Depart the USA. Overnight flight to Turkey.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will proceed to domestic airport for your flight to Izmir. Once in Izmir we will meet and transfer you to your Hotel. Overnight in Izmir.
We will spend the day exploring Izmir, ancient Smyrna the birthplace of Homer and one of the oldest continually inhabited churches of the Revelation. In the afternoon we will continue to Ephesus where one of the Churches of Revelation was located. Ephesus was also the city where the Third Ecumenical Council was held in 431 AD. Overnight in Selcuk (Ephesus).
Today we will explore the fascinating Hellenistic and Roman city of Ephesus including its beautiful theater where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, Celsus Library, and Double Church where the third Ecumenical Council was held, Temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world, and intriguing ruins. In the nearby charming town of Selcuk, we will tour the Museum of Ephesus where, among many artifacts, we will see a well-known statue of Artemis. We will also visit St. John Basilica, beautifully located in the fortress overlooking the town. Overnight in Selcuk (Ephesus).
En route to Pamukkale we will stop in Aphrodisias, the city of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. This interesting site has very impressive ruins and beautiful marble statuary. After sightseeing we will continue to ancient Hierapolis, Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale.
This day will be dedicated to the exploration of Hierapolis, which offers the sites such as: Necropolis, Baths, Theater and St. Philip's Martyrium. Then we continue to Laodicea to see its Odeon, Theater and Gymnasium, and Colossae, home of citizens to whom St. Paul addressed with his letters. Overnight in Pamukkale.
This morning we drive to Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, founded during the reign of Attalus II. Then we continue to Sardis, the capital of ancient Lydia with its impressive Roman ruins, synagogue, gymnasium-bath complex, and Temple of Artemis, temple of Cybele and Artemis (which later became a Church). The fact that Sardis was the home of one of the Seven Churches, testifies its religious significance. It is known as the residence of King (the expression "as rich as Croesus" comes from the legendary wealth of this king who reigned from 560 to 546 BC over Lydia), and also the place where gold and silver coins first appeared. After Sardis we continue on to Thyatira where the members of the church were commended for their steadfastness against libertarianism, a constant threat to Christian church. In the evening we will arrive in Pergamum. Overnight in Pergamum
We will spend the day exploring Pergamum, which has an interesting ancient medical center, acropolis and is especially famous for its library, once one of the most extensive in the world. Pergamum is also well-known for the origin of parchment, from which we derived our modern writing paper; Asclepion, the medical center dedicated to healing god Asclepius, and Serapis Temple which later became one of the Churches of Revelation; St. John denounced it as the throne of Satan in his reference to Pergamum church members. Overnight in Pergamum.
Today we will continue our drive along the northern Aegean coast, stopping at Assos, a very important city during the 4th century BC; it was a well-known center for the study of philosophy and natural sciences. Aristotle, who later became a tutor of Alexander the Great, taught here. The city was protected by a magnificent wall, one of the most impressive fortifications in Anatolia. The view from the Temple of Athena is particularly beautiful. At the end of his Third Journey St. Paul sailed from here via Greek Islands Lesbos and Samos to Miletus. Later we'll visit Alexandria Troas which was founded by Antigonus, a general of Alexander the Great, around 310 BC. During his Second Journey St. Paul accompanied by Silas and Timothy visited the city. Finally we will explore Troy, the site of Homer's classic epic "the Iliad", where nine different layers of civilization have been uncovered and partially excavated. Overnight in Canakkale.
Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and has a history going back to 200 BC, it is considered by many to be the birthplace of modern Turkish culture. It is well-known for its beautiful silk cloth, handicrafts and is an important manufacturing center both for silk and cotton, we will visit the bazaars that produce silk and cotton cloth for which Turkey is so famous. The surrounding area is full of gardens and orchards, that's why it is often called Yesil Brusa (Green Bursa). The Yesil Cami (Green Mosque) is a fine example of Ottoman architecture, and the Tomb of Mehmet I is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Turkey. Overnight in Bursa.
On the way to Istanbul we will stop in Iznik (ancient Nicaea), famous for its beautiful tiles and as the site where the Nicaean Creed originated in 325, also the Eighth Ecumenical Council took place in St. Sophia in 787. Today's Iznik is a small and charming farming community with impressive ancient city walls. Overnight in Istanbul.
This morning we will visit St. Sophia, the largest Christian church in the world for more than 1,000 years. Then we will take a drive following the ancient city walls of Istanbul to the Chora Museum, which has the most beautiful Byzantine mosaics in Turkey. Afterwards we will have a Bosporus cruise between the continents to see the fabulous palaces and villas that hug the shoreline. Later we will tour the old and new city, including the Galata and Pera districts. Overnight in Istanbul
This morning we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
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