Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST). Transfer to your hotel in the Sultanahmet (Old City) area.
Evening: Optional dinner cruise on the Bosphorus or a walk through Sultanahmet Square to see the illuminated Hagia Sophia.
Hagia Sophia: Originally built as a cathedral in 537 AD, it was the center of the Christian world for nearly a millennium.
Blue Mosque: Famous for its blue Iznik tiles and six minarets.
Hippodrome: See the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column.
Topkapi Palace: The former residence of Ottoman Sultans, including the Sacred Relics section.
Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.
Morning: Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevşehir.
Kaymakli Underground City: Explore the subterranean tunnels where early Christians hid from Roman and Arab persecutions.
Pigeon Valley: Admire the unique “fairy chimney” rock formations.
Evening: Overnight in a traditional Cave Hotel.
Goreme Open Air Museum: A UNESCO site featuring rock-cut churches with 10th-century Byzantine frescoes.
Pasabag & Devrent Valley: See the best examples of multi-capped fairy chimneys.
Uchisar Castle: The highest point in Cappadocia for a panoramic view of the lunar landscape.
Optional: Early morning Hot Air Balloon flight at sunrise.
Morning: Flight from Cappadocia to Izmir (the ancient Smyrna).
Church of St. Polycarp: Visit the oldest church in Smyrna, dedicated to the disciple of John the Apostle.
Smyrna Agora: Explore the ruins of the ancient marketplace mentioned in Revelation 2:8-11.
Evening: Overnight in Izmir or Kusadasi.
Pergamum (Bergama): Visit the Acropolis and the Red Basilica. Revelation 2:12-17 refers to this city as the place where “Satan’s throne” is.
Asklepion: One of the most famous medical centers of the ancient world.
Thyatira (Akhisar): Visit the remains of the basilica. This church was warned about the influence of “Jezebel” (Revelation 2:18-29).
Sardis: Capital of the Lydian Empire. See the massive Temple of Artemis and the ancient Jewish Synagogue.
Philadelphia (Alasehir): Known as the “faithful church,” see the remains of the Byzantine-era Pillars of St. Jean.
Laodicea: The “lukewarm church” (Revelation 3:14-22). Explore the recently excavated streets, theaters, and stadium.
Evening: Overnight in Pamukkale (at a thermal spa hotel).
Hierapolis (Pamukkale): See the white calcium travertines and the Martyrium of St. Philip.
Ephesus: The most important city in the Roman province of Asia. Visit the Library of Celsus, the Terrace Houses, and the Great Theater (where the riot against St. Paul occurred).
Basilica of St. John: Built over the tomb of the Apostle John.
House of the Virgin Mary: Believed to be her final residence near Ephesus.
Morning: Visit the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders) before a late morning flight back to Istanbul.
Afternoon: Visit the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Market) and enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise to see the city from the water.
Evening: Farewell dinner in Istanbul.
Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your international return flight home.
