Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
We meet at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul and transfer to our hotel located in the modern city center, just a few steps away from Taksim Square.

After check-in we meet for a welcome briefing and orientation tour of the area. We proceed to Taksim Square for a walking tour of Istiklal Street which lasts for about an hour. If you would like to have dinner in this lively area before going back to the hotel, our guide can suggest good restaurants among the many dotting the sides of this high street.

As we spend most of our time in the old, historical center of Istanbul during our visits, we suggest accommodation in the Taksim area, the lively hub of the city’s modern daily life, to let you experience both aspects of the city. However, you certainly have the option of staying in the old city overnight. In this case we can have our orientation walk in the Sultanahmet region.

Included meals: None

Day 2: Istanbul
We meet this morning and drive to Sultanahmet for a full-day tour. Our day begins with a visit to the ancient Hippodrome, an area that was once the center of Byzantine civic life. We continue to Sultan Ahmet Mosque, more familiarly known as the Blue Mosque, because its interior gleams with a magnificent paneling of blue and white 17th century Iznik tiles. Next we visit Hagia Sophia, often described as the greatest work of Byzantine architecture.

After our break for lunch on our own, we visit the Spice Market, which was built as part of the Yeni Cami (New Mosque) complex and has since been an exciting covered market filled with the fragrant scent of spices from the Orient. The market and its environs give a glimpse of the old life style which is disappearing very quickly in the most parts of the city.

We continue to the Church of St. Saviour in Chora. The Chora Church is not as large as some of the other Byzantine churches of Istanbul, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in the beauty of its interior covered with fine mosaics and frescoes.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Istanbul
This morning we meet again for another full day of sightseeing. Our first visit is to Topkapi Palace, a pleasant and cozy oriental style palace once home of the Ottoman Sultans who ruled their vast empire spread across three continents from this very place. This complex is a museum today, housing the spectacular artifacts found in the palace, such as the famous treasury of the sultans, their exquisite robes (kaftans), beautifully ornamented weapons and huge collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. Here you have an option to see the Harem section as well, which is a separate visit within the main palace complex.

Our next stop is the Basilica Cistern, the largest and most ornate of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. In its construction, columns and capitals of earlier edifices were used, providing a very decorative appearance. We continue to the famous Grand Bazaar. This bazaar will tempt even non-shoppers with nearly 4,000 shops exhibiting a rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather, antiques, and souvenirs.

Our tour continues as we embark on a public boat and start our cruise on the Bosporus Strait. The Bosphorus is a narrow, navigable strait between Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. This boat ride takes us past late Ottoman palaces as well as beautiful wooden mansions and modern villas of the 19th and 20th centuries which form this elegant section of the city. In a very relaxing and enjoyable way we have an insight to the past, present and the future of Istanbul.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Istanbul / Bursa
Today we depart from Istanbul for our drive to Bursa, enjoying beautiful landscapes shaped by the temperate climate of the region surrounding the Sea of Marmara. On the way, we detour to Iznik, ancient Nicea, famous for its historical tile production, and the Christian Council met and formulated the Nicean Creed. In Iznik visit the impressive ancient city walls, the ruins of Hagia Sophia Church and Iznik Museum which displays tiles and artifacts found in the excavations of the ancient kilns of the city. We have our lunch here before continuing to Bursa.

Standing on the lower slopes of Uludag, in the midst a fruit growing area this city is known as “Green Bursa”. In 14th C. Turkish Ottoman dynasty established a small emirate in this area which was destined to be one of the world biggest empires. Their first capital was the city of Bursa. Today, in the center of this lively and heavily industrialized city one can see some of the finest examples of Early Ottoman architecture. The tombs of all the sultans who ruled before the conquest of Istanbul are here as well. We first visit one of them, the tomb of Mehmet I, better known as Yeşil Türbe (Green Tomb) because of the green tiles covering the edifice, and Yeşil Cami, the mosque near the tomb. Next we visit Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) at the center of the city. Around this mosque are the traditional markets of the city. As Bursa has been the center of the silk trade we visit Koza Han, an attractive market building still specializing in silk. We spend the night in Bursa.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Thyatira / İzmir
This morning we begin our drive to İzmir. On the way we first stop at the site of Thyatira, the least remembered of the seven cities today, even though the letter written to its church was the longest of the seven letters. Thyatira is mentioned also in the Acts of the Apostles as the hometown of Lydia, a well-to-do purple dye merchant who gave shelter to St. Paul and his company throughout their stay in Philippi. Thyatira has survived centuries since the foundation of the city more than 2000 years ago and turned into a modern town: Akhisar. Here we visit the only site remained from the town’s distant past, a Byzantine basilica and a part of a colonnaded street next to it.

