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ANATOLIA DURING THE TIME OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
Approximately 60% of the names of the places
mentioned in the Bible are in Turkey. According to the
Old Testament, Noah's children, the animals he saved in
the ark began the repopulation of the Earth from Mt.
Ararat in the east of Turkey. Abraham's call to
greatness came in Harran in southeast of Turkey. This
city was called Ur of the Chaldeans. Archaeologists have
found that the Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians, Assyrians,
Cimmerians, Lydians and other civilizations who
were important to the Old Testament once lived in Turkey.
King Tiglath - Pileser the third of Assyria conquered
both Israel and Urartu. The people of the Bible left
records of their activities in Anatolia that span the
ages from Noah to St. Paul. Here in Anatolia rise the
two rivers that bounded Eden. Lake
Hazar south of Elazig in the Taurus mountain
range is the source of the Tigris. The Euphrates fed by
the snow and rain of the mountains in eastern Turkey.
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The Seven Churches of
the Revelation
Ephesus: Revelation 1:11, 2:1-7;
Acts 18, 19-28; 19:1-41 Ephesians
Smyrna (Izmir): Revelation 2:8-11
Pergamon: Revelation 2:12-17
Thyatira: Revelation 2:18-29; Acts16:14
Sardis: Revelation 3:1-6
Philadelphia: Revelation 3:7-13
Laodicea: Revelation 3:14-22; Colossians 2:1,4:13
-16
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ANATOLIA DURING THE TIME OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
Up until the unification of the major part of Asia Minor
under the Roman Empire, its history had been one of a
succession of small states. Roman control began in 190
B.C. When the Seleucid ruler Antiochus the Great was
defeated at Magnesia, and spread in 133 B.C when the
first Roman province of Asia was organized in the region
near Ephesus. Bithynia, Pontus and Cilicia came under
Roman rule. Shortly before the Christian era, Galata and
Cappadocia fell under Roman influence. It was in Antioch;
today's Antakya in southern Turkey that the disciples
were first called "Christians" ( Acts 11:26 ). The
destruction and plunder of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. by the
Romans under Titus was followed by a great emigrations,
conducive to the spread of Christianity in all
directions. The first Christian community came to
encompass the Mediterranean area from Syria to Spain.
Paul and his writings were very important in the spread
of Christianity and the blending of Hebrew and Near
Eastern thought. The period of the early development of
Christianity was one of peace and stability but after
the re - organization of the Roman Empire by the king
Diocletian in 297 A.D.,the area was again split into
small political units. Christianity provided a common
language and religion. |
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Tour Code LRT 151/A |
Istanbul Tour ( Daily) |
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After breakfast, visit
Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. After Lunch, visit the
Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern and The Grand
Bazaar.
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Tour
Code LRT 151/B |
Istanbul Tour ( Daily) |
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The famous Spice Market,
Bosphorus Cruise. Visit Chora Church after lunch.
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Tour
Code LRT 151/C |
Cappadocial Tour ( Daily) |
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Visit Kaymakli underground
city, home to early Christian refugees. Drive into the
magical surreal lunarlandscape of Cappadocia. Visit
rocky hills and valleys dominated by Erciyes Mountain (Mt.
Argeus). Cappadocia was settled by neolitic people then
became the home of Hittites, Romans, Early Christians,
Byzantines and Seljuks.
Visit Devrent valley, Pasabag rock churches, Goreme
Church Valley, Zelve rock monasteries, Avanos town,
Ortahisar and Uchisar rock castle.
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Tour
Code LRT 151/D |
Cappadocia Tour ( Daily) |
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Visit Soganli village
famous with its rock churches decorated with the frescos
from 14 th.cent. Drive to visit Taskinpasa Mosque,
Keşlik Monastery and Cemil village and its town church.
Drive to Mustafapasa town, after local lunch in an old
greek house visit The church of Helena and Constantine,
St.Basil Church, Sinassos Church and the church of St.Stephanos.
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Tour
Code LRT 152/E |
Ephesus Tour (Daily) |
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Start from your hotel or
from the airport for the visit of the world famous
great Ionian city of Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary,
where she spent her final days, Continue to visit the
Basilica of St. John and The Ephesus Museum.
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Tour
Code LRT 151/F |
Trip to Patmos (Daily) |
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LiritaTours arranges the visit
the Island of Patmos from Turkey only in the summer time
beginning on May until the end of October. For
individuals or groups, we would arrange a trip to Patmos
via Samos island departing from Kusadasi with an
overnight in Patmos due to ferry schedules in the summer.
Or you may choose to go on to mainland Greece from there.
For larger groups, we can arrange a same day visit from
Kusadasi (port city near Ephesus) to Patmos and return.
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Tour
Code LRT 151/G |
Seven Churches Tour (4 Days/3 Nights) |
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1st. day: Transfer to Istanbul airport for the
flight to Izmir. Arrival Izmir and transfer to the hotel.
