Biblical Journey

Hierapolis the city where Saint Phillip was martyred in 1AD is now a UNESCO world heritage site, it is remarkable that so much of the city still remains today and we can see clearly how daily life would have been the Theatre at Hierapolis, probably constructed under the rule of Hadrian during roman rule is one of the best-preserved theatres of the ancient world, with the front façade at over 300 feet long and still stands today. The Necropolis which translates from ancient Greek literally to the city of the dead is an amazing cemetery and a testament to the skill of the masons of that time, so many are intact and we can still read the inscriptions on them. Due to the natural hot springs here there is evidence of the town being a medicinal centre 200 BC with people of all religions coming for the benefits. The city of Hierapolis is also connected to the famous white pools of Pamukkale where we will also spend some time this amazing landscape has to be seen it is otherworldly with white pools like steps running down the mountainside
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Heading a little further north we come to Philadelphia, Sardis and Thyatira 3 of the New Testaments 7 churches. At Philadelphia mentioned in Revelations 3:12, we see the ruins of the Byzantine Basilica and also the remaining city walls. Sardis was the capital of the Lydian Kingdom where coins were first minted Jesus wrote of Sardis saying ‘I know thy works, and thou hast a name, that thou livest, and art dead’. Thyatira was also one of the wealthier of the 7 churches as it was a prosperous trade centre dealing in cloth, in particular, the purple-dyed cloth produced in the region.

We will later travel to Pergamon for our overnight stay.

As one of the 7 churches of Revelation, we will visit Pergamon also known as the seat of satan. The city had great wealth and liked to show it and built enormous marble monuments and buildings, once an incredibly powerful city the excavations brought forth some of the most amazing finds many of which are now to be found in the British Museum you will also see the remains of the famous Asclepion which is one of the antiquities medical centres, the Temple of Athena, The Temple of Zeus, The ruins of the Great Library known to have housed more than 200,000 of texts on parchment, the Temple of Trajan the theatre and Gymnasium and visit the Red Basilica converted from paganism to a Christian church.
Also mentioned in the gospels is the city of Smyrna which was persecuted and suffered greatly because it would not bow down and worship the Roman Emporer.

We will sleep overnight in Izmir

Today we will have a relaxed start and after breakfast head to Izmir airport for our domestic flight to Cappadocia arriving sometime in either the early afternoon or evening, depending on our arrival time in Cappadocia there is the chance to go on an optional Quad Safari Tour and also a Turkish Night Show both tours are listed below and will cost extra as they are not part of the Biblical Journey Tour Package. Alternatively, you can enjoy your free time relaxing at your hotel and resting ready for the next days full-day tour.

You will stay overnight in Cappadocia

OPTIONAL TOUR: ATV (QUAD) BIKE SAFARI
If you love adventure and want to see Cappadocia from a different perspective then our fully guided Quad Safari is suited to you. Ride on a sturdy ATV (quad) bike and experience this landscape in a completely different way. Our Safari starts at approximately 17:00 pm a great opportunity to see an amazing view of this ancient valley.

 - Evening -  
OPTIONAL TOUR: TURKISH NIGHT SHOW & DINNER
 Tonight's tour is a special evening organized not only so that you experience Turkish Culture and Traditions but also to have an entertaining show to help you relax. You will be picked up from your hotel in the evening and taken to a cave restaurant in the heart of Cappadocia, for a night you will always remember.

When you wake up in the Magical Landscape of Cappadocia you have the opportunity to take the optional Balloon flight that Cappadocia is famous for.

- Early Morning - 
OPTIONAL TOUR: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT
If you choose to wake up in the early hours of the morning to take advantage of a Hot Air Balloon flight, this experience can be added to the tour. This activity is famous in Cappadocia and is the perfect way to start the day by seeing the awesome views of the mountains from high in the sky. This tour will cost extra.

North Cappadocia Tour 
Today's tour of North Cappadocia Old Testament region of Caesarea will take us to see some of the most amazing sites of the area including the Panoramic view of Goreme Esentepe between Uchisar and Goreme is a panoramic viewpoint that shows the beauty of this wonderful landscape. Overlooking the town of Uchisar as well and the valleys dominated by the famous fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Here is the best panorama of the area. We will also visit the Goreme Open Air Museum with an impressive collection of churches, chapels, and monasteries that date back to the middle ages. As you are guided through you will view numerous frescoes that have been preserved. The museum is a must within the Cappadocia region.

Devrent Valley is well known for its moon-like landscape and small pointed fairy chimneys. when you arrive at the valley and there will be a time for a short walk through the unusual landscape. Pasabag is also known as Monks Valley. Famous for the three-headed fairy chimneys, a sight to behold. Next, we will travel to The town of Avanos famous for its pottery which dates back to as far as 3000 B.C. The town is scattered with little pottery workshops where the skills have been passed on down through the centuries. The clay used for the pottery is sourced from the Red River which runs through the heart of town. Three Beauties is a rock formation and a famous symbol and landmark of the town of Urgup. The three rocks come with a legendary story, be sure to ask your guide for the full story.

South Cappadocia tour 
Today's full-day tour is of the land of Ancient biblical Caesarea modern day Cappadocia and will complement the previous day's tour, South Cappadocia has some incredible sights to see including Meskendir Valley home to a small church where the ceiling has been carved out into a cross formation that is decorated in geometric red frescos. Rose Valley is situated just behind Urgup, but what makes it so interesting are all the walking tracks that link up each nearby village and small settlements. There are vineyards and gardens throughout the valley.

Next, we move on to Red Valley which gets its name from the layers of different coloured rock formations that give it a predominantly red colour. Cavusin Village is a labyrinth of rock houses that make up the town. It is one of the oldest areas within Cappadocia you will admire the amazing feat of how the locals dug into these rocks to create these homes, some of which date back several centuries. The village is also famous for housing the Church of John the Baptist which dates back to the 5th Century. Underground City is next and the Christians who populated this area created these amazing and complicated cities when they were fleeing persecution back in the 14th Century. Some of the underground cities date back further. The architecture and structure of the cities is astounding, they include schools, cellars and even animal stables.

Your tour guide will walk you through how these people lived in ancient times trying to flee from persecution. Pigeon Valley filled everywhere you look with small holes for the birds is a sight to behold. In the centre of Uchisar is one of the largest rock formations in Cappadocia, known as the Castle of Uchisar. It is also the highest point of all Cappadocia, which allows for amazing views over the whole region.

Overnight stay will be in Cappadocia

On your last morning with us, you will enjoy a good breakfast before we transfer you to the Airport for your return flight.
You have the option with this tour of either returning to Istanbul or flying to Izmir. Your return flight will need to be confirmed at time of booking.
We wish you a fond farewell and hope that you have enjoyed your week with us.