DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: USA / Istanbul
Depart the the USA for your comfortable, overnight flight to Istanbul.

Day 2: Istanbul
Upon arrival at Istanbul's airport, you will be greeted by our friendly and helpful staff to be transferred to the hotel. Take the remainder of the day to venture out and explore this magnificent city. In the evening, return to the hotel for a delicious dinner and comfortable overnight. LD

Day 3: Istanbul
Spend a full day sightseeing Istanbul's most important highlights. In the morning, visit the St. Sophia and St. Savior in Chora Churches, both constructed in 532 AD and contain beautiful mosaics from this period. Also visit the Hippodrome - the site of ancient chariot races and Topkapi Palace - with its priceless treasures from the ancient ruling Sultans. In the afternoon, visit the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Turkish architecture, decorated with exquisite shimmering Iznik tiles. Also visit the world famous Grand Bazaar containing over 4,000 shops and markets. BLD

Day 4: Istanbul / Canakkale
After leaving this mystical city venture along the Marmara Sea, taking in the breathtaking view of this lush green scenery. A peaceful lunch will be enjoyed in Gallipoli, once a stage for one of the bloodiest battles during the first World War. Cross the Dardanelles by ferry boat, and arrive in Canakkale in time for a delicious dinner at the hotel. BLD

Day 5: Canakkale / Ayvalik
After breakfast, advance to the renowned ruins of Troy - the famous city in Homer's Iliad. Move on to Troas Alexandra, where St. Paul, St. Luke and St. Timothy were once unexpected visitors after being persuaded to come by St. Paul's vision of a Macedonian calling for his help (Acts 16:7-10). Continue to Ayvalik for the night. BLD

Day 6: Ayvalik / Pergamum/ Izmir
In the morning drive to Pergamum, an ancient city that housed one of the first churches of Christianity. The church is mentioned in the Book of Revelations (2:12-13) as being surrounded by evil, which refers to the fact that the city was the center of Roman authority for the area, forcing the worship of Caesar. Visit the Acropolis and Asclepieon, the medical center of thermal cure. Later, proceed to Thyatira, a strategically important city in it's time, to witness the remains of the church (Revelations 2:18-28). Continue to the metropolis of Izmir to witness the remains of the city of Smyrna, where St. Polycarp was persecuted. This evening take the opportunity to walk along the waters of this tropical bay. BLD

Day 7: Izmir / Pamukkale
Today visit three of the seven churches. Begin with Sardis, one of the most picturesque areas of these seven cities. It is here St. John expressed his concern for pushing further with the progress of the city's faith. (Revelations 3:1-5) Move to Philadelphia (Alasehir), once located on the outer edge of Christian faith, charged with grave responsibilities for spreading the Word of God. Laodicea was another prosperous city in the chain, where Christianity first spread. Later, proceed across valley to the neighboring city of Hierapolis along with the spectacular thermal pools of Pamukkale. BLD

Day 8: Pamukkale / Izmir
Today is truly special! The famous city of Ephesus; in it's time was a flourishing port, capital to the Roman province of Asia Minor, and home to St. Paul for about two years. Travel down the marble streets as the Romans did 2000 years ago to observe the Temple of Hadrian, Gate of Hercules, Trajan's Fountain, the Grand Library, and the Great Theater which seats almost 25,000. The Basilica of St. John rests on a hill nearby where he supposedly immigrated after Jesus' death. John refers to Ephesus in the Book of Revelations (1:13-19, 2:1-4) as a reminder of the early teachings of St. Paul. With him, he brought Mary, the Mother of Jesus, where she lived high up on the southern mountain. Witness this beautiful House of the Virgin Mary among the heavenly scenery. Return to Izmir for dinner. BLD

Day 9: Izmir / USA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home via Istanbul. B

For quotations, please send us an email specifying:
1) When you would like to travel (specific dates),
2) The number of people in your party,
3) The number of single, double, and triple rooms you would like,
4) What category of hotel you would like to stay in (3, 4, or 5 stars),
5) How many meals per day you want included in your package (one meal - breakfast - is the minimum hotels allow).