Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Greece 15 Nights 16 Days
Highlights
- ✓Istanbul's Iconic Landmarks: Discover the architectural wonders of Istanbul, including the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the stunning Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace, the historical residence of Ottoman sultans. Experience the ancient Hippodrome and the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world.
- ✓Biblical & Ancient Sites in Turkey: Visit Ephesus, home to the House of the Virgin Mary and the spectacular ruins of the ancient city. Explore Pergamon's Asklepieion, one of the most renowned healing centers of antiquity, and Laodicea, a city mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
- ✓Sacred Island of Patmos: Embark on a cruise to the sacred island of Patmos, where St. John the Evangelist wrote the Apocalypse. Experience the island's serene beauty and spiritual atmosphere.
- ✓The Historical Acropolis of Athens: Stand in awe before the ancient Parthenon and visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Acropolis Museum, and Ancient Agora in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Explore Corinth, where St. Paul preached, and admire the Temple of Apollo and the ancient ruins of this once powerful city.
- ✓Santorini's Scenic Beauty: Sail to the enchanting island of Santorini, known for its stunning sunsets, whitewashed houses, and panoramic views. Visit the town of Fira and stroll through its narrow streets filled with charming boutiques and cafes.
- ✓Meteora Monasteries: Explore the awe-inspiring Meteora in Kalambaka, where ancient monasteries are perched atop towering rock formations, offering breathtaking views and a profound sense of spirituality.
- ✓Classical Greece - Delphi: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi, home to the ancient Oracle of Delphi. Wander through the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and visit the museum that houses treasures from the site
Overview
Embark on a remarkable journey through the Cradle of the Holy Lands, a captivating tour that takes you through the sacred and historic sites of Turkey and Greece. This 16-day adventure combines the ancient wonders of two of the most influential civilizations in history, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of saints, kings, and philosophers. From the Byzantine marvels of Istanbul to the awe-inspiring ruins of Ephesus, and from the legendary Athens to the mystic Meteora monasteries, this tour offers a profound exploration of sacred, cultural, and architectural heritage.
Your adventure begins in Istanbul, where East meets West, with visits to iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. Then, journey through Turkey’s ancient cities, including Izmir, Pergamon, and Ephesus, which are rich in biblical and Hellenistic history. Afterward, cruise through the turquoise Aegean Sea to Greece, where you will explore the birthplace of Western civilization with stops in Athens, Delphi, and Kalambaka, home to the famous Meteora rock formations.
This tour offers a deep connection to the roots of Christianity, from the House of the Virgin Mary to St. Paul’s preaching grounds, while also delving into the rich legacy of ancient Greece and Rome. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking to explore some of the most iconic sites in the world, this journey promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Route
Itinerary
Arrive in Istanbul. Our transferman will be ready to meet you at Istanbul Airport upon your Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Istanbularrival. After we meet you at the airport, you will be transfered to your hotel. Time at leisure, stay overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
We will spend an entire day visiting the highlights of
Istanbul.First a visit to Hagia Sophia where the mind rises sublime to commune
with God, feeling that He can not be far off. Also visit to Hippodrome is the
largest in the ancient world.Then the Blue Mosque one of the architectural
marvels of the world. continue our tour at Underground Cistern. Visit Grand
Bazaar; it was built at the command of Fatih Mehmet shortly after the Conquest.
It contains 4399 shops, 2195 workshops, 497 stalls and 18 fountains. After the
tour, transfer back to the hotel, time at leisure. Stay overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast visit to Topkapi Palace , As the
administrative center, for nearly 400 years, for the Ottoman Empire, which was
one of the greatest empires of the world, Topkapi Palace is certainly the most
important historical site to be visited in Istanbul. In 1461, less than ten
years after the Conquest, Fatih Mehmet ordered the construction of Topkapi
Sarayi a palace that would be known as Dar-s Saadet, the "House of
Felicity". Topkapi Sarayi remained the seat of the Ottoman Sultans until 1868,
when Abdlmecit I moved to the European-style Dolmabahce Palace farther up the
Bosporus. Transfer to the airport to take a flight to Izmir. Arrive in Izmir
and tCradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Pergamumtransfer to your hotel.Stay
overnight in Izmir.
