THE HERITAGE OF TURKEY

Departures

Without a doubt, Turkey is one of the least known and yet most fascinating of countries. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, its history has been long and varied. Its more famous civilizations include the Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk and Ottoman Turkish, and all are harmoniously represented in fully preserved monuments.

Entering through Antioch, Christianity was carried by Paul, John and others along the coast and into the towns and cities of the interior, eventually finding its greatest proponents in Ephesus, Cappadocia and Istanbul. We shall find relics of the early Christian church throughout our journey.

Earlier departures of this itinerary filled very quickly we urge you to send your enrollment as soon as possible. Carefully selected hotels, an all inclusive price, an exceptional local guide and experienced leadership, ensure both a fascinating learning experience and a carefree holiday!

Itinerary

September 28, Tuesday: Depart CANADA
Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the overnight Air Canada/Lufthansa flights to Ankara.

September 29, Wednesday: ANKARA
We arrive in Ankara, the capital of Turkey since 1923, in the afternoon. The city, founded where several important trade routes meet, dates back over four thousand years, from the earliest Hittites to Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Turks. Ickale Hotel (1 night)
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September 30, Thursday: ANKARA / CAPPADOCIA
Departing the city, we cross the plains of the Anatolian plateau and visit Agzikarahan, a walled 13th century caravansary, en route to ancient Cappadocia, a rugged region of mountains and unique rock formations. Dinler Hotel (2 nights)
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October 1, Friday: CAPPADOCIA
Explore the surrealistic landscapes, created by the effects of volcanoes, wind, water and human hands. Visit the rock cut churches and homes in the Valley of Goreme, many of which are decorated with exquisite frescoes created by persecuted Christians over 1,000 years ago. This evening enjoy a Séance of the Whirling Dervishes, the cult dancers that put themselves into a trance through their dances.
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October 2, Saturday: KONYA
Visit the pottery making town of Avanos and the underground city of Kaymakli, an intricate maze of tunnels and chambers carved from the solid rock. Enjoy a rest stop at the best preserved Seljuk caravansary, Sultanhani, before continuing to Konya, home of the Whirling Dervishes and one time capital of the Seljuk Empire. Known as Iconium in New Testament times, it’s where Paul “remained for a time” on his first missionary journey. Dedeman Hotel (1 night)
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October 3, Sunday: KONYA / ANTALYA
Morning sightseeing in Konya will show us the Inceminare, the Mosque and Mausoleum of Mevlana, founder of the Dervishes and the Karatay Medrese (a former theological college). Departing the arid Anatalion plateau, we cross the picturesque Taurus Mountains and descend to the orchards and olive groves of the Mediterranean and the coastal resort of Antalya, ancient Attalia visited by Paul and Barnabas at the end of their first journey. This afternoon in Antalya we will explore the old Kaleici Quarter (full of small shops, friendly cafes and traditional architecture), view the charming little fishing harbour and visit the excellent local museum which covers the region's long history. Khan Hotel (2 nights)
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October 4, Monday: SIDE / ASPENDOS / PERGE
Step back in time as we visit three historic centres along the coast. Dating from 700 BC, the popular seaside resort of Side was once the region's largest seaport and trading centre. Today we find a modern resort with many interesting shops, the beautifully restored Roman bath and a free standing theatre which is the largest on the coast. Located inland, the ancient city of Aspendos is best known for its 15,000 seat theatre, one of the best preserved in the world and still used today. Founded around 1100 BC, Perge was an important city in Paul's travels. After his tour through Cyprus, Paul’s mainland missionary activity began here and he returned several times.
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October 5, Tuesday: PAMUKKALE
Turning inland, we cross the beautiful Taurus Mountains, passing through green valleys, snow-capped peaks and quaint villages. Our route today will take us to Colossae and past Laodicea (one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the
Revelation of St. John) en route to Pamukkale (known as the Cotton Castle). This plateau, rising one hundred metres from the surrounding plain, is faced by chalk-white stalactites that cascade down the face of the cliff. On the plateau is the holy city, Hierapolis, a spa and religious centre since before Roman times and the reputed place of Philip’s martyrdom in AD 80. Colassae Hotel (1 night)
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October 6, Wednesday: APHRODISIAS / KUSADASI
