Embark on a remarkable journey through the Cradle of the Holy Lands, a captivating tour that takes you through the sacred and historic sites of Turkey and Greece. This 16-day adventure combines the ancient wonders of two of the most influential civilizations in history, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of saints, kings, and philosophers. From the Byzantine marvels of Istanbul to the awe-inspiring ruins of Ephesus, and from the legendary Athens to the mystic Meteora monasteries, this tour offers a profound exploration of sacred, cultural, and architectural heritage.
Your adventure begins in Istanbul, where East meets West, with visits to iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. Then, journey through Turkey’s ancient cities, including Izmir, Pergamon, and Ephesus, which are rich in biblical and Hellenistic history. Afterward, cruise through the turquoise Aegean Sea to Greece, where you will explore the birthplace of Western civilization with stops in Athens, Delphi, and Kalambaka, home to the famous Meteora rock formations.
This tour offers a deep connection to the roots of Christianity, from the House of the Virgin Mary to St. Paul’s preaching grounds, while also delving into the rich legacy of ancient Greece and Rome. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking to explore some of the most iconic sites in the world, this journey promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Arrive in Istanbul. Our transferman will be ready to meet you at Istanbul Airport upon your Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Istanbularrival. After we meet you at the airport, you will be transfered to your hotel. Time at leisure, stay overnight in Istanbul. Including: Breakfast
We will spend an entire day visiting the highlights of Istanbul.First a visit to Hagia Sophia where the mind rises sublime to commune with God, feeling that He can not be far off. Also visit to Hippodrome is the largest in the ancient world.Then the Blue Mosque one of the architectural marvels of the world. continue our tour at Underground Cistern. Visit Grand Bazaar; it was built at the command of Fatih Mehmet shortly after the Conquest. It contains 4399 shops, 2195 workshops, 497 stalls and 18 fountains. After the tour, transfer back to the hotel, time at leisure. Stay overnight in Istanbul. Included: Breakfast
After breakfast visit to Topkapi Palace , As the
administrative center, for nearly 400 years, for the Ottoman Empire, which was
one of the greatest empires of the world, Topkapi Palace is certainly the most
important historical site to be visited in Istanbul. In 1461, less than ten
years after the Conquest, Fatih Mehmet ordered the construction of Topkapi
Sarayi a palace that would be known as Dar-s Saadet, the "House of
Felicity". Topkapi Sarayi remained the seat of the Ottoman Sultans until 1868,
when Abdlmecit I moved to the European-style Dolmabahce Palace farther up the
Bosporus. Transfer to the airport to take a flight to Izmir. Arrive in Izmir
and tCradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Pergamumtransfer to your hotel.Stay
overnight in Izmir. Included: Breakfast
Early depart from hotel for Pergamon. Visit to the
Asklepieion, one of the major healing centres of antiqity, Acropol where the
monumental buildings or heroons donated by the kings of Pergamon during the
Hellenistic period. The Temple of Serapis, built for the Egyptian Gods in the
2nd c. AD. and called as the Red Courtyard and dedicated to St John. Depart for
Izmir. We will visit St. Polycarp Church at Izmir (Smyrna). Stay overnight in
Izmir. Included: Breakfast
After breakfast drive to Thyatira whose remains include a temple and large church. Visit Philadelphia with its famous church of Philadelphia which was an important place for the spreading of the Christian faith. Continue on to Sardes, the wealthy capital of the ancient Lydian Empire and one of the most amazing sites in Turkey. After our visits at Sardes, we will head tCradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Laodiceao Pamukkale, where we will spend this night. Stay overnight in Pamukkale. Included Breakfast
After breakfast visit to the remains of the Ancient City of Hierapolis and the travertens. Drive to Laodicea which is mentioned in Revelations by St. John and in ancient times was known as "The City of Compromise". After visiting Laodicea, drive to Kusadasi. Stay overnight in Kusadasi. Included: Breakfast
We will spend an entire day visiting the spectacular city
of Ephesus. First we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary on top of
Mountain. A pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. Then proceed
to the Ancient City of Ephesus where you will explore some of the best
preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. A definite must while
in Turkey. Visit the Basilica of St. John, and the museum. Stay overnight in
Kusadasi. Included: Breakfast
Free time in the morning then you will be transferred to
Kusadasi port to embark on cruise. Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey -
PatmosCruise to the sacred island of Patmos, an island with an austere
physiognomy, where St John the Evangelist wrote the Apocalypse.
Overnight on board.
P.S. Shore Excursions on this day are not included in the
package rate.
Arrive in the island of Rhodes, Known as the Flower
Island , truly a crossroad of civilizations where the Orient meets the
Occident. Visit the acropolis of Lindos and in the old city the Grand Master's
Palace and the Street of the Knights.
Overnight on board.
P.S. Shore Excursions on this day are not included in the package rate.Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Santorini
Begin the day in Crete, the largest of the Greek islands;
visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the famous archeological museum of
Heraklion. 16.30 to 21.00 arrival Santorini, the most enchanting of the Greek
islands. Santorini offers a panoramic view; white washed houses, narrow
streets, open air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep hills.
Overnight on board.
P.S. Shore Excursions on this day are not included in the
package rate.Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Athens
Arrival in Pireaus Port; Athens. Transfer to our hotel.
In the afternoon, we will depart for a half day afternoon tour of Ancient
Corinth. The Canal of Corinth opened at the end of the 19th Century to connect
the Ionian with the Aegean sea. Ancient Corinth was a great naval power and of
strategic importance. At the same time it became a cultural centre which you
will see when visiting some of the archaeological sites. Later, it was invaded
by the Knights of Malta and afterwards was passed on to the Venetians. We visit
the Temple of Apollo, the huge Ancient Agora, the Bema where St. Paul preached
as well as the Odeon. The Archaeological Museum of Corinth contains objects
found in prehistoric sites of the region. Overnight at Athens. Included: Breakfast
Depart from our hotel for a half day sightseeing tour of Athens. Depart for Temple of Olympian Zeus (visit). Proceed to Panathinaiko Stadium cradle of the first Olympic Games took place in 1896 (short stop). Pass by the Prime's Ministers residence, Ex Royal Palace, (guarded by colourful Evzones) Zappion (Conference and Exhibition Hall), National Garden, Hadrian's Arc, St. Paul's Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown soldier, Schlieman's House (Nomismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Academy, University, National Library, Old Parliament, Constitution Square ,Russian Orthodox Church, Acropolis (visit Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion and Museum of the Acropolis ). Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at Athens. Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we depart from Athens for our Classical
Greece Tour. Drive to Delphi through Levadia and Arachova. Visit the
archaeological sites and the Museum. After visits, drive to the hotel in
Delphi. Check-in hotel. Overnight in Delphi. Included: Breakfast
After Breakfast at the hotel, check-out the hotel, drive
through Amphissa, Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka. After a lovely scenic travel
arrive Kalambaka, check-in hotel. Free time to Discover the city. Overnight in
Kalambaka. Included: Breakfast.
After breakfast, visit the breathtaking Meteora. After visiting the sites, drive back to Athens through Thermopylae and Kamena Vourla. We have stops at those cities to have short visits. Arrive Athens early in the evening. Check-in our hotel, overnight at Athens. Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Athens Airport, the end of our services.
