Day
1
Arrive in Kusadasi – Pamukkale
Arrive in Kusadasi. Meet at Kusadasi pier and drive to Ephesus, one of the New Testament’s most significant cities (Rev. 2:1-7). Apostle Paul came here in 53 A.D. and according to tradition Apostle John wrote his Gospel here and where the Virgin Mary spent her last days. Visit the Archaeological site, including the House of Mary. Continue to Pamukkale and visit the ancient city and church of Laodecia where Apostle John chastised the inhabitants for being lukewarm (Rev. 3:14-22). Dinner and overnight at Hotel.
Day
2
Pamukkale – Izmir
Depart from Hotel and visit the nearby ruins of Hierapolis, an important seat of early Christianity. Continue to Alasehir (Philadelphia), the church which received God’s highest commendation (Rev. 3:7-13). Afterwards, travel to Sart (Sardis), the church with a reputation for being alive, but God announced that it was dead (Rev. 3:1-6). Drive to Izmir (Smyrna), a city established in 3,000 B.C. and one of the Seven Churches which John referred to as the poor, persecuted church that God announced was rich (Rev. 2:8-11). Dinner and overnight in Izmir.
Day
3
Izmir – Pergamon – Izmir
Depart from Hotel and drive to Akhisar and visit Thyathira, a church praised for its increasing faith but criticized for its tolerance of Jezebel (Rev. 2:18-28). Then continue to the Bergama (Pergamum), home to the invention of parchment and the church that John both affirmed and chastised (Rev. 2:12-17). Visit to the Acropolis and the Asclepion of the Hellenistic City of Pergamon. Dinner and overnight in Izmir
Day
4
Izmir – Kayseri – Cappadocia
Depart from the hotel and drive to Izmir Airport. After short flight to Kayseri, we drive to Cappadocia for dinner and overnight.
Day
5
Cappadocia – Kayseri Airport – Istanbul
After breakfast, visit Goreme open-air museum dotted with churches elaborately decorated with frescoes and hewn out of rock by the early Christians hiding from Roman persecutors. Next stop will be the rock-caved natural citadel of Uchisar for a superb view of the region. After visiting an authentic underground city nearby, we will stop at Avanos which is known for its earthenware potteries symbolizing the traditional character of the region. Drive to Kayseri Airport and fly to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day
6
Istanbul
Depart from the hotel to visit historical highlights of Istanbul including the Hippodrome where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. And the Blue Mosque which is a 17th-century Ottoman Mosque famous with its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tiles, next visit is the Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans housing the richness of 700 years with its treasury section that includes the crown jewels and a unique collection of Chinese porcelains. Afternoon visit starting at St. Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century. The last stop will be the Grand Bazaar where there will be an opportunity to shop prior to returning to Hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel
Day
7
Departure from Istanbul
Meet at hotel lobby and transfer to Istanbul Airport for your international flight.
