Depart for Turkey

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Morning proceeds to Istanbul city tour. It includes Blue Mosque known also as Sultan Ahmet Mosque famous for its six minarets and its blue interior tiles. Hagia Sophia, a great architectural achievement of the Byzantine Empire, was completed in 537 AD, adorned with beautiful mosaics and frescoes. Roman Hippodrome, a stadium built in the 3rd century AD for chariot racing and other events.

Then move to cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia. View humble fishing villages and suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait. Then to and the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 60 streets and 4000 shops. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

This morning, head to the lively Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas. Later proceed to the legendary city of Troy UNESCO Monument is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, and a popular destination for history buffs and lovers of ancient mythology. It is known from Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad, which describes the Trojan War between the Greeks and the Trojans. You will also visit the Troy Museum, which displays many of the artifacts and treasures uncovered during excavations of the site. Continue towards Canakkale, dinner and Overnight stay in Canakkale.

Departure from Canakkale to explore three of the cities that received the letters of John: - Pergamum (Revelation 2: 12-17), now called Bergama, was the rival city of Alexandria in the arts and letters. At that time Christianity became the official religion of the Roman state. In this way, the church began to spread around the world. Visit the Asclepion, the ancient Roman spa center. Continue to Kusadasi, a city believed to be the birthplace of Homer. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.

This day after breakfast proceed to full day tour and absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of the site of one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the world, the site of Temple of Artemis and the ancient city of Ephesus with its well preserved colonnaded Arcadian Way, Hadrians Temple, Celsus Library, market, and theatre. Ancient Ephesus was the Roman capital of Asia Minor and an important centre for Christianity from AD 50s. During AD52-54 Saint Paul lived here working with the congregation and organizing his missionary activity and teaching the Word of God (Acts 20:31) and this is where he wrote the Epistle to Corinthians I. Additionally this was one of the seven cities found in the Book of Revelation (Acts 2:1-7), indicating a strong church. We will visit the house of Virgin Mary where she lived with John, on the hill behind the city. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.

Today after breakfast proceed to Pamukkale. Along the way, feast your eyes on the beautiful Turkish Villages. After a 2-hour drive, you will arrive at Pamukkale (Revelation 3: 14-22) This natural wonder is comprised of terraces and travertine formed by hot springs and streams depositing carbonate minerals. Pamukkale has gained eminence for its waters which are believed to have curative powers and been used as a thermal bath for centuries. Located near to Pamukkale, Hierapolis was established in 200 BC by Eumenes II in dedication to the Amazon Queen Hiera. The city which fell under the rule of the Turks in the 9th century still preserves its value and significance, welcoming thousands of visitors to its ancient monuments and natural wonders every year. Overnight stay in Pamukkale.

Morning proceeds to Konya, it is known for both being the "Whirling Dervishes'" home and for its Seljuk architecture. When you arrive in the afternoon, visit the Mevlana Mausoleum, which has a unique blue tiled fluted dome. Examine the writings of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, a 13thcentury leader and one of Islam's finest mystical poets. His teachings were followed when the Mevlevi Sufi order was established. Overnight stay in Konya.

Morning proceeds to Cappadocia, enroute visiting the magnificent Caravanserai of Sultanhan. Afternoon you will reach Cappadocia, it is a historical region in Turkey. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

In the early morning Hot Air Balloon Tour (optional tour & conducted as per the weather conditions) and then Kaymakli Underground City Tour: Tour starts in the morning from the Hotel. Firstly, you will have a hiking tour from RED Valley to Çavuşin Village, one of the old Greek villages in Cappadocia. This village is famous for the houses and churches of the Christian clergymen. Then, we will have lunch in a local restaurant. After having lunch, you will visit Ortahisar Castle which resembles Uchisar Castle in style. In this small village, you will also chance to see storage places. The inhabitants of Ortahisar earn their living by storing fruits yearlong in the caves cut from the volcanic rock. In the afternoon visit Kaymakli Underground City where early Christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back visit PIGEON Valley where you will see where the Pigeons and hear of how they were used to help the people. Some examples were to send messages and to fertilize the grapes. Also, you will see a wonderful panoramic view. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

This morning, depart for Ankara, the capital and the second largest city of Turkey. Upon arrival, visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum, also known as the Anitkabir, lies a vast brick courtyard and monumental avenue lined with NeoHittite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. Proceed to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, which is housed in two Ottoman structures close to Ankara Castle. The Museum displays objects from the Paleolithic Period to the present day in addition to Anatolian archaeological relics, making it one of the best museums with its own collection. Overnight stay in Ankara.

After breakfast proceed to Istanbul, Arrive in the afternoon. Visit Topkapi Palace (entrance not included), residence of Ottoman Sultans housing the richness of 700 years. The jeweled turban crests, silken caftans and priceless Chinese porcelains of the palace bear witness to the grandeur of a bygone era. Evening free day for leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Morning after breakfast proceed to airport for home flight.