Turkey Seven Churches Tour Package

Upon arrival visits today starts with BOSPHORUS TOUR. We will navigate the Bosphorus strait that separates Europe and Asia continents, in which 60,000 ships pass annually. From the boat we can see a wonderful view of the strait with its palaces, forts and summer houses.

After the boat tour we will continue to the SPICE MARKET, built in the seventeenth century, with typical products like pashmina, saffron, spices (seasonings), dried fruits, teas, treats, perfumes and more and transfer to Canakkale.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive the ancient city of Troy and the infamous tourist attraction in Troy, of course, is the Trojan Horse. This is a replica wooden horse that was given to the Trojans by the Greek Army. Proceed to Pergamon and we will visit ancient roman city of Pergamon see the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000-volume library which was surpassed only by that found in Alexandria at the time. This was one of the principle towns where Christianity spread quickly. Visit Church of Smyrna. Drive to KUSADASI for overnight.

After breakfast drive to Selcuk town, we will visit the famous ancient city of Ephesus, one of the world’s finest archaeological sites. Highlights include the Library of Celcius, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Theatre. Then visit the Basilica of St John “the Evangelist” who came here with the Virgin Mary and wrote his Gospel in Ephesus. We will also stop by the House of Virgin Mary (on top of Mt Coressos). She was believed to have spent her last years in this area. On 18 August 1961, Pope John XXII proclaimed this place to be sacred. Overnight in Kusadasi

After breakfast drive to We will stop by Thyteria to see the remains of the church. This was one of the principle towns where Christianity spread quickly. Then visit Sardis whose history dates back to 12^th century B.C. Sardis felt the influence of Christianity very early and was included in the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. During the Byzantine times it was the seat of a bishopric. Highlights will be a Synagogue, Gymnasium, Byzantine Church and the Temple of Artemis. Next on our itinerary is Philadelphia which was an important Christian centre during Byzantine times. Than we will visit Laodicea, where we will find a Theatre, a large Stadium, a Water Tower and an Odeon. This city is supposed to have been named by Antiochus II in honour of his wife, Laodicea. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

In the morning we visit Hierapolis, which was founded by Pergamon King Telephones and named after his wife, Hiera. During the Byzantine period, the city became the seat of diocese with a large Christian Church dedicated to St Philip, who was martyred there in 80 AD. Highlights include the Roman Baths, , the Theatre and the famous white calcium cascades of Pamukkale (the white “Cotton Castles”). Then drive to Cappadocia.. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Early this morning just before your breakfast, if you are ready for some excitement, you may consider trying out the possible optional Hot Air Balloon experience. After breakfast visit Underground City of KAYMAKLI or OZKANAK, once a place of refuge for 15,000 Christians, witness their ancient bedrooms, church, meeting hall and food storage rooms all within this eight-storey city connected by 30km of corridors and passageways, you will get a chance to see bedrooms, kitchens, dining halls, wine cellars, chapels, stables and more.. Next, do not miss this rare opportunity to experience the beauty and work of local handmade crafts through a Turkish carpet weaving course. make a visit to the fascinating frescoed rock churches and chapels at Goreme Open-Air Museum, to explore the unusual troglodyte dwellings, remains of the early churches comprising of complicated rooms hollowed out of the cones of volcanic ash and decorated with scratched frescoes. It is registered to the World Heritage List by UNESCO. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Photo-stops will be made at Uchisar “castle” village, a fantasyland of strange and wonderful works of man and nature. Proceed to Pigeon Valley to feel wonderful atmosphere of the place. We have photo stop at Dervent Valley (Imagination Valley) which is one of the best places to see fantastic Fairy Chimneys and it is famous for its Camel Rock, photo stop at Three Beauties where you can gather perfect pictures. We visit and have photo stop at Valley of Love. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia. After dinner, optional tour of a fascinating Belly Dancing and Folk dance performances in Cave restaurant.

Breakfast at hotel. Check out and depart to Ankara, Turkey on the way visit Salt Lake and arrive to Ankara then visit the Ataturk Mausoleum – the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk – Father of modern Turkey. Proceed to Istanbul. Dinner at restaurant and overnight.

After breakfast. visit TOPKAPI PALACE, once the seat of the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is a museum palace with a wide collection of porcelain, antiques, holy relics and other treasures. After lunch, visit BLUE  MOSQUE,. Admire its glorious interiors and distinctive blue tiles. Next, view the only remains of Hippodrome of Constantinople, consisting of 3 monumental columns and a fountain. This is the site where chariot races took place in the past. You will also visit HAGIA SOPHIA MUSEUM, a must-see attraction due to its religious and architectural significance. Visit the famous Grand Bazaar which is a covered market of the fifteenth century, consisting of 5000 stores, and is considered one of the first shopping centers in the world. transfer to airport end of our service.