Tour Highlights
Tour Inclusions
Tour Exclusions
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Departure for Turkey
Begin your spiritual journey with an overnight flight to Istanbul. Reflect on the life-changing adventure ahead and rest during your flight.
Day 2: Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, meet your tour representative and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the vibrant city or relaxing at your hotel. Attend a welcome briefing, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 3: Istanbul
After breakfast, explore the ancient city with a guided tour. Visit the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, housing a vast collection of artifacts. Continue to the Byzantine Hippodrome, the former sporting and social center of Constantinople. Marvel at the architectural beauty of St. Sophia Basilica and the Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning blue tiles and six minarets. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 4: Istanbul
Continue your exploration of Istanbul with visits to the historic Galata Tower and Bridge. Tour the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua and celebrate Mass. Visit the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Church of SS Peter and Paul. End the day at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 5: Istanbul – Cappadocia
Fly to Kayseri and explore the unique landscapes of Cappadocia. Visit the underground city of Kaymakli, used by early Christians to escape persecution. Marvel at the picturesque views of Cappadocia’s unique rock formations and fairy chimneys. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 6: Cappadocia – Konya
Optionally, take an early morning hot-air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia. After breakfast, visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, home to rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes. Continue to Uchisar Castle for panoramic views of the region. Drive to Konya, where Paul and Barnabas preached during their missionary journeys. Visit the Church of St. Paul in Konya. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Konya.
Day 7: Konya – Pisidian Antioch – Pamukkale
Travel to Pisidian Antioch, where Paul delivered his first recorded sermon. Explore the archaeological site, including the ruins of the church where Paul preached. Continue to Pamukkale, known for its white “cotton fortress” and thermal pools. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a thermal hotel in Pamukkale.
Day 8: Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Laodicea – Colossae – Pamukkale
Visit Hierapolis, the ancient city known for its hot springs and the martyrdom site of Apostle Philip. Explore Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, and see its well-preserved ruins. Continue to Colossae, the recipient of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Return to Pamukkale for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 9: Pamukkale – Ephesus – Izmir
Depart for Ephesus, a major site of early Christianity. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her final home. Explore the Basilica of St. John and the ancient city of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to Izmir for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 10: Izmir – Philadelphia – Sardis – Thyatira – Izmir
Visit Philadelphia, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, and see the ruins of a Byzantine basilica. Continue to Sardis, the ancient capital of the Lydian Kingdom, where you’ll visit the Temple of Artemis and the Byzantine Church. Explore Thyatira, now Akhisar, famous for its purple dyes and as the home of Lydia, the seller of purple. Return to Izmir for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 11: Izmir – Smyrna – Pergamum – Izmir
Discover the ancient city of Smyrna, now modern Izmir. Visit the site of St. Polycarp Church and learn about the early Christian martyr. Continue to Pergamum to see the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, and the ancient healing center of the Asclepion. Return to Izmir for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 12: Izmir – USA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA, concluding your spiritual journey through the biblical landscapes of Turkey. Reflect on the profound experiences and insights gained during this unforgettable pilgrimage.
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