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DAY 1
ARRIVAL
Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 2
ISTANBUL - SULTANAHMET
Visit The St. (Haghia) Sophia, which was
built by the Emperor Justinian. It was the largest
building in the world for over 1000 years. See its
intricate mosaics and huge central dome. Continue to
the Topkapi palace, which was used by the
Ottoman Sultans from the
15th
to 19th
centuries. We will also see the impressive
collection of priceless jewels, crystal, silver and
porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and relics of
the prophet Mohammed. (Entrance to the Harem is
extra). After lunch we will see the Blue Mosque,
built for Sultan Ahmet I, which is a unique piece of
architecture with its six minarets and features
20,000 beautiful Iznik tiles. Visit the ancient
Hippodrome with Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake
Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II.
Walk through the back streets of Old Istanbul and
visit the elegant little Sokullu Pasa mosque
and the hidden underground Theodosian Cistern.
See the Grand Covered Bazaar This tour may be
done all or partially as a walking tour. Overnight
in Istanbul or overnight bus.
B.L.
DAY 3
ISTANBUL - PERGAMON
Fly from Istanbul to Izmir and pick up from airport
or overnight bus. We will visit the Pergamon
Acropolis, where the ruins of Zeus Altar
"Throne of Satan" can still be seen today. Pergamon
was a center of Roman authority and a place of
persecution for Christians who denied imperial
worship. The acropolis is situated high above the
plain and has a unique panoramic view. The very
narrow and steep theater on the hillside could seat
up to 10,000 people. Parchment paper was first
produced in Pergamon. We will visit the remains of
the Great Library, which rivaled the one of
Alexandria in Egypt, the palaces of the kings, and
temple of Trajan. Visit the Asclepion, which
was known as the first place of medical science.
Galen, who originated from Pergamon and became the
most famous doctor of his time, treated his patients
here. Overnight in Kusadasi.
B.L. (D).
DAY 4
IZMIR -THYATIRA - SARDES - PHILADELPHIA
Today we will begin to see some more of the Churches
of the Revelation. We will make a visit of Izmir
and St. Polycarp Church. We will continue to
Thyatira (Akhisar), with remains of a temple,
colonnaded street and a large church, then to the
ancient site of Sardes with its temple of
Artemis and ancient Synagogue. It was once the
wealthy capital of the ancient Lydian Empire, and
was the first place in history that coins were
minted. We will also visit Philadelphia,
which was a very important place for the spread of
the Christian faith. Return to Kusadasi and
overnight.
B.L.(D).
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DAY 5
EPHESUS - HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY |
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Today we tour Ephesus, which was one of
the largest and most interesting ancient cities
of Asia Minor. It is considered to be the most
fantastic Greco-Roman site in Turkey. You may
imagine the Ephesians shouting at the
silversmith Demetrius, " Great is Artemis of the
Ephesians" in reaction to the preaching of St.
Paul against man-made idols. A visit to the |
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house where The Virgin Mary spent her
last days, and the Temple of Artemis,
which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Overnight in Kusadasi
B.L.(D) |
DAY 6
LAODICEA - PAMUKKALE
Today we drive through the Meander valley and make a
visit to Laodicea, then visit Pamukkale
and the ancient city of Hierapolis with the
Temple of Apollo, the breathtaking Theater, the
fascinating Necropolis and the last the great baths
of Hierapolis antique city, where St. Philip was
martyred. St. Philip is connected with the early
church in Hierapolis and played an important
role in the history of the city. (Colossians 2;
18,4;13). Finally we visit the calcium terraces and
pools. You may have a chance to swim in a thermal
pool (extra). Return to Kusadasi for overnight.
B.L.(D).
DAY 7
PRIENE - MILETUS - DIDYMA - ISTANBUL
Visit three of the most important cities of the
antique period: Priene, Miletus and Didyma.
Priene is one of the most typical antique cities of
the Hellenistic Period. Paul's visit to Miletus came
at the end of his third journey as he was hurrying
to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost. The city was very
important with its 80 colonies, and philosophers
Thales and Anaximander. Apollo Temple situated in
Didyma, was the third biggest building in the world
at this time and was a most important place for
prophecies. Transfer to airport for flight to
Istanbul or overnight bus.
B.L
DAY 8
BYZANTINE CITY WALLS AND CHORA
Take a drive along the shore of the Marmara Sea and
view some interesting sections of the ancient sea
wall and Fortress of the Seven towers with the
Golden gate. Follow the Theodosian land walls
where people work in their small gardens and horse
cart is still being used for transportation.
Continue to the Sacred Spring of the Fish (Greek
Orthodox Church). This forgotten shrine is 1500
years old and was founded during the early Byzantine
Empire. The chapel courtyard is paved with
tombstones written in a strange Kahramanian script.
Kariye Church (Chora museum) with its
14th
c mosaics and frescoes, depicting scenes from the
Bible, then Tekfur Palace, one of the best
examples of Byzantine architecture existing in
Turkey. We continue along the ancient city walls
then visit Pierre Loti Hill with a view of
the Golden Horn. We walk down to Eyup Imperial
Mosque and tomb of the standard bearer of
Mohammed. Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, considered
to be one of the masterpieces of architect Sinan.
Overnight in Istanbul.
B.L.
DAY 9
DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport for departure.
B
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TOUR PRICE: (IN U.S. DOLLARS) |
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SEVEN CHURCHES TOUR (CODE: CR09) |
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PER PERSON IN DOUBLE ROOM |
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT |
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PLEASE CONTACT FOR PRICE |
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INCLUDED:
All airport transfers
Accommodation in specified category
Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch,
D=Dinner)
Museum entry fees
Transportation in non-smoking mini/midi/coach
bus with professional English speaking guide and
professional driver.
*Order of tour itinerary may vary and other
options may be available, extensions available
for any point of the tour or shorter version of
tour is also available (this tour is a tailored
tour)
NOT INCLUDED:
International or domestic flights, drinks, tips
to guide and driver and items of a personal
nature.
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