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FOOTSTEPS OF
ST. PAUL -TURKEY

TBD

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Day 1 (TBD)
DEPARTURE FROM US

Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight

flight to Istanbul. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight.

TBD
Per Person, DBL Occ., based on 25 pax min; Excluding Flights)

Day 2 (TBD)
ARRIVAL ISTANBUL (TURKEY)

Arrive in Istanbul where we meet the Tour Guide at airport and transfer to the old city for a half day tour. We begin out tour from the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul at Hagia Sophia. It played a very important role in the Christian and Islamic World. Erected as far back as the 6th century, the Hagia Sophia, near the Blue Mosque, began as one of the biggest Christian basilicas in existence

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But after the ottoman took over Istanbul, it was transformed into a mosque. Today, however, in post- Ottoman Turkey, it is one of the most stunning museums in the country, if not the continent. Admire the intricate mosaics and tile-work, as well as it's fascinating history. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD this church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. Its is famed for its mosaics including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses. Then we will visit Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, which held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. After the tour, we will check-in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight. ( D. Daily Mass)

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Day 3(TBD)
STANBUL(TURKEY)

Breakfast and full-day city tour of Istanbul. We drive by coach to the First Bosphorus Bridge and after join the cruise ferry leaving from Ortakoy dockthen continue its 60-minute non-stop tour to the Second Bosphorus Bridge and back. Having free time in the colorful town of Ortakoy before driving back to the city. We will visit the Blue Mosque which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior.

Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial Mosque with six iconic minarets. It is one of the most important sights in Sultanahmet—as well as in the Islamic and Turkish worlds—the stately Blue Mosque. A large dome roof, makes it one of visitor's favorite photo backdrops, while culture lovers will also admire it for its prominence and reverence. Inside, hundreds of stained glass windows illuminate the large main room, adorned with more than 20,000 Iznikstyle tiles. After lunch break we continue our tour at Topkapi Palace which, from the 15th to 19th century, was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans. No palace in the world rivals Istanbul's Topkapi, the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. Not only is it the largest palace in the entire world, itis also the oldest Stroll the engrossing rooms, painted with detailed artwork. Snap a photo in the illustrious harem quarters and admire views from buildings looking out over the Golden Horn. Final visit will be to the Grand Bazaar which was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4.000 shops are full of treasures — including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons and leather goods (B/D, Daily Mass)

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Day 4 (TBD)
ISTANBUL/PERGAMON/THYATIRA/IZMIR (TURKEY)

After breakfast, we depart early in the morning to Istanbul port in order to take the fast ferry to Bandirma. After a 2-hour trip arrival to Bandirma and drive to three of the cities that received the letters of John: (1) Thyatira (Revelation 2: 18-29), which was an important trade center in St. Paul's time, is now called Akrisar meaning White Castle. A letter to this Church was the longest of all the letters of the Apocalypse and the message it delivers is also among the toughest. As recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, Lydia of Thyatira was the Apostle Paul's first convert to Christianity in Europe. Her conversion came after hearing Paul's words in Philippi proclaiming the Gospel of Christ during his second mission journey.

Thus, Lydia became the first person in Europe to become a follower of Christ. Then we continue to (2) Pergamum (Revelation 2: 12-17), now called Bergama, once a busy trading center and famous as a "seller of purple," was the most favored of the Seven Churches. The church of Pergamum was praised for its purple," was the most favored of the Seven Churches. The Pergamurn

church characterizes —the church from the time of Constantine {313-600 AD). At that time Christianity became the official religion of the Roman state. In this way, the church began to spread around the world. Lunch at a local restaurant. We then continue south to {3) Izmir the third largest city in Turkey and a long-time center for Jews and Christians. In Paul's day, Izmir was known as Smyrna and was another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11). Overnight and dinner in Izmir. (B/D, Daily Mass)

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Day 5 (TBD)
IZMIR JO'SARDIS/PHILADELPHIA IF PAMUKKALE (TUKEY)

After Breakfast, we set off for a panoramic tour of Izmir (Revelation 2: 8-11), at the time it was called Smyrna, which means bitter. The origin of theword Smyrna derives from xmyrrh which was one of the components that served to embalm the dead (John 19:39). We will also visit the church of St. Polycarp and the ancient agora.

Continue for the city of Sardis (Revelation 3: 1-5), whose ruins bear near the present village of Sarte and Philadelphia (Revelation 3: 7-13). There, we will visit their respective churches. Philadelphia lies in a valley at the foot of a mountain plateau. The location of the city is now occupied by a small Turkish village name Shehr Allah, meaning "city of God". Then we drive to Pamukkale, one of the most breathtaking places in the world, stunning for its white waterfalls and natural swimming pools, where will indulge in its beauty. The day will conclude with dinner and we will stay overnight. (B/D, Daily Mass)

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Day 6 (TBD)
PAMMUKALE/LAODICEA COLOSSAE/ IZMIR AIRPORT/ CAPPADOCIA (TURKEY)

After breakfast we drive to the ancient city of Hierapolis. We will continue to Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) that is located at the site of the modem city of Denizli, where we will visit one of the seven churches. The hot springs of Hierapolis, mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Colossians (Col 4:13),meaning "Holy City", a UNESCO world heritage site, classified for its hot springs and the ruins of the ancient capital of Phrygia, where Saint Philip is buried and Colossus (now known as the villag of Honaz), whose church was mentioned in the Epistle to the Colossians. The hot springs of Hierapolis helped in the treatment of health problems, while the cold waters of Colossi were good to drink. Then we will drive to Izmir airport for our flight to Cappadocia. Arrive in Cappadocia and transfer to our hotel in Cappadocia. (B/D, Daily Mass)

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Day 7 (TBD)
CAPPADOCIA (TURKEY)

Cappadocia, an area in Central Anatolia in Turkey best known for its unique moon-like landscape, site of the largest underground cities, cave churches and houses carved in the rocks which dates back in the 4th century; Other notable

sites include Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls bytroglodytes (cave dwellers) and later used as refuges by early Christians. The 100m-deep Ihlara Canyon houses numerous rock-face churches.

