Highlights

• Istanbul Old City (Sultanahmet) Hagia Sophia: Originally built as a church by Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, Hagia Sophia served as the Eastern Orthodox cathedral and later the mosque. It’s a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and an important symbol of both Christianity and Islam. Topkapi Palace: A short walk from Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace was the seat of Ottoman Sultans for centuries, offering rich collections of art, relics, and Islamic manuscripts. Blue Mosque: Across from Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) is a striking example of Ottoman architecture, still an active mosque with impressive tiles and design. Basilica Cistern: An ancient underground water reservoir dating back to the Byzantine Empire, famous for its columns and eerie atmosphere
• 7 Churches of Revelation These are the seven cities mentioned in the Book of Revelation (Chapters 2-3). They are located in modern-day Turkey and are historically significant for early Christian communities. Ephesus (Acts 19): A major ancient city that was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It also contains the remains of a large early Christian basilica and the famous Library of Celsus. Smyrna (modern Izmir): The city of St. Polycarp, an early Christian martyr and bishop. Pergamon (modern Bergama): Known for its ancient acropolis and temple ruins, it was once a major center of culture and learning in the Roman Empire. Thyatira (modern Akhisar): An important commercial city where Lydia, the seller of purple, converted to Christianity. Sardis (modern Sart): Known for its ancient synagogues and the remnants of its once-great wealth. Philadelphia (modern Alaşehir): The “City of Brotherly Love,” and the site of early Christian churches. Laodicea (modern Denizli): Known for its wealth and its lukewarm faith, as mentioned in Revelation.
• Ephesus was a powerful ancient city and a major center of early Christianity. The House of the Virgin Mary is nearby, believed to be the place where Mary lived after the death of Jesus. The ruins of Ephesus itself include a vast theater (where St. Paul preached), the Library of Celsus, and the grand Temple of Artemis. This was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
• Adana is one of Turkey's oldest cities, known for its culinary culture, especially the famous Adana kebab. While not directly a biblical site, it's located in the region of Cilicia, close to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul.
• Tarsus The birthplace of the Apostle Paul (formerly Saul), Tarsus is a historic city with ancient ruins, including a well-preserved Roman theater and a gate from the Roman period. The St. Paul’s Church is an important site for Christian pilgrims.
• Cappadocia A surreal landscape of rock formations and fairy chimneys, Cappadocia is home to some of the earliest Christian communities. The Göreme Open-Air Museum is a UNESCO site with cave churches and frescoes. Underground cities like Derinkuyu served as refuges for early Christians during Roman and Byzantine times. Cappadocia is also known for its hot air balloon rides, which offer spectacular views of this unique region.
• Pisidian Antioch An ancient city mentioned in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles, where St. Paul preached during his first missionary journey. Located in modern-day Yalvaç, it has well-preserved Roman-era ruins, including a theater and a basilica.
• Antioch (Antakya) Antioch was one of the earliest and most significant centers of Christianity. It is where followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:26). Today, Antakya (modern-day Antakya) is a blend of ancient Christian history and Islamic culture. The Saint Peter's Cave Church and Antioch Mosaic Museum showcase the city’s rich history.
• Alexandria Troas A coastal city in ancient Troy (modern-day Tevfikiye), where St. Paul stopped during his missionary journeys. Paul mentions it in Acts 16:8 as a place he visited before heading to Macedonia. The ruins of Alexandria Troas include a Roman theater, an odeon, and a bathhouse.
• Nicea (Iznik) Famous for the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, where the Nicene Creed was established to define the orthodox Christian faith. The Hagia Sophia of Nicaea and the city walls are important historical sites. Iznik was also a key city in the Byzantine Empire and later the Ottoman period, known for its exquisite ceramics.