Biblical Turkey Old & New Testimony 10 nights 11 Days
Highlights
- ✓Hagia Sophia: Once the largest church in the Christian world, this architectural masterpiece symbolizes the rich religious history of both Christianity and Islam.
- ✓Topkapi Palace: Visit the Ottoman sultans' residence, home to priceless relics, including the Spoonmaker's Diamond and sacred Islamic artifacts.
- ✓Mount Nemrut: Witness the awe-inspiring sunrise over the monumental statues of Greek and Persian gods at the summit of Mount Nemrut, the burial site of King Antiochus I. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into the ancient kingdom of Commagene.
- ✓Harran: Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Harran, mentioned in the Book of Genesis, known for its beehive-shaped houses and biblical connections to Abraham's journey.
- ✓Antioch-on-the-Orontes: Visit the city where the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians." Explore the rich Christian history of Antioch, with highlights such as St. Peter's Grotto, an early Christian worship site.
- ✓St. Paul's Well: Stand at the site where St. Paul was born in Tarsus, an ancient city that was once a center of learning, surpassing Athens and Alexandria.
- ✓Göreme Open-Air Museum: Explore the cave churches and frescoes of this UNESCO World Heritage site, where early Christians carved out places of worship in the volcanic rock.
- ✓Fairy Chimneys and Uchisar Castle: Marvel at the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, including the fairy chimneys and the panoramic views from Uchisar Castle.
- ✓Underground Cities: Discover the fascinating underground cities, such as Kaymakli, used by early Christians to escape Roman persecution.
- ✓Atatürk Mausoleum: Visit the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, and pay respects to a pivotal figure in Turkey’s modern history.
Overview
Embark on a captivating 11-day journey through the heart of Biblical Asia Minor, where history and faith intertwine. This tour takes you from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient cities of Anatolia, exploring significant Christian sites, the cradle of early Christianity, and the rich legacy of the ancient world. From the majestic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul to the awe-inspiring sunrise over Mount Nemrut, each day unveils new layers of history, culture, and spirituality. Walk in the footsteps of the apostles, visit sacred biblical landmarks like Antioch and Tarsus, and explore the mesmerizing landscapes of Cappadocia. This is not just a tour—it's an immersive exploration of Turkey's profound connection to both the Old and New Testaments, offering a deeper understanding of the spiritual and historical forces that shaped Christianity.
Route
Itinerary
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
A full day city tour of Istanbul,the biggest and greatest
city in Turkey. After visiting the Hippodrome, you will visit the Sultan Ahmed
Mosque. Beautifully decorated with 21, 000 blue Iznik tiles, it is commonly
known today as the Blue Mosque. The next visit is to the world famous Hagia
Sophia, the church of Divine Wisdom and once the biggest church of the
Christian World. You will certainly be astonished by the unique mosaics and
marble decorations. Right the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the official residence
of the Ottoman Sultans, will be waiting for you. Do not ever miss the Spoon
maker's Diamond in the treasury section. Overnight in Istanbul. Including:
Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Malatya. Enjoy your drive drive to Adiyaman and overnight. Including: Breakfast
A very early departure in the morning for Nemrut for the
beautiful natural event is a must. Sunrise in Nemrut! Sunrise from the top of
Mount Nemrut will be incomparable to anything you have seen before. This is
where King Antiochus I of Commagene built a colossal funerary sanctuary, a
temple dedicated to himself, to the Greco-Persian gods and to his Persian
ancestors. The East and West terraces have a central courtyard surrounded with
colossal statues of the Olympian Gods. Biblical Asia Minor Tour - Harran Continue
to Urfa, on the way stop by Harran, referred to in Genesis (XI, 31,32; XII,
4,5) as Charan. And enjoy the following ruins. The Citadel, the Grand Mosque
and the city walls. and overnight in Urfa. Including: Breakfast
After breakfast, sightseeing in Urfa(Glorious Urfa) to
see the Mosque of Prophet Abraham and the pools of the sacred carp, The Old
Bazaar and the Castle in Urfa, drive to Antakya and overnight. Including:
Breakfast
Today's specialty is Antioch-on-the- Orantes, and
Seleucia Pieria. Antioch offered the most ferric ground for new ideas,
philosophies and religions. St. Peter was the first to preach here followed by
St. Paul and Barnabas, whose extensive efforts proved to be very fruitful for
Christianity.Biblical Asia Minor Tour - Adana Incidentally, the word Christians
was first coined in Antioch. The strong and wealthy community of Antioch
contributed financially to the Christian community of Jerusalem. Highlights include
the museum which houses a superb collection of mosaics from Antioch and
Seleucia Pieria, St. Peter's Grotto, the cave church came to be known as the
meeting place of the early Christians. Seleucia Pieria, which was the port city
of Antioch in ancient days, is another site to be visited today. The most
interesting monument here is the Tunnel of Titus, which is a tremendous canal,
dug for the purpose of diverting waters of Orantes River. Another highlight
here will be the rock tombs with their impressive facades pertaining to the
Hellenistic period. Continue to Adana and overnight. Including: Breakfast
Following breakfast, drive to Tarsus, where St. Paul was
born almost 2000 years ago. During St. Paul's time Tarsus was a University City
surpassing Athens and Alexandria. Cicero was a Biblical Asia Minor Tour -
Cappadociagovernor here in 51-50 BC. And the romantic meeting between Cleopatra
and Mark Anthony took place in Tarsus. There is very little left of old Tarsus.
Highlights here will be St. Paul's well and Cleopatra's Gate. Three km east of
Tarsus the E 90 highway(now the new toll road) heads north throuh the Cilician
Gates, a narrow gap in the Taurus mountains to Nevsehir and
Kayseri(Caesarea,once the capital of Cappadocia). Continue to Cappadocia and
overnight. Including: Breakfast
Full day sightseeing of the villages of, Uchisar with
panoramic views of the Cappadocian valleys, Zelve-the valley of the fairy
chimnies, and the Goreme Valley. There are several hundred churches in this
area, some of which are decorated with inscribed frescoes depicting scenes from
the Bible or the Apocrypha. Return to the hotel and overnight. Including:
Breakfast
Early breakfast and visit the Underground Cities of
Kaymakli. Then continue to Ankara to pay a visit to the Mausoleum of Ataturk.
and overnight in Ankara. Including: Breakfast
In the morning be prepared for a rather long but
enjoyable drive to Istanbul. After checking into your hotel enjoy the rest of
the day at your leisure. Including: Breakfast
Flying home. Goodbye Turkey. Including: Breakfast
What's included
- ✓Accommodation
- ✓Flights
- ✓Guide
- ✓Meals
- ✓Insurance
- ✓Transport
- ✓Other included
Not included
- ✕Additional Services
- ✕Other not included
Need help or have a question about this tour?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're ready to help.
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