turkey, byzantium and the seven congregations
turkey, byzantium and the seven congregations
$3,509
USD
$3,509 USD | 14 days
Tab 1
Day
Location
Details
May8
Departure from USA
Day 1 - Thursday
Departure out of JFK to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines
Departure out of JFK to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines
May9
ISTANBUL
Day 2 - Friday
Upon arrive in Istanbul meet your tour director and transfer to hotel for check-in. Dinner & overnight in Istanbul
Upon arrive in Istanbul meet your tour director and transfer to hotel for check-in. Dinner & overnight in Istanbul
May10
ISTANBUL
Day 3 - Saturday
Today we visit the Topkapi Palace Museum, the first Great Imperial Palace of Ottoman Dynasty. Followed by the Blue Mosque, a 16th century religious centre. We proceed to Hagia Sophia Mosque & Museum which is a unique combination of Christianity and Islam in the same holding place. Continuing our day we visit Hippodrome square where horse carriage and gladiator fights took place during the Byzantian Empire. Our final stop is the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Overnight in Istanbul
Today we visit the Topkapi Palace Museum, the first Great Imperial Palace of Ottoman Dynasty. Followed by the Blue Mosque, a 16th century religious centre. We proceed to Hagia Sophia Mosque & Museum which is a unique combination of Christianity and Islam in the same holding place. Continuing our day we visit Hippodrome square where horse carriage and gladiator fights took place during the Byzantian Empire. Our final stop is the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Overnight in Istanbul
May11
ISTANBUL
Day 4 - Sunday
The day starts with a visit to the atmospheric Spice Bazaar. Built in 1664 as a part of Yeni Camil complex. We then proceed to take a Bosphorus boat tour and soak in the sights and sounds of Turkey's Asia and Europe sector as we cruise through this water channel that is the very beat of life in Istanbul. Back on dry land we visit the Rumelihisari Fortress which was built in 1452 and was used to control ships passing through the Bosphorus and later repurposed as a prison in the 16th century.
Overnight in Istanbul
The day starts with a visit to the atmospheric Spice Bazaar. Built in 1664 as a part of Yeni Camil complex. We then proceed to take a Bosphorus boat tour and soak in the sights and sounds of Turkey's Asia and Europe sector as we cruise through this water channel that is the very beat of life in Istanbul. Back on dry land we visit the Rumelihisari Fortress which was built in 1452 and was used to control ships passing through the Bosphorus and later repurposed as a prison in the 16th century.
Overnight in Istanbul
May12
ISTANBUL, CAPPADOCIA
Day 5 - Monday
After breakfast we transfer to Istanbul Airport for a flight to Cappadocia. Today we visit Avanos Pottery Village and Art Center on the banks of the Red Rivera where we will see local people make their hand made potteries. We will then make our way to Esentepe Hill and Fairy Chimneys Valley for a panoramic view point of the moon landscape of Cappadocia. Then we partake in one of the most exciting adventures in Cappadocia, an off road Jeep Safari Adventure where we will be taken to hard to find places away from the crowds for spectacular views and the excitement of traveling off road in the unique landscapes of Cappadocia.
Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia
Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia
May13
CAPPADOCIA
Day 6 - Tuesday
Today we take a Turkish carpet weaving course. We also visit Goreme open air Museum with its fascinating frescoed rock churches and chapels. We visit Pigeon Valley-a great photo spot to see the valley of Goreme with a bird eye view. We also visit Uchisar "castle" Village and Kaymakli Underground City which was once a place of refuge for early Christians. Dinner & overnight in Cappadocia
OPTIONAL Hot Air Ballooning is offered today for extra cost
Today we take a Turkish carpet weaving course. We also visit Goreme open air Museum with its fascinating frescoed rock churches and chapels. We visit Pigeon Valley-a great photo spot to see the valley of Goreme with a bird eye view. We also visit Uchisar "castle" Village and Kaymakli Underground City which was once a place of refuge for early Christians. Dinner & overnight in Cappadocia
OPTIONAL Hot Air Ballooning is offered today for extra cost
May14
CAPPADOCIA, ANTALYA
Day 7 - Wednesday
Today we drive to Antalya. Along the way we will stop at an ancient Caravanserai (Tepesi Delikhan). In ancient times, a caravanserai was a roadside inn where travelers could rest and recover from the day's journey. We will also visit Akyokus Nature Park, a nature park since 2011 with a rich flora landscape over 21.362 hectares.
Dinner & overnight in Antalya
Today we drive to Antalya. Along the way we will stop at an ancient Caravanserai (Tepesi Delikhan). In ancient times, a caravanserai was a roadside inn where travelers could rest and recover from the day's journey. We will also visit Akyokus Nature Park, a nature park since 2011 with a rich flora landscape over 21.362 hectares.
