Biblical Turkey
Includes
- Accommodations as per itinerary
- Meals as per itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D)
- Sightseeing: per itinerary
- Travel funds escrow protection program
- Domestic flights; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
Excludes
- Items of a personal nature
- All other items not mentioned as included
Itinerary
Day
1
USA - Istanbul
Enjoy a relaxing overnight flight to Istanbul.
Day
2
Istanbul - Arrival
Deluxe Class: Hagia Sophia Hotel Old City or similar accommodations
Superior First Class: Radisson Blu Hotel Sisli or similar accommodations
You are greeted upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day
3
Istanbul
Deluxe Class: Hagia Sophia Hotel Old City or similar accommodations
Superior First Class: Radisson Blu Hotel Sisli or similar accommodations
Your day begins with a guided tour exploring the highlights of this ancient city including the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Then walk across the Byzantine Hippodrome that was the scene of chariot races. In the afternoon we visit Saint Sophia Basilica, historic seat of the Byzantine church, built in 537 AD and now a museum whose mosaics, stained glass windows and decorated domes have been crafted to create an environment of breathtaking beauty. A short walk through gardens takes us to the Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, built in 1616, that is famous for unequalled ceramic tiles. (B)
Day
4
Pergamum - Thyatira – Smyrna (Izmir)
Deluxe Class: Swissotel Grand Efes or similar accommodations
Superior First Class: Movenpick Izmir or similar accommodations
Early morning flight to Izmir and visit of Pergamum (Rev. 2:12-17), and Aesculapiums, then continue to Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29; Acts 16:14) a city of artisans guilds in St. Pauls time. In the evening we continue to Izmir (Smyrna, Rev 2:8-11) Homers birthplace on the Aegean Coast. (B)
Day
5
Ephesus - St. Marys House - Izmir
Deluxe Class: Swissotel Grand Efes or similar accommodations
Superior First Class: Movenpick Izmir or similar accommodations
This morning we explore Ephesus with its expansive synthesis of Greco-Roman and Christian remains (Ephesians; Rev 1:11: 2:1-7: Acts 18:19-28: 19:1-4). It was the home of St. Paul between 54 and 57 AD. Nearby we visit the Virgin Marys House on a wooded hilltop where it was miraculously discovered. In the evening return to Izmir for overnight and dinner. (B)
Day
6
Sardis - Philadelphia - Pamukkale
Deluxe Class: Pam Thermal Hotel or similar accommodations
Superior First Class: Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal or similar accommodations
After breakfast we visit Sardis with its beautiful gymnasium and marble paved synagogue. Then continue to Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13), a favorite city of Paul and John. In the evening we continue on to Pamukkale, the white lime cascades of the Roman spa Hierapolis. Enjoy a leisurely bath in the warm mineral waters of your hotels pool. (B,D)
Day
7
Hierapolis – Laodicea - Izmir
Deluxe Class: Swissotel Grand Efes or similar accommodations
Superior First Class: Movenpick Izmir or similar accommodations
Morning visit of Hierapolis. This was Philip the Evangelists home. We will tour the extensive necropolis, churches and baths, then stop at nearby Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22: Col 2:1: 4:13-16). In the afternoon continue to Izmir for overnight and dinner. (B)
Day
8
Izmir - Cappadocia
Deluxe Class: Kapadokya Lodge or similar accommodations
Superior First Class: Kapadokya Lodge or similar accommodations
In the morning take a short flight to Kayseri. Enjoy a full day touring the moon-like topography and unique landscape of Cappadocia. See Goreme with its Chapels carved by early Christians and decorated with frescoes dating from the 6th and 10th century is an unforgettable experience. Visit the underground city of Kaymakli where thousands of early Christians lived concealed from persecutors in eight story complexes of subterranean dwellings. (B,L,D)
Day
9
Cappadocia – Istanbul
Deluxe Class: Innova Hotel or similar accommodations
Superior First Class: Innova Hotel or similar accommodations
This morning visit Rose Valley, one of the most beautiful trekking valleys in Cappadocia, and explore the famous rock-cut churches by hiking through the valley. Rest in Cavusin, an old Greek village, known for its Christian houses and churches. After having time for lunch visit Ortahisar Castle, similar to Uchisar Castle in style, where storage caves can also be observed. In the afternoon visit Kaymakli Underground City where early Christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back visit the panoramic Pigeon Valley where pigeons contributed to the lives of locals with their manure to fertilize the vineyards. You may also like to taste Cappadocia wine in a local winery. Then drive to Kayseri and take a short flight to Istanbul. (B,L)
Day
10
Istanbul - Return
Your will be transferred to the airport for the flight home. (B)
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