TOUR FEATURES:

• Round trip transatlantic airfare from JFK, New York
• Accommodations in first class hotels with private bathroom
• Daily breakfast and dinner
• Guided sightseeing as indicated in itinerary
• Entrance fees
• Professional tour director
• Baggage handling
• Hotel taxes, service charges

ITINERARY

Day 1: DEPARATURE FROM USA

Day 2: ARRIVAL TO ISTANBUL
Arrive in Istanbul, meet and transfer to hotel. After refreshment, we will take a boat trip to Bosporus. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3: ISTANBUL-IZMIR
Today we will visit the highlights of Istanbul: St. Sophia, and Kariye Museum (Church of St. Savior in Chora known for its well preserved mosaics and frescoes). Late afternoon transfer to airport for the flight to Izmir. Meet at the Airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 4: IZMIR-PERGAMON-THYATIRA
After breakfast drive to Thyatira, the site of the Seven Churches of Asia (Rev. 2:18-29). Then, drive to Pergamon and visit Acropolis and Red Basilica. John characterized Pergamon in the Book of Revelation (Rev.2: 12-17) as the place where Satan was enthroned. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 5: IZMIR-EPHESUS-IZMIR
Today is one of the highlights of your pilgrimage. First, you will visit Virgin Mary's House where it is believed that she spent her last years. Then visit the ancient city of Ephesus, and the Basilica of St. John. The Ephesians were the first congregation of Christians John addressed, the others in order were Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 6: IZMIR-SARDIS-PHILADELPHIA-PAMUKKALE
In the morning, visit the Church of St. Polycarp, which is the oldest church in ancient Smyrna. Polycarp, the fourth Bishop of Smyrna is known as one of the first Christian martyrs. Drive to Sardis, ancient capital of the Lydians and visit the Church of Sardis. Continue to Alasehir where the ancient Philadelphia Church is located. Then proceed to Pamukkale for overnight. You will have enough time to enjoy the hot spring pool at your hotel.

Day 7: PAMUKKALE-IZMIR
In the morning, visit Hierapolis, an ancient Roman city and the home of the Martyr St. Philip the Apostle. After visit to Laodicea, the site of one of the Seven Churches addressed by John in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 3:14-22), drive to Izmir for overnight.

Day 8: DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

If you don't see an itinerary you like, tell us and we'll gladly customize one to meet your requirements.

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