BIBLICAL TURKEY TOUR (9 DAYS)

Day 01 Thursday Istanbul
Arrival in Istanbul, the city that bridges two continents, "Europe" and "Asia". You will be met at the airport, assistance and transfer to the hotel. There you will have a briefing and welcome cocktail. Overnight in Istanbul. (D)

Day 02 Friday Istanbul
Morning visit to the Museum of St. Sophia (the Church of Divine Wisdom, built by Justinian) a fantastic church. In the words of the historians of 6th century "Had not been since Adam and never would be again". Then visit to the Hippodrome, where chariot races and athletic events took place during the Roman period. Continue to the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent. Lunch at Daruzziyafe, a formal medieval Islamic college or medrese. Then an afternoon visit to the Kariye Museum, the old church of St. Savior in Chora treasuring the marvelous mosaics and frescoes that represent scenes drawn from, the cycle of the life of the Virgin and of Christ that have been restored under the guidance of the Byzantine Institute of Boston. Grand Covered Bazaar Overnigh Stay in Istanbul (B, L D)

Day 03 Saturday Pergamon - Thyatira
Early in the morning, take flight to Izmir than proceed to Pergamon. Pergamon (Bergama), the place where, wrote St. John to the church of Pergamon, "Satan's throne is sited. Visit the Church of Pergamon, the red-court, Acropolis, after lunch; we drive to, visit Thyatira, and were the fourth of the seven Churches of Asia Minor to receive an epistle from the Apostle John (Rev. 2:18-29). Overnight stay in Izmir Kusadasi. (B, L D)

Day 04 Sunday Smyrna Sardis - Philadelphia - Leodicia - Pamukkale (Hierapolis)
Departure to Sardis, to see the beautifully restored Synagogue/Church, which is one of unique of its kind. Next, continue to Philadelphia. Another of the Christian congregations, and a city built in 2 BC by King Eumenos. Continue to PAMUKKALE (Hierapolis). Visit Leodicia en-route. Watch the sunset over the petrified waterfalls. Overnight in Pamukkale. (B, L D)

Day 05 Monday Virgin Mary - Ephesus
After visiting Pamukkale, drive to Ephesus, home of St. Paul between 53 AD - 57 AD to visit the most impressive archaeological site of today. Before reaching Ephesus comes the most holy visit of the tour. Stop at the last home of the Virgin Mary that is visited by over a hundred thousand pilgrims each year. In 1967 Pope Paul VI and in 1979 Pope Paul II both celebrated mass here and also prayed in the double church in Ephesus. St. John brought the Virgin Mary to live here in peace in her final years. Continue to St. John's basilica and his tomb. In the afternoon visit Ephesus, the city dedicated to Artemis, the best-preserved archaeological site in Asia Minor. Visit the Odeon, the marble street, where St. Paul walked and held daily discussions (act. 19:9), the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian and the theater Where St. Paul preached. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B, L D)

Day 06 Kusadasi Cappadocia
After breakfast early morning transfer to izmir Airport for flight to Cappadocia On arrival to Cappadocia we have sightseeing of Beatiful landscape of Cappadocia (B, L, D)

Day 07 Cappadocia Full day Tour
We remain in Cappadocia to visit Goreme open air museum, churches and frescoes, after lunch visit Uchisar castle, Pasabag valley, Pigeon valley and onwards to Avanos. (in the evening Turkish Night as optional). (B, L, D)

Day 08 Cappadocia Full day Tour
Full day tour of Cappadocia to explore underground city Ihlara Valley Selime Overnight in Cappadocia(B, L,D)

Day 09 Cappadocia Istanbul
Flight to Istanbul Continue with the Istanbul extension or transfer to the airport for flight home (B)