(Breakfast included)
Early depart from hotel for Pergamon. Visit to the
Asklepieion, one of the major healing centres of antiqity, Acropol where the
monumental buildings or heroons donated by the kings of Pergamon during the
Hellenistic period. The Temple of Serapis, built for the Egyptian Gods in the
2nd c. AD. and called as the Red Courtyard and dedicated to St John. Depart for
Izmir. We will visit St. Polycarp Church at Izmir (Smyrna). Stay overnight in
Izmir.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast drive to Thyatira whose remains include a
temple and large church. Visit Philadelphia with its famous church of
Philadelphia which was an important place for the spreading of the Christian
faith. Continue on to Sardes, the wealthy capital of the ancient Lydian Empire
and one of the most amazing sites in Turkey. After our visits at Sardes, we
will head tCradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Laodiceao Pamukkale, where we will
spend this night. Stay overnight in Pamukkale.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast visit to the remains of the Ancient City
of Hierapolis and the travertens. Drive to Laodicea which is mentioned in
Revelations by St. John and in ancient times was known as "The City of
Compromise". After visiting Laodicea, drive to Kusadasi. Stay overnight in
Kusadasi.
(Breakfast included)
We will spend an entire day visiting the spectacular city
of Ephesus. First we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary on top of
Mountain. A pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. Then proceed
to the Ancient City of Ephesus where you will explore some of the best
preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. A definite must while
in Turkey. Visit the Basilica of St. John, and the museum. Stay overnight in
Kusadasi.
(Breakfast included)
Free time in the morning then you will be transferred to
Kusadasi port to embark on cruise. Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey -
PatmosCruise to the sacred island of Patmos, an island with an austere
physiognomy, where St John the Evangelist wrote the Apocalypse.
Overnight on board.
P.S. Shore Excursions on this day are not included in the
package rate.
(Breakfast included)
Arrive in the island of Rhodes, Known as the Flower
Island , truly a crossroad of civilizations where the Orient meets the
Occident. Visit the acropolis of Lindos and in the old city the Grand Master's
Palace and the Street of the Knights.
Overnight on board.
P.S. Shore Excursions on this day are not included in the package rate.Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Santorini
(Breakfast included)
Begin the day in Crete, the largest of the Greek islands;
visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the famous archeological museum of
Heraklion. 16.30 to 21.00 arrival Santorini, the most enchanting of the Greek
islands. Santorini offers a panoramic view; white washed houses, narrow
streets, open air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep hills.
Overnight on board.
P.S. Shore Excursions on this day are not included in the
package rate.Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Athens
(Breakfast included)
Arrival in Pireaus Port; Athens. Transfer to our hotel.
In the afternoon, we will depart for a half day afternoon tour of Ancient
Corinth. The Canal of Corinth opened at the end of the 19th Century to connect
the Ionian with the Aegean sea. Ancient Corinth was a great naval power and of
strategic importance. At the same time it became a cultural centre which you
will see when visiting some of the archaeological sites. Later, it was invaded
by the Knights of Malta and afterwards was passed on to the Venetians. We visit
the Temple of Apollo, the huge Ancient Agora, the Bema where St. Paul preached
as well as the Odeon. The Archaeological Museum of Corinth contains objects
found in prehistoric sites of the region. Overnight at Athens.
(Breakfast included)
Depart from our hotel for a half day sightseeing tour of
Athens. Depart for Temple of Olympian Zeus (visit). Proceed to Panathinaiko
Stadium cradle of the first Olympic Games took place in 1896 (short stop). Pass
by the Prime's Ministers residence, Ex Royal Palace, (guarded by colourful
Evzones) Zappion (Conference and Exhibition Hall), National Garden, Hadrian's
Arc, St. Paul's Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown soldier, Schlieman's
House (Nomismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Academy, University, National
Library, Old Parliament, Constitution Square ,Russian Orthodox Church,
Acropolis (visit Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion and
Museum of the Acropolis ). Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at Athens.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast we depart from Athens for our Classical
Greece Tour. Drive to Delphi through Levadia and Arachova. Visit the
archaeological sites and the Museum. After visits, drive to the hotel in
Delphi. Check-in hotel. Overnight in Delphi.
(Breakfast included)
After Breakfast at the hotel, check-out the hotel, drive
through Amphissa, Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka. After a lovely scenic travel
arrive Kalambaka, check-in hotel. Free time to Discover the city. Overnight in
Kalambaka.
(Breakfast included)
After
breakfast, visit the breathtaking Meteora. After visiting the sites, drive back
to Athens through Thermopylae and Kamena Vourla. We have stops at those cities
to have short visits. Arrive Athens early in the evening. Check-in our hotel,
overnight at Athens.
(Breakfast included)
Transfer
to Athens Airport, the end of our services.
What's included
- ✓Accommodation
- ✓Guide
- ✓Transport
- ✓Other included
- ✓Hygiene protocol
Not included
- ✕Flights
- ✕Meals
- ✕Insurance
- ✕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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