Travel 'N' Tours, Inc. - Specializing in Journeys of Spirit since 1987

Board your overnight trans-Atlantic flight to Istanbul. Relax and enjoy dinner, a movie, and a few hours sleep before arriving in the land known as Asia Minor.

On arrival at the ultramodern Istanbul International Airport, your guide will meet you to assist with the transfer to your hotel, which is located in the historical city center. All land transportation is by a private motor coach, specially designed for comfortable sightseeing. This evening, enjoy a festive “Welcome to Turkey” dinner. Overnight 1 of 2, Istanbul (D)

Day 3 – Touring Historical Istanbul

Begin your day of discovery in Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) with a visit to the St. (Haghia) Sophia Church – “Church of Holy Wisdom,” which was built by the Emperor Justinian. It was the largest building in all antiquity for more than 1,000 years. See its intricate mosaics and colossal central dome. Continue to the Topkapi Palace, occupied by the Ottoman Sultans from the 15^th through the 19^th centuries. There you will see notable religious relics, priceless jewels, and robes worn by the Sultans. After a break for lunch you will tour the Blue Mosque, built for Sultan Ahmet I. This distinctive edifice has six soaring minarets and is decorated with 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. Walk through the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome to see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Snake Pillar, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Wander the back alleys of Old Istanbul, and tour the spectacular, hidden underground Theodosian Cistern. Finally, there will be time for you to experience the alluring Grand Bazaar that houses more than 4000 shops! Overnight 2 of 2, Istanbul. (B)

Day 4 – Touring Byzantine Istanbul / Canakkale

This morning, tour St. George’s Cathedral in Fener, a Greek neighborhood. Since the 17^th century, this walled complex and church has been the seat of the patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church. Today, the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew I, resides here.

On November 29, 2004, Pope John Paul II manifested his desire for Christian unity by conveying the relics of St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory Nazianzen to the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew I, at the Basilica of St. Peter. In his message to the Patriarch, the Pope said that returning the relics to the See of Constantinople is, "a blessed opportunity to purify our wounded memories, to reinforce our path of reconciliation..."

Next, see impressive remains of the Theodosian Land Walls. With 11 fortified gates and 192 towers, the walls provided the Byzantines protection against invading armies for more than 1,000 years! Continue to the Church of St. Saviour in Chora, decorated with stunning 14^th century mosaics and frescoes depicting the life of Christ. The mosaics and frescoes, beautifully restored, are a sight to behold. You will also tour Eyup Imperial Mosque and Tomb, an important place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Following lunch, your motor coach will travel through the countryside toward the Dardanelles, the narrow straits that link the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Cross the straits by ferry and arrive in Canakkale, a quiet fishing port that was of major strategic importance during World War I. Overnight 1 of 1, Canakkale (B, D)

Day 5 – Troy / Assos / Ayvalik

The legendary city of Troy will be the first stop of the day. Here, see the infamous Trojan horse from the film “Troy.” Your guide will explain the complex city ruins, which are made up of nine different levels of occupation that cover a period of more than 3,000 years. Continue to the ruins of ancient Assos with its acropolis topped by the Temple of Athena, from which there are awesome views of the Aegean Sea and the Greek island, Lesbos. Assos was the site of Aristotle’s first school of philosophy, and it was from Assos that Paul departed at the end of his third missionary journey, returning to Jerusalem via Miletus. Enjoy some free time in the hilltop village and then travel down hill to the secluded harbor where there will be time for a seaside lunch. This afternoon, arrive in the town of Ayvalik located on the shores of the Aegean Sea. This quaint, historic town is filled with charming Greek houses (the town was once occupied by Ottoman Greeks) and is surrounded by scenic olive groves. Overnight 1 of 1, Ayvalik (B, D)

Day 6 – Pergamum / Thyatira / Sardis / Izmir

Ascending the Pergamum acropolis, be amazed by the unique panoramic view of the plain below (present day town of Bergama). Pergamum is considered one of the most impressive archeological sites in all of Turkey! The views are breathtaking from the 10,000-seat theater that is carved out of the side of the acropolis. See the Great Altar of Zeus. In this ancient city, where

