2 Days Orthodox Masterpieces In Istanbul
HIPPODROME, SAINT SOPHIA, MUSEUM OF ARCHEOLOGY, UNDERGROUND CISTERN,
FENER PATRIARCH, CHORA CHURCH, BYZANTINE PALACE, YEDIKULE DUNGEON, LITTLE AYASOFYA

DAY 1
Following breakfast, we are going to drive to the” old city” where we will visit the Hippodrome, once upon a time 100.000 specters watching the chariot races and the gladiator fights in that place. Gladiator fights were performed on monumentalized courtyard where in Nike riot thousands of the slaves in a rise in a rebellion were killed and buried. Right after, we will visit Saint Sophia. This church-converted mosque-turned museum takes breath away with in sheer architectural size of its interior and magnificent dome and next we will visit the Underground Cistern of Roman period where hundreds of the column taken from the ancient cities around was reconstructed to built this architectural masterpiece to provide the water to the city of Constantinople. After lunch, we are going to walk to the Museum of Archeology which is the best Archeological museum of Turkey the masterpiece is the Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great. Finally, we are heading to Fener Patriarch for hundreds of the year it is headquarter and the center of the Orthodox religion where we will visit the interior church and you will have a change to see this beautiful building. Lunch is included.

DAY 2
This morning we are starting by walking on Pera street, historically was the business center of old Istanbul where there are plenty of wonderful old buildings with perfect exterior designs and hereby many of the Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches (most of them are very old) locate side by side we will visit one of the very best of Orthodox church here. Then, we are driving to Chora church the Chora Church, which is famous with its unique collection of mosaics. Next, the ruins of Byzantine Palace still some mosaics are available to see. Then by following the famous city walls of ancient Constantinople we are coming to “Yedikule Dungeon” originally was built in Byzantine period then converted into a royal dungeon in Ottoman era. We are finishing today with “Little Ayasofya” original church converted mosque.

ALL INCLUDED
• 1 night room with private bath or shower at good 4 star Hotels.
• 1 open buffet breakfasts at your hotel
• 2 lunches in local restaurants.
• Hotel service charges, hotel tips and portarage.
• Professional tour director at your service throughout the tour
• Sightseeing as described in the itinerary
• Land transportation by private air-conditioned minibus or motor coach depending on group size.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
• Beverages, alcoholic and hot drink in the lunches and dinner.
• Personal expenses.
• Customary tips to your guide and to your driver.

4 Days Seven Churches of Asia Minor
PERGAMUM-THYATIRA-EPHESUS-SMYRNA-SARDIS-PHILADELPHIA- LAODICEA

DAY 1
PERGAMUM (2:12-17) – THYATIRA (2:18-29 Acts 16:14)
We’ll take you from your Hotel or Airport and drive for Pergamum, once upon a time a kingdom in its own right. It even ruled Ephesus for a short time. A early Hellenistic city, it was a center of culture, commerce, pagan worship and medicine with philosophers, scientists, fortune tellers and artists who created the masterpieces of the ancient world, such as “the Altar of Zeus”, which was described as the “Thrown of the Satan” by John, the Acropolis and the remains of the celebrated library, (where the Parchment was, first invented) and which held more than 200.000 books in the Roman era. Antonius gave these books as a gift to Cleopatra. The world’s steepest Hellenistic style theater with a seating capacity of 10,000, the marble columned temples of Trojan, the Temple of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena, the sanctuary of Demeter, and the Altar of Zeus are the famous works of antiquity and all are found here in Pergamum. Then we will proceed to Asclepion, the great medical center where you will have a chance to see the curing methods of the ancient doctors for the mentally ill. It was said, “the death can not enter the city”. After lunch we’ll proceed on to another Christian community mentioned in the book of Revelations. Thyatira (Akhisar), the temple that is dedicated to St. John was converted into a basilica. We’ll explore the remains of the basilica dating back to the Byzantine era. In the late afternoon we will back to our Hotel in Izmir for dinner and overnight. (Lunch is included)

