tour
35 people
English
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Day 1 – Departure to Turkey
Depart for your overnight flight to Istanbul, with meals served on board.
Day 2—Arrive in Istanbul and overnight
Upon arrival at the Istanbul Airport, we will meet our guide at the arrivals exit and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. (D)
Day 3 – Istanbul
After enjoying our Turkish breakfast, we will depart from our hotel and begin our tour of the historical highlights of Istanbul. We will stroll through Hippodrome Square, the former sporting and social center of Constantinople that hosted chariot races during the Roman period. Afterwards, we are off to witness the incredible majesty and splendor of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Popularly known as the Blue Mosque, this 17th-century Ottoman sanctuary is adorned with six minarets and more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. And then we will walk directly across from the mosque to visit the domed masterpiece of the Hagia Sophia before we head to Topkapi Palace. Located on the very cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace is the former abode of Ottoman Sultans that still houses their legion of treasures, including an extensive collection of royal jewels. Then, we will end our day with an evening of shopping at the Grand Bazaar, the massive covered market that houses a labyrinth of streets lined with shops selling jewelry, leather products and many other handcrafted souvenirs. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. (B, D)
Day 4 – Istanbul
After breakfast, we will visit the Spice Market, a vibrant 17th-century market offering a variety of oriental herbs and spices. Next, we will enjoy a Bosphorus cruise, marveling at historical mansions, palaces, and Istanbul’s iconic skyline adorned with domes and minarets. Following this, we will ascend Galata Tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, we will explore Balat, Istanbul’s historic Jewish quarter, and visit the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George in Fener. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. (B,D)
Day 5 – Istanbul / Kayseri / Cappadocia
After enjoying our Turkish breakfast, we will be transferred to Istanbul Airport and fly to Kayseri. Upon arrival, you will continue to Cappadocia. Today, we will also hike through the valley of Zelve and see its hundreds of carved-from-rock houses and chapels, and we will visit Pasabag Valley, also known as Monk’s Valley, to explore its tower-shaped hermitages. Next, we will descend into Ozkonak Underground City before heading to the potter’s studio in Avanos, a town established by the Hittites on the banks of the Halys River. This town has carried on the Hittites’’ tradition of pottery that uses the river’s famous red clay to make ceramics. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)
Day 6 – Cappadocia / Konya
An optional balloon ride early in the morning.
After enjoying our Turkish breakfast, we will explore the Monastic Center of Göreme. This open-air museum is dotted with quaint carved-from-rock churches and chapels embellished with colorful Byzantine frescoes. Then, we will discover Avcilar Valley. Afterward, we will continue to Konya, ancient Iconium, where Paul the Apostle and Barnabas invested a lot of their missionary efforts preaching the Gospel despite persecution. Dinner and overnight in Konya. (B, D)
Day 7 – Konya / Pamukkale
After breakfast, we drive to Pamukkale. Upon arrival, we will visit the archeological remains of Hierapolis, a significant site of early Christianity thanks to Paul’s missionary efforts here (Colossians 4:13). Because the city sits atop the travertine cascades of Pamukkale (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hierapolis became a healing center wherein the site’s thermal pools were used to treat various ailments. Finally, continuing to Laodicea. This city was one of the Seven Churches that the Apostle John chastised the inhabitants for being lukewarm (Rev. 3:14-22). Here, we will see the site’s well-preserved stadium, gymnasium, and theatres, giving us insight into this city’s former prominence. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B, D)
Day 8| Pamukkale to Kusadas
After breakfast, you will be leaving for Hierapolis, known among Turkish people as Pamukkale (Cotton Fortress) due to its calcium formations that resemble cotton piles of white color. Driving through the fertile fields of Meander Valley, you will reach Hierapolis, which was founded during he Hellenistic period as a control point of trading routes connecting East to West. After Hierapolis, you will be visiting the ancient city of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Continue to Kusadasi for dinner and an overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 9| Ephesus and Kusadas
After breakfast, drive to Ephesus, one of the New Testament’s most significant cities (Rev. 2:1-7). Apostle Paul came here in 53 A.D. and, according to tradition, Apostle John wrote his Gospel here and where the Virgin Mary spent her last days. Visit the archaeological site, including the House of Mary and the Basilica of John the Evangelist. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B, D)
Day 10 – Kusadas / Izmir
Drive to the town of Alasehir to visit the remains of the church in Philadelphia. Continue to the ancient city of Sardis to visit the Royal Road from Sardis to Susa and the remains of a few stores along it, the Gymnasium, the Synagogue, and the Temple of Artemis. Afterwards, drive to the town of Akhisar to visit the remains of the ancient city of Thyatira. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. (B, D)
Day 11: Izmir / Departure
After breakfast, drive to Izmir airport for our return flight home (B)