parchment paper was first produced, tour the remains of the Great Library, which rivaled the library of Alexandria in Egypt. See the Palaces of the Kings, the magnificently restored Temple of Trajan. View the Temple of Serapis (the Red Basilica, a large brick and marble structure devoted to the worship of Egyptian gods and dedicated to either Serapis or Isis). St. John, writing from Patmos, referred to Pergamum in the book of Revelation (Rev. 2:12-17) when he sent messages to the seven early Christian churches of Asia Minor. John both praised and criticized the church at Pergamum, commending the church members for their Christian faithfulness while condemning them for tolerating people who held beliefs that John considered heretical. Explore the ruins of the Asclepion, one of the earliest known centers of medicine and healing where Galen treated his patients. Born in the year 129, Galen was one of the most important physicians of antiquity. Continue your journey to ancient Thyatira (present day town of Akhisar) first mentioned in the book of Acts (16) when St. Paul met Lydia in Philippi, who was described as being from the city of Thyatira in Asia Minor. Lydia and her household were the first Europeans to convert to Christianity. In the book of Revelation, the Christian community at Thyatira was praised for its “love, faith, service, and patient endurance.”(Rev. 2:18-29) See the remains of a 2^nd century Roman temple and colonnaded street, and a large Byzantine church. End the afternoon with a tour of the ancient site of Sardis with its Temple of Artemis, the fourth largest Greek Ionic temple in the world. Also see the unusual 3^rd century synagogue and the dramatic Roman bath-gymnasium complex. St. John wrote to the church at Sardis, warning them to remain alert lest Christ come in judgment upon them “like a thief.” (Rev. 1:11; 3:1-6) End the day in the city of Izmir, formerly known as Smyrna. (Rev. 2:8-11) Overnight 1 of 2, Izmir (B, D)

Day 7 – Touring Ancient Ephesus / Izmir

The entire day will be devoted to visiting the environs of Ephesus, the ancient city where St. Paul lived for two years and from where Christianity spread throughout Asia Minor. Your first stop will be the House of Mary, a pilgrimage site of great importance to both Catholic and Orthodox Christians, as well as Muslims, who come to pay homage to the Blessed Virgin. Although the current structure dates to the 13^th century, it sits atop the remains of a house that dates to the 1^st century. In Ephesus, see the reconstructed ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Temple dedicated to Hadrian, apartments and homes, fountains, the agora, and the fantastic Greco-Roman theater. During his time in Ephesus, Paul provoked the local silversmiths whose business of selling shrines dedicated to the goddess Artemis was being hurt because of his preaching. (Acts 18 – 20) Paul authored a number of his letters from Ephesus, and John wrote about the Ephesian Christians as being “praise-worthy for their works, their labor, and their endurance.” (Rev. 2:1-7) Tour the Church of St. John, a 4^th or 5^th century structure, which tradition says was built over the grave of the disciple. Conclude the day at the Temple of Artemis, revered as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Overnight 2 of 2, Izmir (B, D)

Day 8 – Philadelphia / Laodicia / Pamukkale

From Izmir, travel inland to Philadelphia (present day Alasehir), one of the 7 churches of Revelation “…the church that had endured patiently.”(Rev. 3:7-13) Visit excavations at Laodicia in the area of Phrygia “…the church with the lukewarm faith that is neither hot nor cold.” (Rev. 3:14-22) This afternoon visit Pamukkale with its unique and impressive calcium terraces created by underground thermal waters. Then, visit Hierapolis to see the Temple of Apollo, theater, and extensive necropolis. Tradition teaches that St. Philip was martyred here. Late this afternoon, you will have time to enjoy the healing properties of the thermal waters and then spend a restful night in one of the comfortable thermal hotels. Overnight 1 of 1, Pamukkale (B, D)

Day 9 – Antioch in Pisidia / Konya

Early this morning your motor coach will depart Pamukkale, traveling east toward Antioch in Pisidia. Paul and Barnabas visited Antioch during their first missionary journey, and it was here that Paul preached in the synagogue, presenting Jesus in relation to Israel’s history. Some who heard Paul received his message well while others resisted it. Even so, there were many converts to Christianity. (Acts 13) You will see the reconstructed ruins of a triple-arched marble gateway dedicated to Hadrian, the Tibera Plateia (a broad, colonnaded street), and the Church of St. Paul, one of the largest churches ever discovered in early Christian Asia Minor. Continue to Konya, known as Iconium in Roman times. It was the capital of the Seljuk Turks from the 12^th to 13^th centuries. St. Paul’s activities in Konya are related in Acts 14. Konya is also known for the whirling dervishes founded by the great Sufi mystic, Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. Visit the Museum of Mevlana and the magnificent Seljuk monuments, including the Karatay Medresesi and the Ince Minareli Medresesi, both now museums that contain ancient wood and stone carvings and beautiful Turkish ceramics and tiles. Overnight 1 of 1, Konya (B, D)