Cappadocia has become a popular tourist destination because of it rich history and uniquely stunning landscape. Our first real encounter with Cappadocia almost Martian landscape is in the Dervent valley. We visit Pasabag's "fairy chimneys", where the voice of the wind harmonizes with songs of the fairies. From here we pause at Avanos center of terracotta art. After lunch we visit the famous Gorerne Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. We complete the tour with a visit to the underground ancient City of Derinkuyu, where early Christians lived in fear and faith. The houses in the village are constructed around the nearly one hundred tunnels of the underground city, which is one of the most interesting underground settlements in Cappadocia. Return to the hotel. (B/D, Daily Mass)

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Day 8 (TBD)
CAPPADOCIA (TURKEY)

After breakfast, depart our hotel to visit Red valley through Cavusin and explore the famous rock- cut churches and hike 2 km. Then visit Cavusinvillage. Old Cavusin was abandoned several decades ago due to avalanches, The current village of Cavusin is located on the road. Old Cavusin, with its rock-cut dwellings and stone houses, had several hermitages. After lunch drive to the Pigeon Valley and then to Uchisar to watch its castle. Our tour finishes with a visit to Mustafapasha (Sinassos), an old Greek town with its spectacular old Greek houses; very fine examples of late Greek settlement sand architecture. Return to the hotel. (B/D, Daily Mass)

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Day 9 (TBD)
LAST DAY IN TURKEY, CAPPADOCIA/TRANSFER TO KAYSERI AIRPORT TO FLY TO ATHENS (GREECE)

OPTIONAL: 1-Hour Sunrise Not Air Balloon Ride- at 5:00-6:00 AM, pick-up time from our hotel at 4:30 AM. Hot air ballooning is one of the most unique and popular attractions in Cappadocia. Discover the stunning landscape of the Cappadocia region of Turkey from o hot-air balloon! Admire Cappadocia's beautiful scenery of tall, volcanic rock spires and soar over the unique fairy chimneys and rock cut churches and coves. Breakfast at 8:00 AM then transfer to Kayseri airport for the flight to Athens, Greece, with a short lay-over in Istanbul. Bid farewell to your Turkish Tour Guide. Arrive in Athens airport, we will meet our Greek Tour Guide. Athens is one of the most glorious cities in the world and the cradle of western civilization as we know it today. Transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight in Athens. (B/D, Daily Mass)

INCLUDED IN TOUR PACKAGE

EXCLUDED IN THE TOUR PACKAGE

  • 12 night's hotel accommodation in 4*/5* on half-board basis (Daily Breakfast & Dinner) including one dinner in Athens at a Local restaurant

  • With 3 nights Cave Hotel in Cappadoccia

  • Flights from Izmir to Kayserri + 1 check-in luggage

  • Flights from Kayserri to Athens + 1 check-in luggage

  • Entrance fees include as per itinerary

  • Whisper sets

  • Porterage at hotels of 1 large suitcase per person (excluding on cruise)

  • All transfer & tours with Deluxe fully equipped motor- coach with A/C

  • Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner) as per program

  • Istanbul-Bandirma Fast Ferry Ticket

  • Bosphorous River Cruise in Istanbul

  • Private Daily Masses

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​NOTE: Pricing is based on DBI occupancy per person, 25 pax minimum is required; excluding flights if the group is less than 25 pax, the price can go up.

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  • International Flights

  • Travel Insurance - Strongly recommended!

  • Turkish entry visa

  • Lunch Meals on the land tours; Cruise includes all meals

  • Gratuities for tour guides, driver, hotel/room staff

  • Love offering for priest; Church Donations

  • Personal expenses

  • Airport Trolleys

  • Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia (Optional) - $270/pp

  • Group Shirt

  • Any other services not mentioned above

3-DAY GREEK ISLES CRUISE INCLUSIONS (MS CELESTYAL OLYMPIA)

CAN BE OFFERED AS OPTIONAL TOURS:

  • Cabin accommodations in Standard Inside

  • Outside Cabin Upper Deck, XA Category, MS Celestyal

  • Olympia with Add-on Option to Upgrade (at own expense)

  • Full board (Breakfast — Lunch —Dinner) during the Cruise

  • All-inclusive drinks package (unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)

  • Local guides used on cruise excursions

  • Entertainment on board

  • Port charges security and other services/tips (gratuities) included

  • Two Shore excursions included (Heraklion & Kusadasi- Ephesus) OR Her-02: Knossos Palace: First European Civilization; Kus-01:The House of Virgin Mary and Ancient Ephesus OR St. John's Cave in Patmos; depending on the ship's offer at the time of booking

  • TURKEY ONLY - $2723 Land only excl. Int'l Flights/ pp

  • DBL Occ.

  • GREECE ONLY - $2,860 Land + Cruise only, excl. Int'l

  • Flights/pp DBL Occ.

  • BOTH TURKEY & GREECE -$ $5,558 excl. Int'l Flights/pp

  • DBL Occ.

  • CAN BE OFFERED AS OPTIONAL TOURS:

  • **Installment Payments are provided**

OPTIONAL: We offer Travel Insurance Policies providing you coverage for

both pre-existing conditions and those that may arise during your trip,

including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and

so much more. Please call Xenia for details.

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