9 Day Tour to Turkey
Departing from Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town South Africa.
Day 1: Istanbul from Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town
We depart for our flight to Istanbul.
Welcome to Turkey, the location of the seven major churches of Early Christianity!
Upon your arrival, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport to your hotel. Check in and rest. Overnight Istanbul
Day 2: Istanbul City Tour
Welcome to Turkey, the location of the seven major churches of Early Christianity. Located on both sides of the Bosphorus connecting Asia and Europe, Istanbul once was the capital of both the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. It is one of the most coveted cities in the world, rich in historic monuments.
We will visit the Topkapi Palace and end at the Grand Bazaar and the Spice market for some shopping. Overnight Istanbul
Day 3: Istanbul City Tour and Domestic Flight to Izmir
After breakfast, you will enjoy your Bosphorus cruise boat and get glimpse of abundant historical sightseeing spots on both sides of the strait. Later transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Izmir. Overnight stay in Izmir.
Day 4: Izmir (Smyrna) - Pergamon - Akhisar (Thyatira)
During ancient Greek times, the name of Izmir was Smyrna, the site of one of the Seven Churches. Here, you will visit the Saint Polycarp Church, whose patron saint is Polycarp, a Christian bishop of Smyrna who died a martyr.
Afterwards, head toward the ancient Greek city of Pergamon, another site of the Seven Churches that is occupied by the town of Bergama. Its impressive Acropolis, the steepest theatre, and the Asklepion still can be seen here. Visit the Red Basilica (St. Johns Church) and then continue to Thyatira, now called Akhisar, another site of the Seven Churches of Asia. You will visit the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period before relaxing in the hotel. Overnight Izmir
Day 5: Akhisar - Sart (Sardis) - Alasehir (Philadelphia) – Pamukkale
Depart early in the morning to one of the most picturesque areas of any of the Seven Churches of Asia, Sardis (presently called Sart). This was the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom of the 6th century BC, portrayed as a dying church. The tour here includes the great Temple of Artemis, the Temple of Cybele, the restored gymnasium, and the reconstructed Synagogue.
Later, proceed to Philadelphia, nowadays called Alasehir, another site of the Seven Churches of Asia. There you can see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, with a bit of high arch and some 11th-century frescoes.
Reach the healing city of Pamukkale in the afternoon. Take some time to stroll around the area to see the stunning white pools, channels, and stalactites formed by hot mineral water, and visit the ruins of Hierapolis. Overnight Pamukkale
Day 6: Pamukkale - Denizli (Laodicea) - Aphrodisias - Kusadasi
Early morning you can enjoy hot air balloon ride before breakfast weather permitting . after breakfast we continue the tour to Laodicea (the present name is Denizli) yet another of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. Ramble around to see the ancient theatre, the remains of a basilica, and ancient stone water pipes. Aphrodisias, which is the ruins of a small ancient Greek Hellenistic city, will be your next stop. Visit the well-preserved ancient stadium ever excavated with a maximum capacity for around 30,000 spectators, the Odeon, the Temple of Aphrodite, and others.
Drive to Kusadasi afterward. It is built along the shores of a glittering bay, around a tiny islet covered with pine trees and flowers. The terraced town overlooks the most beautiful bay of the Aegean Sea and seems it has been created purely for the delight of the holidaymaker. Overnight Kusadasi
Day 7: Kusadasi - Priene - Miletus - Didyma - Kusadasi
Take a full-day excursion outside of Kusadasi to explore three historical sites of Priene, Miletus, and Didyma. You will get some information about ancient Greek town planning from the ruins of Priene, see the ancient Greek theatre in Miletus, and visit the Temple of Apollo at Didyma. Overnight Kusadasi
Day 8: Kusadasi - Ephesus - Izmir - Istanbul
Today you will enjoy a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus, where the excavations of the spectacular ruins still continue in this once great and important city that was founded in the 10th century BC. Walk along marble streets to see wonderful public buildings like the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Theatre. Followed by is the Basilica of St. John, where the Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years. The nearby House of Virgin Mary, where she spent her latest years, is the last stop before flying to Istanbul for your flight back home.
Day 9: Arrival in South Africa
Arrive with wonderful and Blessed memories of Turkey.