Biblical Archaeology Tour

• After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin a full-day walking tour through Istanbul's historic heart.
• Your first stop is the stunning Hagia Sophia Museum, an architectural marvel that once held the title of the world's largest church.
• Next, you’ll explore the fascinating Underground Byzantine Cistern (Yerebatan), a hidden gem beneath the city.
• Your guide will then take you through the ancient Hippodrome of Istanbul and the world-famous Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), renowned for its exquisite tiles.
• After a delicious lunch, you'll visit the Topkapi Palace, the centuries-old residence of Ottoman sultans. The Harem section is a highlight you won't want to miss.
• Before returning to your hotel, you’ll have some free time to stroll through the Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered market in the world.
• Overnight stay in Istanbul.

• After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you on a day of sightseeing in Istanbul.
• Your first stop is the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the architectural masterpieces designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Sinan.
• Next, you'll visit Kariye Mosque (the Church of the Holy Savior in Chora), known for its stunning mosaics, followed by a trip to Pierre Lotti Hill, offering one of the most scenic viewpoints in the city.
• You'll also enjoy a private Bosphorus boat trip, where you'll cruise along the strait, passing iconic landmarks such as the Bosphorus bridges, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Anadolu and Rumeli fortresses. Along the way, you'll see the charming waterfront houses that line the shores.
• The day ends with a visit to the Spice Market, a 17th-century structure once home to Istanbul’s bustling spice trade.
• Overnight stay in Istanbul.

• We begin with an early departure from Istanbul, heading toward Canakkale.
• Our first stop is in Tekirdag, where you'll enjoy a tour of the Barbare Vineyards, followed by a traditional Turkish meal complemented by local wines.
• Next, we continue our journey to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where you'll visit key historical sites including the Kabatepe Museum, ANZAC Cove, the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, and Johnston's Jolly (home to both Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels).
• You'll also visit The Nek and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, along with the somber Lone Pine Cemetery, offering insight into the strategic significance of the Dardanelles.
• Afterward, we’ll take the ferry from Eceabat to Canakkale, where we’ll check in to the hotel for the night.
• Overnight stay in Canakkale.

• This morning, we visit the ancient city of Troy, famously immortalized in Homer’s epic poem. You’ll also have the chance to see the replica of the famous wooden horse.
• Afterward, we take a short drive to Assos, where you'll explore the Temple of Athena on the Acropolis, offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
• From there, we’ll follow the scenic coastal route along the Aegean Sea, making a few stops to enjoy the beautiful coastal landscapes before arriving in Burhaniye.
• Overnight stay in Burhaniye.

• We depart from Burhaniye and head to Pergamon, where you’ll explore the impressive Acropolis and iconic landmarks such as the Temple of Athena, the Serapis Temple, the Heroon, the Sanctuary of Athena, the Library of Pergamon, the Temple of Trajan, the Theatre, the Zeus Altar, and the Red Court. Pergamon is known as the third of the ‘Seven Churches of Asia’ and is often referred to as the "throne of Satan."
• Next, we continue to Thyatira, another of the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelation (1:11; 2:18-28). This city is also noted as the hometown of Lydia, the seller of purple goods in Philippi (Acts 16:14).
• We then drive to Smyrna (modern-day Izmir), the third-largest city in Turkey. Smyrna was the second city to receive a letter from the Apostle John in the Book of Revelation. During our visit, we’ll explore the Agora of Smyrna.
• After the tour, we’ll transfer for about an hour before arriving in Kusadası or Sirince for your overnight stay.
• Overnight stay in Kusadası or Sirince.

• After a short 20-minute drive, we’ll arrive at the ancient city of Ephesus, a key location in early Christian history. St. Paul visited Ephesus briefly during his second missionary journey and later stayed for over three years. Both Paul and the Apostle John wrote letters to the Ephesians.
  You’ll visit the Baths of Scholastica, the stunning Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Grand Theater, and the Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Next, we’ll head to the Basilica of St. John, where you’ll see the burial place of St. John. Following this, we’ll visit the House of Mother Mary, a significant pilgrimage site for many.
• For lunch, we’ll take you to a local Carpet Cooperative where you can learn about Turkish art and craftsmanship.
• After the tour, we’ll return to Kusadası or Sirince for an overnight stay.
• Overnight stay in Kusadası or Sirince.

