Biblical Sites in Turkey – 12 Nights / 13 Days

Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxing introduction to the city that bridges Europe and Asia. Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, has served as the heart of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and remains one of the world’s most historically significant cities.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meal: Dinner 

Overnight: Dosso Dossi Hotels Old City or similar

After breakfast, begin exploring the historical treasures of Istanbul. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, renowned for its breathtaking Byzantine architecture and spiritual importance throughout Christian history.

Continue to the elegant Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and stunning blue Iznik tiles. Explore the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the center of public life during the Byzantine era.

Later, visit the impressive Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries, and continue to Hagia Irene, one of the oldest churches in Istanbul.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner 

Overnight: Dosso Dossi Hotels Old City or similar

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia, one of Turkey’s most extraordinary regions known for its volcanic landscapes and early Christian heritage.

Upon arrival, begin exploring the fascinating underground cities where early Christians once hid from persecution. Discover ancient tunnels, chapels, storage rooms, and living quarters carved deep beneath the earth.

Continue to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys and unique rock formations.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Yunak Evleri Cappadocia or similar

This morning, visit the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open Air Museum, home to remarkable rock-cut churches adorned with ancient frescoes dating back to the Byzantine era.

Proceed to the scenic Ihlara Valley, where early Christian communities built hidden churches and monasteries within the canyon walls. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the valley while admiring centuries-old cave churches.

Later, visit the birthplace region of Gregory of Nazianzus, one of the most influential Church Fathers in Christian theology.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Yunak Evleri Cappadocia or similar

After breakfast, depart for Konya, the spiritual center of the Sufi tradition and home of the famous poet and mystic Rumi.

Visit the revered Mevlana Museum, where Rumi’s tomb and collections related to the Whirling Dervishes are displayed. Learn about the mystical philosophy and traditions of the Mevlevi Order.

If available, enjoy a traditional Whirling Dervish ceremony in the evening.

Overnight in Konya.

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner 

Overnight: Bayir Diamond Hotel & Convention Center or similar

Following breakfast, continue south toward the Mediterranean coast and the beautiful city of Antalya.

Along the journey, admire the changing landscapes of central Turkey before arriving in Antalya, known for its turquoise coastline, Roman harbors, and charming old town.

Enjoy leisure time exploring the historic Kaleiçi district with its narrow streets and Ottoman-era houses.

Overnight in Antalya.

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Best Western Plus Khan Hotel or similar

Today, travel along the scenic Mediterranean coastline to Demre, ancient Myra.

Visit the historic Church of St. Nicholas, dedicated to the 4th-century bishop whose generosity inspired the legend of Santa Claus.

Explore the ancient Lycian rock tombs and Roman theater of Myra before returning to Antalya.

Overnight in Antalya.

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Best Western Plus Khan Hotel or similar

After breakfast, depart for Pamukkale, famously known as the “Cotton Castle” due to its dazzling white mineral terraces.

Upon arrival, explore the spectacular thermal travertines formed by mineral-rich hot springs cascading down the hillside. The site has attracted visitors seeking healing waters since ancient times.

Overnight in Pamukkale.

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Richmond Pamukkale Thermal Resort or similar

This morning, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, an important Roman spa city closely associated with early Christianity.

Explore the Martyrium of St. Philip, believed to mark the location connected to the apostle Philip’s martyrdom. Continue through the ruins including the Roman theater, necropolis, and ancient baths.

Later, drive to the beautiful Aegean coastal town of Kuşadası.

Overnight in Kuşadası.

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner 

Overnight: Efe Boutique Hotel or similar

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation.

Walk along the marble streets lined with impressive structures including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and ancient temples.

Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, traditionally believed to be the final residence of Mary, mother of Jesus.

Overnight in Kuşadası.

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Efe Boutique Hotel or similar

Today’s journey focuses on several important biblical sites mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

Visit Sardis, once the capital of the ancient Lydian Kingdom and home to one of the Seven Churches. Continue to Philadelphia, known in Revelation as the faithful church.

Later, explore Pergamon, famous for its acropolis, steep theater, and early Christian significance.

Overnight in İzmir.

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Mövenpick Hotel İzmir or similar

After breakfast, travel to Iznik, ancient Nicaea, where the First Council of Nicaea was held in 325 AD, establishing the Nicene Creed and shaping Christian doctrine.

Visit important historical landmarks connected to early Christianity before continuing to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.

Explore Bursa’s historic mosques, silk markets, and cultural landmarks.

Overnight in Bursa.

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Hilton Bursa Convention Center & Spa or similar

After breakfast, drive back to Istanbul for your international departure flight.

As your Biblical Sites Tour in Turkey comes to an end, depart with unforgettable memories of sacred history, breathtaking landscapes, and the rich spiritual heritage of early Christianity.

End of Services.

Meal: Breakfast