Biblical Turkey

In a land that is home to more biblical places than anywhere else on earth, it is difficult to pick the highlights for one single tour. This is a sample itinerary that can easily be customized to make your Christian heritage journey special.

Days 1 & 2 Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul, the city that bridges Europe and Asia. Meet your guide and driver and take a panoramic tour of the city on the way to your hotel. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing beginning with the impressive 6th-century Hagia Sophia Museum, the Byzantine basilica built by Emperor Justinian. Famous for its massive dome, it was the third church to occupy the site and remained the largest church in the world for almost a thousand years. Visit the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, known as the Blue Mosque for its magnificent blue-tiled interior. Tour the beautiful and historic Chora Church, with its remarkable late Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.

Day 3 Adana, Iskenderun & Antakya

Fly to Adana and tour the Mediterranean city of Iskenderun, founded by Alexander the Great. See crusader castles perched on hilltops on the way to the biblical city of Antioch, now known as Antakya. Explore the Grotto of St. Peter, believed to have been built by the Apostle Peter as the first Christian church. It was in Antioch that the word “Christian” was coined. Visit the Museum of Roman Mosaics and continue to Adana and your hotel.

Day 4 Tarsus & Konya

Visit Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul, then proceed through the Boklar mountains to Konya, the center of the Mevlevi movement. Named for its founder, mystic poet-philospher, Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the movement is also known as Sufism or the Whirling Dervishes. Visit Mevlana’s mausoleum and experience a ritualistic evening of the Whirling Dervishes.

Days 5 & 6 Yalvac & Antalya

Proceed to Pisidian Antioch, now the modern city of Yalvac, visited by St. Paul on his first missionary journey. Stop for lunch at Egˇridir Lake and visit the Sagalassos excavations in Aglasun en route to Antalya. Visit Perge, an ancient Greek city and capital of Pamphylia. St. Paul stopped here and preached on his first missionary journey. Continue to Aspendos and see the well-preserved Roman theatre seating 15,000 people and still in use today. Tour the renowned Antalya Archaeological Museum, then wander through Antalya’s old port and colorful streets.

Day 7 Pamukkale & Hierapolis

Drive through the beautiful countryside to Laodicia, where St. Paul preached to the resident Christians. It was also one of the Seven churches of the Book of Revelation. Continue to the spectacular ancient site of Hierapolis, which was also the home of Papias and Philip the Evangelist, whose octogonal mausoleum is located there. Hierapolis sits atop natural thermal springs, which created Pamukkale, a unique display of white petrified lime cascades. Take a dip in the warm waters and admire the view of the valley from this natural phenomena. Together, Pamukkale and Hierapolis were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

Day 8 Aphrodisias, Priene, Miletus, Didyma & Kusadasi

Visit Aphrodisias, the antique city named after Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. See the impressive ruins of the bouleuterion and visit the remarkable museum. Continue to the three great Ionian cities. Priene, the favorite city of Alexander the Great,commands a magnificent view of the Meander Valley. The ancient city of Miletus is where St. Paul gave his emotional farewell message to the elders of Ephesus. Visit Didyma and see the remarkably well preserved Apollo Temple and learn about the Ancient Oracle of Apollo. Arrive in Kusadasi for overnight.

Day 9 Ephesus

In the morning, tour the ancient city of Ephesus that was dedicated to Artemis and where St. Paul had daily discussions and taught for two years. It is undoubtedly the best preserved ancient city in Asia Minor, with its majestic theatre, the Church of the Virgin Mary, and the library of Celsus. Visit the Basilica of St. John and his tomb in Selcuk and end the day at the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.

Days 10 & 11 House of the Virgin Mary, Izmir & Istanbul

After breakfast, visit the House of the Virgin Mary on Mount Nightingale and discover its interesting history including why it was declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1896. Tour Izmir and transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Browse the famous Grand Covered Bazaar, housing more than 4,000 shops on your way to the hotel. The next day, bid farewell to Turkey as you depart for home or your next destination.