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7 Churches Tour of Turkey
DAY 1-ISTANBUL
God & man, nature & art all together created a place in earth
that worth seeing. The capital of all empires. Magnificent Travel staff
will meet you at the airport, arrive at hotel, Welcome to Istanbul,
get acquaintance to this big big city, check-in and just relax. Welcome
cocktail & brief information about Turkish culture and some dos & don’ts
for entire tour will be your first activities. Dinner will be served
at the hotel. Rest of the night is your perfunctory exploration around
the hotel located in the heart of city.
DAY 2 - ISTANBUL TO CANAKKALE (DARDANELLES)
Get your breakfast strong since the most important landmarks await
our exploration. Today's first visit the Blue Mosque which is famous
for blue and white Iznik tiles was built between 1609-1616. We’ll
proceed for the ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races
and the center of Byzantine civic life, stands in the open space
next is Hagia Sophia, one of the finest buildings of all time built
by Emperor Justinian now Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s Mosque. Exploring
the majestic serenity and the fine Byzantine mosaics of the building
in here. Time to proceed Canakkale and overnight in here. [B] [L]
[D]
DAY 3 - CANAKKALE TO IZMIR
Today's first visit is the ruins of Troy dated back to 3rd century
B.C., The Trojan War took place between Greek & Trojan people
for the honor of Helen, Just pay attention to the story of Wooden
Horse in here. You’ll love this. After Troy we’ll reach
Pergamum (2:12-17) one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, first
an ancient Kingdom dated back 323 B.C. This Hellenistic city was
the center of culture, commerce and medical with its philosophers,
scientists and artists like Galen (131-210 AD). Acropolis, remains
of celebrated library, an impressive Hellenistic style 10000 spectator
capacity theater, marble columned temples of Trajan and the Temple
of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena, library of Pergamum once catered
200.000 volumes, (It’s not hard to guess the first parchment
paper was invented here) the sanctuary of Demeter, Zeus Altar one
of the grandest monuments; Satan’s Throne caused the Christian
church criticized by St. John and great medical treatment center
Asclepion where the symbol of modern medicine came from. After
all we'll reach Izmir. Dinner will be served at the hotel
DAY 4- IZMIR TO EPHESUS
This morning our tour will start from Bayrakli, Smyrna, (2:8-11)
which was originally established in the 3rd millenium BC. then
we’ll proceed for Ephesus, one of the greatest archaeological
sites as well as Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation. Ephesus
where St. Paul Preached is an ancient city that you’ll never
get bored to discover with its marble paved streets. The Third
Ecumenical Council was held in Ephesus. The east Gymnasium, the
state Agora, the remain of the Temple of Isis (Goddess of Egypt),
the Heracletes Gate, Curates Street named for the college of priests
located here, Scholastic Baths, well preserved two storey Celcus
Library, Marble Road, great theater that is still hosting the concerts
and festivals, Arcadian way, (Harbor Street) once lined up with
shops towards the harbor and the Basilica of St. John are the main
places for our informative tour in Ephesus. Time to visit Ephesus
museum with its treasure. Later we’ll wind up Virgin Mary’s
House that was visited by Popes and is considered as a pilgrimage
site for Catholics as well. You’ll get the chance to drink
holy water from the sacred spring there. Just before passing Kusadasi,
we'll pop-in art school supported by the Ministry of Culture displaying
the traditional Turkish carpet weaving art, here you'll be informed
by the demonstrations during the lecture.. We'll turn back to Izmir
after lecture o/n in Izmir.
DAY 5 - SARDIS (3:1-6) TO PAMUKKALE en route PHILADELPHIA (3:7-13)
In the morning we’ll depart for Sardis, capital of the Lydian
realm of Croesus, lying on the Sart Cayi (Pactole River). Here you’ll
face the inventions of mankind. The first coins were minted in Sardis,
did you know that? We’ll enter from the marble way passing
by the old Byzantine shops. Another must to see is old Synagogue(3rdA.D.)with
its dazzling decoration and style. Next to that there is a gymnasium
restored for the visitors. Further down The Temple of Artemis meets
you with a few columns however it’s still impressive, next
you’ll see the Altar that was restored by Alexander the Great
and Romans.Odun köfte (wood-flame grilled meat balls) is a special
dish in Salihli. Join us to have this delicious lunch. After lunch
we’ll proceed for Philadelphia (3:7-13) (not only in Pennsylvania
State but also in Turkey) We’ll walk thru the streets of Philadelphia
in Alasehir, then we’ll arrive at Pamukkale, a magical and
spectacular natural site, unique in the world, that was declared
as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Here is a fairyland of dazzling
white, petrified castles. Thermal spring waters with calcareous salts
running off the plateau's edge have created thisfantastic formation
of stalactites, cataracts and basins. The hot springs have been used
since Roman times for their therapeutic powers. You’ll certainly
need this in order recharge your body as ancient people did[B][L][D]
DAY 6 - LAODICEA (3:14-22) TO ANTALYA
In the morning we’ll start with Hierapolis with its best preserved
baths. From East to the West there was a street having shops that
lined up as every ancient city. The Basilica (dated back 6th Century
AD), The temple of Apollo, the well preserved theater that can cater
14.000 spectator at a time and the carved figures on the interior
door must be seen in Hiearapolis as well as its museum. Next we’ll
see the church was devoted to St. Philip and the Domitian Arch. Necropolis
where over 1200 cemeteries were excavated is another important site
of Hierapolis. The second stop is Laodicea (Eskihisar) the lukewarm
country. It was a commercial city situated in the trade routes. The
two theaters, the stadium and the other ruins await for your visit
here. The city was established 3rd century BC and the King of Syria
Antiochus the Second Theos gave the name of his wife to the city.
Roman water arches are still visible. Laodicea unfortunately displays
very limited history however it’s important to see as it’s
in the Book of Revelation. Arrival in Antalya. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 7- ANTALYA AND IT'S ENVIRONS
Our first visit we'll start with the ancient city Side dated back
7th century B.C. We'll enter here passing by the city walls. Columned
street, the basilica, the museum and the 15000 spectator capacity
stunning theater and the temple of Dionysus await us. When we'll
reach the harbor we'll see temples of Athena & Apollo. After
Side we'll stop over Aspendos that is the best preserved amphi-theater
in Turkey. Now it is still being used for the festivals and concerts
with its 30000 spectator capacity. The basilica on the Acropolis
and the best preserved Roman aqueduct are still glamour. Time to
move towards to Perge which is another important ancient city dated
back 12-13th century B.C. This Pamphilian city is considered as
the greatest and the most glorius. The 15000 spectator capacity
theater is still under construction then we'll visit well preserved
and the impressive stadium. The Roman baths, the church, agora,
the street having shops and the acropol are places for our visit.
[B] [L] [D]
DAY 8 - END OF OUR SERVICE
After breakfast, depart for your hometown to say home sweet home.
Transfer to Antalya Airport via special bus service. Time to have
your present in order to make this trip memorial.
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TOURS
