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Itinerary: |
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(The
New Testament Book of Revelation) " I John... was on the island
called Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
I was in the Spiriton the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud
voice like the sound of trumpet, saying "Write in a book what you
see, and send it to the seven churches "Rev. 1:9-11"
DAY
1 ISTANBUL – IZMIR
Welcome to
Izmir to the third biggest city
of Turkey which has an importance of being the home of early
Christianity and an important center for all tourist attractions.
Being the
birthplace of Homer Izmir composes a radius position for our
special Seven Churches of Revelation tour in Asia Minor. DK staff
will meet you at Adnan Menderes Airport. Transfer to the hotel
located in the center of city. Since you’ll be tired we strongly
advise to rest. Those who would like to explore the city, why not
walking around at the hotel in order to get acquaintance with “Pearl
of Aegean”?. At night we’ll invite you a traditional Turkish
Restaurant in order to welcome you and give some information related
to the tour with the specialized professional guides about biblical
tours in Turkey. [D]
DAY
2 PERGAMUM
(2:12-17) – THYATIRA (2:18-29 Acts 16:14)
Pergamum: first an ancient
Kingdom dated back 323 B.C. This Hellenistic city was the center of
culture, commerce and medical with its philosophers, scientists and
artists like Galen (131-210 AD). Acropolis, remains of celebrated
library, an impressive Hellenistic style 10000 spectator capacity
theater, marble columned temples of Trajan and the Temple of
Dionysus, the Temple of Athena, library of Pergamum once catered
200.000 volumes, (It’s not hard to guess the first parchment paper
was invented here) the sanctuary of Demeter, Zeus Altar one of the
grandest monuments; Satan’s Throne caused the Christian church
criticized by St. John and great medical treatment center Asclepion
where the symbol of modern medicine came from. After lunch we’ll
proceed another Christian community mentioned in the book of
Revelations. Thyatira (Akhisar), the temple that is dedicated to St.
John was converted into a basilica. We’ll explore the remains of
Basilica. Later we’ll proceed for Izmir passing by Manisa reflecting
the great architecture from Ottoman Empire time. Dinner will be
served at the hotel. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 3
SMYRNA (2:8-11)
This morning our
tour will start from
Bayrakli which was originally established in the 3rd millenium
BC. then we’ll proceed for Alexander Great’s Velvet Castle & agora,
watch the spectacular view of Izmir Bay from here. For lunch, we’ll
take you a special restaurant then the DK bus drop you off at
Ethnography Museum where you can find simply everything related to
the Turkish culture as well as the culture of Aegean people. After
Ethnography Museum we’ll
pop in Archaeological Museum. Those who would like to rest will be
taken to the hotel since those activities may be tiring for them.
Other guests are welcome to explore the city center and the grand
Kemeralti bazaar with many historical buildings such as mosques and
ancient shops. Later we’ll serve you a traditional Turkish coffee or
your favorite apple tea in ancient Kizlaragasi Caravenserai. After
visiting Hisaronu having an Ottoman Empire time atmosphere we’ll
take you to the hotel. After a break we’ll have a short ride to
Kemalpasa for our night entertainment. Kemalpasa is wonderful place
to examine the ancestor of Turks with their traditions coming from
Middle Asia. You’ll explore the little Middle Asia with many ways as
well as its own cuisine in a very traditional way. Join us! [B]
[L] [D]
DAY
4 SARDIS
(3:1-6) – PHILADELPHIA (3:7-13)
In the morning
we’ll depart for Sardis, capital of the Lydian realm of Croesus,
lying on the Sart Cayi (Pactole River). Here you’ll face the
inventions of mankind. The first coins were minted in Sardis, did
you know that? We’ll enter from the marble way passing by the old
Byzantine shops. Another must to see is old Synagogue (3rd A.D.)
