BIBLICAL TURKEY TOUR (ISTANBUL-EPHESUS-LAODICEA-PAMUKKALE-SARDIS-PHILADELPHIA-PERGAMMON-CAPPADOCIA

Backpackers Travel invites you to embark on the Journey in to heritage , Turkey: the Lost Land of the Bible! From Genesis to Revelation.

Efendi Travel  invites you to embark on the Journey in to heritage , Turkey: the Lost Land of the Bible! From Genesis to Revelation. Turkey is the undiscovered jewel of Biblical history.Throughout the ages it has been a tapestry of cultures and civilizations woven together by the indelible finger of God.The sacred destinations of Turkey will challenge you, your friends, and your church to renew your “first love”. This tour package will give you possibility to explore biblical sites of Turkey as well as visiting all major cultural archeological and tourist significance.

Day 1 Istanbul : Arrival in Istanbul, the city that bridges two continents, “Europe” and “Asia”. You will be met at the airport, assistance and transfer to the hotel. There you will have a briefing and welcome cocktail. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 Istanbul : Morning visit to the Museum of St. Sophia (the Church of Divine Wisdom, built by Justinian) a fantastic church. In the words of the historians of 6th century “Had not been since Adam and never would be again”. Then visit to the Hippodrome, where chariot races and athletic events took place during the Roman period. Continue to the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent. Lunch at Daruzziyafe, a formal medieval Islamic college or medrese. Then an afternoon visit to the Kariye Museum, the old church of St. Savior in Chora treasuring the marvelous mosaics and frescoes that represent scenes drawn from, the cycle of the life of the Virgin and of Christ that have been restored under the guidance of the Byzantine Institute of Boston. Grand Covered Bazaar Overnigh Stay in Istanbul. (B, L)

Day 3 Ephesus and Laodicea : Pick up from your hotel at 05:15 and transfer to airport for early morning flight to Izmir. We will meet you at the airport and visit Ephesus, one of the “Seven Churches of Revelation”. Visit to St. John Basilica and the, Last abode of Virgin Mary at Mount Solmissos. Visit to the old Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, most important of the “Seven Churches of Asia Minor”, where St. John brought Mary in fulfillment of his pledge to Jesus to protect her, she is believed to have taken into heaven. After lunch, continue to Laodicea a Crossroads of the ancient world. Overnight stay in Pamukkale. (L,D)

Day 4 Pamukkale, Sardis and Philadelphia and Thyatira : In the morning, we visit the ancient city of Hierapolis home of Philip the Evangelist. Have a break at the calcium terraces of Pamukkale later on proceed to Philadelphia. Philadelphia (Alasehir), the youngest of the “Seven Churches of Revelation”, visiting the still standing remains of an early church and the city walls Lunch on the way. In the afternoon visit, ancient city and ruins of the famous church of Sardis the ancient Lydian capital. Later on the remains of the church of Thyatira than drive to Pergamon where we overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Pergamon : Departure after breakfast for Pergamon (Bergama), the place where, wrote St. John to the church of Pergamon, “Satan´s throne is sited. Visit the Church of Pergamon, the red-court, Acropolis, after lunch; we drive to Smyrna (Izmir), recipient of a letter from St Paul praising the early believers for their faithfulness. Visiting to St. Polycarp Church and a short tour of the city at the end of the tour drive to Kusadasi. Overnight stay in Kusadasi. (B/L)

Day 6 Kusadasi Cappadocia : After breakfast to izmir Airport for aftenroon flight to Cappadocia On arrival to Cappadocia we have sightseeing of Beatiful landscape of Cappadocia Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L)

Day 7 Cappadocia Full day Tour : We remain in Cappadocia to visit Goreme open air museum, churches and frescoes, after lunch visit Uchisar castle, Pasabag valley, Pigeon valley and onwards to Avanos. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L)

Day 8 Cappadocia Full day Tour : Fullda tour of Cappadocia to explore underground city Ihlara Valley Selime Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L)

Day 9 Cappadocia Istanbul : Flight to Istanbul Continue with the Istanbul extension or transfer to the airport for flight home. (B)    

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES

Arrival, departure airport transfers ground transportation,

Accommodation in 4 Star hotels in Pamukkale 3 star hotel in Pergamum.

Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

Entrance fee to the various sites.

Transportation in non-smoking mini/midi bus

Professional English speaking guide and experienced driver.

Domestic Flights

TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDES

International flights

Drinks and Beverages tip to guide and driver personal expenses