Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Istanbul.Meet and transfer to the hotel.Afternoon orientation tour in Istanbul,if times permits (according to the arrival time).Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2

St.Sophia,Hippodrome,Blue Mosque,Topkapý Palace,St. Irene and St. Chora Museum.Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3

Flight to Cappadocia-Kayseri Airport and drive to Hotel Gamirasu.Leisure Day.

Day 4

Full day exploring Cappadocia.Visit Goreme Open Air Museum,Avanos,the pottery making town,the naturel Citadel of Uchisar and the monastic Zelve Valley.

Day 5

Visit the Ihlara Valley including painted cave churches,Güzelyurt (Karballa),the birthplace of St. Gregory of Nazianzus and the underground city of Kaymaklý.Return to hotel for overnight.

Day 6

Early departure to Konya.Visit the Mevlana Museum and the 13th century Whirling Dervish Monastery.After lunch,drive to Antalya.

Day 7

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 site's extensive ruins.Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 8

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

Day 9

Today we'll 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. John's Monastery.Return to Kusadasi for overnight.

Day 10

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.

Day 11

After Mass at the Church of St. Polycarp,travel to Sardes,the capital city 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.Balance of the afternoon is free to explore the city and its ancient bazaar.Overnight in Izmir.

Day 12

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 Gren Mosque and the Green Mousoloum.Overnight in Bursa.

Day 13

Drive to Iznik (ancient Nicaea) 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 St. 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 at leisure.

Extra Information

Extras -

Terms and Conditions for Tours

The trip costs include:
Accommodation, land transportation, domestic flights, guided tours, site fees,
breakfasts at the hotels, an arrival dinner, one midday meal, and a farewell
dinner.

Not included:
International airfare, alcoholic beverages, tips, travel and medical insurance
and meals except for those noted above.

Group size:
The group size is flexible however smaller groups are preferred. Groups no
larger than ten are preferable.
































Itinerary:
The itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. Celsus Travel reserves
the right to make adjustments or changes based on unexpected unsafe
conditions, safety problems, health or weather hazards which may be
encountered on our tip.

How to make a reservation:
A nonrefundable 10% deposit is required to confirm a reservation.

Payment:
Full payment for each trip is due 6 weeks before departure. You may do a
wire transfer individually or as a group to Celsus Travel.

Cancellations:
If you wish or must cancel your trip the following cancellation fees apply:
One month or more before departure, 100% of fees not paid to hotels,
airfares or transport will be refunded minus the deposit.
Within 1 month to 1 week 60% refunded minus the deposit and minus any
fees paid out in advance.
Within one week, there is no refund.

Travel and cancellation insurance:
Celsus Travel highly recommends purchase to protect you from trip
cancellation costs if a medical emergency occurs.

Passport and Visa:
A valid passport and a Turkish visa are required for entry into the country.
The passport should have an expiration date at least 6 months after taking
the trip. The name on the passport and the airline ticket must match. One of
Visa Services found online can be used to acquire a visa but it is expensive. It
is pretty simple to get a visa at the port of entry. As you approach to Passport
Control look for a sign that will direct you to the Visa window. Show your
passport and pay US$20 and a Turkish Visa will be placed in your passport.

Special requests:
Every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. Please let Celsus
Travel staff know if you require a special diet or other considerations. Turkey
is not always handicap friendly.