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DAY 01: Today arrive in Istanbul. "Overnight in Istanbul "
DAY 02 : "ISTANBUL / IZMIR." Visit the Church of St. Sophia, the oldest Christian Basilica where the ecumenical councils were held, the Hippodrom of old Constantinople. Continue with visits to the Imperial Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries and contemplate the world's richest porcelain collection of the Ming Dynasty of China. Then to the Blue Mosque - the only mosque built with 6 minarets, decorated with famous İznik tiles. Then on to the famous Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of over 4500 little shops, it has been built in the 15th century. It is the major highlight of the city and very popular among locals and tourists. Shops mainly sell gold jewelery, carpets and silver bibelots ceramics. Fly to Izmir for dinner and overnight.
DAY 03 : "IZMIR / PHILADELPHIA / SARDIS / PAMUKKALE. " Morning tour of Izmir, the biblical Smyrna, home to one of the Seven Churches. Smyrna holds a significant place in early church history. It was the home of several early martyr-saints, including Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna. Then to Philadelphia (present-day Alashehir) and Sardis, once the capital of Lydia. Both sites are referred to in the Book of Revelation, with Sardis remaining "one of the most picturesque of any of the Seven Churches". Drive to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight
DAY 04 : "PAMUKKALE / KUSADASI / HIERAPOLIS/ LAODICEA / KUSADASI." Visit the principle tourist attraction of western Turkey, and several large pools with water temperature at 95 degrees. In the crystalline waters of the spring one can clearly see the columns and column capitals of ancient Hierapolis. Visit ancient Hierapolis with its rich Roman and Christian remains, extensive well- preserved Necropolis and some Church ruins.Proceed to Laodicea where we see the ruins of this ancient city. > From here, we continue for Kusadasi. Paul ministered here for nearly three years.in Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi
DAY 05 : " KUSADASI / EPHESSUS / PATMOS - CRUISE." Visit the ruins of Ephesus - the most impressive archaeological site in Turkey. Extensive excavations have facilitated the restoration of old Ephesus. From the harbor a thirty five feet wide marble paved and pillar lined street led into the interior of the city. Paul would have approached the city through this street, entering it through the northern gate, called the Magnesian. Paul suffered many trials and tribulations in Ephesus leading finally to his imprisonment. Board our cruise ship for Patmos. We cruise for the island of Patmos; considered a holy island for the Christian religion. It was here in Patmos where John the Divine, while in exile, wrote the Apocalyptic Revelations which constitute the last part of the new Testament.
