Ancient Echoes for Modern Pilgrims

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul, the largest city in modern Turkey. We will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2: Today we enjoy an extensive tour of Istanbul, the only city in the world located on two continents and the former capital of three great empires. Our first visit will be Hagia Sophia, the legendary landmark built about 1,500 years ago and one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Byzantine era. We then visit the famous Blue Mosque. After lunch, you will have free time to explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. In the afternoon, we visit the Chora Museum, famous for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3: In the morning, we take a Bosphorus cruise and enjoy the spectacular views of Istanbul from the water. We then visit Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman sultans lived and ruled the empire for centuries. After lunch, we explore the Underground Cistern and have free time at the famous Spice Bazaar. Later, enjoy some free time at lively and cosmopolitan Taksim Square. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4: We fly from Istanbul to Mardin, one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in southeastern Turkey. First, we visit Midyat, famous for its traditional stone architecture, and enjoy lunch there. Later, we continue to Mardin and visit a historic Syriac Christian church. This will be a memorable experience as you learn about the ancient Christian traditions of the region and hear biblical passages in Syriac, a language traditionally associated with the time of Jesus. Overnight in Mardin.

Day 5: Leaving Mardin, we travel through Diyarbakir and cross the Euphrates River by ferry near Siverek. We continue to Kahta and then drive to Mount Nemrut, one of Turkey’s most extraordinary archaeological sites. At the summit, we will see the impressive two-meter-high statues of ancient gods and kings built more than 2,000 years ago. Overnight in Adiyaman.

Day 6: On our way to Sanliurfa, we will see the impressive Ataturk Dam, one of the largest dams in Turkey. We then visit the biblical city of Harran, famous for its traditional beehive-shaped houses and ancient history. According to the Old Testament, Harran is associated with Prophet Abraham and his family. Later, we explore Sanliurfa, known as the City of Prophets. We will visit sites connected with Prophet Abraham and walk through the historic bazaar. Overnight in Sanliurfa.

Day 7: Today we visit Halfeti, a beautiful town on the Euphrates River, known for its peaceful scenery and partially submerged old settlement. We then continue to Gaziantep and visit its impressive Mosaic Museum, home to remarkable Roman-era mosaics. Later, we travel south toward Antakya, passing through landscapes associated with the biblical history of the region. Overnight in Antakya.

Day 8: Today we visit St. Peter’s Cave Church in Antakya, traditionally associated with the earliest Christian community of Antioch and one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in Turkey. We then continue toward Samandag and visit historic sites connected with the early Christian apostles. Overnight in Antakya.

Day 9: Leaving Antakya, we travel to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul. We will explore ancient Tarsus and visit St. Paul’s Well, traditionally associated with the apostle. We then continue to Adana Airport for our flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 10: After about an hour of driving, we arrive at Ephesus, one of the most important ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We will take an extensive tour of the site and, while sitting in the ancient theater, read from Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 19, which tells the story of St. Paul’s time in Ephesus. We will also see the Church of Mary, traditionally associated with the Third Ecumenical Council held in Ephesus. We then visit the House of the Virgin Mary, located on a nearby hillside. After lunch, we visit the Basilica of St. John and the traditional site of his tomb, where we will read passages from the Gospel of John. In the evening, we meet the Magical Steps Travel Team in Kusadasi for dinner. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 11: After breakfast, we visit the historic Church of St. Polycarp in Izmir, one of the oldest Christian churches in the city. We then drive to Pergamon, known in the Book of Revelation as a place of great spiritual significance. We will visit the Acropolis, the Asclepion, and the Red Basilica. Pergamon was also famous for the development of parchment, an important writing material in the ancient world. After our visit, we return to Izmir. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 12: Transfer to Izmir Airport for your homebound flight via Istanbul..