DAY 1
ANKARA
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
DAY 2
ANKARA - CAPPADOCIA
Morning visit to Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its ancient treasures. After lunch, drive to Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia
DAY 3
CAPPADOCIA
Visit the hidden valley of Zelve and the cave churches of Goreme whose Christian frescoes, are as vibrant now as they were in the 7th century. Overnight in Cappadocia.
DAY 4
CAPPADOCIA - ADANA
Descend 8 stories beneath the ground to the city of Kaymakli where early Christians lived for months at a time to escape persecution. Continue to Adana. Overnight in Adana.
DAY 5
ADANA - ANTIOCH - ADANA
Antioch is the city where Sts. Paul, Peter and Barnabus preached the word of Christ and so were called “Christians.’ Visit St. Peter’s Grotto the cave church where St. Peter first celebrated the mass. Overnight in Adana.
DAY 6
ADANA - TARSUS - KONYA
The birthplace of St. Paul, Tarsus lies on an ancient route through the mountains trod by both Alexander and the Crusaders. Continue to Konya, once known as Iconium, an important Christian city. You will visit the Mevlana Museum and learn about the Whirling Dervishes. Overnight in Konya.
DAY 7
KONYA - ANTALYA
Today a lengthy, but scenic drive takes you through the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean town of Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.
DAY 8
ANTALYA - ASPENDOS - PERGE - SIDE
Explore the nearby Greco Roman remains of Aspendos with its world- renowned Roman theatre and Side with its Roman baths and ruins. Then onto Perge, a city of vast importance during the Hellenistic era and where St. Paul preached his first sermon. Overnight in Antalya.
DAY 9
ANTALYA - LAODICIA - HIERAPOLIS
Visit the ancient city of Laodicia (one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor) and Hierapolis where St. Philip was matyred. Enjoy nearby Pamukkale’s cascading tiers of white limestone. Overnight in Pamukkale.
DAY 10
PAMUKKALE - SARDIS - PHILADELPHIA - IZMIR
Visit Sardis and Philadelphia two of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor en route to Izmir, known in ancient times as “Smyrna”. It is the city that Paul praised for its faithfulness. Overnight in Izmir.
DAY 11
IZMIR - EPHESUS - IZMIR
Explore the remains of Ephesus including sitting in the theater where St. Paul preached, the Basilica of St. John and the home of the Virgin Mary. Overnight in Kusadasi.
DAY 12
IZMIR - PERGAMUM - THYATIRA - BURSA
Visit two more of the Churches of Asia Minor, Pergamum a thriving city in ancient times know for its Asclepion and Thyatira. Overnight in Bursa.
DAY 13
BURSA - NICAEA - ISTANBUL
Tour Iznik, once known as Nicaea an important Byzantine town. Highlights include the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Sophia, seat of the first Ecumenical Council of 325 AD. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 14
ISTANBUL
The capital of the Holy Roman Empire, your tour today includes St. Sophia the first Christian Cathedral, the Undergound Cistern, the Blue Mosque and the treasures of Topkapi Palace.
DAY 15
ISTANBUL
Morning cruise along the Bosphorus. This afternoon you’re free to enjoy Istanbul as you desire.
DAY 16
ISTANBUL
Transfer to airport for your flight back to USA.
LAND TOUR FEATURES
- Accommodations in mentioned hotels or similar.
- Services of professional English speaking guide.
- All meals.
- All sightseeing and admission fees.
- Transfers, ground transportation, service charges and taxes.
