Biblical Tour

Turkey is very important in understanding the background of the New Testament, because approximately two-thirds of its books were written either to or from churches in Turkey where the three major apostles – St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. John, either ministered or lived in. The highlight of this tour is that it allows you to follow the footsteps of the Apostles.

Day 1 – Istanbul – Arrival Day
Welcome to Turkey. Arrive in Istanbul Airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. After check into the hotel, meet at the lobby for welcome and info cocktail. Overnight in Istanbul. Dinner included.

Day 2 – Istanbul
Our journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. We visit the Topkapi Palace including the Harem, St. Sophia, The Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Overnight in Istanbul. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 3 – Smyrna – Pergamon
Transfer from hotel to Istanbul airport for flight to Izmir. Arrival in Izmir. Drive to ancient Smyrna, was the second one of the seven Christian churches in Asia Minor to which St. John the Divine wrote (Revelation l-11). In the afternoon proceed to Thyatira, another one of the Seven Churches. See the remains of a Basilica and other ruins from the Roman Period. Overnight in Bergama. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4 – Pergamon
Pergamon (Bergama). Visit the Acropolis with its pagan temples and Altar of Zeus. Continue to the healing center, Aesculapius. Overnight in Bergama. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 5 – Sardis – Philadelphia – Pamukkale
After breakfast depart for Sardes, another one of the Seven Churches mentioned by St. John. Continue to Philadelphia to, another one of the Christian congregations, and a city built in 2 BC by King Eumenos. Continue to Pamukkale (Hierapolis). Watch the sunset over the petrified waterfalls. Overnight in Pamukkale. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 6 – Laodicea – Ephesus
Visit Hierapolis and then Laodicea before continuing to Ephesus. See the final abode of the Virgin Mary where she spent her last years. Tour through ancient Ephesus to see the old synagogue, the theatre where St. Paul preached (Acts 10), the Library of Celsus and other sights. Overnight in Kusadasi. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 7 – Istanbul
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Istanbul. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free time in Grand Bazaar in the afternoon and overnight in Istanbul. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 8 – Istanbul – End of Tour
After breakfast check out and store our lagguage and leave for Istanbul airport return flight.

All transfers upon arrival and at departure.

7 nights HB accommodation in hotels mentioned in itinerary. Welcome and Farewell dinners organized as venues outside hotels, other meals open buffet in hotels.

6 organized group lunches.

All entrance fees to the museums and sites named in itinerary.

English speaking professional guidance throughout the tour.

Travel & Health Insurance.

Local (VAT) and additional taxes.