DAY 1: USA-ISTANBUL
Depart New York via overnight transatlantic flight to Turkey
with meals on board.
DAY 2: ISTANBUL
Arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Meeting with local hosts
and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is
at leisure.
DAY 3: ISTANBUL (B,L)
After breakfast visit the Hagia Sophia Church, the 6th century
Byzantine basilica, the largest church of its era and the
architectural glory of the Byzantines; the Blue Mosque,
17th century imperial mosque famous for its six minarets
as well as its interior blue tiles; Byzantine Hippodrome,
now an open air exhibition park with a number of monuments
where chariot races were once held. After lunch continue
the tour with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, residence of
the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries,
now a world famous museum where imperial pieces are in display.
Day 4: ISTANBUL - IZMIR (B, L)
Following breakfast at the hotel, a half day excursion to
St. Savior in Chora, the first Byzantine church in Istanbul,
famous for its breathtaking frescoes and golden-mosaics.
Continue with a brief visit to the Suleymaniye Mosque, the
imperial mosque built by the Architect Sinan. Return to
the hotel for check-out. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
In the evening transfer to the airport for a domestic flight
to Izmir. Arrive and transfer to your hotel.
Day 5: IZMIR/ PERGAMUM/ THYATIRA/ IZMIR (B,L)
After an early breakfast visit the St. Policarpos Church
in Izmir, then drive to Pergamum to visit the Asklepium
Sanctuary and the Acropolis including the Altar of Zeus,
which is said to be "the place where Satan has his throne"
(Revelation 3:13), the Trojan Temple; and the world's steepest
ancient theater. After lunch, drive to Thyatira, and visit
the remains of the Christian Church and the Temple. Return
back to Izmir.
Day 6: IZMIR/ SARDIS/ PHILADELPHIA/ PAMUKKALE (B,L,D)
After breakfast depart for Sardis, one of the most picturesque
sites of the Seven Churches, to visit the Artemis Temple,
the Byzantine Church, the Acropolis, the Synagogue, and
the Gymnasium. After lunch proceed to Philadelphia to visit
the Byzantine Basilica. Drive on to Pamukkale for dinner
and overnight.
Day 7: PAMUKKALE/ LAODICEA/ EPHESUS/IZMIR (B, L)
After breakfast depart for Laodicea for a brief visit. Continue
to Ephesus to visit this fabulous ancient city where Apostle
Paul stayed and taught for two years (Acts 19:10), and where
he promised on his second journey "I shall come back
to you if it's God's will" (Acts 18:21). Then visit
the Last Abode of Virgin Mary, where she lived her last
years; and the Basilica of St. John. Transfer to the Izmir
airport to fly to Istanbul. Arrive in Istanbul and transfer
to hotel.
Day 8: ISTANBUL - USA (B)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight
home.
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