Turkey Tour

Arrive in the afternoon – hotel and dinner

In the morning depart from the hotel and visit the Spice Bazaar, near the Galata Bridge just by the entrance of Golden Horn. Then embark on a ferry for a memorable cruise along the straits of Bosphorus, see many fascinating pavilions, palaces and classical wooden Turkish houses by the water, you also enjoy a visit to the St. George Church of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.

In the morning depart from the hotel for the full day sightseeing ; Visit the Hippodrome area, the remnant of an arena built in the reign of Septimus Severus. From here proceed to the Hagia Sophia, which was Christendom’s greatest church built by the emperor Justinian, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. After visiting Hagia Sophia a short drive will take you into the Basilica Underground Cistern, a mystic atmosphere carried by 336 columns. Then get ready to discover the Topkapı Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 15th to 19th centuries. At the end of the tour visit the world famous Grand Bazaar area and then return to your hotel.

In the morning check out from the hotel with luggages and start for a full day sightseeeing ; Arrive at Galata district which is one of the trendy areas of the city where you will go up to Galata Tower built by Genoeseans in Mid 14th century .. Watch the attractive 360 degrees view over the city . Then by following the Theodosian city walls get to Kariye district for visiting the Chora Museum – Church of St. Saviour in Chora, famous with its well preserved frescoes and mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible. Transfer to Domestic Airport for a 1 hour flight to İzmir. Arrive and transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

In the morning drive to Bergama-ancient Pergamon (Rev 2:12-17). Early Christian martyr Antipas was tortured to death here. Pergamon was the site of many temples to pagan Gods. Yet Christianity took a stronghold here as early as 2nd century, attested by the monumental size of Basilica of St. John. We have no evidence about Paul visiting in Pergamon. But it is clear that he walked through the area as he was on his way to Macedonia.Pergamon was the capital city of Hellenistic Kingdom of Pergamon. Pergamenese Library was the second richest library of the ancient world after the library in Alexandriapolis, Egypt. The city of Pergamon was also where parchement paper was invented. After visiting Pergamon drive to Thyatira to visit the remains of the church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (Rev 2:18-29). Drive back to Izmir for dinner and overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to Sardis (Rev.3:1-6), the capital city of Lydian Kingdom. Sardis was one of the very rich metropolises of Asia Minor with crowded populations of Jews which might have enabled the Good News to be heard at a faster . The site is presently under the excavation of Harvard and Berkeley Universities. The city was where the richest man on earth, King Croesus enjoyed an incredible power and wealth. Lydians invented and minted the first coins in the world. Visit one of the oldest synagogues of the world which was later converted into a church. Also visit the monumental Artemis Temple and the impressively restored Roman Imperial Hall. En route you will have a short visit at ancient Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13) to see the remaining walls of a monumental church. Philadelphia together with Symrna was one of the two seven churches of Asia Minor which did not receive any critisizm about applications of Christianity. Continue to Pamukkale, ancient Hierapolis where Apostle Philip came to spread the Christianity, and is believed to have lived and martyred here. Hierapolis is mentioned in St. Paul’s epistle to the Colossians (Colossian 4:13). Explore one of the richest cemetery grounds of the ancient world, the main Domitian Gate and the main avenue. Visit the white travertine cascades of Pamukkale. Pamukkale is a unique site in the world, declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO Cultural Department. Dinner an overnight at hotel in Pamukkale.

Morning drive to visit Laodicea was one of the seven churches (Rev 3:14-22) where John called its Christians Lukewarm. Recent Turkish excavations on the site are revealing the walls of a what might have been a monumental church. Then continue to Selçuk where you will visit House of Virgin Mary ; a strong tradition in the Catholic Church claims that St. John brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus and she ascended to heaven from Ephesus. Dinner and overnight at hotel Kuşadası.

Today visit the glorious city of Ephesus (Rev 1:11, 2:1-7) (Acts 18:19-28, 19:1-41 Ephesians). Ephesus was the capital city of Roman Province of Asia Minor; the site of One of the Seven Wonders of the World; Temple of Artemis, and the site of the third richest library of the ancient world; Celsus library. St. Paul came to Ephesus in 54 AD and stayed for three years. He preached the Gospel, gained followers and also established the church of Ephesus. St John (author of Revelations according to the New Testament) also spend his last years in Ephesus. St. John is believed to have been buried within the Basilica of St John. Your visit to Ephesus will include the archaeological site, the Basilica of St John.

After having your breakfast transfer to Kuşadası pier for boarding on the Cruise ship for going to the Island of Patmos . Thanks to its religious value but also for its particularities, in 1999 Patmos was proclaimed a “World Heritage Monument” by UNESCO. The panoramic excursion begins at the port of Scala heading towards the centre of the island, to Chora. At the main town you will visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse and at the top of the “castle” behind the walls, you will see the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist, of Byzantine architecture. The silent windmills in Chora have witnessed important events on the island which attracts thousands of tourists for religious, and also recreational, tourism. The tour of the island continues towards more desolate landscapes, which are the trademark of the Dodecanese. Rocky hills, barren, dry soil, promontories which, like earthly tongues, delve into the sea, dozens of bays and coves, and an intricate coastline. After this enlightening excursion through the island, the tour will conclude at Scala, the port. Cruise back to Kuşadası, dinner and overnight at hotel.

After having your breakfast transfer to İzmir Airport for departure flight.