From Konya, travel on the Old Silk Road trade route and tour a traditional Caravansary dating from the Seljuk period. These “caravan palaces,” or inns, were used as fortresses during time of

war and as merchants’ inns during times of peace. Visit one of the hidden crater lakes before venturing into the territory of Cappadocia, an important center of early monasticism. In this region you will see Anatolian villages, where houses are built in caves, and life goes on today as it has for centuries. You might see villagers outside baking bread, drying fruit on their rooftops, or riding donkeys to their fields. At the Ihlara Valley, see an incredible gorge, flanked by sheer rock walls with 8^th and 9^th century churches and monasteries carved out of stone. Then continue to one of the extraordinary underground cities (Derinkuyu or Kaymakli) and descend through passages and tunnels into the strongholds that were once used by Christians who were being persecuted by Roman soldiers. As many as 20,000 people once

lived in the more than 200 underground cities carved from the rock. The cities were complete with keystone defense doors, and living, cooking, and sleeping rooms. There were even wineries to be found in these underground phenomena. Finally, travel through Pigeon Valley to see thousands of ancient dovecotes carved into the rock walls of the canyon. This evening you will be treated to an exciting performance of the Whirling Dervishes. Overnight 1 of 1, Cappadocia (B, D)

Day 11 - Cappodocia / Istanbul

This morning’s touring will begin with a visit to the enchanting “fairy chimneys” in Devrent Valley. These conical rock towers have been formed over millions of years by wind and water erosion, and now the area is protected as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Property. From the valley, continue to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex composed of churches, rectories, and homes. St. Basil of Caesarea developed the practice of monasticism in Asia Minor.

The museum features wonderful examples of religious frescoes in 10 unique churches dating from the 10^th through the 13^th centuries. Walk through a portion of the Pasabag Valley, also known as the Valley of the Monks. Here, lush vineyards grow among unusual, "mushroom-capped" volcanic rock formations. A number of the formations once contained chapels and dwellings used by Christian hermits, the most famous being the 4^th century St. Simeon. Driving by Cavusin Village, you will see abandoned troglodyte houses cut into the face of the rock cliffs. In the town of Avanos, a center of terra cotta handiwork since 3,000 BC, observe a pottery-making demonstration using the ancient kick-wheel technique. This evening you will fly from the city of Kayseri in central Turkey back to Istanbul (1 hour flight). On arrival, you will be transported to your Istanbul hotel. Overnight 1 of 2, Istanbul (B)

Day 12 – Istanbul / Bosphorus Cruise-Tour

The first stop this morning will be the aromatic and exotic Egyptian Spice Market, a huge covered bazaar where you can buy spices, caviar, and unique handmade crafts and jewelry. There will be time to wander through the market before boarding a ferry for a cruise along the Bosphorus

Straits. On the banks and hillsides of the straits, which separate European Istanbul from Asian Istanbul, you will see elegant, old Ottoman mansions, picturesque stone fortresses and marble palaces, and quaint fishing villages. Following an included lunch at a waterside restaurant, travel back to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon of shopping or sightseeing on your own. The highlight of your final evening in this exotic land will be a traditional Turkish dinner & show, complete with belly dancers, folkloric music, and entertainment. Overnight 2 of 2, Istanbul (B, L, D)

Following one last hearty Turkish buffet breakfast, your motor coach will transport you to the Istanbul International Airport where you will check-in for your flight to the United States. Due to the change of time zones during flight, you will land back in the U.S. later this same day. (B)

