DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO ISTANBUL Upon arrival in Istanbul, meeting with our Representative at the airport and proceed to the Hotel. Check- in hotel and a peaceful night in Istanbul.

DAY 2: CLASSICS OF  ISTANBUL Departure from hotel to discover the classics of Istanbul :   Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, Lunch inside the palace, Hagia Sofia, and Hagia Irene, Grand Bazaar.
 

Hippodrome was built by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 A.D. The hippodrome was a stadium which served as a meeting place for the politicians, for chariot races, wrestling, boxing, and other athletic activities that took place. Obelisk of Theodosius (The Egyptian obelisk) erected by Tutmosis III 1504-1450 B.C. before the temple of Karnak at Heliopolis. The Obelisk brought to Istanbul by Emperor Theodosius I was made of pink granite and its height is 17 meters. Originally, the Obelisk was 27 meters in height, 10 meters higher than it is today and weighed 800 tons. Constantine Column was the landmark of the city because of its height of 32 meters. The column was erected in the fourth century by Constantine the Great. This monument was completely covered with bronze plates. The German Fountain was constructed to commemorate the second anniversary of visit to Istanbul by the German Emperor Wilhelm II. in 898. It was transported in its present site in 1900. The octagonal dome which houses the fountain is buttressed by eight marble columns. The dome's interior is covered with mosaic.

Topkapi Palace which was the first Ottoman palace to be built (1466-1478) in the newly conquered capital of the Empire by Mehmet II. Located on the spot where the foundations of the city were first laid in ancient times by Megarian Chief Byzas in the 7th century BC, the palace boasts one of the most beautiful views of Istanbul, incorporating the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, the two shores and the sea of Marmara. Unlike the European palaces, Topkapi is not a single monumental structure but a more organic complex made up of various kiosks, gardens and areas spread over the tip of the historical peninsula at the entry of the Golden Horn. Topkapi Palace served as the residence of Ottoman sultans for about 400 years, until Abdulmecid built the Dolmabahce Palace. In its hey-days, there were between 8-10 thousand people living in the palace, mostly being the Janisseri. The most attractive exhibition halls of the palace are: treasury, Islamic holly relics, and costumes of the sultans, divan, harem, kitchens,Chinese porcelains and several kiosks such as the Baghdad, Revan, Sofa and Mecidiye.

St. Sophia, the magnificent of all Byzantine churches and one of the world’s finest and largest architectural work of art. It is built by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodorus of Miletus between 532 and 537 AD under the rule of Emperor Justinian. It is now a museum where early Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy live side-by-side. Hagia Sophia is the great cathedral that was once the former spiritual heart of the Byzantine Empire. Considered to be the 8th Wonder of the World, Hagia Sophia has an architecture which was way ahead of its time. The central dome has a half-dome at either side and seems to be suspended in space. In the 19^th century, extensive work was done to make the church more resistant to earthquakes. The interior is rich with mosaic tiles and arranged in murals. This is one of Istanbul’s best know landmarks.

Hagia Eirene. The old patriarchal church stood within the same enclosure and shared the fate of Hagia Sophia. Even in our days its size is impressive. The surviving monument is assignable to the age of Justinian. St. Irene was the first church in Istanbul built by Constantine in the 4th century. Justinian later had it restored. It served as the church of the Patriarchate before Hagia Sophia was built. It is the only example of a Byzantine church in the city with its original atrium. The building stands in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace Today it serves mainly as a concert hall.

Grand Bazaar one of the largest and the oldest shopping malls in the world. The Bazaar initially consisted of two warehouses only, known as Inner Bedesten and Sandal Bedesten. Later on open streets were covered with doomed roofs, and separate buildings connected to each other. It is a mini city that sprawls across 65 streets and 50 acres and includes some 4000 shops, tiny cafés, and restaurants – all surrounded by a wall, and entered through any of eleven gates. It offers a sea of choices that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its local curios and souvenirs: carpets, jewellery, icons, leather, meerschaum pipes, ceramics, bronze and copperware. Grand Bazaar is closed book... No matter how much you travel, not possible to see everything and understand... But to be in Istanbul and not to go and not to see is impossible.

 

DAY 3: NICEA – THYATIRA – IZMIR: Right after breakfast we will depart from Istanbul to Izmir and on our way we will visit Nicea and Thyatyra.

Iznik (which derives from the former Greek name Ν?καια, Nicaea) is a city in Turkey which is known primarily as the site of the First and Second Councils of Nicaea, the first and seventh Ecumenical councils in the early history of the Christian church, the Nicene Creed, and as the capital city of the Empire of Nicaea It served as the interim capital city of the Byzantine Empire between 1204 and 1261, following the Fourth Crusade in 1204, until the recapture of Constantinople by the Byzantines in 1261. The city lies in a fertile basin at the eastern end of the Lake Iznik (Turkish: Iznik Gölü), bounded by ranges of hills to the north and south. It is situated with its west wall rising from the lake itself, providing both protection from siege from that direction, as well as a source of supplies which would be difficult to cut off. The lake is large enough that it cannot be blockaded from the land easily, and the city was large enough to make any attempt to reach the harbour from shore-based siege weapons very difficult. The city is surrounded on all sides by 5 km (3 mi) of walls about 10 m high. These are in turn surrounded by a double ditch on the land portions, and also include over 100 towers in various locations. Large gates on the three landbound sides of the walls provide the only entrance to the city. Today the walls are pierced in many places for roads, but much of the early work survives and as a result it is a major tourist destination.

