St.Paul

Starts: Istanbul
Finish: Istanbul
Departura Date : Private Tour - All Dates available (some exceptions)
Duration: 9 Days – 8 Nights
Accommodation Category: All categories available

Day One Welcome To Turkey
Welcome to Turkey. Arrive in Istanbul Airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. ( 15km ) After check into the hotel, meet at the lobby for welcome and info cocktail.
Overnight: Istanbul

Day Two Istanbul
After breakfast, a full day visit of the city, including the Hagia Sophia church, glory of the Byzantine Empire; the Blue Mosque famous for its interior tiles from Nicea (Iznik); Byzantine Hippodrome where once horse and chariot races took place; the Church of St. Savior in Chora, representing best examples of the Byzantine mosaic art with scenes from the life of Blessed Virgin; Topkapi Palace with its magnificent exhibitions of the treasury, silverware, costumes etc.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day Three Smyrna & Thyatira
Transfer from hotel to Istanbul airport for flight to Izmir ( 600km ). Arrival in Izmir. Drive the Church of Izmir (Symrna 15km), was the second one of the seven Christian churches in Asia Minor to which St. John the Divine wrote (Revelation l-11). In the afternoon proceed to Thyatira, another one of the Seven Churches. See the remains of a Basilica and other ruins from the Roman Period. Drive to Pergamum for overnight ( 20km ).
Overnight: Pergamum
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Day Four Pergamum
After breakfast we drive to see the Aesculapium, the ancient medical center built in the name of Aeusculapis, the God of medicine. We continue to Pergamum Acropolis, visit Athena and Trojan Temples - Temple of Zeus - Temple of Dionysus - Gymnasium of Youth - Odeon - Library - Agora - Great Theatre - and Roman Bath. Overnight in Pergamum.
Overnight: Pergamum
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Day Five Sardis, Philadelphia & Leodicea
After breakfast we drive to Sardis, one of the most picturesque areas of these seven cities. It is here St. John expressed his concern for pushing further with the progress of the city's faith. Then we drive to Philadephia (Alasehir), a favorite city of Paul and John. Once visited Philadephia drive to Leodicea, was another prosperous city in the chain, where Christianity first spread. Once visited Leodicea drive to Pamukkale for overnight. ( 200 km )
Overnight: Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Day Six Hierapolis & Colosea
After breakfast first drive to visit Hierapolis city and St. Philip's Martyrium. Then have a tour of the spectacular natural site of Pamukkale. Its hot thermal springs of calcium spill over the plateau's edge creating dazzling white formations called Cotton Castles. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis which also was the home of Papias and Epicitus, early Christian writers and Philip the Evangelist. The Martyrium of St. Philip, an octagonal chamber has recently been discovered. Free time to enjoy hot waters in thermal pool.We will visit Colosae and then we depart from Pamukkale to Kusadasi for overnight. ( 220 km )
Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Day Seven Ephesus
Morning departure to Ephesus, the ancient Roman city which was one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient word. We will visit the Ephesus ruins, Odeon, Celcus Library and the Theatre which is still in use today for concerts and has an amazing capacity of 25,000. As we walk through this ancient site you will notice the streets paved with marble which gives a hint to this city's great wealth many years ago. Following Visit the House of the Virgin Mary and join in the special celebration of the Mass. We also visit the Church of St. John the Theologian. ( 36 km )
Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Day Eight Istanbul
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Istanbul. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise, discover the wealth of impressive sights all along the shores of the Bosphorus - Istanbul's famous waterway dividing Europe and Asia - the colors and aromas of the Spice Market, the tiny Rustem Pasha Mosque, a sightseeing Bosphorus boat trip, the sumptuously decorated Ottoman Dolmabahce Palace and the small picturesque fishermen's village of Ortakoy... Free time in Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

Day Nine The end of our service
After breakfast transfer to Istanbul airport for flight back home. The tour ends and we hope you enjoyed our service.
Meals: Breakfast

Tour Includes:
Accommodation in 3 & 4 star hotels based on double occupancy. Single occupancy surcharge.
Professional English speaking guide throughout the tour.
Breakfast (B), Lunch (L) and Dinner (D) as indicated in the itinerary.
Welcome coctail.
All sightseeing and admission fees on the above program.
Istanbul & Izmir & Istanbul return domestic flight tickets.
Airport transfers plus all in country transport in new air-conditioned buses throughout the tour.
Bosphorus Cruise.

Tour Excludes:
Personal Expenses.
Drinks.
Any tipping you feel appropriate.
Meals unless stated.

Additional information:
Ask for Patmos connection!
 

Our tours run on a private basis meaning the group you book for will be the only passengers and you will have your own driver and guide
 

About Samyeli Travel  |  Contact Information  |  Useful Resources  | Sitemap  Samyeli Travel, Liman Caddesi, Belediye Carsisi No:17, Kusadasi, Aydin, Turkey Email: info@samyelitravel.net   Phone: +90 256 614 5711