Dinner & overnight in Antalya
May15
ANTALYA
Day 8 - Thursday
This morning we visit the Aspendos Theater which was built in honor of the famous emperor Marcus Aurelius, who ruled from 161 to 180 AD. There are 39 rows of seats and when packed to capacity, the structure can hold about 20, 000 spectators. Your afternoon will be at leisure today. Dinner & overnight in Antalya
This morning we visit the Aspendos Theater which was built in honor of the famous emperor Marcus Aurelius, who ruled from 161 to 180 AD. There are 39 rows of seats and when packed to capacity, the structure can hold about 20, 000 spectators. Your afternoon will be at leisure today. Dinner & overnight in Antalya
May16
ANTALYA, PAMUKKALE
Day 9 - Friday
Today we make our way to Pamukkale. Along the way we will stop at Laodicea. In ancient times, Laodicea was a key city in the area, important for trade and as an important Christian site. Laodicea lies a few hours to the north of modern Denizli. Continuing our day, we visit the extensive ruins of Hierapolis which is known for its thermal baths and health centre. Thereafter, see "Cotton Castle" Pamukkale's magical and unique terraces & castles created by deposits of white limestone from thermal springs. Dinner & Overnight in Pamukkale
Today we make our way to Pamukkale. Along the way we will stop at Laodicea. In ancient times, Laodicea was a key city in the area, important for trade and as an important Christian site. Laodicea lies a few hours to the north of modern Denizli. Continuing our day, we visit the extensive ruins of Hierapolis which is known for its thermal baths and health centre. Thereafter, see "Cotton Castle" Pamukkale's magical and unique terraces & castles created by deposits of white limestone from thermal springs. Dinner & Overnight in Pamukkale
May17
PAMUKKALE, PHILEDELPHIA, SARDIS, IZMIR
Day 10 - Saturday
Our first stop today is Philadelphia which was a thriving city under Roman rule. Modern day Alasehir is a titular see of the Roman Catholic Church. The Church of St John and the St Jean Church are the key remaining Christian sites in the city. We proceed to Sardis ancient city which was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, one of the important cities of the Persian Empire. The seat of a Seleucid Satrap, and the metropolis of the province Lydia in later Roman and Byzantine times. As one of the seven churches of Asia, it was addressed in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, in terms which seem to imply that its church members did not finish what they started, that they were about image and not substance. Dinner & overnight in Izmir
Our first stop today is Philadelphia which was a thriving city under Roman rule. Modern day Alasehir is a titular see of the Roman Catholic Church. The Church of St John and the St Jean Church are the key remaining Christian sites in the city. We proceed to Sardis ancient city which was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, one of the important cities of the Persian Empire. The seat of a Seleucid Satrap, and the metropolis of the province Lydia in later Roman and Byzantine times. As one of the seven churches of Asia, it was addressed in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, in terms which seem to imply that its church members did not finish what they started, that they were about image and not substance. Dinner & overnight in Izmir
May18
IZMIR, THYATIRA, PERGAMON
Day 11 - Sunday
This morning we visit Pergamon Acropolis Ancient city, we will go up to Acropolis with a cable car, with an amazing view of Pergamon along the way. Acropolis is at a height of 300 metters. The palaces of Pergamon kings, the theater, holy grounds, temples, the agora, gymnasion, heroon and other Roman era remnants can be found on this magnificent peak. Continuing our day, we will visit Thyatira, in the early Christian period, Thyateira was home to a significant Christian church mentioned as one of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation. During one of his journeys, the Apostle Paul may have visited Thyateira with Silas.
Dinner & overnight in Izmir
This morning we visit Pergamon Acropolis Ancient city, we will go up to Acropolis with a cable car, with an amazing view of Pergamon along the way. Acropolis is at a height of 300 metters. The palaces of Pergamon kings, the theater, holy grounds, temples, the agora, gymnasion, heroon and other Roman era remnants can be found on this magnificent peak. Continuing our day, we will visit Thyatira, in the early Christian period, Thyateira was home to a significant Christian church mentioned as one of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation. During one of his journeys, the Apostle Paul may have visited Thyateira with Silas.
Dinner & overnight in Izmir
May19
IZMIR, EPHESUS, MILETOS
Day 12 - Monday
Today we head to Ephesus ancient city one of the world's most outstanding archaeological sites. Walk in its well-preserved marble streets to the Library of Celsius, the Odeon, Grand Theatre, Temple of Hadrian, Roman Bath etc. Our next stop is the ancient city of Miletos. The ancient city is located on a hill close the Aegean Sea and from there you can observe and admire the natural setting. Miletos has a theatre that was built during the 4th century BC and the Roman Bath of Faustina.
