Itinerary – Seven Churches and Highlights of Istanbul
Seven Churches and Highlights of Istanbul
Visit some of the Bible’s most extraordinary sites in Turkey, including Ephesus, the Basilica of St. John and the home of the Virgin Mary. Tour incredible archaeological sites, explore Istanbul’s dazzling bazaars, and experience the authentic cuisine and culture of Turkey.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ISTANBUL-ARRIVAL
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of your day is at leisure to exploring this dazzling city. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 2: ISTANBUL
Departure from your hotel to drive the Old City where we will visit the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Saint Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 3: DARDANELLES-CANAKKALE
After breakfast, drive south to the Dardanelles’s Strait and embark on a ferry. Visit the city of Troy including its legendary walls and replica of the famous wooden horse used during the Trojan War. Overnight and dinner in Canakkale.
DAY 4: PERGAMUM-THYATIRA
(2:12-17) – (2:18-29 Acts 16:14)
Depart for Pergamum and proceed to Asclepion. After lunch, continue to another Christian community mentioned in the Book of Revelations. Explore Thyatira (Akhisar), the temple dedicated to St. John that was converted into a basilica. In the late afternoon, head back to Izmir for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: EPHESUS-VIRGIN MARY’S HOUSE-ST. JOHN BASILICA
(1:11, 2:1-7 Acts 18:19-28, 19:1-41) – (Ephesians 19:24-40)
Depart for one of the greatest archaeological sites as mentioned in the Book of Revelations, Ephesus. After Ephesus, proceed to the Basilica of St. John. Then, visit the home of the Virgin Mary. In the afternoon, return to Izmir for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6: SARDIS-PHILADELPHIA-LAODICEA-HIERAPOLIS
After breakfast, drive to Sardis and enter from the marble way passing by the old Byzantine shops. Another “must see” is the old Synagogue with its dazzling decoration and style. Then, proceed to Alasehir and wander through the streets of Philadelphia. Proceed to Laodicea (Eskihisar) and view the theaters, stadium, Nymphaeum and other surrounding ruins. After Laodicea, we will be on our way to the “Cotton Castle” of Pamukkale, the ancient city of Hieropolis and the Roman Baths. Overnight in Pamukkale where you can enjoy the hot spring pools at the hotel.
DAY 7: BURSA
Depart for Bursa and enjoy an authentic lunch with a special at a famous restaurant with a “Yskender Kebab” menu. Then, visit the Green Tomb and the Green Mosque. Proceed to the Grand Bazaar and the Silk Bazaar. Dinner and overnight in Bursa.
DAY 8: BURSA-IZNIK
Depart from Bursa on the road to Iznik (Nicea) and visit the ruins in Iznik. After lunch, proceed to Istanbul for dinner and overnight.
DAY 9: ISTANBUL-DEPARTURE
Enjoy a day of leisure until flight. Transfer to airport.