DAY 2
EPHESUS (1:11, 2:1-7 Acts 18:19-28, 19:1-41) (Ephesians 19:24-40) VIRGIN MARY’S HOUSE, ST JOHN BASILICA
Today we’ll depart for the invitation to one of the greatest archaeological sites as well as Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation. The city of Ephesus, where St. Paul preached, is an ancient city. The city, in 2′nd century, was the second largest after Alexandria, and a leading center of worship because of the Temple of Artemis and its sanctuary, which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The city continued to be an important religious center later not only in the Byzantine era but also in the Turkish period due to its strategic position. The Third Ecumenical Council was held in Ephesus. St John is buried there and Holy Virgin spent her last days in this city also. The east Gymnasium, the state Agora, the remains of the Temple of Isis (Goddess of Egypt), the Heraclites Gate, Curates Street named for the college of the virgin priests guarding Holy Fire of Vesta are all located here, as well as the Scholastic Baths and the Brothel, and the well-preserved two story Celsius Library, the Marble Road, a great theater that still hosts concerts and festivals, the Arcadian way, (Harbor Street) once lined up with shops stretching all the way to the harbor. After Ephesus, we will go to the Basilica of St. John, which contains the crypt where he was buried right after he died and which later became a center of worship. Then we will visit the home of the Virgin Mary, who was brought to Ephesus by John, the beloved disciple of Jesus. Over a hundred thousand pilgrims now visit the home of the Virgin Mary on a hilltop, where she lived out her days. It may be the only place in the world where Christians and Moslems pray side by side. The pilgrims drink the water of the sacred spring, meditate and pray for health at this ancient spot of worship. Both Pope Paul VI in 1967 and Pope John Paul II in 1979 have celebrated mass here. In the afternoon, we’ll depart for Izmir, where we will have dinner and stay overnight. (Lunch is included)

DAY 3
SARDIS, PHILADELPHIA, LAODICEA (3:14-22) – HIERAPOLIS
After breakfast we’ll drive to Sardis, once known as “the richest city and man in the world” (the first coins were minted here) it was the capital of the Lydian realm of Croesus, located by the ancient Pactole River. The city was the beginning of the famous “King’s Road” and stretched all the way up to the Black Sea. We’ll enter Sardis from the marble way passing by the old Byzantine shops. Another “must see” is the old Synagogue (3rd AD) with its dazzling decoration and style. It has been restored by an American foundation. Next to that there is a very well restored gymnasium complex. Then proceed to Philadelphia. We’ll walk through the streets of Philadelphia in Alasehir.And finally drive to Leodicia (Eskihisar), which is in the book of revelation and is described by Jesus as being lukewarm and the rich. It was a textile center and had a hospital where blind people came to get treatment for their eyes. The theaters, the stadium, the Nymphaeum and the other ruins will be the highlights of your visit. It was a Hellenistic city that was established in the 3rd century at the intersection of important commercial roads. Laodicea is an ancient city was never excavated till recently so it has limited historical displays. However it’s important to see because of its prominent place in the Book of Revelation. After Laodicea we will be on our way to the “wonder world” of Pamukkale (Cotton Castle), where the thermal mineral waters flow from natural pools forming flowing white terraces. Visit the cascading clefts of the region a place without equal anywhere in the world. Then on to the ancient city of Hieropolis, which was named after Hiera, wife of the founder of Pergamon. Highlights include the Roman Baths, the temple of Apollo and the Nymphaeum located next to the Acropolis. Next we’ll see the Roman Bath, which was later, converted into a church named after St. Philip who was martyred there. The Necropolis here is one of the biggest in the world with over 1200 graves and hundreds of sarcophaguses dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman era. Overnight stay in Pamukkale where you can enjoy the hot spring pools at the hotel. (Lunch is included)

DAY 4
SMYRNA
After breakfast in your Hotel, we’ll depart for Izmir the third largest city in Turkey, which has the distinction of being the home of early Christianity and the city where St Polycarp was martyred. The birthplace of Homer, Izmir will be the starting point for our special Seven Churches of Revelation tour in Asia Minor. We’ll proceed from there to Alexander Great’s Velvet Castle to get the best view of the Izmir Bay and the other side of the Gulf (Karsiyaka) from here. After we have checked into the hotel, those who would like to explore the city can take a walk, wander around and experience the Mediterranean way of modern life in Turkey. Transfer you to Airport or to your Hotel. This is the end of our services. (Lunch is included)

ALL INCLUDED
• 03 nights accommodations in five or four star hotel in a room with private bath or shower.
• 04 lunches out of 04.
• 03 dinners out of 03 in the Hotels.
• Hotel service charges, hotel tips and the portarage.
• Professional tour director at your service throughout the tour.
• Sightseeing as described in the itinerary to include entrance fees.
• Land transportation by private air-conditioned minibus or motor coach depending on group.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
• Beverages, alcoholic and hot drink in the lunches and dinners.
• Personal expenses.
• Customary tips to your guide and to your driver.

