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Tour 165

Biblical Turkey Pilgrimage

12 days

Tour 165

Biblical Turkey Pilgrimage

12 days

Istanbul · Pergamum · Thyatira · Smyrna (Izmir) · Ephesus (Mary's House) · Sardis · Philadelphia · Pamukkale · Hierapolis · Laodicea · Cappadocia

Istanbul · Pergamum · Thyatira · Smyrna (Izmir) · Ephesus (Mary's House) · Sardis · Philadelphia · Pamukkale · Hierapolis · Laodicea · Cappadocia

Turkey is a land replete with Biblical history. This incredible tour gives you unique opportunities to experience the scripture in the very places where they took place. Just outside of Selcuk, Turkey, near Ephesus, see the House of the Virgin Mary which is now a Catholic Shrine located on Mt. Koressos. The house was discovered in the 19th century after Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich experienced visions and detailed posthumously in a book by Clemens Brentano. Since then, Mary’s house, where she was brought by Saint John and lived until her Assumption or Dormition, has been a popular Pilgrimage site, even visited by several Popes. Also visit the home of Philip the Evangelist, and the Basilica of St John the apostle, prophet, and evangelist. Experience Turkish culture, food, and landscapes, tour Mosques and Palaces of ancient Sultans, and explore the vibrant city of Istanbul, on this unique pilgrimage through Turkey.

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Your trip includes

Centrally located hotels or similar
Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Bosphorus
Istanbul, Turkey
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Nevşehir, Turkey
Hilton Garden Inn Konya
Konya, Turkey
Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal
Pamukkale, Turkey
Mövenpick Hotel Izmir
Izmir, Turkey
Group Size

Group Size may vary between 18 to maximum 33, always
accompanied by a Catholic Priest and Tour Guide throughout.

Not Included
  • Lunches, tips to your guide and driver, items of a personal nature.
Optional
Travel Protection

Providing you coverage for situations that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.

Cancel For Any Reason Waiver

A Cancellation Waiver – allowing you to cancel your trip and receive a refund anytime – up until 48 hours prior to departure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA

Depart USA for your overnight flight to Istanbul. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board. Be sure to take some time to meditate about the life-changing journey upon which you are embarking.

Day 2: Istanbul

Upon arrival in Istanbul Airport you will find your luggage and exit the baggage claim into the arrivals hall where you will be greeted by our tour escort and/or driver. You will be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul. Attend a welcome briefing. Dinner and a restful overnight.

Day 3: Istanbul

Following breakfast we begin our full day of the old City with a guided tour exploring the ancient city including the magnificent Topkapi Palace (main residences of Ottoman Sultans) and the Byzantine Hippodrome that was the scene of chariot races. Around the corner we will visit St. Sophia Basilica, historic seat of the Byzantine church, built in 360 AD and now a museum whose mosaics, stained glass windows and decorated domes have been crafted to create an environment of breathtaking beauty. Enjoy a short walk through gardens and proceed to the Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet 1 built in 1616, famous for its unparalleled ceramic tile work. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Istanbul

Following breakfast we will visit the Galata Tower and Bridge. In the Galata district many Catholic Churches are located. We will visit The Basilica of St Anthony of Padua, the most prestigious Catholic Church in Istanbul, originally built on this site in 1725, but was demolished in the early 20th Century, in order to make way for a tramway. The church was rebuilt by the architect, Giulio Mongeri and completed in 1912. Celebrate Mass. Following lunch visit The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes is a historic parish of the Georgian Greek Catholic Church in the district of Bomonti of the Istanbul district of Şişli.

We also will stop by SS Peter and Paul is a Catholic church in Istanbul, important for historical reasons. The church owns an icon of the Virgin of the Hodegetria type, which originally lay in a Dominican church in Caffa, Crimea.

Ending our day with a visit of the Grand Covered Bazaar, a maze of streets and shops aroma and sounds of old Turkey. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 5: Istanbul - Cappadocia

This morning we will take a short flight to Kayseri and visit the “moon-like” topography and unique landscape of Cappadocia. We will visit the underground city of Kaymakli where thousands of early Christians lived concealed from persecutors in eight story complexes of subterranean dwellings. We will enjoy the picturesque views of this ancient and historic land as we make our way to our hotel. We enjoy dinner and a restful overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 6: Cappadocia - Konya

Early in the morning you may experience an optional Hot-Air Balloon Ride. Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most fanciful and recognizable landscapes. During the Balloon Ride take in a unique panorama with fairy-tale chimneys in the light of dawn.

Following breakfast we will visit the famous Goreme “open-air museum,”. Goreme with its chapels carved by early Christians and decorated with frescoes dating from the 6th and 10th centuries is an unforgettable experience. Continue on a short drive to the Uchisar Castle which is the panoramic watching point Cappadocia.

