The Book of Revelation Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Izmir, Bergama, Canakkale

Day 1 – Depart U.S.A the Ephesians. Then, we will continue to the Basilica of St. John and on to the House of the Virgin Mary that is spectacularly situated above the ruins. Day 2 – Arrive in Istanbul Many believe that this is where St. John brought the Virgin Mary, to live Day 3 – Istanbul out her life. It is also the site where Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II Begin with the Church of St. Savior in Chora with 13th century frescoes celebrated Mass. Afterwards, we return to Izmir for the night. and gold-gilded mosaics. Then visit the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque, Day 9 – Aphrodisias - Laodicea - Pamukkale the 17th century Ottoman sanctuary adorned with six minarets and more In the morning, we depart for Aphrodisias. Here, we will visit the beautifully than 20, 000 hand-painted lznik tiles. In the afternoon, we visit the domed excavated city of Aphrodite with its incredibly preserved stadium, theater, masterpiece St. Sophia and Topkapi Palace, the former abode of Ottoman and temple. In the afternoon, we continue to Laodicea, which was the Sultans that still houses their legion of treasures, including an extensive crossroads between Sardis and Perge. We will visit its ruins and continue to collection of Chinese porcelain. Pamukkale, “Cotton Castle”- an apt description for a city with a landscape Day 4 – Istanbul of fantastic limestone terraces. We embark on a morning cruise on the Bosphorus, the winding strait that Day 10 – Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea with the inland Sea Early morning drive to Konya (lconium). St. Paul and St. Barnabas preached of Marmara. This is our time to relish the views of the old wooden mansions, here in the synagogue that once stood on this site. Today, the city is famous Ottoman palaces, and ancient fortresses that dot the river‘s coast. Then, for for its Seljuk mosques, monuments, and the monastery of the great mystic our last stop of the day, we will explore the streets of the Grand Bazaar, a Mevlana. massive covered market where you will have the opportunity to shop for jewelry, leather, carpets and other fine souvenirs to bring back home. Day 11 – Cappadocia Embark on a full day tour of Cappadocia to scale the natural citadel of Day 5 – Istanbul - Troy - Canakkale Uchisar to enjoy incredible panoramic views of the region. Make our way Depart for the legendary city of Troy, epically portrayed in homer’s Iliad. We through Goreme Valley, an open air museum dotted with quaint churches will visit the ruins, an archaeological layer cake created as cities built on top carved-from-rock and chapels embellished with colorful frescoes. Then of each other, and we will see an enormous reconstruction of the famous to the monastic Valley of Zelve, the Valley of Fairy Chimneys, and on to Wooden Horse. the caves of the ancient village of Avanos. End our day at Kaymakli, an Day 6 – Pergamum - Thyatira - Izmir underground city carved from volcanic rock by early Christians escaping Today, we embark on our pilgrimage of the Seven Churches. We will Roman persecution. drive south through the fertile olive orchards hugging the Aegean coast Day 12 – Cappadocia - Ankara to Pergamum to visit the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena and the famous In the morning, we depart for Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey. In the library, before viewing the ruins of Asclepion. We will visit the Red Basilica, afternoon, we tour the world-famous museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the largest building of the Roman period and then continue to Thyatira. which houses exhibits of the prehistoric era and Hittite treasures. Then, we Then, we will visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and continue on to Izmir will visit the mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. where we will spend the night. Day 13 – Ankara - Istanbul - USA Day 7 – Izmir - Sardis - Philadelphia - Izmir We head to Sardis, one of the most picturesque sites of the Seven Churches. Here, we will visit the temple, the Byzantine Church, the Roman- era Synagogue and the gymnasium. Afterwards, we will continue to Philadelphia (Alasehir) and visit the Byzantine Basilica, illuminated by its This is a suggested itinerary: beautiful 11th century frescoes. Then, we will return to Izmir for the night. We will be glad to customize a program that meets your specific Day 8 – Izmir - Ephesus (Kusadasi) - Izmir needs, requirements and budget. You may also choose your own We begin our morning with a trip to the ancient agora of Izmir and visit travel dates and city of departure. the Church of Polycarp. Then, we continue to Ephesus, a site of immense biblical significance. We will visit the Arcadian way, the splendid facade of For information on our Fund Raising Program and benefits for the Library of Celsus and see the amphitheater where St. Paul preached to your group please email: [email protected]