Backpackers Travel invites you to embark on the Journey in to heritage , Turkey: the Lost Land of the Bible! From Genesis to Revelation. Turkey is the undiscovered jewel of Biblical history.Throughout the ages it has been a tapestry of cultures and civilizations woven together by the indelible finger of God.The sacred destinations of Turkey will challenge you, your friends, and your church to renew your "first love". This tour package will give you possibility to explore biblical sites of Turkey as well as visiting all major cultural archeological and tourist significance.
Day 1 Thursday Istanbul : Arrival in Istanbul, the city that bridges two continents, "Europe" and "Asia". You will be met at the airport, assistance and transfer to the hotel. There you will have a briefing and welcome cocktail. Overnight in Istanbul. (D)
Day 2 Friday Istanbul : Morning visit to the Museum of St. Sophia (the Church of Divine Wisdom, built by Justinian) a fantastic church. In the words of the historians of 6th century "Had not been since Adam and never would be again". Then visit to the Hippodrome, where chariot races and athletic events took place during the Roman period. Continue to the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent. Lunch at Daruzziyafe, a formal medieval Islamic college or medrese. Then an afternoon visit to the Kariye Museum, 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. Grand Covered Bazaar Overnigh Stay in Istanbul (B, L, D)
Day 3 Saturday Pergamon - Thyatira : Early in the morning, take flight to Izmir than proceed to Pergamon. Pergamon (Bergama), the place where, wrote St. John to the church of Pergamon, "Satans throne is sited. Visit the Church of Pergamon, the red-court, Acropolis, after lunch; we drive to, visit Thyatira, and were the fourth of the seven Churches of Asia Minor to receive an epistle from the Apostle John (Rev. 2:18-29). Overnight stay in Izmir Kusadasi. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Sunday Smyrna Sardis - Philadelphia - Leodicia - Pamukkale (Hierapolis) : Departure to Sardis, to see the beautifully restored Synagogue/Church, which is one of unique of its kind. Next, continue to Philadelphia. Another of the Christian congregations, and a city built in 2 BC by King Eumenos. Continue to PAMUKKALE (Hierapolis). Visit Leodicia en-route. Watch the sunset over the petrified waterfalls. Overnight in Pamukkale. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Monday Virgin Mary - Ephesus : After visiting Pamukkale, drive to Ephesus, home of St. Paul between 53 AD - 57 AD to visit the most impressive archaeological site of today. Before reaching Ephesus comes the most holy visit of the tour. Stop at the last home of the Virgin Mary that is visited by over a hundred thousand pilgrims each year. In 1967 Pope Paul VI and in 1979 Pope Paul II both celebrated mass here and also prayed in the double church in Ephesus. St. John brought the Virgin Mary to live here in peace in her final years. Continue to St. Johns basilica and his tomb. In the afternoon visit Ephesus, the city dedicated to Artemis, the best-preserved archaeological site in Asia Minor. Visit the Odeon, the marble street, where St. Paul walked and held daily discussions (act. 19:9), the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian and the theater Where St. Paul preached. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Kusadasi Cappadocia : After breakfast early morning transfer to izmir Airport for flight to Cappadocia On arrival to Cappadocia we have sightseeing of Beatiful landscape of Cappadocia (B, L, D)
Day 7 Cappadocia Full day Tour : We remain in Cappadocia to visit Goreme open air museum, churches and frescoes, after lunch visit Uchisar castle, Pasabag valley, Pigeon valley and onwards to Avanos. (in the evening Turkish Night as optional). (B, L, D)
Day 8 Cappadocia Full day Tour : Fullda tour of Cappadocia to explore underground city Ihlara Valley Selime Overnight in Cappadocia(B, L, D)
Day 9 Cappadocia Istanbul : Flight to Istanbul Continue with the Istanbul extension or transfer to the airport for flight home (B)
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES
Arrival, departure airport transfers ground transportation,
Accommodation in 4 Star hotels in Pamukkale 3 star hotel in Pergamum.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Entrance fee to the various sites.
Transportation in non-smoking mini/midi bus
Professional English speaking guide and experienced driver.
TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDES :
International or domestic flights
Drinks and Beverages tip to guide and driver personal expenses
The cost of the tour is 1450 USD per person
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.jpg "Istanbul International Jewelry, Watch & Equipment Fair 22 - 25 March 2012")
.jpg "TanGO TO Istanbul 7-11 March 2012")