Crossing the valley to the south we come to Aphrodisias, one of the most important artistic and cultural centres of the ancient world, from which a wealth of archaeological discoveries have been excavated in recent years. Of particular note are the temple of Aphrodite and the beautifully preserved stadium that can still seat over 30,000 spectators. We follow the famous Maeander river valley, passing attractive little villages and dramatic scenery, en route to the Aegean coast where we will visit the Temple of Apollo in Didyma, one of the most sacred sites of the ancient world. Pine Marina Hotel (2 nights)
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October 7, Thursday: EPHESUS
With a history spanning some 7,000 years, Ephesus is one of the most important sites in Asia Minor. A major centre of worship of the Phrygian mother goddess Cybele (identified with the Greek Artemis and Roman Diana), the city was considered sacred to many ethnic groups. As far as we know, St. Paul spent more time here than in any other city, and it was here that St. John became leader of the most thriving Christian community in Asia. We shall spend the morning in Ephesus, strolling along the Sacred Way and seeing the restored facade of the Celsus Library and the great amphitheatre where St Paul was almost put to death. As a special bonus highlight we have included admission to the recently restored and newly opened Ephesus Villas, once the homes of the wealthiest residents of the city state. Later we shall visit the remains of the Basilica of St John and the chapel of the Virgin Mary, in its delightful hill top setting.
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October 8, Friday: IZMIR / PERGAMUM / CANAKKALE
Heading north, we'll make a brief visit to Izmir (ancient Smyrna, another of the Seven Churches) to discover its beautiful location and modern avenues. Follow the Ionian coast to ancient Pergamum with its Acropolis and Asklepeion, a centre devoted to the god of healing (in short, a hospital). Located here was another of the Seven Churches. Continue north to Canakkale and overnight by the Aegean Sea. Kolin Hotel (1 night)
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October 9, Saturday: TROY / ISTANBUL
This morning we will explore ancient Troy, so familiar to us through the account of the Trojan Wars captured in Homer's Iliad. Inhabited for over 3,000 years, the area reveals relics of its glorious history. Later we cross the Dardanelles by ferry and visit Gallipoli, site of one of the most infamous battles the world has ever experienced before we continue into Istanbul, a city where Europe and Asia meet. Our final three nights will be at the Crystal Hotel close to Taksim Square, in the heart of modern Istanbul.
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October 10, Sunday: ISTANBUL
Cruise the waters of the Bosphorus this morning with views of the old quarters of the city and fabulous summer palaces, located in both the Asian and European parts of the city. After lunch visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, former home of the Ottoman Sultans and the Kariye Museum, in the Church of St Xavier, with its exceptional collection of Byzantine Mosaics and the renowned St Sophia (the Byzantine Basilica that dates from AD 537). Finally we shall have some free time to explore the Grand Bazaar!
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October 11, Monday: ISTANBUL
First stop this morning will be the 16th century Ottoman mosque, Suleymaniye, which is dedicated to Suleyman the Magnificent. Continue with visits to the Hippodrome (the centre of Byzantine civic activities) and the sumptuous Blue Mosque (the 17th century Ottoman mosque, world famous for its minarets and rich blue tiles). Our afternoon is devoted to Topkapi Palace, an early residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the nerve centre of the Ottoman Empire. We shall explore the grounds of the palace and see the opulent jewels in the Treasury. This evening, we will have our Farewell Dinner at a selected local restaurant.
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October 12, Tuesday: ISTANBUL / CANADA
Our journey draws to a close as we board our flights to Toronto with connections to our homes across Canada.
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TOUR COST in CANADIAN DOLLARS

** Land only excludes return airfare, related taxes, transfers, fees and services.

Prices are based on airfare and exchange rates in effect November 2009 and are subject to change. Prices are based on sharing a twin bedded room with bath and on a minimum group size of 20 members travelling. An escort will accompany this group with a minimum of 20 members travelling. Members benefit from excellent group rates for included services – if group numbers do not reach the set minimums, supplements may apply.

CT Rating THREE: Tour members will experience considerable walking over uneven surfaces and in hilly conditions. Members should be able to walk a couple of kilometres and be in good physical health.

Tour cost and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($195 pp) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any booking prior to June 28, 2010 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50pp – this fee will not be covered by our insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment will be due on July 23, 2010.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $800 per person to Craig Travel's office.