Ancient Echoes of Mystical Turkey

.Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul You will arrive in Istanbul, the largest city in modern Turkey. We will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax and rest after your journey.

Day 2 – Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar Today we will enjoy an extensive tour of Istanbul, the only city in the world located on two continents and the capital of three great empires. Our first visit will be to the legendary Hagia Sophia, built more than 1,500 years ago and once the greatest church of the Roman Empire. We will then visit the magnificent Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. After lunch, you will have free time to explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and most fascinating covered markets in the world. In the afternoon, we will visit the Chora Church, famous for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 – Bosphorus Cruise, Topkapi Palace & Spice Bazaar This morning, we will enjoy a Bosphorus cruise and admire the unique beauty of Istanbul from the water. You will see the city from both the European and Asian sides. Next, we will visit Topkapi Palace, the magnificent residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the center of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. After lunch, we will explore the mysterious Underground Cistern, one of Istanbul's most impressive Byzantine structures. Later, you will have free time at the famous Spice Bazaar, followed by time to explore the lively and cosmopolitan Taksim Square. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4 – Istanbul to Mardin: Midyat & Christian Heritage This morning, we will fly from Istanbul to Mardin, one of the most beautiful and distinctive cities in Turkey. We will first visit Midyat, famous for its traditional stone architecture, narrow streets, and rich Christian heritage. We will have lunch in Midyat before continuing to Mardin. In Mardin, we will visit a historic Syriac Christian church and learn about one of the world's oldest Christian traditions. Today will be especially meaningful as you have the opportunity to hear parts of the Bible in the ancient Syriac language, traditionally associated with the language spoken in the time of Jesus. Overnight in Mardin.

Day 5 – Mardin, Diyarbakir & Mount Nemrut Leaving Mardin, we will travel through Diyarbakir and continue toward the Euphrates River. We will take a short ferry ride from Siverek to Kahta, crossing the Euphrates, before continuing to Mount Nemrut. Known for its enormous stone statues and monumental tomb sanctuary, Mount Nemrut is one of Turkey's most extraordinary archaeological sites. At the summit, we will see the impressive statues of ancient gods and kings, some standing nearly two meters high, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Overnight in Adiyaman.

Day 6 – Ataturk Dam, Harran & Sanliurfa On our way to Sanliurfa, we will see the impressive Ataturk Dam, one of the largest dams in Turkey. We will continue to the biblical city of Harran, famous for its traditional beehive-shaped houses and its ancient history of learning. According to the Old Testament tradition, Abraham and his family spent time in Harran before continuing their journey toward Canaan. Later, we will explore Sanliurfa, often known as the City of Prophets. We will visit Abraham's birthplace, explore the historic bazaar, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this ancient city. Overnight in Sanliurfa.

Day 7 – Halfeti, Gaziantep & Antakya Today we will visit Halfeti, a beautiful historic town on the Euphrates River, partly submerged after the construction of the dam. We will then continue to Gaziantep, where we will visit the impressive Mosaic Museum, home to remarkable Roman-era mosaics. Afterward, we will continue toward Antakya, an important city in the history of early Christianity. Overnight in Antakya.

Day 8 – Antakya: St. Peter's Cave Church & Samandag Today we will visit the famous Cave Church of St. Peter, traditionally considered one of the earliest places where followers of Jesus gathered and worshiped. Antakya played an important role in the history of Christianity, and according to the New Testament, it was here that the followers of Jesus were first called Christians. We will then continue to Samandag, an area associated with the journeys of the early apostles and the spread of Christianity. Overnight in Antakya.

Day 9 – Tarsus, St. Paul & Cappadocia Leaving Antakya, we will travel toward Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul. In ancient Tarsus, we will visit St. Paul's Well and explore the city's connection to the life and ministry of one of the most important figures in early Christianity. Continuing toward Cappadocia, we will visit the remarkable Gumusler Monastery, famous for its beautifully preserved frescoes, including a unique depiction of the smiling Virgin Mary. We will arrive in Cappadocia in the evening. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 10 – Cappadocia: Goreme Open-Air Museum & Early Christianity Today we will explore the dreamlike landscape of Cappadocia, one of the most fascinating regions in Turkey. We will visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, where early Christian communities established monasteries and churches carved into the soft volcanic rock. Many of these churches contain beautiful and well-preserved frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Jesus and the Bible. Cappadocia is also one of the world's most famous destinations for hot-air balloon rides. A balloon ride is optional and offers an unforgettable view of the valleys and unique rock formations. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 11 – Cappadocia: Underground Cities, Uchisar & Avanos After breakfast, we will spend another full day exploring the wonders of Cappadocia. We will visit Uchisar, Urgup, Avanos, and Zelve, each offering a different view of Cappadocia's unique history and landscape. We will also explore one of the region's famous underground cities, where early Christians lived, worshiped, and sought refuge during times of persecution. In the late afternoon, we will fly to Izmir via Istanbul and transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 12 – Ephesus, the Virgin Mary & St. John After a short drive from Kusadasi, we will arrive at Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We will enjoy an extensive tour of this magnificent archaeological site. While sitting in the ancient Theater of Ephesus, we will read from the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 19, and learn about St. Paul's ministry in Ephesus. We will also visit the site traditionally associated with the Church of Mary, where the Third Ecumenical Council was held in AD 431. After leaving Ephesus, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, located on a peaceful hillside overlooking the ancient region. After lunch, we will visit the Basilica of St. John and the traditional site of his tomb. Here, we will reflect on the life and message of St. John and read passages from his Gospel. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 13 – Departure After breakfast, we will transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul and your homebound journey. Your spiritual journey through Turkey comes to an end, but the stories, memories, and experiences of this remarkable land will stay with you long after you return home.