Then we will proceed to Thyatira   

A Macedonian colony was established in Thyatria (Strabo, XIII, 4). The Greek deities especially worshipped in Thyatria including Asclepias, Dionysus, Artemis, and above all Apollo, in whose honor athletic games were instituted. Thyatira became an early center of Christianity. The apostle Paul visited the city on a number of occasions during his missionary travels. Lydia, the woman converted by St. Paul at Philippi, was from Thyatira (Acts 16:13-15), and the church at Thyatira was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 2:18-29). The Emperor Vespasian began great undertakings at Thyatira; it was also visited by Hadrian in the year 123, and by Caracalla in 215. We know from testimony given by St. Epiphanius that at the beginning of the third century almost all Thyatira was Christianized. A bishop of Thyatira attended the Council of Nicea in 325 and the Council of Ephesus in 431. The bishopric of Thyatira was subject to that of Sardis as late as the 10th century; it is not known when it disappeared. In the Middle Ages the Turks changed the name of Thyatira to that of Ak-Hissar (the White Fortress), which it still bears. Near the center of Akhisar, the archaeological remains of Thyatira are located in a fenced off rectangular city block. Among the ruins is a public building (basilica) dating from the 5th or 6th century AD. In places it is preserved to a height of 16 feet. There are also columns and arches from an ancient portico dating from about the 4th century AD.

Several Greek inscriptions lie among the ruins of ancient Thyatira, and many more have been taken to the museum in Manisa (which is usually closed). Many coins have been found at the site, from which it is evident that guilds of bakers, bronze smiths, wool workers, potters, linen weavers and tanners were active in the city. Such guilds would often hold banquets which included the eating of food offered to idols and participation in immoral sexual acts (cf. Rev. 2:20–24).

Dinner and overnight in Izmir.

 

DAY 4: SMYRNA – PERGAMUM: After breakfast we will depart from the Hotel to visit Smyrna and Church of St. Polycarp.              

The Saint Polycarp Church is the oldest church in Izmir and represents ancient Smyrna's role as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation.

Saint Polycarp was converted by the John the Apostle and became Bishop of Smyrna. He was martyred by the Romans at age 86 in 155 AD at Kadifkale, which was atop the hill near modern-day Izmir. According to tradition, when they tried to burn Polycarp at the stake, the flames wouldn't touch him. They finally stabbed him to death. The Church of Saint Polycarp in Izmir was reconstructed in 1620. 

After visiting St. Polycarp Church proceed to Agora and Izmir Archeological Museum. At the foot of the highest hill in Izmir is the restored Agora, the market of ancient Smyrna. The impressively-sized open space is seen just as well from outside the chain-link fence as within. Constructed during the rule of Alexander the Great, the Agora is today mostly in ruins. What little is left remains because of Faustina, wife of Marcus Aurelius, who had the agora rebuilt after an earthquake devastated the original in 178 AD. The agora was excavated by German and Turkish archaeologists between 1932 and 1941. Surrounded on the west and north by colonnades, the agora once had a large altar dedicated to Zeus in the center. The altar is now gone, but statues of Poseidon and of Demeter believed to have come from the altar are on display in the Archaeological Museum. A substantial part of the western colonnade is still standing. Look for a portrait of Faustina, the wife of Marcus Aurelius, on an arch in the colonnade. Also visible at the site are various capitals, remnants of three of the four main gates, some recognizable stalls, architectural fragments bearing medieval coats of arms and a stone slab that may have been used as a gaming board.

Then we will proceed to Pergamum.

Built on a conical hill rising 1,000 feet above the surrounding valley, Pergamum (or Pergamon) was an important capital city in ancient times. Its Greek name means "citadel." The modern city of Bergama, 150 miles north of Izmir, is the successor of ancient Pergamum. A lack of modern accommodations means that Bergama is often a very quick stop, if visitors bother to come at all. But it is well worth a long stop, for Bergama is home to two of the country's most celebrated archaeological sites: the Acropolis and the Asklepion of ancient Pergamum, both listed among the top 100 historical sites on the Mediterranean. Most of the extraordinary buildings and monuments in Bergama date to the time of Eumenes II (197-159 BC), including the famed library, the terrace of the spectacularly sited hillside theater, the main palace, the Altar of Zeus, and the propylaeum of the Temple of Athena. In the early Christian era, Pergamum's church was a major center of Christianity and was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. The ancient city is composed of three main parts: the Acropolis, whose main function was social and cultural as much as it was sacred; the Lower City, realm of the lower classes; and the Asklepion, one of the earliest medical centers on record.

