The world-famous St.
Sophia Museum in Istanbul

CHRISTIAN TOURS IN ASIA MINOR:
ISTANBUL AND THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATON
7 DAYS

Asia Minor, also known as Anatolia, had been a very important center during the birth and development of Christianity. It was on this land that the term "Christian" was first used, and the new faith was first introduced to the Gentiles by St. Paul. It was also on this land that the Seven Churches of Asia Minor came into being. Our tour provides an overview where the traveler experiences, first hand, a journey through the ancient cities that had been visited by St. Paul, St. John and many early Christians. The sites visited include the Grand Theater in Ephesus (where the "Great Diana of the Ephesians" was worshipped) and Pergamum (where the "Altar of Zeus", referred to as the "Throne of Satan" in St. John's letter to the Church of Pergamum, once stood). This special tour definitely provides a memorable journey for all who are interested in the roots and history of Christianity.

DAY 1: ISTANBUL Arrive at Istanbul airport. Transfer to hotel.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL Sightseeing at City Walls, Chora Church, Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, the St. Sophia Museum. Lunch in a historical setting. Dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: ISTANBUL Cruise on the Bosphorus, with lunch on the European shore. Visit Topkapi Palace and the Covered Bazaar. Dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: IZMIR Transfer to the airport for the flight to Izmir (Smyrna)*. Arrive at Izmir airport. Visit the Agora and the Castle of Alexander the Great. Lunch at Bergama. Sightseeing in Pergamum and Akhisar (ancient Thyatira). Transfer to hotel in lzmir. Dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: PAMUKKALE Drive to Selcuk. Sightseeing in Ephesus, Basilica of St. John, House of The Virgin Mary, and the Archaeological Museum. Lunch in Ephesus. Drive to Pamukkale for overnight stay. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: IZMIR Sightseeing in Laodecia, Philadelphia and Sardes before returning. Lunch en route. Dinner at hotel in Izmir. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: Transfer to the airport for the flight to your next destination. (B)

B = Breakfast included, L = Lunch included, D = Dinner included, D/E = Dinner and entertainment included
NOTE: The city or region designated next to a tour day (e.g., DAY 6: ANTALYA) indicates the location of overnight stay.