Seven Churches & Anatolian Culture Tour
Category
Biblical TourTour Type
Biblical TourLanguage
EnglishResort
Turkiye Package TourTour Base
PrivateGroup Size
Meeting Point
Istanbul Airport - flight timeDuration
8 daysHighlights
- Walk in the Footsteps of Apostles & Saints
- Explore Three Iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Witness Breathtaking Natural Wonders
- Experience Sacred History & Pilgrimage
- Immerse in Authentic Turkish Culture & Cuisine
- Discover a Tapestry of Civilizations
Includes
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- entrance fees mentioned in tour itinerary
- 4 Stars or 5 stars hotel Accomodations Bed and Breakfast in Istanbul
- 4 Stars or 5 stars hotel Accomodations Half Board Accomadation in other city except Istanbul
- Non-Smoking Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Domestic flights
- Airport Transfer
Excludes
- tip for driver and tour guide
- Personal expenses
- Optional tours
- international Flights
- Portage
- Bank Money Transfer Commision
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Route
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
1st day Welcome to Turkiye
Arrival in Istanbul
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
1st day Bosphorus Boat Tour
enjoy Bosphorus Boat Ride
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
1st day İstanbul Accomodation
4 or 5 star İstanbul Accomodation
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
2nd day The Heart of Istanbul: Sultanahmet
Hagia Sophia: This monumental structure bearing traces of both Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Hagia Irene: One of the oldest churches in Istanbul, located right next to Hagia Sophia. Topkapi Palace: The central palace of the Ottoman Empire. Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque): A magnificent Ottoman masterpiece famous for its blue Iznik tiles.
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
3rd Day The City of the First Council: Iznik (Nicaea)
Iznik Visit: The city where the 1st and 7th Ecumenical Councils, crucial for Christianity, were held. Iznik Senate Palace (The palace ruins believed to be where the 1st Council convened). Hagia Sophia of Iznik: A structure that has been a church, a mosque, and a museum, housing important frescoes. Iznik Theatre: A theatre from the Roman period. Iznik City Walls: The impressive Byzantine walls surrounding the city.
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
4th day Thyateira & The Splendor of Pergamon
Akhisar (Thyateira): The ancient city where one of the Seven Churches was located. Lunch: Tasting the local Akhisar meatballs. Pergamon: An ancient city on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Acropolis: Features one of the steepest theatres in the world, the remains of the Zeus Altar, and the Library. Red Basilica (Kızıl Avlu): A massive temple dedicated to Egyptian gods (later converted into a church).
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
5th day : Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea
Sardis Ancient City: The capital of the Lydian Kingdom, featuring the Temple of Artemis and gold refinement workshops. Alaşehir (Philadelphia): The city of another one of the Seven Churches. Visit the remains of the St. Jean Church and taste the local Alaşehir bread. Laodicea Ancient City: One of the cities that received a letter in the Book of Revelation. A large ancient city currently under restoration. Hierapolis and St. Philip's Martyrium Pamukkale Travertines
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
6th days From Pamukkale to Ephesus
Morning Extra Tour: Hot air balloon ride or paragliding tour over Pamukkale. Activities: Selçuk: House of the Virgin Mary: A sacred pilgrimage site for Christians. Ephesus Ancient City: One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. See the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Terrace Houses. Basilica of St. John: The church ruins believed to be the burial site of St. John the Apostle. Shopping: Visit a factory outlet for local leather products.
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Day 7: Izmir (Smyrna) and Return to Istanbul
Activities: St. Polycarp Church: A historic church built in memory of St. Polycarp, who was martyred on Mount Kadifekale. It commemorates the Smyrna church of the Seven Churches. Kemeraltı Bazaar: Shopping and walking tour in the traditional Turkish market. Izmir Clock Tower: The symbol of the city. Evening: Domestic flight to Istanbul. Transfer to your Istanbul hotel.
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Day 8: Farewell Tour in Istanbul and Departure
Activities: Chora Museum (Chora Church): Home to exquisite examples of Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Istanbul City Walls: The massive Theodosian Walls that protected the city. Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople: The spiritual center of the Eastern Orthodox world. Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): For spice and souvenir shopping. Istiklal Avenue: For last-minute shopping and a walk.