	Christian Heritage Tour Istanbul, Canakkale, Troy, Assos, Ayvalik, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Izmir, Ephesus, Philadelphia, Laodicia, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia An inspirational 13-day tour of discovery through Western Turkey "Turks welcome their guests with a genuineness of spirit and boundless generosity that defies superlatives." Lynn A. Levine, Frommers The Blue Mosque and Haghia Sophia, Istanbul Travel through Turkey on an inspiring 13-day tour of discovery that will reveal its incredible history, culture, and traditions --- a very important part of our Christian Heritage. The beauty of this ancient land cannot be exaggerated, and the affordability of Turkey make it an extremely desirable tour destination. Tour Code: Western Turkey
	Detailed Daily Itinerary: Day 1 – Overnight Flight to Istanbul, Turkey Board your overnight trans-Atlantic flight to Istanbul. Relax and enjoy dinner, a movie, and a few hours sleep before arriving in the land known as Asia Minor. Day 2 – Arrive in Istanbul (Constantinople) On arrival at the ultramodern Istanbul International Airport, your guide will meet you to assist with the transfer to your hotel, which is located in the historical city center. All land transportation is by a private motor coach, specially designed for comfortable sightseeing. This evening, enjoy a festive “Welcome to Turkey” dinner. Overnight 1 of 2, Istanbul (D) Day 3 – Touring Historical Istanbul Begin your day of discovery in Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) with a visit to the St. (Haghia) Sophia Church – “Church of Holy Wisdom,” which was built by the Emperor Justinian. It was the largest building in all antiquity for more than 1,000 years. See its intricate mosaics and colossal central dome. Continue to the Topkapi Palace, occupied by the Ottoman Sultans from the 15^th through the 19^th centuries. There you will see notable religious relics, priceless jewels, and robes worn by the Sultans. After a break for lunch you will tour the Blue Mosque, built for Sultan Ahmet I. This distinctive edifice has six soaring minarets and is decorated with 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. Walk through the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome to see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Snake Pillar, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Wander the back alleys of Old Istanbul, and tour the spectacular, hidden underground Theodosian Cistern. Finally, there will be time for you to experience the alluring Grand Bazaar that houses more than 4000 shops! Overnight 2 of 2, Istanbul. (B) Day 4 – Touring Byzantine Istanbul / Canakkale This morning, tour St. George’s Cathedral in Fener, a Greek neighborhood. Since the 17^th century, this walled complex and church has been the seat of the patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church. Today, the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew I, resides here. On November 29, 2004, Pope John Paul II manifested his desire for Christian unity by conveying the relics of St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory Nazianzen to the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew I, at the Basilica of St. Peter. In his message to the Patriarch, the Pope said that returning the relics to the See of Constantinople is, "a blessed opportunity to purify our wounded memories, to reinforce our path of reconciliation..." Next, see impressive remains of the Theodosian Land Walls. With 11 fortified gates and 192 towers, the walls provided the Byzantines protection against invading armies for more than 1,000 years! Continue to the Church of St. Saviour in Chora, decorated with stunning 14^th century mosaics and frescoes depicting the life of Christ. The mosaics and frescoes, beautifully restored, are a sight to behold. You will also tour Eyup Imperial Mosque and Tomb, an important place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Following lunch, your motor coach will travel through the countryside toward the Dardanelles, the narrow straits that link the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Cross the straits by ferry and arrive in Canakkale, a quiet fishing port that was of major strategic importance during World War I. Overnight 1 of 1, Canakkale *(B, D)* Day 5 – Troy / Assos / Ayvalik The legendary city of Troy will be the first stop of the day. Here, see the infamous Trojan horse from the film “Troy.” Your guide will explain the complex city ruins, which are made up of nine different levels of occupation that cover a period of more than 3,000 years. Continue to the ruins of ancient Assos with its acropolis topped by the Temple of Athena, from which there are awesome views of the Aegean Sea and the Greek island, Lesbos. Assos was the site of Aristotle’s first school of philosophy, and it was from Assos that Paul departed at the end of his third missionary journey, returning to Jerusalem via Miletus. Enjoy some free time in the hilltop village and then travel down hill to the secluded harbor where there will be time for a seaside lunch. This afternoon, arrive in the town of Ayvalik located on the shores of the Aegean Sea. This quaint, historic town is filled with charming Greek houses (the town was once occupied by Ottoman Greeks) and is surrounded by scenic olive groves. Overnight 1 of 1, Ayvalik (B, D) Day 6 – Pergamum / Thyatira / Sardis / Izmir Ascending the Pergamum acropolis, be amazed by the unique panoramic view of the plain below (present day town of Bergama). Pergamum is considered one of the most impressive archeological sites in all of Turkey! The views are breathtaking from the 10,000-seat theater that is carved out of the side of the acropolis. See the Great Altar of Zeus. In this ancient city, where parchment paper was first produced, tour the remains of the Great Library, which rivaled the library of Alexandria in Egypt. See the Palaces of the Kings, the magnificently restored Temple of Trajan. View the Temple of Serapis (the Red Basilica, a large brick and marble structure devoted to the worship of Egyptian gods and dedicated to either Serapis or Isis). St. John, writing from Patmos, referred to Pergamum in the book of Revelation (Rev. 2:12-17) when he sent messages to the seven early Christian churches of Asia Minor. John both praised and criticized the church at Pergamum, commending the church members for their Christian faithfulness while condemning them for tolerating people who held beliefs that John considered heretical. Explore the ruins of the Asclepion, one of the earliest known centers of medicine and healing where Galen treated his patients. Born in the year 129, Galen was one of the most important physicians of antiquity. Continue your journey to ancient Thyatira (present day town of Akhisar) first mentioned in the book of Acts (16) when St. Paul met Lydia in Philippi, who was described as being from the city of Thyatira in Asia Minor. Lydia and her household were the first Europeans to convert to Christianity. In the book of Revelation, the Christian community at Thyatira was praised for its “love, faith, service, and patient endurance.”(Rev. 2:18-29) See the remains of a 2^nd century Roman temple and colonnaded street, and a large Byzantine church. End the afternoon with a tour of the ancient site of Sardis with its Temple of Artemis, the fourth largest Greek Ionic temple in the world. Also see the unusual 3^rd century synagogue and the dramatic Roman bath-gymnasium complex. St. John wrote to the church at Sardis, warning them to remain alert lest Christ come in judgment upon them “like a thief.” (Rev. 1:11; 3:1-6) End the day in the city of Izmir, formerly known as Smyrna. (Rev. 2:8-11) Overnight 1 of 2, Izmir (B, D) Day 7 – Touring Ancient Ephesus / Izmir The entire day will be devoted to visiting the environs of Ephesus, the ancient city where St. Paul lived for two years and from where Christianity spread throughout Asia Minor. Your first stop will be the House of Mary, a pilgrimage site of great importance to both Catholic and Orthodox Christians, as well as Muslims, who come to pay homage to the Blessed Virgin. Although the current structure dates to the 13^th century, it sits atop the remains of a house that dates to the 1^st century. In Ephesus, see the reconstructed ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Temple dedicated to Hadrian, apartments and homes, fountains, the agora, and the fantastic Greco-Roman theater. During his time in Ephesus, Paul provoked the local silversmiths whose business of selling shrines dedicated to the goddess Artemis was being hurt because of his preaching. (Acts 18 – 20) Paul authored a number of his letters from Ephesus, and John wrote about the Ephesian Christians as being “praise-worthy for their works, their labor, and their endurance.” (Rev. 2:1-7) Tour the Church of St. John, a 4^th or 5^th century structure, which tradition says was built over the grave of the disciple. Conclude the day at the Temple of Artemis, revered as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Overnight 2 of 2, Izmir (B, D) Day 8 – Philadelphia / Laodicia / Pamukkale From Izmir, travel inland to Philadelphia (present day Alasehir), one of the 7 churches of Revelation “…the church that had endured patiently.”(Rev. 3:7-13) Visit excavations at Laodicia in the area of Phrygia “…the church with the lukewarm faith that is neither hot nor cold.” (Rev. 3:14-22) This afternoon visit Pamukkale with its unique and impressive calcium terraces created by underground thermal waters. Then, visit Hierapolis to see the Temple of Apollo, theater, and extensive necropolis. Tradition teaches that St. Philip was martyred here. Late this afternoon, you will have time to enjoy the healing properties of the thermal waters and then spend a restful night in one of the comfortable thermal hotels. Overnight 1 of 1, Pamukkale (B, D) Day 9 – Antioch in Pisidia / Konya Early this morning your motor coach will depart Pamukkale, traveling east toward Antioch in Pisidia. Paul and Barnabas visited Antioch during their first missionary journey, and it was here that Paul preached in the synagogue, presenting Jesus in relation to Israel’s history. Some who heard Paul received his message well while others resisted it. Even so, there were many converts to Christianity. (Acts 13) You will see the reconstructed ruins of a triple-arched marble gateway dedicated to Hadrian, the Tibera Plateia (a broad, colonnaded street), and the Church of St. Paul, one of the largest churches ever discovered in early Christian Asia Minor. Continue to Konya, known as Iconium in Roman times. It was the capital of the Seljuk Turks from the 12^th to 13^th centuries. St. Paul’s activities in Konya are related in Acts 14. Konya is also known for the whirling dervishes