15 Days Tour - Turkey & Greek Island Patmos

Day 1 - Depart USA to Istanbul

Day 2 - Istanbul
Arrive at Ataturk International Airport to be met and assisted by our representative. Welcome and transfer to the hotel in Istanbul. Overnight: Istanbul
 
Day 3 - Istanbul
Morning visit to the Topkapi Palace - the former imperial residence of the Ottoman Empire with its large collection of porcelain and silverware, unique pieces of jewellery like the 'spoonmakers diamond', the Hippodrome Square - the former center of sports and political activities, the fountain of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the Blue Mosque - so called because of its stunning color of the tiles and the frescoes. Then we visit the Haghia Sophia -the church of the Divine Wisdom- which was changed into a mosque and later to a museum. After, we will have free time for shopping at the Grand Bazaar. Overnight: Istanbul

Day 4  - Istanbul - Bursa
Drive to Iznik (Nicea), the site of the First and Seventh Ecumenical Councils. Drive to Bursa, visit the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum. Overnight: Bursa.

Day 5 - Bursa - Troy - Ayvalik
Continue to Canakkale, visit Gallipoli, Troy, Alexandra Troas where St.Paul met Luke. Overnight:Ayvalik.

Day 6 - Pergamon - Thyatira - Izmir
Depart to Pergamon, visit the Asclepion, the ancient hospital, the Acropolis, the Church at the site of ancient Serapium and the Red Court dedicated to St. John. Then visit Akhisar, the site of ancient Thyatira. Overnight: Izmir.

Day 7 - Sardis - Philadelphia - Izmir
Visit Sardis, the capital city of the ancient Kingdom of Lydia, visit the Church built on the foundations of the Temple of Artemis. Continue to Alasehir, ancient Philadelphia. Return to Izmir, visit St. Policarp Church. Overnight: Izmir.

Day 8 - Ephesus - Kusadasi
Drive to Ephesus where St. Paul stayed a while, visit the ancient city, House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, continue to Miletos where St. Paul gave a speech to spread Christianity.

Overnight: Kusadasi.

Day 9 - Kusadasi - Patmos - Kusadasi
Daily tour to the Greek Island of Patmos by private boat. Visit the Cave of Revelation and St. John’s Monastery. Return to Kusadasi. Overnight: Kusadasi.

Day 10 - phrodisias - Laodicea - Pamukkale
Visit Aphrodisias, Laodicea and Hierapolis, overnight: Pamukkale.

Day 11 - Pisidian Antioch - Iconium - Cappadocia
Visit Pisidian Antioch, Konya (Iconium), the Mevlana Mosque and Mausoleum, proceed to Cappadocia.

Overnight: Cappadocia.

Day 12- Cappadocia
Visit Goreme, Zelve Valley, Underground City. Overnight: Cappadocia.

Day 13 - Cappadocia - Tarsus - Antioch
Depart to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul, continue to Antakya (Biblical city of Antioch) where St. Paul and St. Barnabas stayed. Overnight: Antakya.

Day 14 - Antioch - Istanbul
Visit the Museum of Antioch with its famous mosaics and St. Peter’s Grotto, the Cave Church where early Christians met in secret. Drive to Adana airport for late afternoon flight to Istanbul. Transfer to hotel,
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 15 - Istanbul - U.S.A
Transfer to Istanbul airport for your transatlantic flight back to the U.S.A