Following breakfast, we drive to the ‘Old City’ where we will visit the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles, and Haghia Sophia. This church – turned mosque – turned museum takes the breath away with the sheer architectural size of its interior and magnificent dome. Next we will visit the spectacular Topkapi Palace that was built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, this huge complex commands views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It was the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries (1453-1852) and we will see the extravagant Treasury, the priceless Chinese porcelain. We will finish up the day in the bustling Grand Bazaar that is an attractive shopping center and biggest “souk” in the world.

We will take an early flight to Izmir and from the airport drive north to the hauntingly beautiful Pergamon. Among the impressive structures of this city, dating from 399 BC, we will see the Trajaneum, Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000 volume library which was surpassed only by that found in Alexandria at the time. The Asclepieum of Pergamon was a famous health center where methods of treatment included blood transfusions, music therapy and meditation. On our way back to Izmir, we will stop by Thyateria to see the remains of the church. This was one of the principle towns where Christianity spread quickly. We journey back to Izmir for the night.

We leave in the morning for Sardis, which holds a prominent place in mythology. Sardis felt the influence of the Seven Churches of Revelation and highlights include the 3rd century AD Synagogue, Gymnasium, House of Bronzes, Temple of Artemis, and, of course, the Church. Next on our itinerary is Philadelphia which was an important Christian center during Byzantine times. We will see the Basilica. We will enjoy calcified terraces of Pamukkale and view the remains of the grave to St. Philip at a distance. If interested a walking tour through the necropolis before check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at Pamukkale.

We journey on to Laodicea Ad Lycum where the remains are found on a flat-topped hill. Christianity came to the area during the time of St. Paul, brought by Epaphras of Colossae. Laodicea became the seat of Bishopric and hosted an important Ecumenical Council in the fourth century AD. It was named in the Revelations as one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Highlights will be Agora, Fountain, Water Tower, Stadium and the Council Chamber. Our next stop will be Aphrodisias, a site presently under excavation. Highlights will include the Museum, Sebaste, Stadium, the Baths of Hadrian, the Theatre, Tetrapylon and the “Bishop’s Palace” Overnight at Kusadasi.

Leaving Kusadasi behind us we will proceed to explore the ancient city of Ephesus and first visit the Basilica of St. John, “the Evangelist” who came here with the Virgin Mary and wrote his Gospel. Close by is the House of the Virgin Mary where she is believed to have spent her last years. On August 18th, 1961, Pope John XXll proclaimed the House of Virgin Mary at Ephesus to be sacred. Pope Benedict XVI visited and held Mass here in December 2006. You will have a chance to take a phial of Holy Water from the Sacred Spring. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.

We leave Izmir in the morning after a city tour and a glimpse at the Church St. Polycarp. Catching our plan to Istanbul, we settle into the hotel for the night. (B)

Free time until your transfer for your flight back home.