Ancient Echoes for Modern Pilgrims

1st Day: You will arrive in Istanbul, the largest city of modern Turkey. We will welcome you and you will relax in your hotel. 

2nd Day: We will take an extensive tour of Istanbul, the only city located on two continents and the capital city of three empires. Our first visit will be to the legendary Hagia Sophia, built 1.500 years ago as the first cathedral of the world. It was the grandest and last construction of the Roman Empire. Then we will visit the famous Blue Mosque. After lunch you will have free time in one of the oldest shopping places in the world, the Grand Bazaar. In the afternoon we will visit the Chora Museum with some of the most beautiful samples of Byzantine art. Overnight in Istanbul.

3rd Day: In the morning we will have a Bosporus cruise tour and you will see the beauty of Istanbul. Next we will visit the Topkapi Palace where the Ottoman Sultans used to rule the Empire. After lunch you will see the Underground Cistern and have free time in the famous Spice Bazaar. Free time to explore the lively and cosmopolitan Taksim Square. Overnight in Istanbul.

4th Day: We will fly from Istanbul to Mardin, one of the most beautiful and attractive cities in the world. First we will visit Midyat, famous for its architecture and have lunch there. Later we will visit Mardin, where we will visit the Jacobite Christian Church. Today will be memorable day because you will hear the Bible in the original language of Jesus. Overnight in Mardin.

5th Day: Leaving Mardin via Diyarbakir we will take the ferryboat in Siverek and will reach to Kahta in 15 minutes. We will drive to the Nemrut Mountain, reckoned to be the eighth wonder of the world. There we will see two-meter-high statues of legendary gods and goddesses. Overnight in Adiyaman.

6th Day: On the way to Urfa (Sanliurfa) we will see Ataturk Dam, one of the biggest in the world. We will go to the Biblical city of Harran, where we will see the famous Harran houses and the first Islamic University. According the Old Testament, the Prophet Abraham and his children spent seven years in Harran before leaving for Canaan. Walking in the city Urfa, we will see Prophet Abraham’s Birth Place and the bazaar. Overnight in Urfa.

7th Day:  We will see Halfeti and the Mosaic Museum in Antep and will arrive at King Solomon’s Antakya passage, Coa Plateau, which is mentioned in the Old Testament. Overnight in Antakya.

8th Day: Today we will visit the Cave Church of St. Peter which was the first Christian church on European soil. Then we will visit the famous church in Samandag, the starting point of the apostles. Overnight in Antakya.

9th Day: Leaving Antakya, on the way we will visit Tarsus, birth place of St. Paul. In ancient Tarsus we will reach St. Paul’s Well. Fly from Adana Airport to Izmir airport. Overnight in Izmir.

10th Day: After an hour of driving we will be in Ephesus. We will have an extensive tour of this ancient site. Sitting at the theater we will read from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 19. Also in the site we will see the first church ever dedicated to the Virgin Mary, where the Third Ecumenical Council convened. Leaving Ephesus we will visit the House of Virgin Mary situated on a hill nearby. After lunch we will visit the tomb and Church of St. John, where we will read from his Gospel. Dinner and meet in Kusadasi with Magical Steps Travel Team. Overnight in Kusadasi.

11th Day: After breakfast visit the oldest church of Izmir named St. Policarp Church. Then drive to Pergamon (called by St. John “The Devils Throne) and visit the Acropolis, Asclepion and the Red Court. We will visit Pergamon, where the first paper (parchment) was made and the second largest church of the world was erected. Back to Izmir for overnight.

12th Day: Homebound flight from Izmir to Istanbul