Return to Hotel. Dinner at the Hotel and overnight in Izmir.

 

DAY 5: SARDIS – PHILEDELPHIA - LAODICEA: Right after breakfast we will depart from Izmir to Pamukkale and on our way we will visit Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.

Sardis (modern Sart) was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia and home King Croesus (560-546 BC), famous for his wealth. Liberated from the Persians by Alexander the Great in c.340 BC, Sardis became a Greek city with an impressive Temple of Artemis. In the Roman era, the temple was expanded and used also for the imperial cult, and a huge bath-gymnasium complex was built.  Ancient Sardis had a very large and prosperous Jewish community, which produced the largest ancient synagogue outside of Palestine. Christianity arrived in the 1st century AD and Sardis was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. St John challenged the self –satisfaction of this opulent city, saying that those who win the victory will be clothed in white. Sardis now lies entirely in ruins and is an archaeological site in the village of Sartmahmut with ongoing excavations.

Revelation 3: 1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches

Then we will proceed to Philedelphia          

Modern-day Alasehir, Turkey was originally named Philadelphia, "city of brotherly love." Philadelphia was founded in 189 BC by King Eumenes II of Pergamum (197-160 BC), who named the city for the love of his brother who would be his successor, Attalus II (159-138 BC). Lacking an heir, Pergamum King Attalus III Philometer bequeathed his kingdom, including Philadelphia, to his Roman allies when he died in 133 BC. Rome set up the province of Asia in 129 BC by combining Ionia and the former Kingdom of Pergamum. The ancient city of Philadelphia had several temples. Like nearby Sardis, it was hit with a devastating earthquake in 17 AD; the city was rebuilt with the help of Emperor Tiberius. Ancient Philadelphia was the sixth of the Seven Churches of Revelation (written around 100 AD). In Revelation 3:12, the believer who overcomes is compared to a pillar in the temple of God:

Then we will drive to Pamukkale-Hierpolis (Cotton Castle).

Hierapolis, whose name means "sacred city," was believed by the ancients to have been founded by the god Apollo. It was famed for its sacred hot springs, whose vapors were associated with Pluto, god of the underworld. The city also had a significant Jewish community and was mentioned by Paul in his Letter to Colossians. Today, Hierapolis is a World Heritage Site and popular tourist destination. In addition to interesting Roman ruins, the site offers a thermal Sacred Pool in which you can swim with ancient artifacts, a view of the spectacular white terraces of Pamukkale, and a good museum. Hierapolis is mentioned only once in the Bible, when St. Paul praises Epaphras, a Christian from Colossae, in his letter to the Colossians. Paul writes that Epaphras "has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis" (Colossians 4:12-13). Epaphras was probably the founder of the Christian community at Hierapolis

Laodicea is an ancient city in present-day western Turkey, founded by Seleucid King Antiochus II in honor of his wife, Laodice. Laodicea became a prosperous Roman market town on the trade route from the East, famous for its woolen and cotton cloths. The city was an early center of Christianity and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. In the 4th century, Apollinaris of Laodicea proposed the theory later called Apollinarianism, which was considered heretical by the Catholic Church. A large earthquake destroyed Laodicea and it has never been rebuilt. Remnants of the ancient city include a stadium, sarcophagi, an amphitheatre, an odeon, a cistern and an aqueduct. Most of the city remains to be excavated.

Dinner at Hotel and overnight in Pamukkale.

 

DAY 6: EPHESUS : After Breakfast departure from the Pamukkale to Ephesus.
The ancient city of Ephesus (Turkish: Efes), located near the Aegean Sea in modern day Turkey, was one of the great cities of the Greeks in Asia Minor. In ancient times Ephesus was the home of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, the ruins of Ephesus are a major tourist attraction, especially for travelers on Mediterranean cruises. Ephesus remains a sacred site for Christians due to its association with several biblical figures, including St. Paul, St. John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary.

Paul visited Ephesus on his 2^nd Missionary Journey, arriving with Priscilla and Aquila, whom he had met in Corinth (Acts 18:18-22). During his 3^rd Missionary Journey he lived in Ephesus for some three years, preaching in the Synagogue and in the lecture hall. His teaching appeared threatening to the cult of Artemis and those who made a living from it, and a riot ensued (Acts 19:1-41). From here he wrote to the church in Corinth. St John Basilica built by the Emperor Justinian over the supposed burial place of John the Apostle and the location affords a fine panorama of the whole original site. The Virgin Mary’s home is located a tranquil afforested area and in a modest stone building. Tradition has it that St John brought Mary to Ephesus after death of Jesus.

Then we will return to Izmir  and dinner and overnight in Izmir.

DAY 7 RETURN HOME : Breakfast at the hotel before the check-out and departure from hotel with luxury coach and English speaking guide to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.