Dinner & overnight in Izmir
Today we head to Ephesus ancient city one of the world's most outstanding archaeological sites. Walk in its well-preserved marble streets to the Library of Celsius, the Odeon, Grand Theatre, Temple of Hadrian, Roman Bath etc. Our next stop is the ancient city of Miletos. The ancient city is located on a hill close the Aegean Sea and from there you can observe and admire the natural setting. Miletos has a theatre that was built during the 4th century BC and the Roman Bath of Faustina.
Dinner & overnight in Izmir
May20
IZMIR, ISTANBUL
Day 13 - Tuesday
This morning we visit Smyrna Ancient Agora. It was founded at the end of the 4th Century BC immediately following the reign of Alexander the Great. It served as Smyrna’s administrative, political, and judicial centre, as well as main hub of commerce and trade. This afternoon we transfer to Izmir airport for our flight back to Istanbul.
Overnight in Istanbul
Overnight in Istanbul
May21
RETURNING HOME
Day 14 - Wednesday
Today we check out of our hotel and transfer to Istanbul airport for our flight home with Turkish Airlines destination JFK airport, New York.
Today we check out of our hotel and transfer to Istanbul airport for our flight home with Turkish Airlines destination JFK airport, New York.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
All participants must review the Full Terms of Service here https://www.ihtours.com/terms-of-service/. These full terms of service will govern on all matters not specifically mentioned below.
If you have selected check as payment method, please make sure to mail to:
International Heritage Tours-ATTN: DK5041
7117 Bathurst St, Suite 200
Thornhill, ON, CANADA
L4J 2J6
PAYMENT TERMS:
A $400 deposit is required at the time of reservation. At 120 days before departure 50% of the final trip cost is required. Final payment is required 90 days before departure. All payments are 50% refundable up to 90 days before departure. Less than 90 days before departure no refunds are given. There is a 3% surcharge if paying by Credit Card, no surcharge if paying by Check.
TOUR PRICE: $3, 509 USD per person (LAND ONLY)
Price per person based on double occupancy. Single Supplement is $1,180 USD
INCLUDED:
* Domestic air on Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Cappadocia
* Domestic air on Turkish Airlines from Izmir to Istanbul
12 nights hotel accommodations at the following hotels or similar
- 3 nights: Radisson Blu Pera Hotel, Istanbul
- 2 nights: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cappadocia
- 2 nights: Ramada Plaza Hotel, Antalya
- 1 night: Doga Thermal Hotel: Pamukkale
- 3 nights: Kaya Thermal Hotel, Izmir
- 1 night: Raddison Blu Pera, Istanbul
* Breakfast daily + 8 dinners in the hotels and one dinner in Istanbul on the first night on arrival.
* One bottle of water per person per day
* All entrance fees as per the itinerary attached
* Government licensed English speaking tour guide
* Air Conditioned modern motor coach
* Arrival and departure Transfers for only those taking the group flight.
* All air taxes, local taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
* Lunches and three dinners when in Istanbul
* Tips to the guide and driver
DOCUMENTATION:
Please ensure that you are in possession of a USA Passport valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in Turkey. If you have a passport from another country, it is your responsibility to inquire at the appropriate Consulate if a Visa is required.
RESPONSIBILITY:
The travel agent and/or tour operator acts only as agent for the various companies; owners or contractors providing the means of transportation, accommodation and other services pertaining to the trip. All exchange orders, coupons and tickets are subject to the terms and conditions under which such means of transportation; accommodation and other services are offered or provided. The issuance and acceptance of such tickets shall be deemed as consent to the future conditions. International Heritage Tours will not be in any way liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or any irregularity in any vehicle or through the act of default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passengers or any hotel proprietor, personnel or servant of any other person, resulting loss or additional expenses due to delay or changes in connection herewith. International Heritage Tours cannot accept the responsibility for changes in transportation schedule or other causes. The right is reserved to accept or retain any person as a member of any tour, or to change or withdraw the tour as circumstances demand. Each exchange coupon, order or ticket is to be regarded as one contracted by or on behalf of the particular company or person named on it.
FORCE MAJEURE:
In no event shall the Agency be liable for any failure to perform its obligations or delay in performing its obligations where such failure or delay is due to events beyond its control which prevents the performance of its obligations, including without limitation, nuclear or environmental catastrophes; natural disasters and extreme weather conditions; war, invasion, or similar hostilities; rebellion, revolution, insurrection; riots or civil unrest; strikes, lockouts and labour action; acts or threats of terrorism; epidemic, pandemic, or spread of disease; Acts of State or governmental restrictions; and loss or prolonged interruption of necessary utilities, communications or computer services. The customer acknowledges that the Agency, on behalf of the customer and anyone for whom the customer requests the Agency make travel arrangements, will forward funds to independent third party travel suppliers, and that once forwarded, these funds may not be recovered and/or refunded. Where a force majeure event has occurred, performance of the Agency’s obligations shall be suspended for the duration of the force majeure event, and the Agency shall perform its obligations when it is possible to do so. In any event, the liability of the Agency arising out of force majeure event shall not exceed amounts paid directly by the customer or anyone for whom customer requests the Agency make travel arrangements, to the Agency, and the Agency shall not be liable for any consequential or indirect damages or legal costs incurred by any party. In such Force Majeure cases a cash refund might not be offered, however the Agency may opt to offer the customer a future travel credit for the value of the tour.
All participants must review the Full Terms of Service here https://www.ihtours.com/terms-of-service/. These full terms of service will govern on all matters not specifically mentioned below.
If you have selected check as payment method, please make sure to mail to:
International Heritage Tours-ATTN: DK5041
7117 Bathurst St, Suite 200
Thornhill, ON, CANADA
L4J 2J6
PAYMENT TERMS:
A $400 deposit is required at the time of reservation. At 120 days before departure 50% of the final trip cost is required. Final payment is required 90 days before departure. All payments are 50% refundable up to 90 days before departure. Less than 90 days before departure no refunds are given. There is a 3% surcharge if paying by Credit Card, no surcharge if paying by Check.
TOUR PRICE: $3, 509 USD per person (LAND ONLY)
Price per person based on double occupancy. Single Supplement is $1,180 USD
INCLUDED:
* Domestic air on Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Cappadocia
* Domestic air on Turkish Airlines from Izmir to Istanbul
12 nights hotel accommodations at the following hotels or similar
- 3 nights: Radisson Blu Pera Hotel, Istanbul
- 2 nights: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cappadocia
- 2 nights: Ramada Plaza Hotel, Antalya
- 1 night: Doga Thermal Hotel: Pamukkale
- 3 nights: Kaya Thermal Hotel, Izmir
- 1 night: Raddison Blu Pera, Istanbul
* Breakfast daily + 8 dinners in the hotels and one dinner in Istanbul on the first night on arrival.
* One bottle of water per person per day
* All entrance fees as per the itinerary attached
* Government licensed English speaking tour guide
* Air Conditioned modern motor coach
* Arrival and departure Transfers for only those taking the group flight.
* All air taxes, local taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
* Lunches and three dinners when in Istanbul
* Tips to the guide and driver
DOCUMENTATION:
Please ensure that you are in possession of a USA Passport valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in Turkey. If you have a passport from another country, it is your responsibility to inquire at the appropriate Consulate if a Visa is required.
RESPONSIBILITY:
The travel agent and/or tour operator acts only as agent for the various companies; owners or contractors providing the means of transportation, accommodation and other services pertaining to the trip. All exchange orders, coupons and tickets are subject to the terms and conditions under which such means of transportation; accommodation and other services are offered or provided. The issuance and acceptance of such tickets shall be deemed as consent to the future conditions. International Heritage Tours will not be in any way liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or any irregularity in any vehicle or through the act of default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passengers or any hotel proprietor, personnel or servant of any other person, resulting loss or additional expenses due to delay or changes in connection herewith. International Heritage Tours cannot accept the responsibility for changes in transportation schedule or other causes. The right is reserved to accept or retain any person as a member of any tour, or to change or withdraw the tour as circumstances demand. Each exchange coupon, order or ticket is to be regarded as one contracted by or on behalf of the particular company or person named on it.
FORCE MAJEURE:
In no event shall the Agency be liable for any failure to perform its obligations or delay in performing its obligations where such failure or delay is due to events beyond its control which prevents the performance of its obligations, including without limitation, nuclear or environmental catastrophes; natural disasters and extreme weather conditions; war, invasion, or similar hostilities; rebellion, revolution, insurrection; riots or civil unrest; strikes, lockouts and labour action; acts or threats of terrorism; epidemic, pandemic, or spread of disease; Acts of State or governmental restrictions; and loss or prolonged interruption of necessary utilities, communications or computer services. The customer acknowledges that the Agency, on behalf of the customer and anyone for whom the customer requests the Agency make travel arrangements, will forward funds to independent third party travel suppliers, and that once forwarded, these funds may not be recovered and/or refunded. Where a force majeure event has occurred, performance of the Agency’s obligations shall be suspended for the duration of the force majeure event, and the Agency shall perform its obligations when it is possible to do so. In any event, the liability of the Agency arising out of force majeure event shall not exceed amounts paid directly by the customer or anyone for whom customer requests the Agency make travel arrangements, to the Agency, and the Agency shall not be liable for any consequential or indirect damages or legal costs incurred by any party. In such Force Majeure cases a cash refund might not be offered, however the Agency may opt to offer the customer a future travel credit for the value of the tour.
**THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY IN THE ORDER YOU VISIT**