Seven Churches of Asia Minor | 9 Days

Day 1 – Saturday:                            Istanbul

Upon your arrival into Istanbul New airport, you will be met by our representative before being transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your own leisure. Overnight Istanbul.                                

Day 2 – Sunday:                                Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a guided tour to Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia (external visit), Blue Mosque, and the Spice Market. Overnight Istanbul. (B)

Day 3 – Monday:                              Istanbul – Canakkale

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Gallipoli and visit ANZAC Cove, the Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine Cemetery, and the 57^th Regiment Memorial before crossing the Dardanelles for Canakkale. Overnight Canakkale. (B, D)

Day 4 – Tuesday:                              Canakkale – Troy – Pergamum – Kusadasi*

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Troy; the site where the legendary Trojan War took place. Depart for Pergamum and visit the Acropolis. Continue to Kusadasi. Overnight Kusadasi*. (B, D)

*Some departures may overnight in Izmir instead of Kusadasi.

Day 5 – Wednesday:                      Kusadasi – Ephesus – Sirince – Kusadasi*

After breakfast, a short drive to visit Ephesus and its sites. You will have the opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets and leather. Continue to the village of Sirince where you will be able to experience one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. Overnight Kusadasi*. (B, D)

*Some departures may overnight in Izmir instead of Kusadasi.

Day 6 – Thursday:                            Kusadasi – Thyateira*** – Kusadasi

In the morning, drive to the modern town of Akhisor, on the site of the old Lydian city of Thyateira. This was one of the towns where Christianity spread rapidly, and it was one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Overnight Kusudasi. (B, D)

***Note: From day 6, the seven churches portion is being conducted by a different guide in a small sized group.

Day 7 – Friday:                                  Kusadasi – Pamukkale – Laodicea – Pamukkale

Morning drive to Pamukkale through the fertile plain of Meander and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis as well as travertine afternoon visit to Laodicea, situated seven kilometres from Pamukkale and the seven churches of Asia Minor. Overnight Pamukkale. (B, D)

Day 8 – Saturday:                            Pamukkale -Philadelphia – Sardis – Izmir – Istanbul

Morning drive to Philadelphia, then continue to Sardis, mentioned in the New Testament. In Sardis, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lydia, we will see a Roman Era Synagogue, a well-preserved gymnasium, and other ruins. Travel to Izmir airport for your flight to Istanbul. (Flight Included). Overnight Istanbul. (B)

Day 9 – Sunday:                                Istanbul

After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul New airport. End of our services. (B)

ACCOMMODATION (or similar):

ISTANBUL: Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Piyalepasa            

CANAKKALE: Kolin Hotel

KUSUDASI: Charisma Deluxe or Izmir Kaya Thermal (Izmir)

PAMUKKALE: Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel

Includes:

–          Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle

–          Accommodation as listed below or similar

–          Meals as per itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)

–          Touring with English speaking guide

–          Flight from Izmir to Istanbul

–          Entrance fees and local taxes

Things to Note:

–          Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes, but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.

–          Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m. Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.

–          Tour can be a combination of regular tours, therefore coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.

–          On arrival at your hotel, please check the bulletin board of the hotel for more details. Looks for the information from the supplier listed on your voucher.

–          Tour does not include entry visa into Turkey.

–          Internal visit to St. Sophia is not included.