Arrive in Istanbul, be welcomed by our transferman at Istanbul Ataturk Airport and transfer to your hotel. Stay overnight in Istanbul.
No Meals
Day 2
FULL DAY CITY TOUR
Enjoy a full day tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul. Firstly we visit the magnificent Hagia Sofia, Hippodrome and the stadium of ancient Byzantium, where an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi still survive. We then continue on to the Blue Mosque which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior and the world famous Grand Bazaar. After lunch we visit the amazing Topkapi Palace, which from the 15th to the 19th century was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans, certainly the most historic site to be visited whilst in Istanbul. Stay overnight in Istanbul.
Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3
IZMIR & EPHESUS
Pick up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Izmir. We welcome you in Izmir and drive to Ephesus which was the most influential capital city of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea. “Ephesus receives praise for its perseverance, but criticism for forsaking its "first love"” (Rev. 2:1-7). To begin the day, you will visit the Basilica of St John which stands over the believed burial site of St. John, who is identified as the apostle, evangelist (author of the Fourth Gospel) and prophet (author of Revelation). We then arrive at the Ancient City of Ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. Finally visit the House of the Virgin Mary founded on 1861 on top of Bulbul Mountain, a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. It has been accepted by the Vatican as a pilgrimage destination. After visits, check into your hotel in Kusadasi. Stay overnight in Kusadasi.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
LAODICEA & HIERAPOLIS
After breakfast take an enjoyable drive to Laodicea located in the Lycus River Valley of western Asia Minor, a primary trade route between the cultures of the West and East. “The "lukewarm" church with a faith that’s neither hot nor cold” (Rev. 3:14-22). We then visit the Ancient City of Hierapolis as well as the world famous travertens of Pamukkale. After the visits we arrive at our hotel and check in. Stay overnight in Pamukkale.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5
PHILEDELPHIA, SARDIS & SMYRNA
Begin the day with a visit to ancient Philadelphia which was known for its variety of temples and worship centers. “The church of brotherly love that endures patiently” (Revelation 3:7-13). Then to Sardis, located on the banks of the Pactolus River in western Asia Minor. “The church of Sardis is described as dead, and it must wake up. However, there are some who have not "soiled their clothes."” (Rev. 3:1-6). Finally Smyrna, nowadays a modern Turkish city of Izmir. In ancient times it was in a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbors, commerce, and marketplaces. St Polycarp church will be visited on thay day as well. Stay overnight in Izmir.
Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6
THYATIRA & PERGAMON
After breakfast drive to Thyatira, known for its textiles and dyeing trade. It is now known as the Turkish city of Akhisar. It is “praised for its increasing faith and service, but criticized for its tolerance of Jezebel, an immoral women who calls herself a prophetess” (Rev. 2:18-29).Then onto Pergamon, located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. The city, described as having the throne of Satan, is “praised for its martyrdom and perseverance but those who hold false teachings are criticized” (Rev. 2:12-17). Here you will see the Acropolis famous for Greek & Roman Temples as well as the unique Greek theatre built into the steep hillside. Also visit the Asclepion, the ancient medical center for the Greeks. After visits you will be transfered to the airport in Izmir for your departure flight to Istanbul (flight to Istanbul is not included in package price). Arrive in Istanbul and end of our services.
Breakfast & Lunch
This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather/daily events or other unforeseen circumstances outside the control of ATB Holidays.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
- 2008
Departure Dates
EVERY THURSDAY
P.P. In
Double
Room
P.P. In
Triple
Room
Single
Room
01.11.2007 - 31.03.2008
1245$
875$
1338$
01.04.2008 - 31.10.2008
1325$
945$
1465$
Prices are per person in USD and subject to availability.
HOTELS OF THE PACKAGE
ISTANBUL
HOTEL YAŞMAK SULTAN
KUŞADASI
PINEBAY MARINA HOTEL
PAMUKKALE
PAM HOTEL
İZMİR
KAYA PRESTIGE HOTEL
INCLUDED
SERVICES
• 5 nights in 4 star hotel accommodation.
• Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Izmir.
• All sightseeing tours, with qualified English speaking guide as described in the itinerary.
• All admission fees to the visited sites.
• All meals as stated in the itinerary.
• Transportation by air-conditioned, non smoking vehicle.
• All taxes and service fees.
DOES NOT INCLUDED
• Airport taxes.
• Any VISA needed for Turkey.
• Tips to guide, driver, hotel staff etc.
• Optional tours.
• Items of a personal nature.
• Drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast) and medical services.
Istanbul
Izmir
Ephesus
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