Day 1: Istanbul (D)
Arrival at Istanbul. Transfer to hotel.

St. Irene

Day 2: Istanbul (BLD)
A full-day sightseeing tour of the city featuring visits to the Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, Church of St. Irene, St. Sophia and finally the Church of St. Saviour in Chora.

 

 

Nicea Hagia Sophia Church

Day 3: Istanbul - Nicea - Bursa (BLD)
Drive Iznik, the ancient Nicea, where the great Ecumenical Council convened in 4th century. See the great Church of Hagia Sophia, the city Walls, some Ottoman monuments and visit a tile workshop. Afterwards continue to Bursa and see the city's monuments.

Canakkale Athena Assos Temple

Day 4: Bursa - Assos - Ayvalik (BLD)
Drive to Assos. On the way, stop at a village, with its school and Turkish bath. Then, continue to see the fascinating remnants of the legendary Troy. Drive to Alexander Troas and finally see the ruins of Assos.

Pergamum Asklepion

Day 5: Ayvalik - Pergamon - Thyatira - Sardes - Philadelphia - Pamukkale (BLD)
Visit the ancient site of Pergamon, with Acropolis and Asklepion and Red Basilica. Continue Thyatria, Sardes and Laodicea, three of the Seven Churches in Asia Minor.

Denizli Pamukkale

Day 6: Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Laodicea - Colossae - Kusadasi (BLD)
In the morning experience the white magic formations and hot thermal springs. See the ruins of ancient Hierapolis and the head for Colossae of "Letter to Colossians" fame and Laodicea, another of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. On the way to Kusadasi, see Aphrodisias, a notable art centre in antiquity.

St. John Basilica

Day 7: Ephesus - Kusadasi (BLD)
A full-day excursion to world famous Ephesus with its Marble Street, Library of Celsus
Temple of Hadrian, Terrace Houses, Odeon, Baths of Scholastica and Theater. Afterwards, see the Basilica of St. John, who accompanied the Virgin Mary to Ephesus. Then drive to Mt. Bulbul to see the House where the Virgin Mary is reputed to have spent her last days.

Smyrna Virgin Mary Church

Day 8: Kusadasi - Izmir - Istanbul (BD)
Drive to Izmir, ancient Smyrna, the last of Seven Churches. Following a tour of the city fly to Istanbul. Farewell dinner.

Day 9: Istanbul (B)
Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your return flight.