Tour itinerary

Day 1 – Istanbul (Constantinople)

Highlights: Historical Peninsula, Hagia Sophia, Church of St. Irene, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern

Introduction to Constantinople as the heart of Eastern Christianity and the site of the Ecumenical Councils. Reflections on the development of Christian doctrine and liturgy.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2 – Istanbul

Highlights: Fener & Balat, Ecumenical Patriarchate (Church of St. George), Greek Orthodox heritage sites, Balıklı Ayazma (Life-Giving Spring)

Themes of healing, pilgrimage, and apostolic continuity within the Orthodox tradition.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 3 – Istanbul → Izmir (Smyrna)

Morning flight

Highlights: Church of St. Polycarp, Ancient Agora of Smyrna

Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Revelation 2:8–11). Reflection on martyrdom, faithfulness, and perseverance.

Overnight: Izmir or Selçuk

Day 4 – Ephesus

Highlights: Ancient Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John

Focus on the Holy Family tradition, Marian theology, and the Johannine community.

Overnight: Near Ephesus

Day 5 – Izmir → Cappadocia

Morning flight

Highlights: Göreme Open-Air Museum, rock-cut churches with biblical frescoes

Exploration of early Christian monasticism and visual theology.

Overnight: Cappadocia

Day 6 – Cappadocia

Highlights: Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley churches

Reflection on persecution, refuge, and communal Christian life (Hebrews 11).

Overnight: Cappadocia

Day 7 – Cappadocia → Adıyaman

Flight: Kayseri → Ankara → Adıyaman

Highlights: Ancient Perre, Severian Bridge, Arsemia, Mount Nemrut

Experience Hellenistic ruler cults and monumental tombs.

Overnight: Adıyaman

Day 8 – Adıyaman → Şanlıurfa

Highlights: Transition from Hellenistic cults to biblical monotheism, Göbekli Tepe, Archaeology & Mosaic Museums

Overnight: Şanlıurfa

Day 9 – Şanlıurfa (Edessa)

Highlights: Balıklıgöl, Cave of Prophet Abraham, Firfirli Mosque

Edessa as a biblical city connected to Abrahamic tradition and early Syriac Christianity.

Overnight: Şanlıurfa

Day 10 – Şanlıurfa → Mardin

🚐 Short transfer

Highlights: Old City of Mardin, Church of the Forty Martyrs

Reflection on Scripture preserved through the Syriac Christian tradition.

Overnight: Mardin

Day 11 – Mardin → Midyat

Highlights: Deyrulzafaran Monastery, Mor Gabriel Monastery

Living witness of Syriac Christianity, the Aramaic language, and biblical continuity.

Overnight: Mardin or Midyat

Day 12 – Mardin

Free time, program conclusion, departure.