13 Days In The Steps of Saint Paul
ISTANBUL-ADANA-HATAY-TARSUS-CAPPADOCIA-KONYA-ANTALYA-FETHIYE-PAMUKKALE-EPHESSUS-IZMIR-PERGAMON-THYATIRAA

DAY 1
HIPPODROME, BLUE MOSQUE, ST SOPHIA, TOPKAPI PALACE, GRAND BAZAAR
Following breakfast, we will pick you to drive the “old city” where we will visit the Hippodrome, once upon a time 100.000 specters watching at the chariot races and the gladiator fights was performed on monumentalized courtyard of the building. And the Blue Mosque, famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles, is one of the “master pieces” of Ottoman Empire. Right after we will walk to Museum of St. Sophia (the Church of Divine Wisdom, built by Justinian) a fantastic church. In the words of the court historian of 6th century “Had not been since Adam and never would be again”. This church –previously converted mosque- turned museum takes breath away with in sheer architectural size of its interior and magnificent dome and next we will visit the spectacular Topkapi Palace built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul. This huge complex command views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It was the seat of Government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries (1453-1852) and we will see the extravagant Treasury, the priceless Chinese Porcelain and the Empyreal Terrace with the best panoramic site of the city. After lunch, we will visit the Grand Bazaar the biggest soak in the world over 4000 shops. (B, L, D)

DAY 2
PERA STREET AND ST ANTOINE CHURCH, ST SAVIOUR IN CHORA, ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE, EGYPTIAN BAZAAR
Morning visits are beginning with the walking on Pera street where the plenty of churches, mosques and the synagogues on preach stands side by sides with a wonderful experience to see the details of local lives, visit to the to the Catholic Church St. Antoine on the main walking street. Then proceed to Kariye Museum, the old church of St. Savior in Chora treasuring the marvelous mosaics and frescoes, which represent scenes drawn from, the cycle of the life of the Virgin and of Christ. They have been restored under the guidance of the Byzantine Institute of Boston. Right after we will drive to the Orthodox Patriarchal in Fener on the Golden Horn. After lunch, visit the aromatic Spice Bazaar, where the smells of cinnamon, cloves and thyme, rise from hundreds of colorful muslin bags at every storefront. Dinner is going to be served in the Hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 3
ALEXANDRETTA, GROTTO OF ST PETER, MUSEUM OF ROMAN MOSAICS
In the morning we will transfer to the Atatürk airport for your flight to Adana. Right after you arrive, driving through the town take the picturesque road in road to Antakya by the cotton field and the citrus gardens. When we get there visit the “Grotto of St Peter” where the word “Christian” first time was used in the history and also where Peter celebrated mass for the first time (40 A.D.). Then visit the Museum of Roman Mosaics to see the unusual rich collection of mosaics from nearby ruins. After lunch, proceed to ancient Alexandretta Resumption of the coach ride for Samandagi (Seleucia Pereira), the port from where Paul and Barnabas sailed to Cyprus on their first journey (Acts 13:4) to visit the hilltop Crusader castles and then the site of the Biblical city Antioch with a perfect panorama and the remains of ancient harbor. (Acts of the Apostles 6:6; 19:30; 13:13; 15:1-2; and 22-25). Dinner and overnight in Adana. (B, L, D)

DAY 4
TARSUS (THE BIRTH PLACE OF ST PAUL), CILICIAN GATE
In the morning drive to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul (Acts 9:11-30; 11:25; 21:39; 22:3; 25-27). We will visit the House where believed he was born. And the beautiful monumental Roman Gate still embellish the way that is the main entrance into the modern city. Drive through the Taurus Mountains and the Cilician Gates Alexander the Great passed over to get to Syria at 4th century B.C. About afternoon, we will be arriving in the surrealistic region of the Biblical Capadocia famous for its extraordinary landscape and enchanting countryside. Dinner and overnight in Nevsehir. (B, L, D)

DAY 5
UCHISAR, GÖREME OPEN AIR MONASTERY, UNDERGROUND CITY OF KAYMAKLI
After breakfast, we are heading to the citadel of Uçhisar to see the enchanting lunar landscape of the region “moon-like” topography of Capadocia. Start with the natural where the wind and the weather have eroded the soft volcanic rock, leaving pillars, cones and “Fairy Chimneys” are phenomenal, especially seen for the first time. Capadocia is a center of medieval Christianity, where St. Basil and St. Gregory taught. Visit the troglodyte dwellings in rock caves and fairy chimneys of volcanic tuff merged harmoniously into the landscape. Visit the Göreme, with is rock chapels hollowed out by early Christians used as secret dwelling as they were being sought first by their Roman and later by their Byzantine persecutors. Seeing the rock chapels decorated with vivid frescoes, which have withstood the corrosive effects of the time dating from the 6th to the 10th century, is an unforgettable experience. Then heading to underground city of Kaymakli where 1400 years ago the people carved the earth down and created huge complexes in 50 meters deep. 30.000 people lived about two years to defend themselves and thousands of early Christians lived concealed from persecutors in eight-story complexes of subterranean dwellings. Dinner and over night in Nevsehir. (B, L, D)

