ANTIOCH - TARSUS - CAPPADOCIA
Drive to Tarsus; visit the birthplace of St. Paul (10 AD) and drink from the well of the blessed water. Continue on to Cappadocia, land of unique landscapes and the unusual rock formations called fairy chimneys. Early inhabitants carved the soft volcanic rock to create underground dwellings that eventually grew to become entire cities where as many as six thousand Christians hid to escape persecution. Elaborate churches-by some counts over a thousand of them-were also carved in the porous rock, and lavishly decorated with frescoes; many of these 9th to 11th century art works still remain. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

CAPPADOCIA
Visit the Ihlara Valley including painted cave churches, Guzelyurt (Karballa), the birthplace of St. Gregory of Nazianzus and the underground city of Kaymakli. Return to hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

DEMRE - HIERAPOLIS - PAMUKKALE
Early departure to Demre, one of the six great cities of the Lycian civilization which was first settled in the 5th century B.C. The Rock Tombs, Theater and Church of St. Nicholas commemorate the life and work of this fourth century bishop. Saint Nicholas provided the dowries for three poor girls who would not have been able to marry otherwise; the beginning of our tradition of Christmas giving. Continue to Hierapolis, where we will visit THE Martyrium of St. Philip amidst the sites extensive ruins. Overnight in Pamukkale.

PAMUKKALE - HIERAPOLIS - LAODICEA
Complete the tour of Hierapolis, see the wonderful formation of stalactites in Pamukkale (Cotton Castle), The Roman Baths which later became a church, then visit Laodicea, Kusadasi, one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation, continue to Kusadasi for overnight.

PATMOS - KUSADASI
Today we will travel by private boat to the Greek Island of Patmos, location of the cave where John wrote the Book of Revelation, and also spend time at St. Johns Monastery. Return to Kusadasi for overnight.

EPHESUS - IZMIR
Depart for Ephesus, cradle of the early Church. Visit the HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY, ancient Ephesus, The Archaeological Museum, The Temple of Diana (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the grave and Basilica of St. John. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.

SARDIS - PHILADELPHIA - IZMIR
After mass at the Church of St. Polycarp, travel to Sardis, the capital city of the ancient Kingdom of Lydia, and the church which was built on the foundations of the Temple of Artemis. After traveling to Philadelphia, return to Izmir. Rest of the afternoon is free to explore the city and its ancient bazaar. Overnight in Izmir.

PERGAMUM - BURSA
Depart to Pergamum to see the Asclepion, the ancient hospital whose approach to medicine was remarkably modern, The Acropolis, the church at the site of ancient Serapium, and the Red Court dedicated to St. John. Continue to Bursa; visit the Green Mosque and The Green Mausoleum. Overnight in Bursa.

BURSA - IZNIK - ISTANBUL
Drive to Iznik (ancient Nicea) via the beautiful Iznik lake road. Two ecumenical councils were held here: the First Ecumenical Council of 325 and the Seventh Ecumenical Council of 787. Visit the ruins of the Hagia Sophia Sophia Church where the Seventh Ecumenical Council was held. In the afternoon, drive to Istanbul, the only city in the world spanning two continents; transfer to hotel., Evening is free at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

ISTANBUL
In the morning, visit Hagia Sophia Museum, built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, one of the worlds greatest architectural marvels and a designated World Heritage site. After lunch, visit Chora Church, including beautiful mosaics, Afterwards, we’ll have the opportunity to go shopping at the Grand Bazaar with its 4,000 tiny shops. Farewell dinner and folk show. Overnight in Istanbul.