Tours to Cappadocia

Special for Bimillenium of Saint Paul A Journey into Ancient Regions of Cappadocia, Cilicia, Isaura, Lykaonia, Pisidia, Lycia, Pamphillia, Ionia, Troas, Bithynia and Phrigia. Observe wild flowers in the steps of Paulus.

 Tour Itinerary

August 21 , Day 1: Istanbul
Arrival of guests in Istanbul, transfer to hotel and welcome briefing, overnight in Istanbul.



August 22 , Day 2: Istanbul
Istanbul, once called Byzantium in the 7th century B.C. was named Constantinople in 326 A.D. by Constantine the Great when he moved the capital of the Roman Empire to what is now Istanbul. The city received its current name from Mehmet II in 1453 and is the only city in the world that spans two continents. It was the capital to three major empires ( Rome, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires). Here, we will visit several of Turkey’s most famous museums and mosques. Topkapi Palace (excluding harem) was first built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 and was the home of the sultan until the 19th century. St. Sophia was built by Roman Emperor Justinian and was completed in 537 A.D. It was the greatest Christian church in the world for more than 1000 years. The Blue Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet in 1616 and was constructed with the deliberate intention of rivaling the St. Sophia. (B)



August 23 , Day 3: Istanbul
We will visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque with its exceptional tiles and the spice market in the morning. We will take a morning Bosphorus cruise on a private boat. In the afternoon, we will visit the Taksim Square and stroll around Istiklal Street (art and fashion center of Turkey). Among the many things we will do in Istanbul is visiting the Military Museum and enjoy a concert performed in traditional costumes by the world’s first established military marching ensemble, we will visit Military Museum and attend live performance of Military Band (Mehter). (B)



August 24 , Day 4: Gallipoli - Dardanelles - Canakkale
Morning departure to Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove, Chunuk Bair, Lone pine cemetery and Galipoli War Museum. We will take a ferry to cross the Dardanelle drive to Canakkale and explore this splendid city located by the Dardanelle. Overnight is in Canakkale. While in Canakkale we will stay at the 4-star Akol hotel, it overlooks the Dardanelles and Gallipoli across the Straits. (B, D)



August 25 , Day 5: Troy - Pergamum - Kusadasi
During a scenic drive down the Aegean Coast, we will stop in legendary city of Troy. Here, we will have the opportunity to see a replica of the Trojan horse and to explore the nine different Troy, all built one on top of the other. We will drive to Pergamon to see the Asklepion which is an ancient hospital complex. Then, we will drive to Kusadasi, where we will visit the next two nights. (B, D)



August 26 , Day 6: Ephesus - Kusadasi
Full day tour starts visiting the incredible city of Ephesus and its colossal Greco-Roman Theater where St. Paul preached. This particular theater is still used for performances today. The Marble Road, the Celsus Library, and the Temple of Diana are just a few of the sites we will visit. We will also visit the house where St. Mary lived her final days. (After the crucifixion of Jesus, St. John brought her to Ephesus). (B, D)



August 27 , Day 7: Aphoridisias - Pamukkale
We will depart Pamukkale early and drive to Aphrodisias, the city of art dedicated to the Goddess Aphrodite. Octavian once said that “of all the cities in the world, Aphrodisias is my favorite.” The marble theatre here is beautiful and the stadium that seats over 35,000 is

immense. It is also the largest in the world and the best preserved. Aphrodisias was a center to cultivate the finest sculptors, whose works were found all over the Roman Empire. After Aphrodisias we will continue to Pamukkale.