DAY 6
ICONIUM, MEVLANA MUSEUM, LYSTRA
Drive to Konya, the capital of Seljuk Turks in 12th and 13th century decorateýd with the monuments showing the glorious of magnificent civilization where St. Paul visited Iconium, using its synagogue as his forum. The city is also known as the home of the great 13th century mystic philosopher known as Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumi, founder of the Whirling Dervishes sect. He was a poet wrote the lyrics full of tolerance and hospitality to every nation and the people. “Come, come again whoever whatever you may be come Heathen, fire worshiper, sinful or idolatry come. Come, if you broke your penitence a hundred times our portal is not despair and misery come” He was revered by Muslims, Christians and Jews for his ecumenical spirit. Take a visit to his monumental tomb. Right after lunch, drive to Lystra and Derbe, the last Roman city on the road to the east which St. Paul visited three times a Resumption of the trip for Konya (Iconium) where Paul and Barnabas were threatened by being stoned (Acts 14:5) and where Paul and Barnabas treated as gods (14:11-18) and enemies (14:19-20a) also behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. After we finished our program in Lystra drive to the Hotel in Konya for dinner and overnight.

DAY 7
ANTIOCH IN PISIDIA, ANTALYA
After depart continue to Antioch in Pisidia (Yalvac), a town where Paul on his missionary journey stayed for quite a long time and preached his first sermon (Acts 13:16) “Almost the whole city gathered to hear the words of God” (Acts 13:44) which he used as a base while spreading Christianity in the region (Acts 13:14-50). After lunch, drive through the magnificent pine forests of the Taurus Mountains to Antalya on the Turquoise Rivera, one of the most beautiful cities of the Mediterranean Sea. Afternoon at leisure to relax, swim and have fun. Dinner and overnight in Antalya. (B, L, D)

DAY 8
PERGE–ASPENDOS, ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Morning visit to Perge, where St. Paul preached on his first missionary journey (Acts. 13:13; 14:25) and Aspendos which has one of the best-preserved theater in the world even today been used for many spectacular attraction seating for 17,000 people. Visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum to see the very best sample of early Greeks and the Roman antiquities of the region. And before going to Hotel, your guide is going to take an orientation on the seashore of the city. Dinner and overnight in Antalya. (B, L, D)

DAY 9
MYRA, ST CLAUS CHURCH, LYCHIAN ROCK TOMBS IN FETHIYE (TELMESSOS)
Drive to Demre, the ancient city of Myra on the coast of Mediterranean. In the 14th century St. Nicholas (Santa Claus or “Father Christmas”) was the Christian Bishop in the city. Visit the ancient church of St. Nicholas, well protected early building with some mosaics and sarcophaguses and proceed to Patara, a major center pagan Apollo cult. In the days of St. Paul it was a good winter harbor and important commercial center. Later, drive to Fethiye, famous for its Lycian Rock Tombs and today famous resort center nearby beaches. Dinner and overnight in Fethiye. (B, L, D)

