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The Library of Celsus at Ephesus. |
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… AND UNTO THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA MINOR (8 days/7 nights, by Orion Tour)
Istanbul, Pergamon (Bergama), Sardis, Aphrodisias, Laodicea, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Izmir (Smyrna), Thyatira
Anatolia has been important to Christianity ever since St. Paul, St. Peter, St. John and other apostles came here to preach the Gospel. This intensive religious effort bore fruit in the building of Seven Churches of Revelation in seven major cities throughout western Asia Minor. ORION TOUR has created a tour that visits many of these historical and religious sites and allows the traveler full insight into the achievements of these early Christian missionaries.
Day 1 - Istanbul
We meet your at the airport and escort you to your
hotel. The rest of the day is yours to gather
first impressions of the imperial city, as you
like.
Day 2 – Istanbul
Following breakfast, we drive to the 'Old City'
where we will visit the Hippodrome, the Blue
Mosque, famous
for its delicate blue ceramic tiles and Saint Sophia.
This church - turned mosque - turned museum takes the
breath away with the sheer architectural size of its
interior and magnificent dome. Next we will visit
the spectacular Topkapi Palace. Built on one of the
seven hills of Istanbul, this huge complex commands
views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the
Golden Horn. It was the seat of government for the
Ottoman Empire for many centuries (1453-1852) and we
will see the extravagant Treasury, the priceless Chinese
porcelain. We will finish up the day in the bustling
Grand Bazaar. (BL)
Day 3 - Izmir - Pergamon - Thyatira
We will take an early flight to Izmir and from
the airport drive north to beautiful
Pergamon.
Among the impressive structures of this city, dating
from 399 BC, we will see the Altar of Zeus, Temple
of Dionysus and the 200,000 volume library which
was surpassed only by that found in Alexandria
at the time.
The Asclepieum of Pergamon was a famous health center
where methods of treatment included blood transfusions,
music therapy and meditation. On our way back to
Izmir, we will stop by Thyatira to see the
remains of the
church.
(BD)
Day 4 - Izmir - Sardis - Philadelphia - Pamukkale
We leave in the morning for Sardis, which holds
a prominent place in mythology. Sardis felt the
influence of the
Seven Churches of Revelation and highlights include
the 3rd century AD Synagogue, Gymnasium, House of Bronzes,
Temple of Artemis, and, of course, the Church. Next
on our itinerary is Philadelphia which was an important
Christian center during Byzantine times. We will see
the Basilica and several interesting mosques. Overnight
at Pamukkale. (BD)
Day 5 - Pamukkale - Laodicea - Aphrodisias
- Kusadasi
We journey on to Laodicea Ad Lycum where the
remains are found on a flat-topped hill. Christianity
came
to the area during the time of St. Paul, brought by
Epaphras of Colossae. Laodicea became the seat of Bishopric
and hosted an important Ecumenical Council in the fourth
century AD, it was named in the Revelations as one
of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Highlights
will be the Water Tower, Stadium and the Council Chamber.
Our next stop will be Aphrodisias, a site presently
under excavation. Highlights will include the Stadium,
the Baths of Hadrian, the Theatre and the "Bishop's
Palace" Overnight at Kusadasi. (BD)
Day 6 - Kusadasi
- Ephesus - Izmir
Leaving Kusadasi behind us we will proceed to explore
the ancient city of Ephesus and first visit the Basilica
of St. John, "the Evangelist" who came here
with the Virgin Mary and wrote his Gospel. Close by
is the House of the Virgin Mary where she is believed
to have spent her last years. On August 18th, 1961,
Pope John XXll proclaimed the House of Virgin Mary
at Ephesus to be sacred. You will have a chance to
take a phial of Holy Water from the Sacred Spring.
Dinner and overnight in Izmir. (BD)
Day 7 – Istanbul
We leave Izmir in the morning after a city tour
and a glimpse at one of the Churches of Revelation.
Catching
our plane to Istanbul, we settle into the hotel for
the night. (B)
Day 8 - Transfer.
We escort you to the airport for your flight
home. (B)
(Tour code: ORNHASC5)
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