We will visit another Greco-Roman city “ Hierapolis”. It has an incredible necropolis (city of the dead) and we will see many sarcophagi (burial monuments). We will visit the snow-like travertine of calcium for which Pamukkale is famous. Pamukkale is one of the natural wonders of the world beautiful mineral springs clinging to the hillsides that will amaze you. Overnight is in Pamukkale. (B, D)



August 28 , Day 8: Pamukkale - Antalya
We will visit Greco-Roman city “ Hierapolis”. It has an incredible necropolis (City of the dead) and we will see many sarcophagi (burial monuments). We will visit the snow-like travertine of calcium for which Pamukkale is famous. Pamukkale is one of the natural wonders of the world beautiful mineral springs clinging to the hillsides that will amaze you. We will depart for Antalya. Overnight is in Antalya. (B,D)



August 29 , Day 9: Antalya
Antalya is a beautiful and historic city snuggled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Toros Mountains. During our stay in Antalya, we will tour the city as well as visit the ruined sites of Aspendos and Perge. Aspendos dates back to the time of the Hittites, yet the only visible remains are from the Roman Period. The restored theater at Aspendos is said to be the best in all of Turkey. Perge reached its height under the Romans and Alexander the Great. Today, what remain are the ruins of a great theater, a stadium, and the colonnaded main street. Afternoon we will visit excellent Antalya Archeology Museum and old city in the harbor. (B, D)

August 30 , Day 10: Konya - Cappadocia
Today is a driving day. We will travel from Antalya to Cappadocia, on the way we visit the holy city of Lystra; a complicated incident is reported in Acts (14:6-23; 16:1-4; II Timothy 3:11) concerning the visit of Paul and Barnabas to Lystra in 49AD. The final destination today is Konya, ancient Iconium (Acts 13:51 ; 14:1-6, 19;16:2; II Timothy 3:11). Paul and Barnabas spoke to the Jews and Gentiles in the synagogue in Iconium. We will visit the Mausoleum of a great Turkish poet, philosopher and mystic Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi (1207-1273). Overnight is in Cappadocia. (B, D)



August 31 , Day 11: Cappadocia
Optional balloon tour can be done in the morning, flying over volcanic valleys and rock formations (fairy chimneys). After breakfast, we visit Goreme, Pasabagi, Uchisar, Kaymakli or Ozkonak underground city. (B, D)



September 1 , Day 12: Cappadocia
While in Cappadocia, we will enjoy the unique landscapes of wind and rain eroded volcanic formations. Carved directly into stone, Cappadocia’s amazing subterranean cities include ancient underground churches and cities hand-hewn from solid rock by early Christians. (B, D)



September 2 , Day 13: Tarsus – Mersin
Driving to Mersin, we will stop en route to visit one of the biggest convents; the church of Old Silver (Eski Gumus) whose frescoes of the pre-Byzantine age and the nonreligious scenes ( like the scenes of hunt) indicate that it has a very far-reaching history. Afternoon visit to Tarsus, renowned as the birthplace of St. Paul the Apostle and the city in where Cleopatra arrived one autumn day in 41 BC for her first meeting with Marc Anthony and turned him ‘’ strumpet’s fool’’. Visit St. Paul’s well, so-called Gate of Cleopatra and the waterfalls of Tarsus. (B, D)



September 3 , Day 15: Mersin (Olba)
The next day we will visit sites such as the castles of Tirtar, Pompeipolis, the amazing chasm, ancient churches in Neopolis, the city of Olba with its well preserved Zeus Temple, the Corycos fortress and the underground church of St. Thecla. (B, D)



September 4 , Day 16: Hatay (ANTIOCH)
Today, we will drive to Antakya, ancient Antioch. Throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods, Antioch stood out as one of the most influential and enduring cities. It was here that Peter preached his first sermon and founded the first Christian community. Just outside the town we will pay a visit to the Grotto of St Peter, erected in the 13th century by the Crusaders. We will visit the Hatay Museum which houses one of the finest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. (B, D)



September 5 , Day 17: Istanbul
This morning we will fly from Hatay (Antioch) to Istanbul. Overnight is in Istanbul. (B)



September 6 , Day 18: Istanbul
After breakfast we transfer you to Airport. (B)



Small Group Maximum 10 Participant

2,600 $ U.S.D. Land Only

 Prices

. USD (For one person)

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