• After breakfast, we’ll drive to Priene, an ancient city dating back to the 4th century BC. Highlights of this site include the Temple of Athena, the Theatre, and the House of Alexander the Great. While the walk around the site is not extensive, the city is located on a steep hill, so we recommend this tour for guests who are comfortable with some uphill walking.
• Next, we head to Miletos, known as the city of philosophers. Don’t miss the Faustina Baths and the impressive Theatre, both iconic landmarks in the city.
• After a short 30-minute drive, we’ll arrive in Didyma. For lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to taste fresh, local fish from the Aegean region.
• After lunch, we’ll visit the Temple of Apollo in Didyma, the second-largest temple in the ancient world after Delphi, and one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples.
• Following the tour, we’ll transfer you back to Kusadası or Sirince for the evening.
• Overnight stay in Kusadası or Sirince.

• After breakfast, we’ll drive to Sardis, home to one of the Seven Churches of Asia (Revelation 3:1-6). Sardis was once the capital of ancient Lydia, and you'll have the opportunity to explore its significant ruins, including the Sardis Gymnasium, the Jewish Synagogue, and the Temple of Diana.
• Next, we proceed to Philadelphia (modern-day Alasehir). While not as ancient as some of the other cities in Asia Minor, Philadelphia was founded in 189 BC and served as the seat of another of the Seven Churches (Revelation 3:7-12).
  Afterward, we continue to the ancient city of Aphrodisias, dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Key highlights of this site include a remarkably well-preserved stadium, an odeon, a monumental gateway, and the impressive Temple of Aphrodite.
• Following the tour, we’ll head to Pamukkale for an overnight stay.

• After breakfast, we’ll visit Pamukkale (Hierapolis) to explore the historical wonders of the site, including the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way, the Necropolis, and the Tomb of Philip.
• Next, we’ll take a short drive to Laodicea, where you’ll learn about the final letter to the churches of ancient Asia Minor, written to the church in Laodicea. We’ll visit the Christian ruins, the Statue of Emperor Augustus, the Aqueduct, the Stadium, and the Ephesian Gate.
• After the tour, we’ll drive for about 3 hours to Fethiye, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay. Overnight stay in Fethiye.

• After breakfast, we depart from Fethiye and begin our journey with a visit to the ancient city of Tlos, where you can explore the remarkable Lycian Tombs.
• Next, we’ll head to the stunning Saklıkent Gorge, the second-largest gorge in Europe, offering breathtaking views and a chance to experience one of the most spectacular natural sites in the region.
• We then continue to Xanthos, known for its unique architectural examples from the ancient Lycian civilization, followed by a visit to Patara, an ancient Lycian city located near one of Turkey's longest and most beautiful beaches.
• After the tour, we’ll head to Kalkan for your overnight stay.

• After breakfast, we’ll drive along the beautiful Turquoise Coast, reaching the charming town of Kekova in about 1.5 hours. Here, you’ll enjoy a 1-hour boat tour to explore the fascinating sunken city.
• Next, we continue to Demre, where we’ll visit the St. Nicholas Church, believed to be the place where St. Nicholas lived and died in ancient Myra.
• You’ll also have the option to explore the ancient city of Myra, home to impressive rock-cut tombs and a Roman theater.
• Afterward, we’ll drive for about 3 hours to reach Antalya. Overnight stay in Antalya.

• After breakfast, we’ll begin a city tour of Antalya, starting with a visit to Kaleiçi (Old Antalya), where you'll explore its charming narrow streets. We’ll also visit the Clock Tower, the Old Harbour, the Kesik Minare (Broken Minaret), and the impressive Hadrian's Gate.
• Next, we’ll head to the Antalya Archaeological Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts from the region’s rich history.
• After lunch, we’ll take a short drive to the stunning Kursunlu Waterfall, where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, with its origins dating back to the Roman period.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Antalya.

