Seven Churches

Explore Turkey's Seven Churches of Asia Minor, as mentioned in the New Testament Book of Revelation - Journey theroute around the West Aegean and learn of the religious and social context of ancient biblical times. As well as visiting allmajor religious sites, the tour also includes those of cultural and tourist significance.

DAY 1 Arrival in Istanbul

Arrival to Istanbul International Airport and meet for transfer to hotel

    - In the evening all participants will meet for a group dinner to get to know each other. Orientation and discussion with the guide.

Overnight in Istanbul

-We drive Eminonu Port to board the regular city boat for a 2 hour Bosphorous Cruise. Enjoy this relaxing cruise along the shoreline while your guide explains to you the history of sights seen while onboard.    - We then continue on land to visit the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace and then also visit Camlica Hill for panoramic views over the city Overnight in Istanbul

Overnight in Cappadocia

Breakfast at the hotel,   - After breakfast, on to tour Goreme Open Air Museum with its 6th to 10th century rock chapels decorated with Christian frescoes after which we will also make visits to Kaymakli Underground City and the pottery making village of Avanos.   - The days touring also includes a visit to Zelve's Byzantine monastic complex and fairy chimneys. Overnight in Cappadocia

DAY 5 Cappadocia – Konya (B,L,D)

AfBreakfast at hotel and some free time before we depart on the drive to Konya.

     - In Konya we visit the Whirling Dervishes (Mevlana) Mausoleum and the Karatay Koran School, displaying colorful Turkish tiles.

Overnight in Konya

Breakfast at the hotel,

     - We drive on to Antalya which is located on the Mediterranean Coast. En-route we will stop to visit the ruins of the Hellenistic and Roman periods such as the colonnade street of Perge, the magnificently preserved 15.000 persons capacity theatre of Aspendos and the Manavgat Waterfalls

Overnight in Antalya

Breakfast and,

     - We depart to Pamukkale, literally translated as "Cotton Castle", describing the white lime cascades (travertens) formed by mineral springs. Here we will also visit the Ruins of Hierapolis before check-in.

     - At the hotel you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a thermal mineral spring bath

Overnight in Pamukkale

DAY 9 Pamukkale – Kusadasi (B,L,D)    Depart on the drive to Selcuk   - Along the way we will make a stop to visit the amazing ruins of Aphrodisias which were dedicated to the Godess of Love, Aphrodite.   - On arrival to Selcuk we visit the famous site of Ephesus, one of the world's finest archaeological sites. Walk in its well preserved 2000 year old marble streets to the theatre, Library of Celsius, gymnasium, Hadrian's Arch etc. Also during the day visit the House of Virgin Mary before driving on to Izmir.

DAY 10 Kusadasi – Canakkale (B,L,D)    Breakfast, check out and drive on to Pergamon  - We visit the Acropol where you will see the Altar of Zeus and also the Asclepion which was the famous medical center of the ancient world   - After touring here we continue on the drive to Troy to visit this legendary and mythological city along with the replica of the famous wooden horse.  - Overnight in Canakkale

DAY 11 Canakkale – Istanbul (B,L,D)

Breakfast, check out,

     - Later on, we cross the Dardanelles by car ferry to Eceabat where we will visit the Battlefields and Memorials of Gallipoli including sights like Anzac Cove and the Lone Pine Cemetery. Then drive along the sea of Marmara to Istanbul

Overnight in Istanbul

After breakfast,   - We move on to visit some of the most important historical sights of Istanbul such as The Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia*, Grand Bazaar Hippodrome*/Obelisk and Topkapi Palace* (Harem and Treasury rooms optional extra).   - In the evening, a perfect way to end your time in Turkey, we proceed on to a special venue to enjoy our last meal accompanied by a show of traditional folklore dances and music. Overnight in Istanbul. * Haghia Sophia Museum is closed on Mondays and will be replaced by St.Sauveur Chora Church. *Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays *Grand Bazaar is close on Sundays.