Take a walking tour of Izmir (If Time Permits) to
include a visit to St. Policarp's church, the oldest
church in Izmir.
Overnight in Izmir.
2nd. day: Tour of Smyrna including a visit to
Kadifekale (Velvet Castle). Drive to visit the ruins of
Pergamum; the Acropolis and Asclepion (ancient medical
center). Then on to Thyatira and return to the hotel.
Overnight in Izmir.
3rd. day: Visit Sardis, Philedelphia, Laodicea
and Hierapolis.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
4th. day: Tour of Ephesus, the world famous great
Ionian city, The Churh of Mother Mary where she spent
her final days, St. John Basilica and Ephesus Museum.
Transfer to the airport for the return flight.
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Tour
Code LRT 151/H |
Seven Churches Tour (7 Days/6 Nights) |
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1st. day: Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to the
hotel .
Overnight in Istanbul.
2nd. day: Bosphorus Cruise, in the morning
and visit of Chora Church and the Spice Bazaar.
Overnight in Istanbul.
3rd. day: After breakfast, visit Topkapi Palace
and Hagia Sophia. After Lunch, visit the Blue Mosque,
Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern and The Grand Bazaar.
Overnight in Istanbul.
4th. day: Transfer to Istanbul airport for the
flight to Izmir. Arrival Izmir and transfer to the hotel.
Take a walking tour of Izmir (If Time Permits) to
include a visit to St. Policarp's church, the oldest
church in Izmir.
Overnight in Izmir.
5th. day: Tour of Smyrna including the visit of
Kadifekale ( Velvet Castle). Visit the ruins of Pergamum;
the Acropolis and
Asclepion (ancient medical center). Drive to Thyatira
and
Return to the hotel
Overnight in Izmir.
6th. day: Drive to visit Sardis, Philadelphia,
Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
7th. day: Tour of Ephesus, the world famous great
Ionian city, The Churh of Mother Mary where she spent
her final days, St. John Basilica and Ephesus Museum.
Transfer to the airport for the return flight.
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Tour
Code LRT 151/I |
Istanbul + Cappadocia + Seven Churches Tour
(9 Days/8 Nights) |
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1st. day: Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the
hotel .
Overnight in Istanbul.
2nd. day: Bosphorus Cruise, in the morning and
visit of Chora Church and the Spice Bazaar.
Overnight in Istanbul.
3rd. day: After breakfast, visit Topkapi Palace
and Hagia Sophia. After Lunch, visit the Blue Mosque,
Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern and The Grand Bazaar.
Overnight in Istanbul.
4th. day: Transfer to Istanbul airport for the
flight to Kayseri, Cappadocia Region. Visit Soganli
village and the rock churches,Taskinpasa mosque,Keslik
monastery and Cemil village . After having lunch in a
village house walk in Mustafapasa town and drive tovisit
Kaymakli underground city which is the largest of all
others.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
5th. day: Discover the surreal landscape of
Cappadocia. Visit The Fairy Chimneys, troglodyte
dwellings,and valleys.
Visit Dervent and Pasabag Valleys, Zelve and Goreme
Open air Museums famous with rockcut churches and
monasteries decorated with the 11th cent. frescos. Visit
Avanos town which is famous with Tile and pottery
workshops, Sarihan Caravanserai and Uchisar rock castle.
6th. day: Transfer to Kayseri Airport for a
flight to Izmir via Istanbul. Transfer to the hotel in
Izmir take a walking tour of Izmir (If time permits)
including a visit to St. Polycarp's Church, the oldest
church building in Izmir.
Overnight in Izmir.
7th. day: Visit The Agora of old Smyrna and drive
to visit Pergamum (Acropolis and the Asclepion – the
ancient medical center.) Visit Thyatira and return to
the hotel in Izmir. Overnight in Izmir.
8th. day: Drive to visit Sardis, Philadelphia,
Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
9th. day: Tour of Ephesus, the world famous great
Ionian city, The Churh of Mother Mary where she spent
her final days, St. John Basilica and Ephesus Museum.
Transfer to the airport for the return flight.
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Tour
Code LRT 151/K |
St. Paul's Journeys and Seven
Churches (10 Days / 9 Nights) |
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1st. day: Arrive at Istanbul.Meet your guide and
driver and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in İstanbul.
2nd.day: After breakfast, visit Topkapi Palace
and Hagia Sophia.After Lunch, visit the Blue Mosque,
Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar.
Overnight in Istanbul.
3rd.day: Transfer to the airport for morning
flight to Adana. Drive to ancient Antioch where we will
visit St. Peter's Church, the Mosaic Museum and Seleucia,
the port where Paul arrived.
Overnight in Adana.
4th. day: Drive to Tarsus, the birthplace of St.
Paul - visits to Cleopatra's gate, St. Paul well then
onto Karaman Museum on way to Konya. In Konya ( Iconium
) visit Mevlana Museum.
Overnight in Konya.
5th. day: Drive to visit Pisidian Antioch,
Colassae and Hierapolis.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
6th. day: Visit Laodicea and drive to Miletus.
