Arrive to Istanbul. You will be met at the airport by our staff and then taken to your hotel.
*Important – Upon your arrival, please come out side of the terminal building from Gate 8 where you can find our welcomer with a sign that says “Bosphorus Gate”.
Welcome meeting and dinner will be at the hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul
After breakfast, we will check out fromm hotel with our bags and cover some of the Istanbul highlights before proceed to Nicea.
First, we will visit the Blue Mosque. It is one of Istanbul’s most venerable monuments. Once inside you will see how the mosque got its name, viewing the colorful blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior. These tiles are from the peak of Iznik tile production in the early 17th Century.
Then, we will visit Hagia Sophia , the Church of Divine wisdom and a testament to the sophistication of the 6th Century. The vast edifice was built over two earlier churches and inaugurated by Emperor Justinian in 537. Also The immense dome is an architectural marvel. It seems to hover overhead.
Before Lunch, you will visit Spice Bazaar where the spices, herbal teas, safron, turkish delights, essential oils and more has been sold since 1664 . We will have Turkish Delight tasting and then you can enjoy your free time for shopping in this authentic market of Istanbul. Last, will cruise on the Bosphorus to see the both sides of Istanbul from sea. You will enjoy the view of sea front Palaces, Mosques, Mansions and historical peninsula. Cruise time is approx 1,5 hours.
At the end of the Day, we will drive to Nicea. Overnight in Nicea (Approx 2 Hours Drive)
Nicaea is known as Iznik toda. Council of Nicaea or 1st Council of Nicaea was the first of many efforts to attain consensus in the church through an assembly representing all Christendom. After Bbreakfast, we will visit Hagia Sohia of Nicaea where the 7th Ecumenical Council took place. Then, we will visit the City Walls of Nicaea, Ruins of the Imperial Palace by the lake and ancient Theatre (excavations are still going on. We can have outside visit)
After lunch, we will drive to Bursa (Aprox 1 hour drive). We will Visit Bursa’s Unesco’s Word Heritage Sites such as Great Mosque Bursa , Green Mosque and Green Tomb.
Overnight in Bursa ** Nicea is the place where first ecumenical council took place. (Creed of Nicea)
After breakfast, we will drive to Akhisar (aka Thyrateria – approx 2,5 hours drive ) we visit the reaminig ruins of Thyrateira in today’s modern city of Akhisar. After touring in the city, we will have free time for lunch. Then we will proceed to Sardis (approx 1,5 hour drive) and visit archeological site of Sardes. Then we continue to Alasehir (Philledelphia) to overnight. (approx 1 hour drive)
Overnight in Alasehir
Thyateria and Sardis are one of the Seven Churches of Revelation.
After breakfast, we will visit the ruins of Philedelphia. Today the modern city of Alasehir is sitting on the ruins of Philedelphia. We will visit the ruins of Church of St John. Then we will Then we will proceed to Laodecia to visit the ruins of the city. (approx 1,5 hour drive) After lunch break we visit Pamukkale&Hierapolis. Hiearapolis is one of the most significant Christian sites in Turkey and it was a healing center beacuse of the thermal water springs back in the Roman time. Apostle St Philip is also said to have been martyred by crucifixion, in the city of Hierapolis.
Overnight in Pamukkale
** Philedelphia and Laodecia are one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Hierapolis is mentioned once in the Act of Apostles.
After breakfast we drive for Basilica Of St John in Ephesus. (Approx 2,5 Hours). Upon our arrival, we will visit Basilica of John.
Then we will proceed to Ladies Carpet Weaving Co-operative. We will have an educational lecture about art of Turkish Carpets and Carpet weaving. You will have a demonstration and have time for carpet shopping. (Incase you need, shipping is provided) Then, we will enjoy the local lunch which will be offered to you by the ladies at the Co-operative.
Then we will visit Ephesus. In Ephesus, you will visit the ruins of the city such as Odeon, Trajan Fountain, State Agora and more. Also, You will walk the Marble Road, that runs between the Celsus Library and the Great Theater which is part of the sacred walkway. The Great Theatre dates back to the Hellenistic period. In the 1st century AD, Romans succesfully reconstructed and expanded until it reached the seating capacity of 25,000. Also, St Paul preached to the Ephesians in great theatre.
Overnight in Kusadasi/Selcuk
** Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation where St John and Virgin Mary lived and visited by St Paul. St Timoty was the first bishop of Ephesus.
After breakfast, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary where believed that she spent her final years. Based on the visions of a German nun, they discovered it in 1891. Then Pope Paul VI visited the shrine in 1967. After that Pope John Paul II came in 1979 and Pope Benedict XVI visited in 2006.
Then we will proceed to Izmir (aka Smyrna) (Approx 1,5 hour drive) After visiting the Agora of Smyrna, we will continue to drive Pergamon. First we will have lunch and then visit the archeological site of Pergamon . Overnight in Bergama
** Pergamon and Smyrna is one the Seven Churches of Revelation
** Izmir aka SMYRNA is one the Seven Churches of Revelation. Today’s Smyrna is the 3rd biggest city of Turkey with about 4million population.
After breakfast, we will drive to Istanbul. Upon our arrival we will have lunch and then visit Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul
Transfer to the Airport.
For extensions , please contact us on info@bosphorusgate.com
(Istanbul Extensions or Cappadocia Extensions from 1 Day to up to a week)
*** Please contact for 3 Days Antioch & Tarsus (Home town of Paul) extension.
