"Ancient and Holy in Turkey":
September 13-29, 2008

Tour-pilgrimage will target the remains of Byzantine Civilization, the major ruins of Greek/Roman Antiquity, and Holy Sites that were so dear to the Early Church and are so important to us.

If you are interested in joining this tour or have any questions, please contact us!

 This tour is offered as a unique combination of the Holy and Ancient Sites of Turkey. In 15 days we will attempt to cover the most important historical monuments of Anatolian Civilizations from the Hittite times through present with very special attention given to the Byzantine sites and Holy places of the Eastern Christendom. Even as most of religious places are no longer in use, we will try to create the spirit of a true pilgrimage during this impressive historical and educational tour. We will explore the ruins of Antiquity in many cities and sites along the Mediterranean and in the interior; we will visit the wondrous Cappodocia in the centre of the country; will admire the Syriac Monasteries in the South-East and will gaze at the beauty of the Royal City of Constantinople – Istanbul in the West. The lives of mighty rulers, all-laudable Apostles, glorious saints and humble hermits will pass in front of us documented by and in precious historical relics and stones. This trip should be very interesting, edifying and educational to anyone who has interest in the history of the Eastern Christendom and/or Antiquity at large. Although this trip prepared with an Orthodox traveller in mind, anyone interested is welcome

Day 1 / 13 September Saturday / Flight Day
Depart for Turkey (We plan to leave from NYC, out of the JFK airport).

Day 2  / 14 September Sunday / Izmir - Kusadasi
Arrival in Istanbul and connecting flight to Izmir. Tour of Izmir including the Agora and free time for lunch. Izmir is the historical and Biblical Smyrna, also known for its heavenly patron – St. Polycarp, bishop of the city and disciple of St. John the Evangelist, who was martyred for Christ in 155 AD in the city’s theater. Little remains of the ancient city, except for the Agora, as the ancient remains were largely built over and consumed by the new developments of Turkey’s third largest city. Drive to Kusadasi, one of the most famous resorts of the Turkish Aegean. Dinner and overnight at Kismet Hotel. (D)

Day 3 / 15 September Monday / Kusadasi
Today we will spend a full day in exploration of the ancient city of Ephesos. It is impossible to overstate the importance of this city in the historical context. The city is closely associated with important New Testament and Early Church historical figures; two of the Seven Ecumenical Councils recognized by the Orthodox Church were conducted in this city. The antiquities of the city are very well preserved and in some sense rival those of Pompeii in Italy. Among many other sites, we will visit the Artemision (one of the 7 wonders of the world), the Museum, Basilica Tomb of St. John, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Lunch in a local restaurant on your own. Dinner and overnight at Kismet Hotel. (B/D)

Day 4 / 16 September  Tuesday / Pamukkale
Today we will depart for the exploration of the important historical places and magnificent archeological parks of Aphrodisias and Pamukkale. The first is known as one of the major cult centers of the goddess Aphrodite (hence the name of the city). We will visit the site and the Museum. Lunch in Anatolia Restaurant and drive to Pamukkale, ancient Hierapolis, which was renown from antiquity for its natural hot springs. We will walk through the ancient colonnaded street and have a look at the beautiful travertines. Dinner and overnight at Pamukkale Collosea Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 5 / 17 September Wednesday / Antalya
Today, after early departure we will take a scenic route that will lead us south, to the shores of Mediterranean. This day will pass under the special patronage of St. Nicholas, as we will visit the ancient ruins of Patara, the birthplace of the famous Christian saint, and Myra (Demre) the town where he was bishop and where he rested till the time when his relics were taken away to Bari in Italy. Both Patara and Myra are also very important historical centers as in their day they were some of the prime cities of the province of Lycia. Lunch will be provided on our way from Patara to Myra. For dinner and overnight we will transfer to Antalya Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 6 / 18 September Thursday / Konya
Today we will have an earlier start. On our way to Konya, our next overnight stop, we will visit two archeological parks – those of Perge and Aspendos. Both cities are some miles away from Antalya and both of them were considered important centers during the Byzantine period. While Aspendos was known for its well preserved theater and large aqueduct, Perge has some important surviving Christian monuments. It is known that Perge was visited by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys. After lunch we will transfer to Konya (Iconium of old). Time permitting we will visit the tomb and museum of Mevlana – an “unorthodox” Islamic mystic and the founder Mevlevi sect. The sect is also known for the dance of the Whirling Dervishes, which today is very closely associated with the Turkish cultural landscape at large.  Dinner & overnight Konya Ozkaymak Park Hotel. (B/D)

Day 7 / 19 September Friday / Cappodocia
Today we will be entering into one of the most interesting regions in Turkey – Cappodocia, which is also incredibly important in Christian history. On the way we will visit the Agzikarahan Caravanserai, build in the 13th century as the safe haven on the major trade route. Upon our arrival to Cappodocia we will visit Kaymakli underground city, and after lunch Goreme and Zelve cave cities. Many of the dwellings in this wondrous region were inhabited up until 1920s, monasteries were populated and churches were in use. The sad events of the early 20th century turned most of the once densely populated cave cities into ghost towns and “open air museums”.  Dinner and overnight at Special Cave Hotel*. (B/L/D)
Cave hotel is subject to availability due to the very limited size of the facility.

Day 8 / 20 September Saturday / Tarsus
Early in the morning (6:30-8:30) an optional hot air balloon ride will be offered to the most adventurous from the group. But in our main program for the day, the further exploration of Cappodocia is planned. We will visit Avanos, Uchisar and the town of Mustafapasa. In route to Tarsus we will stop for a visit to Eskigumus Monastery, the most impressive and most southerly of all Cappodocian monasteries, lost in history and rediscovered only in the mid-20th century. It is very well preserved and has some of the best preserved frescoes in all of Cappodocia. Later tonight we will arrive at Tarsus, the birthplace of Paul, one of the most glorious apostles of our Lord. We will arrive at the Tarsus Mersin Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)