Highlights of Turkey
Escape to a land soaked in mystery, replete with fascinating ruins, and overflowing with exotic spices, Turkey! This land also connects Christians to the lives and ministries of the apostle John, the apostle Paul, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.
What’s Included
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Itinerary
Day 1 – Depart USA
Depart USA on your international flight. (Note: Those making their own arrangements will start with EOX on Day 2.)
Day 2 – Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul. Transfer to your hotel.* (D)
*(Transfer included if air purchased through EOX or if you provide EOX with your flight information at least one month prior to your departure.)
Day 3 – Istanbul
Enter magical Istanbul, a city that boasts connections to both Ottoman and Byzantine cultures. Founded in the 13th century BC, Greeks, Romans, and Turks left their traces all around. Visit the gorgeous Blue Mosque, famous for its turquoise-colored Iznik tiles. Six minarets stretch to the sky in this unique 17th-century temple. Enjoy a short walk to Topkapi Palace. Its architecture and gardens express Oriental beauty. Your privately guided tour includes the Treasury, which contains Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker's Diamond. Travel to Hagia Sophia, one of the largest Christian churches ever built. Today it stands, as if untouched by time. Take a peek at the Underground Cisterns, built by Justinian The Great in the 6th century. Then join the crowds at the Grand Bazaar, still a prime commercial hub after five centuries. Peruse the jewelry, rugs, lamps, spices, and more! (B, D)
Day 4 – Istanbul & Cappadocia
Start the day with a breathtaking first stop, Dolmabahce Palace! Built in the mid-19th century, it was the Ottoman Empire's way of competing with its European neighbors. Today it still claims the prize for the largest Bohemian chandelier in the world! Visit the Church of the Holy Savior. This once Greek orthodox church is one of the most significant Christian churches in Istanbul. Stroll down the hills through the Old City and on to Balat, first inhabited by Sephardic Jews. Walk through Spice Market, built four hundred years ago and still offering all types of spices imported from around the world. Board your short flight to Cappadocia. (B, D)
Day 5 – Cappadocia
Today's the day for maximizing that stunning Cappadocian landscape. Hop onto your hot air balloon and get ready for an unforgettable experience! The memories will make the early wake-up call more than worth it! Glide in tranquility while your balloon floats over the colorful valleys and remarkable rock formations. After your balloon ride, the fun continues with a visit to the Monastic Center of Goreme. Founded by St. Basil as the first Monastic Center of Christianity, it functions as an open-air museum full of legends and aged churches. End your day with an unrivaled sunset over Cappadocia's desert-like fairy tale land. (B, D)
Day 6 – Izmir, Ephesus & Kusadasi
Arrive in Izmir, Homer's hometown and the third-largest city in Turkey, and drive to Ephesus. The ruins make it easy to imagine what Paul would have experienced. Ephesus was the capital of Asia Minor during the Roman era and was, therefore, filled with political intrigue and disparate demographics. View the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, and the Terrace Houses, luxury suites of the ancient well-to-do. Rising to the top of all the archaeological remains, the Great Theater claims the highest Biblical importance. It set the stage for a major uprising against the apostle Paul. Imagine the vast theatre filled with angry pagans as Paul proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus. Ephesus is also thought to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. Get a glimpse of what many believe to be her last home. (B, D)
Day 7 – Hierapolis & Pamukkale
Delve into Turkey's inner Aegean region with a visit to Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded during the Hellenistic period as a control point for trading routes, it later became home to Roman temples. Its spectacular thermal pools cascade down the cliffside like magical clouds. In fact, the Turkish people have dubbed the site "Pamukkale," which means "cotton castle." Take your time discovering the many wonders - the colossal Necropolis, Roman-style amphitheaters, Cleopatra's Pool, and more.
Day 8 – Bodrum
Explore Bodrum and the Crusader Castle of St. Peter. The English Tower was once a feast hall for the knights of St. John. Enjoy the quaint museums. Continue your sightseeing to the Mausoleum of King Mausolus. Bodrum was once the capital of the kingdom of Caria, with King Mausolus as her ruler. His tomb was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, there are still fragments of the famed mausoleum that display this marvelous monument's former glory. (B, D)
Day 9 – Return home
Return home with life-changing memories.*
*(Transfer to airport included if air purchased through EOX or if you provide EOX with your flight information at least one month prior to your departure. Those not providing this information may have to make their own transfer arrangements to return to the airport.)
B=Breakfast Included
D=Dinner Included
Request More Info