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TURKEY 11 DAYS
Istanbul & the Seven Churches of Revelation
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Day One and Two
Departure and Arrival
Arrival in Istanbul and board commuter flight to Izmir for dinner and overnight.
Day Three
Izmir/ Pergamum/ Thyatira
Today we explore Izmir (Smyrna) and the church of Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, who was martyred during the 1st c. Then we set out to visit the Hellenistic Acropolis of Pergamum and the Asclepion, the earliest known health center in Asia Minor. In the afternoon, we visit our second church of Revelation, Thyatira, one of the principal towns in the early days of the church. We end our day in the port city of Izmir with dinner and overnight.
Day Four
Izmir/ Sardis/ Philadelphia
Today we leave Izmir and continue to Sardis and view the 3rd c. Synagogue, Gymnasium, House of Bronzes, and Temple of Artemis. Then on to Philadelphia, an important Christian center during Byzantine times. Our next stop is Hierapolis with its expansive necropolis stretching out over a mile. We also visit the theater, one of the best preserved in the Mediterranean world. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Day Five
Pamukkale/ Laodicea/ Aphrodisias/ Ephesus
Today we visit Pamukkale, sight known for its thermal baths and geological beauty. Then it's just a brief ride to Laodicea, the church neither "hot nor cold." Our next stop is Aphrodisias, one of the best preserved Roman cities in Asia Minor. Highlights include the Stadium, the Baths of Hadrian, the Theater and the Bishops Palace. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.
Day Six
Kusadasi/ Ephesus/ Izmir
This morning we leave Kusadasi behind us and proceed to the ancient city of Ephesus. Here we visit the basilica of St. John, the Evangelist. Then to ancient Ephesus with its magnificent excavations that are simply amazing both in scope and artistry. We visit the Terrace Houses with outstanding frescoes, then to the Ephesus Museum with its Greek and Roman artifacts, especially the statue of Domitian. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.
Day Seven
Istanbul
Today we catch a quick flight to Istanbul and spend the afternoon on a boat ride on the Bosphorus, taking in the many sites of this cultural center of both East and West. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
Day Eight
Istanbul
This morning we visit the Hippodrome, Obelisk, Serpent Column, and, of course, the Blue Mosque, famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles and the sheer architectural size of its interior & magnificent dome. Then we tour the spectacular Topkapi Palace and its Treasury. Built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, this huge complex commands views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It was the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries (1453-1852). Finally we wrap up the day with a tour inside Agia Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Holy Wisdom built in 538. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
Day Nine
Istanbul
We continue our tour of Istanbul with a visit to the Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts, and the Dolmabache Palace built in 1854 in storybook Turkish-Indian Baroque style. In the afternoon, we stroll the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
Day Ten
Istanbul - Free Day
Enjoy a free day and the many sights of Istanbul. Explore on your own. Final farewell dinner at a local Turkish restaurant. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
Day Eleven
Depart
Depart for home with great memories!
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