BIBLICAL TURKEY TOUR

This is an eight day Biblical Tour of Turkey to the most important Christian Sites including the ruins of the Seven Churches of Revelations, the cave churches of Cappadocia and the house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. This tour is customizable and includes a professional guide who is also knowledgeable about biblical sites in Turkey and the history of Christianity. You can combine this tour with a mainland tour of Greece to also see sites mentioned in the missionary journeys of Saint Paul.

Day 1: Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul airport and be transferred to your hotel. A welcome package with tour vouchers, a map, and other touristic information will be waiting for you upon arrival. There are no plans for this day so you have free time to explore or experience a traditional Turkish bath nearby your hotel.

Meals: No Meals

Day 2: Istanbul

Your city tour will take you to the
• St Sophia Museum; Former church and mosque, it is now a museum
• Hippodrome; Remains of the sporting stadium of the Byzantine Empire
• Blue Mosque; The largest fully functioning mosque in Turkey
• Grand Bazaar; Turkey’s largest covered bazaar with 4000 shops
• Topkapi Palace including; Imperial Treasury, gardens, Sultan’s kitchen, Sacred Relics (The Harem section is not included in the tour).
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Enjoy dinner at leisure (Not included in package, see our list for the recommend restaurants).

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3: Istanbul to Cappadocia

There is free time in the morning to explore Istanbul on your own. In the afternoon, you will take a direct flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia, which is about 1 hour. Upon arrival, be transferred to your cave hotel and enjoy free time for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Cappadocia

Book our optional, early morning hot air balloon ride for a magnificent view of the valleys. After breakfast, visit…

• Scenic Devrent and Pasabagi valleys, dotted with fairy chimney rocks
• Avanos town that is famous for its red pottery
• The cave churches of Goreme Open Air Museum
• Uchisar castle giving an amazing panoramic view over the region

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5: Cappadocia - Izmir – Kusadasi

Take a flight from Cappadoccia to Izmir. Meet your tour guide and driver at the airport. Then begin the tour with Smyrna, nowadays a modern Turkish city of Izmir. After visit Saint Polycarp church and drive to the ruins of Pergamon.

The city, described as being the throne of Satan, was “praised for its martyrdom and perseverance but those who hold false teachings are criticized” (Rev. 2:12-17). Here you will see the Acropolis, Greek & Roman Temples and large ancient theatre built into the steep hillside then transfer to Kusadasi to stay overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Thyatira - Sardis - Philadelphia

After breakfast drive to Thyatira that was “Praised for its increasing faith and service, but criticized for its tolerance of Jezebel, an immoral woman who calls herself a prophetess” (Rev. 2:18-29).

Then we head to Sardis, located on the banks of the Pactolus River in western Asia Minor. “The church of Sardes was described as dead, and it must wake up. However, there are some who have not "soiled their clothes."” (Rev. 3:1-6).

End the day with a visit to ancient Philadelphia that was known for its variety of temples and worship centres.“The church of brotherly love that endures patiently” (Revelation 3:7-13).Stay overnight in Kusadasi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Ephesus - Mass in the House of Virgin Mary

This morning you will join Mass held in the House of the Virgin Mary (Only available on Sundays). We then visit Ephesus, which was the most influential capital city of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea. "Ephesus receives praise for its perseverance, but criticism for forsaking its "first love"" (Rev. 2:1-7).

You will explore some of the best-preserved theatres, fountains, and buildings in the world. Finally visit to the Basilica of St John, which stands over the believed burial site of St. John, who is identified as the apostle, evangelist (author of the Fourth Gospel), and prophet (author of Revelation). Stay overnight in Kusadasi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Hierapolis - Laodicea

After breakfast, visit the ancient City of Hierapolis as well as the world famous travertine of Pamukkale. Then take an enjoyable drive to Laodicea located in the Lycus River Valley of Western Asia Minor, a primary trade route between the cultures of the West and East. "The "lukewarm" church with a faith that's neither hot nor cold" (Rev. 3:14-22). After visits, transfer to the airport to take a flight back Istanbul (Return flight ticket to Istanbul is not included) or continue the tour to explore other Biblical Sites in Turkey. 

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch