Extended Itinerary — May 15-19, 2012
Days 1-5 | Days 6-10 | Days 11-14
May 15: Depart for Istanbul
Depart from New York City (JFK).
May 16: Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul in the morning. After check-in at the hotel, begin the tour of this unique city that spans the continents of Europe and Asia. Walk along the remnants of the Hippodrome, a huge stadium enlarged by Constantine to seat 100,000 people. Tour Haghia Sophia, the largest church in Christendom for 1000 years and the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian. Descend the steps to the amazing Basilica Cistern, an engineering marvel. Tour the Dolmabahce Palace, a monument to the extravagance of the Ottoman Sultans. End the day with a visit to the fascinating Spice Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.
May 17: Istanbul
The tour of Istanbul continues with a visit to Haghia Irene, the first church to be built in Constantinople and site of the Second Church Council in 381. Stroll through the vast complex of Topkapi Palace, headquarters for the Ottoman Empire for 400 years (the tour includes the Treasury and the Harem). As time permits, explore the Archaeological Museum, housing a rich collection of ancient artifacts from around the world. Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, built in the 16th century by Sinan, the great imperial architect, as a memorial to his patron, Suleyman the Magnificent. Overnight in Istanbul.
May 18: Seleucia, Antioch
Board a morning flight to Antioch (modern Antakya), where believers were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:26) and home of early church leaders such as Ignatius and Chrysostom. Visit Peter’s Grotto and the Mosaic Museum. Drive to Seleucia to see the port where Paul and Barnabas (with John Mark) set sail on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:4). Overnight in Adana.
May 19: Tarsus, Cappadocia
Visit the city of Tarsus, the Apostle Paul’s hometown, to see St. Paul’s well and the excavations dating to the Roman period. Drive to Gumusler to see the ancient monastery there and continue to Cappadocia to enjoy an introductory panoramic tour. This spectacular region offers over 100 square miles of breathtaking natural landscape as well as dozens of ancient churches and underground cities cut out of rock. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Days 1-5 | Days 6-10 | Days 11-14