• After breakfast, we’ll begin by visiting the ancient Greco-Roman city of Perge, where the Apostle Paul gave his first speech on Christianity in the region.
• Next, we’ll head to Aspendos, home to one of the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman theaters, a remarkable site to explore.
• We’ll also visit the charming town of Side, where you’ll see the ancient Theatre, the impressive Gate, and the Temple of Apollo, all set against a stunning backdrop.
• After the tour, we’ll drive back to Antalya for an overnight stay.

• After breakfast, we’ll drive for about 2 hours to visit Sagalassos, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey.
• You’ll have the opportunity to explore the impressive fountain from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, along with a visit to the ancient library.
• Next, we’ll drive to Yalvac to visit Psidian Antioch, where the Apostle Paul preached his first recorded sermon and famously declared, “Now we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:14-52).
• Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to Konya (ancient Iconium), passing through the scenic Beyşehir Lake.
• In Konya, we’ll visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the founder of the Whirling Dervishes, and one of the most significant spiritual centers in the Islamic world.
• Overnight stay in Konya.

• After breakfast, we’ll drive for about 1 hour to visit Çatalhöyük, one of the largest Neolithic and Chalcolithic proto-city settlements in southern Anatolia. This ancient site dates back to approximately 7500 BC and flourished around 7000 BC. In July 2012, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Next, we’ll drive for about 3 hours to reach Cappadocia. On the way, we’ll stop at the stunning Ihlara Valley, where you’ll spend two hours walking through the canyon. Here, you’ll discover churches carved into the rocks and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.
• Our next stop is Kaymaklı Underground City, one of the most fascinating examples among the 36 underground cities in the region.
• Finally, we’ll continue to Cappadocia, where you’ll check in for an overnight stay. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

• Start your day with an optional early morning hot-air balloon flight for a breathtaking aerial view of Cappadocia’s unique landscape (weather permitting).
• After the flight, we’ll embark on a tour of the region, starting with Imagination Valley (also known as Dervent Valley), where you’ll see fascinating rock formations that resemble various shapes and figures.
• Next, we’ll visit Pasabag (Monks Valley), renowned for its stunning, mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.
• We’ll then head to Zelve, an ancient cave town that once housed one of the largest communities in the area, offering a glimpse into the unique way of life in this rock-carved settlement.
  You’ll also have the opportunity to visit local ceramic workshops to see traditional craftsmanship.
• Finally, we’ll visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to ancient churches and monasteries carved into the volcanic rock, with remarkable frescoes that date back to early Christian times.
• After the tour, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cappadocia.

• After breakfast, we’ll depart from Cappadocia and drive for about 3 hours to reach Hattusas, the ancient capital of the Hittites, one of the earliest and most significant Anatolian civilizations.
  At Hattusas, we’ll explore both the lower and upper cities, where you’ll discover impressive ruins and ancient structures that provide insight into Hittite life and culture.
• Next, we’ll drive to Yazılıkaya, the largest known Hittite rock sanctuary, featuring remarkable rock carvings and temples dedicated to ancient gods.
• After the tour, we’ll continue our journey for about 2.5 hours to Ankara, the capital of Turkey, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay.

• After breakfast, we’ll begin a full day of sightseeing in Ankara, the capital of Turkey.
  Our first stop will be the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which showcases some of the most fascinating artifacts from Turkey’s ancient history, spanning various civilizations that have flourished in the region.
• Next, we’ll explore Ulus, the old part of the city, and visit the Anıtkabir (Mausoleum of Atatürk), the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern, secular Republic of Turkey.
• You’ll also have the opportunity to see some ancient ruins in the city center, including the Temple of Augustus, the Roman Bath complex, and the Column of Julian.
• Our last stop will be the Ankara Fortress, offering panoramic views of the city and a chance to explore its rich history.
• After the tour, we’ll return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Ankara.

• After breakfast, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to Ankara Airport for your flight to Istanbul.
• From there, you'll board your flight back to your home country, concluding your Biblical archaeology tour in Turkey.

Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back again soon!