This afternoon we drive to Konya. Paul and Barnabas visited the city on Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 13:51–14:7). Here they preached in the synagogue and then the city. Paul revisited the city on his second (Acts 16:2) and probably third journeys. In the center of the modern city of Konya, directly on the hill on which the ancient Iconium was located stands the Church of St. Paul, built in 1910 by the Sultan for the numerous Catholic workers on the Anatolian Railway. Dinner and overnight in Konya.

Day 7: Konya - Pisidian Antioch - Pamukkale

After breakfast we drive to Pisidian Antioch .The history of Pisidian Antioch goes back to some time between 310-280 BC. The first Biblical reference to this city is Paul’s mention of it in Acts 13:14-16 as the synagogue from which he preached his first recorded sermon during his first missionary journey. We continue to Pamukkale, the white Cotton Castle formed by lime cascades. Enjoy a leisurely bath in the warm mineral waters of your hotel’s thermal pools before dinner and a restful night sleep.

Day 8: Pamukkale - Hierapoli – Laodicea – Collosae – Pamukkale

Today we will enjoy a full day excursion and visit the ancient City of Hierapolis meaning “Sacred City,” Philip the Evangelist’s home. Tour the extensive necropolis, churches and baths. We continue with a scenic 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). Continue to nearby Colossae, which is well-known throughout Christian circles as the receiver of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Today, the town has fallen into obscurity and nothing remains. Return to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Pamukkale - Ephesus – Izmir

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Ephesus, which was the most influential capital city of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea. “Ephesus receives praise for its perseverance” (Rev. 2:1-7). You will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. We then visit the House of the Virgin Mary which was miraculously discovered hidden on a wooded hilltop. A pilgrimage site for many which has also been accepted by the Vatican. Finally 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). Continue on to Izmir were our day ends with dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Izmir - Philadelphia – Sardis – Thyatira - Izmir

Our day starts with visit the site of Philadelphia also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 3: 7-13). Christ told those who overcame that He would write upon them “the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem.” (Rev.3: 12). Continue onto Then Sardis, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Jesus told Sardis, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name, that thou livest, and art dead”(Rev. 3: 1-6). 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. We continue on 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” (Rev. 2:18-29) Return to Izmir for dinner and overnight.

Day 11: Izmir - Smyrna – Pergamum - Izmir

We wake up in the modern Turkish city of Izmir. In ancient times “Smyrna”, as it was called, was in a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbors, commerce, and marketplaces. Visit the archeological remains of the Agora. The Agora in Izmir is an ancient Roman marketplace located in the heart of the city. It was originally built in the 4th century BCE and later expanded by the Romans. The site features impressive ruins, including colonnaded streets, a large courtyard, and the remains of various public buildings. The Agora served as a central hub for commerce, politics, and social activities in ancient times. Today, it stands as a significant historical site and a popular attraction for visitors interested in exploring Izmir’s rich history and ancient architecture. Continue to Pergamum, located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. The city, 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. Return to Izmir for dinner and overnight.

Day 12: Izmir - USA

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return flight home to the USA.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.

Why Book “With Airfare” from 206 Tours

Special Clergy Discount

A Clergy Discount is available to all members of “Clergy” within the Catholic Church. This includes Seminarians, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters, Priests, Monsignors, Bishops, Cardinals, and His Holiness.

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Earn a Free Trip

For groups of 20 or more, you may choose your own departure and earn FREE trips.

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$500.00 Deposit is due at the time of Registration

*If within 90 days prior to departure, Full Payment is due at time of Registration.

Would you like to arrive earlier or stay later?

Let us know at the time of registration if you would like to arrive earlier, or stay later, than the scheduled tour dates, and pending availability, we will change your airline reservations accordingly, additional fees may apply. Pre- and/or post-stays at the hotel will cost an additional fee. These options should be available to you when registering online, or simply contact us: sales@206tours.com

Options and upgrades

Special Clergy Discount

A Clergy Discount is available to all members of “Clergy” within the Catholic Church. This includes Seminarians, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters, Priests, Monsignors, Bishops, Cardinals, and His Holiness.

Click Here to learn more!

Earn a Free Trip

For groups of 20 or more, you may choose your own departure and earn FREE trips.

Ccontact us

Would you like to arrive earlier or stay later?

Let us know at the time of registration if you would like to arrive earlier, or stay later, than the scheduled tour dates, and pending availability, we will change your airline reservations accordingly, additional fees may apply. Pre- and/or post-stays at the hotel will cost an additional fee. These options should be available to you when registering online, or simply contact us: sales@206tours.com

About your trip

Pilgriamge Information
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We promise to do all within our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us, please note should any problems arise during your trip you should first contact your local emergency contact in your destination country or the 206 Tours.

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