USA to Istanbul, Turkey

Today we will depart the states and fly overnight to Istanbul, Turkey.

Istanbul

Upon arrival in Istanbul our bilingual guide will meet us and escort us to the hotel. In the afternoon we will cruise the Bosporus Strait to see the palaces, mansions, houses, and other historical buildings along the Bosporus. Later, we will have a welcome dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Istanbul and return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Kent Hotel (or similar). 

Ottoman & Byzantine remains

Today, we will explore the Ottoman and Byzantine remains of Istanbul. Our day will start with visiting the Blue Mosque. We will also visit Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Water Cisterns. Dinner and overnight at Kent Hotel or similar in Istanbul 

Cappadocia

Check out from our hotel in Istanbul and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you will notice the changes in the landscape in the region and start to see beautiful natural formations called “Fairy Chimneys.” We will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum and see houses, living areas, and some of the most ancient churches carved in the fairy chimneys. The natural rock citadel named Uchisar is one of the wonders of the world. Check in at our hotel in Cappadocia before going to one of the terraces in the valley to take fascinating sunset photos. Dinner and overnight at Burcu Kaya Hotel (or similar) in Cappadocia. 

Cappadocia

Early in the morning we will have an optional* balloon ride to get the best sunrise photos in the valley. After meeting back at the hotel, we will drive to Kaymaklı - a breathtaking underground city with amazing ventilation systems, storage areas, bedrooms, and living rooms. In the afternoon, we will visit Derbent Valley and will do some hiking in Zelve, which was an important Christian center during 9^th and 13^th centuries. We will again end our day with breathtaking sunset photos of Cappadocia from another view. Dinner and overnight at Burcu Kaya Hotel in Cappadocia. 

Konya

This morning we depart from our hotel in Cappadocia and drive to Konya. Konya is the home of whirling dervishes and was visited by Paul on his journeys back when the city was known as the ancient Iconium. Upon arrival, we will visit the Rumi Museum and learn about whirling dervishes. Dinner and overnight it Dedeman Hotel (or similar) in Konya. 

Pamukkale

Morning bus to Pamukkale. Pamukkale is nicknamed “white castle,” famous for white travertines and the natural thermal springs in the area. We will tour the white travertines as well as the ruins of ancient city Hieropolis. Later, we view the area of Collosae and make a visit to the ancient city of Laodecia which John mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Once we check into our hotel in Pamukkale, we have time to enjoy the local thermal water pools to relax and bask in the ancient culture of the area. Dinner and overnight at Richmond Hotel (or similar) in Pamukkale.

Kusadasi

This morning we check out from the hotel and drive to Kusadasi, which is a port many cruise ships use to visit Ephesus. On our way, we visit the ancient city of Aphrodisias which is known for its Aphrodite cult and festival as well as the famous sculpture school of the Roman period. We will check into our hotel in the afternoon and have a great time swimming in the Aegean Sea by our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi Ramada Hotel.  

Kusadasi

Today we arrive in the Ephesus, once a home for Paul, John, and perhaps Mary. Our visits here will include a visit to Mary’s House, an ancient site in Ephesus which is one of the best preserved ancient sites in the world. We will conclude our day with a visit to the Basilica of St.John. Dinner and overnight at Ramada Hotel in Kusadasi. 

Athens

Check out from our hotel in Kusadasi and drive to Izmir airport to take our flight short flight to Athens. Arrival in Athens and meeting with our guide at the airport. Transfer to central Athens and check in at our hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Titania in Athens. 

Athens

Arrive in Athens and meet with our guide at the airport for a tour of the city. Following the sightseeing tour, we will visit the Acropolis and the March Hill where Paul preached about the unknown God. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Titania in Athens. 

Athens

Today we will leave our hotel and drive to the countryside outside of Athens heading to ancient Corinth, famous for its Corinthian Temple. We stop at the Corinth canal and later visit the ancient city where the apostle Paul also stayed. Our optional lunch will be by the Corinth Canal. We will return back to our hotel in the afternoon. Those who would like to join us, will have a short walk from our hotel to Syntagma Square and see the changing of the guard and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Our dinner and overnight will be at Hotel Titania in Athens.

Athens

On our final day before departure, we will see the highlight of Greece, the Acropolis!  Our day will start in the morning with a short bus ride, taking us to visit the Acropolis and the Marsh Hill, where Paul preached about the unknown God.  Our farewell dinner and overnight will be at the Hotel Titania in Athens.

Athens to U.S.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.