Biblical Treasures Of Turkey

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

Day 2: Enjoy a wonderful brunch at Ciragan Palace. After brunch, our private car will take us to the historic Pera District and Pera Palace, where famous guests such as Ernest Hemingway and Agatha Christie once stayed. We will take a tram along the famous Istiklal Street and later visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. In the evening, our private yacht will take us to the Maiden’s Tower, standing on a tiny island at the entrance to the Bosphorus. Here, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a special restaurant before sailing back to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3: Today we will have an extensive tour of Istanbul. Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents and was the capital of three great empires. Our first visit will be to the legendary Hagia Sophia, built about 1,500 years ago and one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Byzantine era. Next, we will visit the world-famous Blue Mosque. After lunch, we will visit Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman sultans lived and ruled for centuries, and the Basilica Cistern. Later, we will visit the Chora Church, one of the finest examples of Byzantine art. Finally, you will have free time to explore the thousands of shops in and around the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4: Today you will fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia, a dreamlike region famous for its fairy chimneys and unique landscapes. We will visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, with its ancient monasteries and churches decorated with beautiful frescoes. We will also visit the unusual Gumusler Monastery, famous for its remarkable frescoes, including a unique smiling Virgin Mary. Along the way, we will hear fascinating stories about the ancient traditions and beliefs of Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5: Before breakfast, you will have the opportunity to take a fascinating hot-air balloon ride and enjoy unforgettable views of Cappadocia from above. Later, we will visit Uchisar, Urgup, Avanos, and Zelve, as well as one of the famous underground cities where early Christians lived and sought refuge. After dinner, we will watch a Whirling Dervishes performance representing the spiritual tradition of Sufism from the 13th century. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 6: Today we will continue our journey through the ancient landscapes of central Anatolia. We will visit one of the famous underground cities where early Christian communities lived and hid. Later, we will travel to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul. Walking through ancient Tarsus, we will reach St. Paul’s Well, where we will gather together and reflect on the life and journey of the apostle. Overnight in Adana.

Day 7: Today is one of the most important days of our journey. We will travel to Antakya, one of the most important cities in early Christian history, passing through landscapes connected with biblical traditions. Antakya is traditionally known as the place where the followers of Jesus were first called “Christians.” We will visit St. Peter’s Cave Church, one of the earliest Christian places of worship. Finally, we will visit the impressive Hatay Archaeology Museum, famous for its remarkable collection of ancient mosaics. Overnight in Adana.

Day 8: Today we will travel to Konya, one of the most fascinating cities in Turkey, crossing the spectacular Taurus Mountains. Along the way, we will see the area where Frederick Barbarossa died during the Third Crusade. After lunch, we will visit ancient Lystra, an important place in the missionary journeys of St. Paul. Here, we will read passages from the Bible. In the afternoon, we will visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to Rumi, the famous 13th-century philosopher, poet, and spiritual teacher. Overnight in Konya.

Day 9: We will continue our journey through the Taurus Mountains and reach Pisidian Antioch, where St. Paul preached during his missionary journeys. We will walk among the ancient ruins, following the paths he once traveled, and read passages from the Bible. In the afternoon, we will continue to Antalya, following the historic route through the region. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 10: Our first visit today will be the ancient city of Perge, which St. Paul visited with St. Barnabas. We will explore the well-preserved ruins of the Roman period, including the ancient streets, theater, baths, and agora. We will then continue to Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world. Later, you will have free time in Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 11: We will leave Antalya in the morning and travel toward the famous biblical city of Colossae, one of the cities mentioned in the New Testament. Today, very little remains visible at the site, but its biblical importance is still significant. We will then visit Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. The people of Laodicea were known for their wealth and prosperous lifestyle. In the afternoon, you will walk among the spectacular white calcium terraces of Pamukkale and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, an important center of the early Christian world. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 12: After leaving Pamukkale, we will drive to Kusadasi, a beautiful coastal town on the Aegean Sea. After lunch, we will continue to Ephesus, only a short drive away. We will have an extensive tour of this magnificent ancient city. Sitting in the ancient theater, we will read from Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 19, which describes St. Paul’s ministry in Ephesus. We will also visit the ancient Church of Mary, traditionally associated with the Third Ecumenical Council. Leaving Ephesus, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary on a nearby hillside. Later, we will visit the Basilica of St. John and the traditional site of his tomb, where we will read passages from his Gospel. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 13: Today we will drive to Pergamum, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and the place referred to by St. John as the “Throne of Satan.” We will climb to the Acropolis and visit the Red Basilica. Pergamum was also famous for the development of parchment, an important writing material in the ancient world. After lunch, we will visit the Asclepion, one of the most famous ancient medical centers in Anatolia, where people from across the ancient world came for treatment. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 14: After breakfast, and before your transfer to the airport for your homebound flight via Istanbul, we will make a short visit to the historic Church of St. Polycarp in the center of Izmir, one of the city’s oldest Christian churches..