Biblical Sites in Turkey 12 Nights 13 Days
Highlights
- Hagia Sophia: An iconic structure, originally a church, then a mosque, and now a museum, representing the fusion of Christian and Islamic heritage.
- Blue Mosque & Hippodrome: Explore the architectural masterpieces that reflect Turkey's rich Byzantine and Ottoman legacy.
- Topkapi Palace & St. Irene: Walk through the opulent halls of the sultans and visit the church of St. Irene, linked to early Christian history.
- Göreme Open Air Museum: A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient rock-hewn churches and frescoes, showcasing early Christian art and architecture.
- Ihlara Valley & St. Gregory's Birthplace: Hike through the scenic Ihlara Valley, where early Christians carved churches into the rocks, and visit the birthplace of St. Gregory of Nazianzus, an influential Church Father.
- Underground Cities: Discover the subterranean complexes once used by early Christians to escape persecution.
- Demre (Myra): Visit the Church of St. Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop whose generosity inspired the legend of Santa Claus.
- Whirling Dervishes in Konya: Connect with Turkey's mystical Sufi tradition at the Mevlana Museum and the Whirling Dervish Monastery.
- Pamukkale's Cotton Castle: Marvel at the stunning white terraces formed by mineral-rich hot springs.
- Hierapolis: Visit the Martyrium of St. Philip, a significant early Christian site, and explore the ruins of this ancient healing city.
Overview
Embarking on a 12-night, 13-day Biblical Sites Tour in Turkey offers a profound journey through ancient lands steeped in religious history. This itinerary encompasses significant locations such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Demre, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Sardes, Philadelphia, Izmir, Pergamum, Nicea, Iznik, and Bursa.
Route
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View the route on Google MapsItinerary
Meet and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon orientation tour in Istanbul, if times permits (according to the arrival time). Overnight in Istanbul.
St. Sophia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, St. Irene and St. Chora Museum. Overnight in Istanbul. Including: Breakfast
Flight to Cappadocia-Kayseri Airport and drive to Hotel. Leisure Day. Including: Breakfast.
Full day exploring Cappadocia. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Avanos, the pottery making town, the natural Citadel of Uchisar and the monastic Zelve Valley. Including: Breakfast.
Visit the Ihlara Valley including painted cave churches, Guzelyurt (Karballa), the birthplace of St. Gregory of Nazianzus and the underground city. Return to hotel for overnight. Including: Breakfast.
Early departure to Konya. Visit the Mevlana Museum and the 13th century Whirling Dervish Monastery. After lunch, drive to Antalya. Including: Breakfast.
Early departure to Demre, one of the six great cities of the Lycian civilization which was first settled in the 5th century B.C. The rock tombs, theater and Church of St. Nicholas commemorate the life and work of this Fourth Century Bishop. Saint Nicholas provided the dowries for three poor girls who would not have been able to marry otherwise, the beginning of our tradition of ChristmasBiblical Sites in Turkey - Pamukkale Hierapolis giving. Continue to Hierapolis, where we will visit the Martyrium of St. Philip amidst the sites extensive ruins. Overnight in Pamukkale. Including: Breakfast
Complete the tour of Hierapolis, see the wonderful formation of stalactites in Pamukkale (Cotton Castle), the Roman Bath which later became a church, then visit Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation, continue to Kusadasi for overnight. Including: Breakfast
Today we will visit Saint John Basilica, Virgin Mary House and Temple of Artemis. Return to Biblical Sites in Turkey - EphesusKusadasi for overnight. Including: Breakfast
Depart for Ephesus, cradle of the early Church.,ancient Ephesus, the Archaeological Museum, Dinner and overnight in Izmir. Including: Breakfast
After Mass at the Church of St. Polycarp, travel to Sardes, the capital city city of the ancient Biblical Sites in Turkey - Sardeskingdom of Lydia, and the church which was built on the foundations of the Temple of Artemis. After traveling to Philadelphia, return to Izmir. Balance of the afternoon is free to explore the city and its ancient bazaar. Overnight in Izmir. Including: Breakfast
Depart to Pergamum to see the Asclepion, the ancient hospital whose approach to medicine was remarkably modern, the Acropolis, the church at the site of ancient Serapium, and the Red Court dedicated to St. John. Continue to Bursa; visit the Green Mosque and the Green Mousoloum. Overnight in Bursa. Including: Breakfast
Drive to Iznik (ancient Nicaea) via the beautiful Iznik Lake road. Two ecumenical councils were held here: the First Ecumenical Council of 325 and the Seventh Ecumenical Council of 787. Visit the ruins of the St. Sophia Church where the Seventh Ecumenical Council was held. In the afternoon, drive to Istanbul, the only city in the world spanning two continents, transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Including: Breakfast
Trip includes
Included
2 nights hotel in Istanbul - 5 Star Ramada By Wyndham Istanbul Pera Hotel Istanbul
3 nights hotel in Cappadocia -Special Class El Puente Cave Hotel
1 night hotel in Antalya - 4 Star Ring Downtown Hotel
1 night hotel in Pamukkale - 5 Star Pam Thermal Hotel
2 nights hotel in Kusadasi - Odelia Resort Hotel
2 nights hotel in Izmir - Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrampasa
1 night hotel in Bursa - Kervansaray Termal Conventıon Center & Spa
PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange smilar other hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost
1 Domestic Flight Ticket from Istanbul to Kayseri Cappadocia.
Professional English - speaking tour guides
Guiding Method Fully guided
English
All meals as stated in the itinerary. Breakfast
Vegetarian
Halal
Meat
Arrival airport transfer from Istanbul airport
Transportation in a fully air - conditioned, non - smoking coach
Return airport transfer
12 Nights, 4 Star or 5 Star Hotel Accommodation including breakfast.
All sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary.
Travel Insurance.
All Entrance Fees.
All admission fees to the visited sites.
All Taxes and service fees.
Excluded
Insurance: All types
Any tips to guide.
Driver or staff at hotels.
Items of a personal nature.
Drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast) and medical services.
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