In the late afternoon we arrive in Izmir, Smyrna of ancient times, one of the Seven Churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. Today the ancient city has disappeared almost completely under the modern metropolis of Izmir. Here we can visit the old agora, market place, of Classical Smyrna. More to the theme of this tour, we visit the oldest church in Izmir dedicated to Saint Polycarp, who was a disciple of St. John, became the bishop of Smyrna and was martyred here in the 2nd.C. This 17.C Catholic church was lavishly decorated in the19th C.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Pergamum / İzmir
Today we have an excursion to the site of ancient Pergamum. During the times the Revelation was written down, Pergamum was one of the most important cities of Anatolia. Much of Pergamum has been lovingly restored and is now considered one of the primary ancient sites in Turkey. Here we visit the magnificent Acropolis, which contains the ruins of Pergamum’s acclaimed library—so large it rivals the world's greatest library in Alexandria. Next we visit the Asclepium, a sanctuary and healing center built in the name of Asclepius, the god of healing. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Sardis / Philadelphia / Hierapolis / Pamukkale
On our drive to Pamukkale we first visit another of the Seven Churches, Sardis. In earlier times, the city was the capital of Lydian Kingdom and its legendary King Croesus. Here we visit the ruins of the temple of Athena, Roman period shops, a gymnasium and a synagogue. After lunch we continue to Alaşehir, a modern town descending from ancient Philadelphia. Attalos II, the king of Pergamum, established the city for his brother Eumenes and named it Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. One of the Seven Churches, Philadelphia enjoyed much praise for the Christian community of the city in Revelation. Here we visit the ruins of the ancient cathedral of the city.

Next we visit Hierapolis, the ancient site in Pamukkale, famous for its hot springs and natural white terraces formed by them. The Roman period ruins, intertwined with the natural travertine formations, offer a spectacular view. We stay in Pamukkale region overnight.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Laodicea / Aphrodisias / St. John’s Basilica / Kusadasi
In the morning we visit Laodicea, the most southern of the Seven Churches. The letter addressing the church in Laodicea is the sternest of the seven letters, containing much reprimand but no praise. Although there is no mention of heretics, persecutors and evil doers, the people of Laodicea are blamed for lack of wholeheartedness. Once a large city, Laodicea today is under a massive artificial mound. Excavations started here relatively recently and exposed only a small part of the ancient ruins as yet.

Next we visit Aphrodisias, one of the oldest sacred sites in Turkey. Dedicated to the goddess of love, it was the site of the magnificent Temple of Aphrodite which later became a Christian basilica through an impressive swapping of columns. Aphrodisias was the home of one of the important marble sculpture schools in the Classical World. Some very beautiful examples of its productions can be seen in the museum on the site. We next drive to Kusadasi via Selcuk. On the way we have a short detour to the Basilica of St.John, built on the tomb of the saint who wrote the Revelation. After this visit we continue our drive and in the evening we arrive at the town of Kusadasi, which is set in a superb gulf and known for its sparkling water, broad sandy beaches, and large marina.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Ephesus / Kusadasi
In the morning we visit the ruins of Ephesus, in our tour the last of the Seven Churches. The size of the site, particularly its giant theatre, impresses visitors. More impressive still is the richness of detail even a casual observer can notice. The Roman period villas known as the Terrace Houses on the hill slopes overlooking the main street were recently opened to the public and they are comparable only with Pompeii. Entry is optional but recommended. We finish the tour of the site with a visit to Church of Mary, the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary anywhere in the world.

Next we have our included lunch in the beautiful gardens of Sultanköy, one of the best carpet centers of Turkey. Here we have the opportunity to learn about famed Turkish carpets. We finish the day at the House of the Virgin Mary. The chapel here is built on the foundation of the house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have lived.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Izmir / Istanbul / Homebound Departure
After breakfast we transfer to Izmir airport for the return flight to Istanbul.

Included meals: Breakfast

Optional Post-Tour Extention

Kusadasi / Patmos Island
This morning we head to the pier and embark on a ferry for a day trip to the island of Patmos. The earliest remains of human settlements on the island date to the Middle Bronze Age. Patmos and Christianity were closely linked when in the late 1st C. Emperor Domitian exiled St. John the Apostle to Patmos. Upon arrival, we visit the Monastery of St. John. The monastery crowns the hill of Chora. It looks like a Byzantine castle and was built like a fortress. About halfway up the cobbled path that leads to the monastery is the Cave of the Apocalypse, the very place where St. John is believed to have received his Revelations. The monastery consists of interconnecting courtyards, chapels, stairways, arcades, galleries, and roof terraces. The Treasury has an impressive array of religious art and treasure, mainly consisting of icons of the Cretan school. In the late afternoon, we return to Kusadasi by ferry and have dinner at the hotel.

Note: Prices for the Patmos extension is to be calculated separately according to participant number.

Prices ( per person in double room and in USD ):

Christian Heritage & The Seven Churches (9 nights / 10 days) Price Table

2 participants	4 participants	6 participants	10 participants
$ 4,650.00	$ 3,050.00	$ 2,495.00	$ 2,090.00

Price of the package includes:

1. Accommodation in hotels :
   3 nights Istanbul: Central Palace or similar
   1 night in Bursa: Çelik Palas or similar
   2 nights in Izmir: Hilton or similar
   1 night Pamukkale: Collosae or similar
   2 nights Kusadasi: Kismet or similar

2. Domestic flights within our program itinerary (Izmir-Istanbul)

3. 14 Meals: 9 breakfasts, 4 dinners and 1 lunch

4. Services of a licensed professional tour guide (private)

5. Transportation with comfortable, modern, air conditioned, chauffeur driven cars, vans or minibuses appropriate to the size of your group (private)

6. Admission fees to sites and museums

7. Parking, ferry, and toll road fees

8. Gratuity at restaurants where meal is included in the program

Price of the package excludes:

1. Airfare of international flights and related taxes

2. Soft and alcoholic beverages

3. Optional gratuities to the tour guides and drivers

4. Travel insurance

5. Visas, laundry, and personal items