founded by the great Sufi mystic, Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. Visit the Museum of Mevlana and the magnificent Seljuk monuments, including the Karatay Medresesi and the Ince Minareli Medresesi, both now museums that contain ancient wood and stone carvings and beautiful Turkish ceramics and tiles. Overnight 1 of 1, Konya (B, D) Day 10 – Cappadocia (The Old Silk Road) From Konya, travel on the Old Silk Road trade route and tour a traditional Caravansary dating from the Seljuk period. These “caravan palaces,” or inns, were used as fortresses during time of war and as merchants’ inns during times of peace. Visit one of the hidden crater lakes before venturing into the territory of Cappadocia, an important center of early monasticism. In this region you will see Anatolian villages, where houses are built in caves, and life goes on today as it has for centuries. You might see villagers outside baking bread, drying fruit on their rooftops, or riding donkeys to their fields. At the Ihlara Valley, see an incredible gorge, flanked by sheer rock walls with 8^th and 9^th century churches and monasteries carved out of stone. Then continue to one of the extraordinary underground cities (Derinkuyu or Kaymakli) and descend through passages and tunnels into the strongholds that were once used by Christians who were being persecuted by Roman soldiers. As many as 20,000 people once lived in the more than 200 underground cities carved from the rock. The cities were complete with keystone defense doors, and living, cooking, and sleeping rooms. There were even wineries to be found in these underground phenomena. Finally, travel through Pigeon Valley to see thousands of ancient dovecotes carved into the rock walls of the canyon. This evening you will be treated to an exciting performance of the Whirling Dervishes. Overnight 1 of 1, Cappadocia (B, D) Day 11 - Cappodocia / Istanbul This morning’s touring will begin with a visit to the enchanting “fairy chimneys” in Devrent Valley. These conical rock towers have been formed over millions of years by wind and water erosion, and now the area is protected as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Property. From the valley, continue to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex composed of churches, rectories, and homes. St. Basil of Caesarea developed the practice of monasticism in Asia Minor. The museum features wonderful examples of religious frescoes in 10 unique churches dating from the 10^th through the 13^th centuries. Walk through a portion of the Pasabag Valley, also known as the Valley of the Monks. Here, lush vineyards grow among unusual, "mushroom-capped" volcanic rock formations. A number of the formations once contained chapels and dwellings used by Christian hermits, the most famous being the 4^th century St. Simeon. Driving by Cavusin Village, you will see abandoned troglodyte houses cut into the face of the rock cliffs. In the town of Avanos, a center of terra cotta handiwork since 3,000 BC, observe a pottery-making demonstration using the ancient kick-wheel technique. This evening you will fly from the city of Kayseri in central Turkey back to Istanbul (1 hour flight). On arrival, you will be transported to your Istanbul hotel. Overnight 1 of 2, Istanbul (B) Day 12 – Istanbul / Bosphorus Cruise-Tour The first stop this morning will be the aromatic and exotic Egyptian Spice Market, a huge covered bazaar where you can buy spices, caviar, and unique handmade crafts and jewelry. There will be time to wander through the market before boarding a ferry for a cruise along the Bosphorus Straits. On the banks and hillsides of the straits, which separate European Istanbul from Asian Istanbul, you will see elegant, old Ottoman mansions, picturesque stone fortresses and marble palaces, and quaint fishing villages. Following an included lunch at a waterside restaurant, travel back to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon of shopping or sightseeing on your own. The highlight of your final evening in this exotic land will be a traditional Turkish dinner & show, complete with belly dancers, folkloric music, and entertainment. Overnight 2 of 2, Istanbul (B, L, D) Day 13 – Flight from Istanbul to the United States Following one last hearty Turkish buffet breakfast, your motor coach will transport you to the Istanbul International Airport where you will check-in for your flight to the United States. Due to the change of time zones during flight, you will land back in the U.S. later this same day. *(B)*
	Sacred Sites & Holy Places of Christendom Istanbul (Constantinople) - Canakkale - Troy - Assos - Ayvalik - Pergamum -Thyatira - Sardis - Ismir (Smyrna) - Ephesus - Philadelphia - Laodicia - Pamukkale - Konya (Iconium) - Cappadocia
	Special Notes: Pricing of a tour is always determined by three factors – 1) dates of travel; 2) number of participants and number of Tour Host Benefits required; 3) and, special features and sites that may be added to the itinerary at your request. Generally, breakfast and dinner are included every day on “group exclusive” tours. However, some dinners may not be included should you join a standard, regularly scheduled tour departure. Please contact Travel ‘N’ Tours for further information regarding a “group exclusive” or regularly scheduled tour departure. Masses, prayer services, lectures, and special events can be added to any itinerary.