DAY 10
LAODICEA (3:14-22) – HIERAPOLIS
In the morning we’ll drive to Laodicea (Eskihisar) in the book of revelation Jesus describes as the lukewarm and the rich country. Laodicea was the center of textile and Hospital city where blind people coming to take a medicine for their eyes. The theaters, the stadium, the Nymphaeum and the other ruins are the highlights it for your visit here. It was a Hellenistic city established in the 3rd century at the intersection of important commercial roads. Laodicea is an ancient city has been never excavated till today so displays very limited history however it’s important to see as it’s in the Book of Revelation. After Laodicia directly we are heading to “world wonder” Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) where the thermal water flows from natural pools in white terraces. Visit the cascading clefts of the region, which is unique in the world. Then the ancient city of Hieropolis was named after Hiera, wife of the founder of Pergamon. Highlights include the Roman Baths, the temple of Apollo and the Nymphaeum, which is located by the Acropolis. Next we’ll see the Roman Bath later converted into a church in the name of St. Philip where he was killed in. And the Necropolis is one of the biggest in the world with over 1200 cemeteries and hundreds of Sarcophagus dated back to Hellenistic and the Roman era. Overnight in Pamukkale where you can enjoy the hot spring pools of the Hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 11
PHILADELPHIA, SARDIS AND KUSADASI
After breakfast we will drive to Philadelphia. We will walk through the streets of Philadelphia in Alasehir. Then proceed to Sardis, “the richest city and the man” (where the first coins were minted) the capital of the Lydian realm of Croesus, located by the ancient Pactole River. The city was the beginning of the famous “King Road” reaching up to Black Sea. We’ll enter from the marble way of Sardis passing by the old Byzantine shops. Another must to see is old Synagogue (3rd AD) been restored by American foundation with its dazzling decoration and style. Next to that there is a very well restored gymnasium complex. Lunch is going to be served in Sardis. After lunch, we’ll depart for Izmir the third biggest city of Turkey, which has an importance of being the home of early Christianity and the city where St Polycarp was martyred. Being the birthplace of Homer Izmir composes a radius position for our special Seven Churches of Revelation tour in Asia Minor. We’ll proceed for Alexander Great’s Velvet Castle to get the best view of Izmir Bay and the other side of the Gulf (Karsiyaka) from here. After we checked in the Hotel, those who would like to explore the city can take a walk to wonder around and experience the Mediterranean way of modern life in Turkey. Dinner and overnight in the Hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 12
EPHESUS (1:11, 2:1-7 Acts 18:19-28, 19:1-41) (Ephesians 19:24-40) VIRGIN MARY’S HOUSE, ST JOHN BASILICA
Today we’ll depart for the invitation to one of the greatest archaeological sites as well as Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation. Ephesus is an ancient city where St. Paul preached. The city in 2nd century was the second biggest after Alexandria and the leading worshipping centers because of Artemis Temple and its sanctuary which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Later not in Byzantine time but also in Turkish period city kept its religious importance due to it’s strategically position. The Third Ecumenical Council was held in Ephesus. St John is buried there and Holy Virgin spent her last days in this city also. The highlights are the east Gymnasium, the state Agora, the remain of the Temple of Isis (Goddess of Egypt), the Heraclites Gate, Curates Street named for the college of the virgin priests guarding Holy Fire of Vesta located here, Scholastic Baths and the Brothel as its component, well preserved two store Celsius Library, Marble Road, great theater that is still hosting the concerts and festivals, Arcadian way, (Harbor Street) once lined up with shops towards the harbor. After Ephesus, we are heading to the Basilica of St. John where he was buried right after he died with the crypt then became center of worship and the Saint Sepulcher. Then we are driving to the home of the Virgin Mary, who was brought to Ephesus by John, the beloved disciple of Jesus. Over a hundred thousand pilgrims now visit the home of Virgin Mary on a hilltop, where she lived out her days each year. May be here is the only place in the world where the Christians and the Muslims pray side by side. The pilgrims drink the water of the sacred spring, meditate and pray for health at this ancient spot of worship. Both Pope Paul VI in 1967 and Pope John Paul II in 1979 have celebrated mass here. Afternoon we’ll depart back to Izmir for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 13
PERGAMUM (2:12-17) – THYATIRA (2:18-29 Acts 16:14)
Departure from the Hotel for Pergamum once upon a time proclaimed its Kingdom and ruled Ephesus even for a short time. Early Hellenistic city was the center of culture, commerce, pagan worship and medical with its philosophers, scientists, fortune tellers and artists who created the masterpieces of those eras like “the Altar of Zeus” was described as the “Thrown of the Satan” by Jesus. Acropolis, remains of celebrated library, (where the Parchment Paper was invented first) more then 200,000 books were stored in Roman era then given as a gift by Antonio to Cleopatra. World steepest Hellenistic style 10,000 spectator capacity theater, marble columned temples of Trojan and the Temple of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena, the sanctuary of Demeter, Zeus Altar one of the grandest monuments are the highlights. Then proceed to Asclepion, great medical center where you will have a chance to see the curing methods of the ancient doctors for the mentally sick people and where they promised, “the death can not entire to the city”. After lunch we’ll precede to another Christian community mentioned in the book of Revelations. Thyatira (Akhisar), the temple that is dedicated to St. John was converted into a basilica. We’ll explore the remains of Basilica is dated back to Byzantine era. Late afternoon, drive back to Hotel in Izmir. After Farewell dinner, this is the end of our services.

ALL INCLUDED
• 13 nights accommodations in five or four star hotel in a room with private bath or shower.
• 13 lunches out of 13.
• 13 dinners out of 13 in the Hotels.
• Hotel service charges, hotel tips and the portarage.
• Professional tour director at your service throughout the tour.
• Sightseeing as described in the itinerary to include entrance fees.
• Land transportation by private air-conditioned minibus or motor coach depending on group.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
• Beverages, alcoholic and hot drink in the lunches and dinners.
• Personal expenses.
• Customary tips to your guide and to your driver.