Izmir Canakkale Assos Pergamon Izmir Ephesus Kusadasi Pamukkale Sardis

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL
Meet and greet upon arrival at Istanbul airport . Transfer assisted by our staff , to give briefing about details of the program. Overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 2 ISTANBUL
The sightseeing tour of Istanbul will feature Hippodrome where public gatherings, chariot races were held in Byzantium, Blue Mosque of Ottoman era ,famous for its blue Iznik tiles covering the interior , St. Sophia of Byzance and Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans -the imperial treasury, silverware and Chinese porcelains are stunning-. After a light lunch, proceed to the city walls of Constantinople along the GoldenHorn the natural harbour of Byzantium, to St. Savior in Chora with the best preserved mosaics and frescoes. Spice Bazaar with the oriental colours and aroma are in agenda today befor returning to hotel.

 

DAY 3 ISTANBUL
Proceed to the Grand Bazaar for a leisurely morning visit, then continue to the water front for boat ride on Bosphorus. Between the the contienents of Asia and Europe. Following light lunch of Turkish culinary, stop at Pera where the non-muslems lived through the Ottoman era with numerous churches of Christian beliefs. The Italian church highly favoured by all believers will welcome you for a candle. Return to hotel (Feel free to stay longer in the area and return on own to hotel)

 

DAY 4 ISTANBUL / IZMIR-KUSADASI
06:30 Transfer to the airport for 8am flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, transfer to Pergamum ( Revelation 2:12-17) to visit Acropolis, Temple of Athena, library, Royal Palace, Temple of Trajan, the steepest theater of the ancient world, Altar of Zeus. Then visit the Red Basilica, the Archeological Museum and Asclepion (medical center of the ancient world).Continue to Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) which was a commercial center on the highway between Troy and Sardis. Visit remains of a church, transfer to hotel Izmir or Kusadasi.

 

DAY 5 IZMIR / PAMUKKALE
Early morning visit of unweiling ancient Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11), the Agora and Alexander the Grate's Castle on Mount Pagus overlooking Izmir. Leave Izmir for Ephesus, early Christianity (Revelation 1:1 ; 2:1-7), Odeon, Fountains, Temples, Library, Great theater, Double Church and stadium are stil in great shape. St. John's Basilica and his tomb by Temple of Artemis of pagan era are neighbours, then climb to the shrine of Virgin Mary beieved to have spent her last days. Continue to Pamukkale (3 hours) for dinner and overnight at hotel.

 

DAY 6 PAMUKKALE / IZMIR
Start the day with inspiring stalactites of Pamukkale -the ancient city of Hierapolis with the spectecular Plutonium Theater and the best preserved Necropolis. Spare time to swim in the natural hot springs. The ancient city of Laodicea, home of Zenon and city of rich people is also nearby, one of the seven churches of the Apocalypse (Revelation 3:14-22 )and the remains of the Cathedral are in agenda today. Continue to Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) for the acropolis and the remains of the Cathedral. Next is Sardes (Revelation 3:1-6 ), capital of the ancient Lydia. The Temple of Cybele and Diana, later became a church, the Golden River, Pactalos and the royal road are still there. Last call is at the reerected synagogue before moving to hotel Izmir or Kusadasi.
 

(option to stay overnight in Izmir and fly out next day or fly out same day)