Highlights of Turkey

Depart for Istanbul. Overnight on the trans-Atlantic flight.

Enjoy a relaxing dinner and, if you like, a traditional Turkish bath experience at Çemberlitaş Hamamı which dates back to the 16th century. (D)

Today is full of surprises! After breakfast, we first visit the Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, and the three monuments: the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Column of Constantine. Then we go to the Hagia Sophia, previously known as the Church of Divine Wisdom. For 1000 years it was the largest church in the world. Then, we see the Topkapı Palace, one of the largest and oldest surviving palaces in the world. Our trip includes a visit to the Blue Mosque. We visit Basilica Cistern which is built in 532 A.D. Our last stop is the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world! Tonight, we have an optional Whirling Dervish Ceremony at the HodjaPasha Culture Center. You won’t want to miss this. (B,D)

We start our day at the Istanbul Archeological Museum which is one of the world's largest museums with over one million works. It is also the first museum in Turkey. We leave Istanbul and fly to Cappadocia and check into the Cave Hotel. (B,D)

At sunrise, you have the option of joining us on a world-famous hot air balloon trip. When you rise to the sky in Cappadocia, you can enjoy the bird's eye view of this Biblical region adorned with unique rock formations. You will feel as if you are flying on another planet. Then we embark on a new adventure in the famous Cappadocia, home to underground cities used by Christians to hide from the Roman soldiers. We go to the Derinkuyu Underground City. The region is mentioned both in the New Testament and also in Doctrine and Covenants 138:5. We see a pottery workshop that reflects thousands of years of history. Pottery production in Avanos has been continuous since the Hittites. We head to the Göreme Open Air Museum, the heart of Cappadocia. Göreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its frescoes that date back to the 10th century and depict the life of Jesus Christ. Then we continue to Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia where you can enjoy amazing views of the unique landscape. We overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

If it didn't happen yesterday, we have a another chance to take a hot air balloon ride (Sometimes the hot air balloons are canceled due to the wind or rain.) We drive to Pamukkale. En-route we stop at Konya to visit The Home of the Whirling Derwishes. We arrive in Pamukkale, check into our hotel and eat dinner. (B,D)

After breakfast, we explore the travertine terraces and Hierapolis. The Apostle Phillip lived and was martyred in Hierapolis. We see Cotton Castle, a natural wonder of gigantic white waterfalls, stalactites, and natural pools formed over the centuries by the sliding of waters laden with limestone salts from hot springs. You don’t want to miss a chance to swim in the Pamukkale antique pool between the historical monuments (optional). We visit the Hierapolis Open-Air Museum. Then we are on our way to Laodicea. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot” was told to the Laodiceans (Revelation 3:16) who were lukewarm. Laodicea is the last of the seven churches. We continue on our way to the city of Kusadasi. We are staying at the Charisma de Luxe Hotel. (B,D)

Today is filled with archaeological wonders: Our first stop is at an overlook where we can view the ruins of the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC), which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Next, we go to Ephesus, the second most important city of the Roman Empire. Paul lived here and it is widely believed that the Gospel of John was written here. It had a population of 250,000 and monopolized the wealth of the Middle East. It holds treasures such as the impressive Roman Theater which housed more than 25,000 spectators, the magnificent Library of Celsus (the third largest library in the ancient world), Hadrian's Temple, and Marble Street. We will also see the Terrace Houses of Ephesus, which are luxury Roman Villas. We visit the impressive ruins of the Church of Saint John, where many believe John to be buried. We then visit a world-famous Turkish handcraft village. We learn the process of carpet making starting with live silkworms at this award-winning carpet factory. (B,D)

This morning we transfer to the Izmir airport for our flight to Istanbul. We visit the Spice Bazaar, built in 1664, is one of the most colorful bazaars in Istanbul and offers numberless souvenirs, spices, Turkish delights, dried nuts, and more. We take a cruise on the Bosphorus. The Bosphorus Strait is the heart of Istanbul and this cruise provides the best view of many of Istanbul's most popular and beautiful attractions including the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Rumeli Fortress. This is the last day of the main tour. We eat dinner at the Hotel Arcadia Blue in Istanbul. (B,D)

Fly Home or continue with us to Israel.