Overnight in Kusadasi.
7th. day: Drive to visit Ephesus, the world
famous great Ionian city, The church of Mother Mary
where she spent her final days, St. John Basilica and
Ephesus Museum .
Return to the same hotel for overnight.
8th. day: Visit Pergamum and Assos.
Overnight in Behramkale.
9th. day: Visit Alexander Troas and Troy.
Overnight in Istanbul.
10th. day: Transfer to Istanbul airport for the
return flight.
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Tour
Code LRT 151/L |
Istanbul + Antalya + 7 Churches +
Patmos + St. Paul Sites (10 Days / 9
Nights) |
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1st. day: Arrive at Istanbul.Meet your guide and
driver and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul.
2nd. day: Visit Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.
After Lunch, visit the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica
Cistern and Grand Bazaar.
Overnight in Istanbul.
3rd. day: Transfer to the airport for flight to
Antalya (Attalia). Visit the ruins of Perge and Aspendos.
Overnight in Antalya.
4th. day: Drive to visit the ruins of Pisidian
Antioch, Colossae, Laodicea.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
5th.day: In the morning visit the ruins of
Hierapolis (Pamukkale) and drive to visit Didyma,
Miletus and Priene.
Overnight in Kusadasi
6th. day: Daily excursion to the Greek Island of
Patmos.
Overnight in Kusadasi.
7th. day: Drive to visit Ephesus, the world famous
great Ionian city, the church of Mother Mary where she
spent her final days, St. John Basilica and Ephesus
Museum .
Overnight in Kusadasi.
8th. day: Visit the ruins of Sardis, Philadelphia
and Smyrna. Drive to the hotel in Izmir.
Overnight in Izmir.
9th. day: Drive to visit the ruins of Pergamum,
Asklepios and Acropolis and Thyatira.
Overnight in Izmir
10th. day: Transfer to the airport for the return
flight.
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Tour
Code LRT 151/M |
Istanbul + Adana + 7 Churches +
Patmos + St. Paul Sites (10 Days / 9
Nights) |
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1st. day: Arrive at
Istanbul. Meet your guide and driver and transfer to the
hotel.
Overnight in İstanbul.
2nd. day: Visit Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.
After Lunch, visit the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica
Cistern and Grand Bazaar.
Overnight in Istanbul.
3rd. day: Transfer to the airport for flight to
Adana. Visit ancient Antioch and St. Peters Church, the
famous Mosaic Museum and Selucia.
Overnight in Adana.
4th. day: Visit Tarsus and see Cleopatra's Gate,
The Roman Street and St. Paul' s Well. Drive to Konya,
visit the Karaman Museum which has artifacts from Derbe
and Lystra on the way. In Konya City(Iconium), visit the
Archeologiçal Museum and Mevlana Museum.
Overnight in Konya.
5th. day: Visit the ruins of Pisidian Antioch,
Colossae, and Hierapolis.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
6th. day: Visit the sites Laodicea, Philadelphia
and Sardis.
Overnight in Izmir.
7th. day: Drive to visit the ruins of Smyrna,
Pergamum, Thyatira.
Overnight in Izmir.
8th. day: Visit Ephesus, the world famous great
Ionian city, the church of Mother Mary where she spent
her final days, St. John Basilica and Ephesus Museum .
Overnight in Kusadasi.
9th. day: Daily excursion to the Greek Island of
Patmos.
Overnight in Kusadasi.
10th. day: Transfer to the Izmir airport for
return flight.
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Tour
Code LRT 151/N |
Istanbul + Troy + 7 Churches +
Patmos + selected St. Paul Sites
(10 Days / 9 Nights) |
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1st. day: Arrive at Istanbul. Meet your guide and
driver and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul.
2nd. day: Start the day with the visit of Topkapi
Palace and Hagia Sophia. After Lunch, visit the Blue
Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar.
Overnight in Istanbul.
3rd. day: Drive to Canakkale to visit the ruins
of Troia.Transfer to hotel In Assos
Overnight in Assos.
4th. day: Drive to Izmir .Visit the ruins of
Assos, Pergamum, Thyatira on the way.
Overnight in Izmir.
5th. day: Visit the ruins of Smynra, Sardis,
Philadelphia and Hierapolis. Transfer to hotel Overnight
in Pamukkale.
6th. day: After visiting Pisidian Antioch drive
to Colassae, Laodicea.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
7th. day: First in the morning visit Didyma,
Miletus and drive to Priene on the way to Kusadasi.
Transfer to hotel in Kusadasi.
Overnight in Kusadasi.
8th. day: Daily excursion to the Greek Island of
Patmos.
Overnight in Kusadasi.
9th. day: Visit Ephesus, the world famous great
Ionian city, the church of Mother Mary where she spent
her final days, St. John Basilica and Ephesus Museum .
Overnight in Kusadasi .
10th. day: Transfer to the airport for the return.
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