Hermosa Tours Turkey

Overview #twoj_fragment1-1Itinerary #twoj_fragment1-2Dates & Prices #twoj_fragment1-3Images #twoj_fragment1-4Reviews #twoj_fragment1-5Overview Undoubtedly one of the  most influential contributors to early Christianity, and the ultimate traveller, carrying the word of Christianity to lands such as Cyprus, Asia Minor (modern turkey), mainland Greece, Crete and Rome, St Paul was born to a Jewish family in Tarsus in what is now modern-day Eastern Turkey. Christianity has a long history in Anatolia (now part of the Republic of Turkey), which is the birthplace of numerous Christian Apostles and Saints such as St Paul of Tarsus, Timothy, Nicholas of Myra, Polycarp of Smyrna and many others.  Two out of the five centres (Patriarchates) of the ancient Pentarchy are in Turkey: Constantinople (Istanbul) and Antioch (Antakya). Antioch was also the place where the followers of Jesus were called "Christians" for the first time in history, as well as being the site of one of the earliest and oldest surviving churches, established by Saint Peter himself. For a thousand years, Istanbul’s beautiful Haghia Sophia was the largest church in the world. Turkey is also home to the Seven Churches of Asia, where the Revelations to John were sent. Apostle John is reputed to have taken Virgin Mary to Ephesus in western Turkey, where she spent the last days of her life in a small house, known as the House of the Virgin Mary, which still survives today and has been recognized as a holy site for pilgrimage by the Catholic and Orthodox churches, as well as being a Muslim shrine. The cave of the Seven Sleepers is also located in Ephesus – this refers to a group of Christian youths who hid inside this cave to escape persecution.   Another version of this story is that they were imprisoned there as punishment.   What happened next is unclear, but several versions of the tale report that they woke approximately 180 years later, and seen by the people of the then Christian city before dying. The tale of the Seven Sleepers is also mentioned in the Koran. All of the first seven Ecumenical Councils which are recognized by both the Western and Eastern churches were held in what is now present-day Turkey. Of these, the Nicene Creed, the profession of faith used in Christian liturgy declared with the First Council of Nicaea (Iznik) in 325, is of utmost importance and has provided the essential definitions of present-day Christianity. Suited to both first time and returning visitors to Turkey, this tour traces the footsteps of St Paul through Turkey including a range of other places that are significant for Christians all over the world. We also include a few of the major sites in Turkey that although they are not related to St Paul, are “must-see” sights for visitors to Turkey. This tour is also available for private groups - contact us for a quote.Itinerary Download a full copy of the Trip Notes Day 1 - Istanbul Arrive in Istanbul. Free day. Welcome Dinner. Overnight in istanbul. Day 2 - Istanbul Today we visit the Turkish and Islamic Works Museum, we also visit the Carpet Museum, Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya and the Basilica Cistern. Dinner and night in Istanbul. Day 3 - Istanbul After breakfast set off for Topkapi Palace, then an afternoon visit to the Spice Bazaar followed by a relaxing cruise of the Bosphorous. Day 4 - Istanbul to Hatay (Antakya) Early morning flight to Adana, then drive to Hatay (Antakya / Antioch) where St Paul began his missionary journeys. We also visit St Peter's Church and Hatay's famous mosaic museum. Night in Hatay. Day 5 - Hatay to Tarsus We set off for Smandag (Seleucia Pieria) where St Paul and St Barnabas set sail for Cyprus, continuing on to Tarsus which was the birthplace of St Paul. Here we visit St Paul's Church and St Paul's Well. Overnight in Tarsus. Day 6 - Tarsus to Cappadocia Early start to Cappadocia, famous for its cave houses and magical landscape, and home of early Christians in Turkey. Dinner and Night in Cappadocia. Day 7 - Cappadocia Today we visit key sites in the area, including Pasabag, Goreme Open Air Museum and Kaymakli Underground City. Overnight in Cappadocia. Day 8 - Cappadocia - Konya - Yalvac This morning you can enjoy an optional 1 hour hot air balloon ride. After breakfast we depart for Konya (Iconium) where we visit St Paul's Church, the Whirling Dervish Museum and Mevlana Museum. We continue to Yalvac (Pisidian Antioch), where we will spend the night. Day 9 -Yalvac to Antalya Early morning departure for Antalya, stopping to visit Perge where St paul and Luke stayed to preach on their return from Antioch. A short city tour of Antalya which includes the Hadrianus Gate and the Groove Minaret Mosque. Dinner and overnight in Antalya. Day 10 -Antalya - Pamukkale This morning we drive to Pamukkale which was the location of the ancient Roman spa town of Hierapolis. We stop to visit Akkhan Caravan Serai on the way. Day 11 - Pamukkale and surrounds After breakfast, we visit the small ruin suite of Laodikya, one of the Seven Churches of Asia, before visiting Hierapolis. Our visit includes free time to swim in the famous Cleopatra Antique Pool and time to explore the famous white travertines (calcium pools). Overnight in Pamukkale. Day 12 - Pamukkale to Kusadasi Today we visit the site of ancient Philadelphia which was known for its variety of temples and worship centres. We also visit Sardis, and Akhisar which was host to one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Thyateira) and Miletus, where St Paul stopped on his way back to Jerusalem on his third journey. Overnight in Kusadasi. Day 13 - Ephesus and surrounds Depart for Selçuk to visit Ephesus where Paul lives for two years, the home of Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St John. Spend the night in the port town of Kusadasi. Day 14 - Kusadasi to Bergama Early start to Izmir (ancient Smyrna) which was one of the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation, then on to Bergama (ancient Pergamum) Lunch then continue to Assos where will have dinner and spend the night. Day 15 - Assos to Eceabat We depart for Alexandra Troas where St Paul met Luke. Continue to Troy, home of the famous Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. We end the day with a late afternoon visit to the Gallipoli battlefields. Dinner and night in Canakkale. Day 16 - Canakkale to Bursa Today we drive to Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire. We will visit the famous silk bazaar and the Green Mosque. Day 17 - Bursa - Iznik - Yalova - Istanbul This morning we set out for Iznik (Nicea) where the First and Seventh Ecumenical Councils took place. Drive to Yalova from where we will catch a car ferry back to Istanbul. Free night. Overnight in Istanbul. Day 18 - Istanbul A chance to sleep later this morning before we set off for the Grand Bazaar. After lunch we will visit Taksim, and walk the famous Istiklal Caddesi. We also visit beautiful St Anthony's Catholic Church and the French district with its charming French architecture and decor. Farewell dinner tonight. Day 19 - Istanbul Free morning for shopping, bus transfer to airport. Fly home.Dates & Prices2014 Departure Dates 15 June 2014 - Places Available   Price: 2713 EURO per person twin share 3027 EURO per person single A 393 EURO per person early bird discount applies if your tour is booked and paid for in full 6 months in advance of the tour start date. Click Here to Make a Booking        Images ReviewsThis is a new tour - no reviews yet.