Escorted Cultural Tour Itineraries

Day 1: ARRIVE Istanbul

Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Istanbul

After breakfast, a full day visit of the city, including the Hagia Sophia church, glory of the Byzantine Empire; the Blue Mosque famous for its interior tiles from Nicea; Byzantine Hippodrome where once horse and chariot races took place; the Church of St. Savior in Chora, representing best examples of the Byzantine mosaic art with scenes from the life of Blessed Virgin; Topkapi Palace with its magnificent exhibitions of the treasury, silverware, costumes etc. Lunch during visits and dinner in the hotel.

Day 3: Istanbul / Bursa

After breakfast depart for Nicea (Iznik) taking the Intercontinental Suspension Bridge over the Bosphorus and a short ferry ride in the Sea of Marmara. Home of two Ecumenical Councils, Nicea has several Byzantine and Ottoman relics in the heart of ancient Bytinia. Here you’ll see Hagia Sophia church and the City Walls. Lunch in the restaurant and proceed to Bursa, first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Grand Mosque, Green Mosque and Mausoleum. Dinner and stay in the hotel.

Day 4: Bursa / Pamukkale

Breakfast in the hotel and drive to Sardis, ancient capital of Lydia and one of the Seven Churches. There is a beautiful archaeological site where you’ll see a church, restored Roman Baths, Synagogue and shops. After lunch proceed to Alasehir and visit another Church of the Apocalypse, Philadelphia, where you’ll see the Church of St John with some frescoes. Then continue to Pamukkale visiting Laodicea and its barely excavated site. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 5: Pamukkale / Izmir

After breakfast visit Hierapolis where St. Philip was martyred and proceed to Ephesus, ancient Roman capital of Asia Minor. Here you’ll see the Library of Celsus, largest theater in Anatolia where St. Paul faced the Ephesians supporting their goddess Artemis, Temple of Hadrian, Roman Baths, Agoras etc. After Lunch visit the House of Virgin Mary on Panaghia Kapulu Mountain where it is believed that she spent last years of her life. Then visit the Basilica of St. John where he was buried after returning from exile in Patmos and Justinian built a cathedral over his tomb in the sixth century. Drive to Smyrna, modern day Izmir, for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Izmir / Assos

Breakfast in the hotel and depart for Assos. Along the way visit Tyatira (Akhisar) where you’ll see foundations of a Christian church and Roman road. Then proceed to Pergamon to visit the church of St. John at the Red Court, and the Acropolis for its Hellenistic and Roman relics. After lunch drive to Assos where St. Paul visited after Alexandria Troas on his third journey. Dinner and stay in the hotel.

Day 7: Assos / Istanbul

After breakfast depart for Troy, place of the famous Trojan War, the city is dating back to 3,000 BC with 9 different layers of settlers. You can also see a replica of the Trojan Horse. Take a ferry across Dardanelles strait and then a pleasant drive to Istanbul. Lunch en route. Dinner and Stay in the hotel.

Day 8: DEPART Istanbul...

Breakfast and transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight. End of Services...

Ask for our “Hidden Churches around Bursa” Tour...organised by Ugur Celikkol who is specialized in churches around Bursa in villages and towns...

Tours Include: 3-4* or specially licensed (renovated old houses turned into small hotels) accommodations... Airport – Hotel- Airport transfers ... Transportation by Air-Conditioned bus or minibuses (latest models) tour by the itinerary... English speaking guides licensed by the Tourism Ministry... Entrance fees ... Lunch and Dinners upon aggreement... Our agents assistance and professional service during your clients stay in Turkey...

Ask for our “Handicrafts around Bursa” Tour...organised by Ugur Celikkol who is specialized in handicrafts in villages and towns around Bursa ...