Both in Turkey and Greece, winters may be cold and summers hot. On the other hand, you will most probably be visiting archaeological sites with more or less walking difficulties. Hence an adapted outfit is recommended :

• In winter : strong walking shoes, warm coat, umbrella, protection against cold wind (hat, gloves)
• In summer : strong walking shoes, cotton clothing, sun hat, sun glasses, sun cream
• When visiting churches and mosques, appropriate dressing

Do not forget !

• Your daily medication if and when needed while on tour.
• Your tour voucher, the only proof that you have subscribed and paid for this tour.
• Cash money to pay the not included entrance fees, drinks and lunch, shopping, tips…
• Your cameras… Remember that at some sites and museums taking pictures may be forbidden or allowed midst payment of a fee. Inquire about using a flash;
• Your swimming wear if you jo-in a tour with swimming opportunity.
• Possibly spare shoes, T-shirts, jumpers, socks

Visiting archaeological site may require good physical conditions and access to people with reduced mobility is not always possible. During visits and stops, the buses will be locked and under the supervision of the driver. Hence, if you wish, you can leave some personal belongings in the bus yet at your own responsibility. If not done at subscription, inform your tour guide as soon as you get on the coach about your specific food requirements so that the restaurant booked for lunch can be informed accordingly in due time.

Day 1 : Istanbul

Upon arrival in Istanbul, transfer to your hotel and time at leisure.

If you wish to get already acquainted with this metropolis, you may consider to jo-in a "Dining Out the Turkish Way" evening program (not included in the price).
 

Day 2 : Istanbul (B,L)

jo-in a group to visit the highlights of Istanbul : the Hagia Sophia Museum, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, the Covered Bazaar.

Note :
- The Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays and the Topkapi Palace on Tuesdays.  They are then replaced by the visit of the Chora Museum.
- The visit of the Harem (within the Topkapi Palace) is not included in the program
- On Sundays the covered bazaar is closed and then replaced by the Egyptian / Spice bazaar.
 

Day 3 : Istanbul (B)

In the morning, cruise on the Bosphorus : During this half day tour, you will stroll the winding streets of the Egyptian/Spice bazaar and enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus.
Free afternoon, yet possibility to jo-in some aternative tours in Istanbul such as :
- On Mondays afternoon only : discover the Covered Bazaar, an architectural and historical approach to this shopping mall
- Every afternoon : learn everything about Turksih coffee by jo-ining the "Coffee Trail" program
http://www.bluegetravel.com/tour/wa05-dolmabahe- Any day but Monday and Thursday : after the Topkapi, a logical continuity as you will visit the Palace of Dolmabahce.

For those who prefer to stay within the subject of this tour, we can organize instead of the proposed tour a private tour to Nikeia, one of the Oecumenical Council cities.  Further information available upon request.

The First Council of Nicaea (325) repudiated Arianism, declared that Christ is "homoousios with the Father" (of the same substance as the Father), and adopted the original Nicene Creed, fixed Easter date; recognised primacy of the sees of Rome, Alexandria and Antioch and granted the See of Jerusalem a position of honor.
The Second Council of Nicaea (787) restored the veneration of icons (condemned at the Council of Hieria, 754) and repudiated iconoclasm.

At the end of the tour, transfer to the airport and flight to Izmir for overnight.
 

Day 4 : Izmir (B)

For practical reasons, the Seven Churches will not be visited as per the sequence in the Book of Revelation.

Today, we will visit 3 Churches (Excursion on private basis) :
Smyrna :
"From this church, those who are faithful until death, will be given "the crown of life." Those who overcome shall not be hurt by the second death. (2:8–11)"
Sardes : 
"From this church, those who overcome will be clothed in white garments, and their names will not be blotted out from the Book of Life; their names will also be confessed before the Father and His angels. (3:1–6) "
Philadelphia :
"From this church, those who overcome will be made a pillar in the temple of God having the name of God, the name of the city of God, "New Jerusalem," and the Son of God's new name. (3:7–13) "
Overnight in Izmir.
 

Day 5 : Izmir (B)

For this second day, we will visit two Churches (Excursion on private basis) :

Pergamon :
"From this church, those who overcome will be given the hidden manna to eat and a white stone with a secret name on it." (2:12–17) "
Thyateira :
"From this church, those who overcome until the end, will be given power over the nations in order to dash them to pieces with the rule of a rod of iron; they will also be given the "morning star." (2:18–29) "

Overnight in Izmir
 

Day 6 : Kusadasi (B,L)

For this 6th day, we will jo-in a group to discover Ephesus and its area.
"From this church, those "who overcome are granted to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." (2:1–7) "

At the end of the tour, transfer to your hotel and overnight in Kusadasi.
 

Day 7 : Kusadasi (B,L)

In the morning, departure to Pamukkale to visit the White Chalk Terraces and the archaeological site of Hierapolis.

As the group will return to Kusadasi mid-afternoon, you will be met by another tour guide for a private visit of the site of Laodikea :
"From this church, those who overcome will be granted the opportunity to sit with the Son of God on His throne. (3:14–22) "

At the end of this tour, transfer to the Denizli airport and flight back to Istanbul for last overnight.

 

Day 8 : Istanbul (B)

Time at leisure till transfer to the airport for home flight (meeting at your hotel will be 3 hours prior to take-off).
 

- All accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis in 4* or boutique hotels
- All pick-up services
- All excursions – on group basis (unless otherwise specified in the program), with English speaking tour guide, entrance fees and lunch included
- If/when mentioned in a program, intercity bus tickets
 

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