Biblical Turkey Tour (130739),Holiday Packages to Istanbul, Cappadocia

Package Overview

The House of Virgin Mary, Mt. Koressos, Kusadasi, Turkey
The House of the Virgin Mary is a Catholic shrine located on Mt. Koressos in the vicinity of Ephesus, about 4.3 miles from Selçuk, Turkey. The house was discovered in the 19th century by following the descriptions in the reported visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774–1824), a Roman Catholic nun and visionary, which were published as a book by Clemens Brentano after her death. Mary's House maintains a steady flow of pilgrimage since its discovery. Anne Catherine Emmerich was Beatified by Saint John Paul II on October 3, 2004. Catholic pilgrims visit the house based on the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John and lived there until her Assumption (according to Catholic doctrine) or Dormition. The shrine has merited several papal Apostolic Blessings and visits from several popes, the earliest pilgrimage coming from Pope Leo XIII in 1896, and the most recent in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI.Discount is offered to ordained clergy in the Roman Catholic Church: deacons, priests, or bishops belonging to the diaconate, the presbyterate, or the episcopate, respectively as well, as Catholic Sisters.Lunches, Travel Insurance optional, Supplemental Cancellation Protection
Tips to your guide & driver. Items of a personal nature.

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Day wise Itinerary

Day 1 : Depart USA

Depart USA for your overnight flight to Istanbul. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board. Be sure to take some time to meditate about the life-changing journey upon which you are embarking.
Day 2 : Arrive Istanbul

Upon arrival in Istanbul Airport you will find your luggage and exit the baggage claim into the arrivals hall where you will be greeted by our tour escort and/or driver. You will be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul. Attend a welcome briefing. Dinner and a restful overnight.
Day 3 : Istanbul

Begin our day with a guided tour exploring the ancient city including the magnificent Topkapi Palace (main residences of Ottoman Sultans) and the Byzantine Hippodrome that was the scene of chariot races. In the afternoon, visit St. Sophia Basilica, historic seat of the Byzantine church, built in 537 AD and now a museum whose mosaics, stained glass windows and decorated domes have been crafted to create an environment of breathtaking beauty. Enjoy a short walk through gardens and proceed to the Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet 1 built in 1616, famous for its unparalleled ceramic tile work. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4 : Istanbul - Pergamum - Thyatira - Smyrna (Izmir)

Embark on an early morning flight to Izmir. Upon arrival we drive to Pergamum, located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. The city, is “praised for its martyrdom and perseverance but those who hold false teachings are criticized” Here you will see the Acropolis famous for Greek & Roman Temples as well as the unique Greek theatre built into the steep hillside. Also visit the Asclepion, the ancient medical center for the Greeks. We continue on to Thyatira, known for its textiles and dyeing trade. It is now known as the Turkish city of Akhisar. It is “praised for its increasing faith and service” In the evening, continue to Smyrna, nowadays a modern Turkish city of Izmir. In ancient times it was in a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbors, commerce, and marketplaces. Our last visit is to St. Polycarp Church. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.
Day 5 : Excursion to Ephesus & St. Mary’s House

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Ephesus, which was the most influential capital city of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea. "Ephesus receives praise for its perseverance" You will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. We then visit the House of the Virgin Mary which was miraculously discovered hidden on a wooded hilltop. A pilgrimage site for many which has also been accepted by the Vatican. Finally visit the Basilica of St. John which stands over the believed burial site of St. John, who is identified as the apostle, evangelist (author of the Fourth Gospel) and prophet (author of Revelation). We return to Izmir for dinner.
Day 6 : Izmir - Sardis - Philadelphia - Pamukkale

After breakfast we visit Sardis, located on the banks of the Pactolus River in western Asia Minor. “The church of Sardis is described as dead, and it must wake up. End the day with a visit to ancient Philadelphia which was known for its variety of temples and worship centers. “The church of brotherly love that endures patiently” We continue to Pamukkale, the white Cotton Castle formed by lime cascades. Enjoy a leisurely bath in the warm mineral waters of your hotel’s thermal pools before dinner and a restful night sleep.
Day 7 : Hierapolis - Laodicea - Izmir

After breakfast visit the ancient City of Hierapolis, Philip the Evangelist’s home. Tour the extensive necropolis, churches and baths. We continue with a scenic drive to Laodicea located in the Lycus River Valley of western Asia Minor, a primary trade route between the cultures of the West and East. "The "lukewarm" church with a faith that's neither hot nor cold" We arrive in Izmir in time for dinner and overnight.
Day 8 : Cappadocia

This morning we will take a short flight to Kayseri and visit the “moon-like” topography and unique landscape of Cappadocia. Goreme with it’s chapels carved by early Christians and decorated with frescoes dating from the 6th and 10th centuries is an unforgettable experience. Visit the underground city of Kaymakli where thousands of early Christians lived concealed from persecutors in eight story complexes of subterranean dwellings. We will enjoy the picturesque views of this ancient and historic land as we make our way to our hotel. We enjoy dinner and a restful overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 9 : Cappadocia - Istanbul

This morning we visit a pottery making village of Avanos and the Byzantine monastic complex of Zelve. After free time for lunch we drive to Kayseri where we will board our short flight to Istanbul. We enjoy our final dinner together before retiring for our early morning flights tomorrow.
Day 10 : Istanbul - USA

After breakfast your escort will transfer you to the airport for your return flight home to the USA.

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Inclusions

Hotel
Sightseeing
Transfers
Round-trip airfare from your desired Airport book without airfare (land only option)
All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
8 nights at centrally located first class hotels: (or similar)
2 nights: Crowne Plaza, Istanbul
2 nights: Swiss Hotel, Izmir
1 night: Pam THermal, Pamukkale
1 night: Swiss Hotel, Izmir
1 night: Titanic Port, Istanbul
Transfers as per itinerary
Breakfast and Dinner daily
Wine with dinners
Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
Assistance of a professional local Catholic guide(s)
Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
Catholic Priest available for Spiritual Direction
Mass daily & Spiritual activities
Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
Flight bag & portfolio of all travel documents

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Exclusions

Lunches, Travel Insurance optional, Supplemental Cancellation Protection
Tips to your guide & driver. Items of a personal nature.

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Package Start From

Istanbul, Turkey, Europe

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

206 Tours Inc. View Profile

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333 Marcus Blvd Hauppauge, New York, USA - 11788
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About 206 Tours Inc.

Since 1985, we have been building a solid reputation and a very loyal customer base. We are committed to doing our part so that each client has an unforgettable grace filled journey.\r\n\r\nAll of our pilgrimages are accompanied by a Priest, who celebrates Mass daily, daily Rosary, and is available for Confession\r\n\r\nWe operate regularly scheduled pilgrimages (Tours 1 - 226) year-round, with monthly departures. We also offer many \"Special Pilgrimages\" - whose itinerary may revolve around a special event (Canonizations, Beatifications etc), or has been arranged by a particular group leader, priest or Church.\r\n\r\nDepart from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, and we will arrange you on the most direct flight, available at the time of your booking, from your hometown.\r\n\r\nIf you are looking to encounter God, in the very places where He has revealed himself, or, to experience these sites in a unique way, join us. Take in all of the sites and inclusions from our standard pilgrimage, along with lectures and stories, in the accompaniment of some of the Catholic Church\'s most revered members.\r\n\r\n206 Tours destinations: The Holy Land, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Medjugorje, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Greece, Argentina, Ireland, Germany, Hungary and Mexico.\r\n\r\nA Tour Guide will meet you in your arrival city, and stay with you throughout your pilgrimage until you dropped off at the Airport for your return flight home. Read More...

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