8 Days - Biblical Turkey

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted and drive to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

St. Sophia (The Church of Divine Wisdom) One of the greatest marvels of architecture, Hagia Sophia was founded as a basilica in the 6th century. Built by the order of Byzantine Emperor Justinianus, St Sophia was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years; it is considered the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.

Its a former center of sportive events (chariot races for example) and political activities of the old city. Continue to the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent.

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

once the seat of the Ottoman Empire. Presently, its a museum palace with a wide collection of porcelain, antiques, holy relics and other treasures

visit the remains of the legendary ancient city of Troy. There you see magnificent remains of the great walls of Troy as told by Homer and a wooden replica of the wooden horse

where Paul preached in his missionary journey.

Then continue to the ancient city of Assos, along the way you will have the chance to see and walk on the 1st century roman road where Paul actually walked on his missionary journey. Upon arrival to Assos visit the gorgeous ancient remains of the fortification walls and see the only standing doric-ordered temple of Athena.

There you explore the impressive Acropolis, the actual ancient city, and see the Altar of Zeus which is mentioned as the throne of Satan’, the Temple of Trajan, and the third biggest library of antiquity.

Later visit the Red Basilica (St. John’s Church).

now called Akhisar. There we see the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period.

Upon driving to Izmir before we check-in at the hotel in Izmir, we enjoy a panoramic ride of Smyrna, the third-largest city in Turkey and one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia

There you see the remains of Sardis such as gorgeous restored gymnasium and the Synagogue

There we see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of bricks, with a bit of high arch and some 11th-century frescoes

 actually, Pamukkale, where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools, channels, and stalactites,There we visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip

There you walk among the ancient streets of the city and see the ancient structures.

Next continues to with Pigeon Valley earned its name from the countless man-made dovecotes (Pigeon Houses) that have been carved into the soft volcanic tuff. Pigeon Valley is one of the best spots for walking in the marvelous Cappadocia region.

Devrent Valley; famous for its quirky animal-shaped rocks. It looks like a sculpture zoo made by nature. At the end of the tour drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

There you walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings such as the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Theatre.

where she spent her last days

where he wrote his gospel

one of the seven wonders of the ancient world

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out and drive to Izmir Airport for your next destination. End of the service.