with its dazzling decoration and style. Next to that there is a
gymnasium restored for the visitors. Further down The Temple of
Artemis meets you with a few columns however it’s still impressive,
next you’ll see the Altar that was restored by Alexander the Great
and Romans. Odun köfte (wooden grill meat balls) is a special dish
in Salihli. Join us to have this delicious lunch. After lunch we’ll
proceed for Philadelphia (not only in Pennsylvania State but also in
Turkey) We’ll walk thru the streets of Philadelphia in Alasehir,
then we’ll arrive at Pamukkale, a magical and spectacular natural
site, unique in the world, that was declared as a world heritage
site by UNESCO. Here is a fairyland of dazzling white, petrified
castles. Thermal spring waters with calcareous salts running off the
plateau's edge have created this fantastic formation of stalactites,
cataracts and basins. The hot springs have been used since Roman
times for their therapeutic powers. You’ll certainly need this in
order recharge your body as ancient people did. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
5 LAODICEA
(3:14-22) – HIERAPOLIS – APHRODISIAS
In the morning
we’ll start with Laodicea (Eskihisar) the lukewarm country. It was a
commercial city situated in the trade routes. The two theaters, the
stadium and the other ruins await for your visit here. The city was
established 3rd century BC and the King of Syria Antiochus the
Second Theos gave the name of his wife to the city. Roman water
arches are still visible. Laodicea unfortunately displays very
limited history however it’s important to see as it’s in the Book of
Revelation. The second stop is Hierapolis with its best preserved
baths. From East to the West there was a street having shops that
lined up as every ancient city. The Basilica (dated back 6th Century
AD), The temple of Apollo, the well preserved theater that can cater
14.000 spectator at a time and the carved figures on the interior
door must be seen in Hiearapolis. Next we’ll see the church was
devoted to St. Philip and the Domitian Arch. Necropolis where over
1200 cemeteries were excavated is another important site of
Hierapolis. Because of the healthy water of
Pamukkale this city once was
called as a Sacred city. Time to have lunch and rest a bit. Yörük
restaurant is the best place for your entertainment and animation
with delicious Turkish food. After lunch, we’ll enter Aphrodisias,
one of the important religious sites dated back to 2800 BC.
Aphrodite the goddess of love was also called Venus by Romans. After
8th century, the city became more popular due to the temple of
Aphrodisias a favorite place for the pilgrims for almost 1000 years.
The whole city collapses 520 acres. The city walls surround about
over 3,5 km that was built at late Roman period. The ruins of
Sebasteion; the theater established in late Hellenistic period; the
sculptures (mostly displayed in the museum), the ruins of the baths,
gymnasium, the Byzantium Stavropolis are the major sights. Along the
Acropolis we’ll examine the baths with carved gates devoted both
Aphrodite and Hadrian; the big pool which was excavated by the
archaeologists in the recent years, the most beautiful marble
construction the Odeon. The Temple of Aphrodite, the Bishop’s church,
the two columned Tetraphylon and well preserved stadium for 30000
spectator. Aphrodisias is an important ancient city in terms of art
as well as science and philosophy. Later we’ll depart for Kusadasi
an impressive summer resort where the liners always pop in, en route
we’ll have our dinner at one of the famous restaurants. At night
check-in at the hotel and take your time for the rest of the
colorful nights of Kusadasi. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 6
EPHESUS
(1:11,
2:1-7 Acts 18:19-28, 19:1-41) (Ephesians 19:24-40)
Today we’ll invite
you to one of the greatest archaeological sites as well as Seven
Churches in the Book of Revelation.
Ephesus where St. Paul Preached is an ancient city that you’ll
never get bored to discover with its marble paved streets. The Third
Ecumenical Council was held in Ephesus. The east Gymnasium, the
state Agora, the remain of the Temple of Isis (Goddess of Egypt),
the Heracletes Gate, Curates Street named for the college of priests
located here, Scholastic Baths, well preserved two storey Celcus
Library, Marble Road, great theater that is still hosting the
concerts and festivals, Arcadian way, (Harbor Street) once lined up
with shops towards the harbor and the Basilica of St. John are the
main places for our informative tour in Ephesus. Time to visit
Ephesus museum with its treasure. Later we’ll wind up
Virgin Mary’s House
that was visited by Popes and is considered as a pilgrimage site for
Catholics as well. You’ll get the chance to drink holy water from
the sacred spring there. After Ephesus, we’ll depart for Selçuk and
typical Turkish Village Sirince which is famous for its tasty wine &
gozleme cooked in wooden stove in a traditional atmosphere. After
Sirince we’ll go back to Kusadasi as there are many things to
discover. Explore the grand bazaar by yourself or just rest at the
hotel. At night, we’ll invite you a farewell dinner at one of the
famous restaurants in Kusadasi [B] [L] [D]
DAY 7 END OF OUR SERVICE
Well, it was
pleasure to share these precious moments with you. Transfer to Izmir
Adnan Menderes Airport by DK bus for “home sweet home”. Time to have
your present in order to make this trip memorable. Thanks for
choosing the right agency [B]
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