The tragic history of this land, especially the events of the past hundred years, has led to a dismissive attitude toward Turkey as a pilgrimage and cultural destination. We see this as a great injustice. This land holds immense importance in the history of the Church, not only for the Orthodox tradition but for Christian identity as a whole. It is soaked with the blood of martyrs and echoes with the legacy of the early Church. Avoiding it under political pretexts does a disservice to our past, a past that remains strikingly visible in countless sacred sites throughout the region. We will begin our pilgrimage in Cappadocia, with its fantastic landscapes and deep roots in early Christian monasticism. From there, we will follow the shores of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, retracing the footsteps of the Apostles and the Byzantine saints. Our journey will conclude in the great city of Constantinople.

Meals: Dinner

Arrival at Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia (about an hour ride from the airport). Enjoy dinner and a brief orientation.

Today, we will explore one of the most fascinating regions in Turkey—Cappadocia, a land deeply significant in Christian history.

In the morning, we will drive to visit Eskigümüş Monastery, the most impressive and southernmost of all Cappadocian monasteries. Lost to history and rediscovered only in the mid-20th century, this remarkably well-preserved site features some of the finest frescoes in all of Cappadocia.

A short drive from the monastery brings us to the Church of St. Constantine and Helen, where the remains of an ancient basilica and the walls of a medieval church still display beautiful Byzantine frescoes.

In the afternoon, we will visit a local carpet workshop. While there is no obligation to make a purchase, you are warmly invited to enjoy an engaging presentation and admire the incredible craftsmanship of the local weavers.

Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Cappadocia.

Optional hot air balloon ride early in the morning.

Today, we will visit Ürgüp, known as Prokopi to the Greek population. Ürgüp is closely associated with St. John the Russian, who lived and labored here. We will visit a house with the stable where he worked and lived, as well as the church that once held his relics before they were taken to Greece by the resettled local population.

Next, we will continue to Paşabağı Valley, known for its cave hermit dwellings, followed by a visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum. Many of the dwellings, monasteries, and churches in this extraordinary region were still inhabited and in use up until the 1920s. However, the tragic events of the early 20th century transformed once-thriving villages into ghost towns and what are now called “open-air museums.”

Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

This morning, we begin our journey through the region of Cappadocia.

Our first stop will be the Derinkuyu Underground City, an astonishing multi-level complex that once served as a refuge for hundreds of locals and their livestock during times of invasion.

We will then continue to the Ağzıkarahan Caravanserai, built in the 13th century as a safe haven along a major trade route. These fortified structures were equipped with kitchens, storage rooms, barns, and even chapels to support traveling merchants and their animals.

Later in the afternoon, we will arrive at our hotel in Konya.

This morning, we begin our transfer toward the Mediterranean coast, crossing the majestic Taurus Mountains en route.

Along the way, we will visit two ancient cities—Aspendos and Perge—both located a short distance from Antalya. These cities were significant centers during the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Aspendos is especially renowned for its remarkably well-preserved Roman theater and impressive aqueduct system. Perge, on the other hand, boasts several important ancient monuments and holds special significance in Christian tradition, as it was visited by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys.

Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

In the morning, we will transfer to Myra (modern-day Demre), the town where St. Nicholas served as bishop and where his relics were venerated until they were taken to Bari, Italy. In its time, Myra was one of the most important cities in the province of Lycia and remains a significant site in early Christian history.

Later in the afternoon, we will board a private boat for lunch and an exploration of the sunken city of Simena—a truly unique archaeological site. Here, the ruins of long-abandoned buildings, including staircases and walls, descend directly into the sea. For those feeling adventurous, there will be an opportunity to swim in the pristine turquoise waters of the secluded bays where our boat will be moored.

Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

In the morning, we will attend Divine Liturgy at the local Greek Orthodox Church in Antalya.

Afterward, we will enjoy a short stroll through Antalya’s Old Town, followed by a visit to one of the finest archaeological museums in Turkey. This exceptional museum features a magnificent collection of artifacts, primarily excavated from the ancient sites of Perge and Aspendos.

In the afternoon, we will transfer to Pamukkale, the site of ancient Hierapolis. Once a prominent city in the Roman Empire, Hierapolis was renowned for its arts, philosophy, trade, hot springs, and oracular traditions.

Hierapolis is also deeply significant in Christian tradition as the place of the martyrdom of the Apostle Philip. The remains of his martyrium can still be seen above the ruins of the ancient city.

Known as the "Sacred City," Hierapolis formed part of a tri-city region with Laodicea and Colossae during the 1st century. Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:13) mentions both Hierapolis and Laodicea, attesting to the early Christian presence in the area.

Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

In the morning, we will explore the travertine terraces and the extensive ruins of ancient Hierapolis. With some luck, we may be able to visit the exact site of the martyrdom and tomb of St. Philip, one of the Twelve Apostles.

From Hierapolis, we will continue to the nearby site of ancient Laodicea, a city of great significance in both early Christian history and ecclesiastical development. Among its historical highlights, Laodicea hosted a Council in the mid-4th century that helped formulate the Biblical Canon as we know it today.

In recent years, archaeologists uncovered an ancient house at the site with an unusual room that had been expanded for communal use. Some scholars believe this structure may be the remains of a house church, where early Christians gathered for prayer and possibly Eucharistic celebrations.

After our visit to Laodicea, we will transfer to Kuşadası, a charming seaside town on the Aegean Coast.

Dinner and overnight in Kuşadası.

The Island of Patmos* is mentioned in the Book of Revelation, which is traditionally ascribed to St. John the Theologian by the earliest Christian tradition. The book states that St. John was on the Island of Patmos when he received his revelation. Hagiography further explains that St. John was expelled to Patmos from the city of Ephesus, where he had lived and preached for a long time. The most important pilgrimage destinations on the island are the Cave of the Revelation and the Monastery of St. John. We will visit both, followed by lunch at a traditional Greek tavern in the port village.

*Please note: Our trip to Patmos is weather-dependent. In case of inclement weather or high winds, a substitute land tour will be offered.

Please note that this will be a very long day, as the boat trip to the island and back may take over four hours each way, depending on the weather.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kusadasi.

Today, we will explore the ancient city of Ephesus, a site of immense historical and spiritual significance. Its importance in the context of the New Testament and Early Church cannot be overstated. Ephesus is closely associated with several key biblical figures, and notably, two of the Seven Ecumenical Councils recognized by the Orthodox Church were held here.

The ruins of Ephesus are remarkably well preserved, rivaling even the famous archaeological site of Pompeii in Italy. Among the many highlights, we will visit the site of the Artemision—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the Ephesus Museum, and the Basilica and Tomb of St. John the Apostle.

After our visits, we will have dinner en route to the airport, followed by an evening flight to Istanbul (approximately one hour). Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. 

Istanbul—formerly Constantinople—needs no introduction. As the historic capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, this city has been a cultural and religious crossroads for over a millennium. Our visit to this glorious imperial city will begin with a tour of what was once the spiritual heart of Eastern Christendom: the magnificent Cathedral of Hagia Sophia. Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia served as the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years and remains an architectural marvel renowned for its massive dome and stunning mosaics.

Nearby stands the Church of Hagia Irini, an older but equally significant monument. Unlike Hagia Sophia, Hagia Irini was never converted into a mosque, preserving much of its original Byzantine character. It served as the imperial chapel and later as a warehouse during the Ottoman era, offering a unique glimpse into Istanbul’s layered history.

Our exploration of the city will continue with a visit to the Chora Church (Kariye Museum), celebrated for its exquisite mosaics and frescoes that depict biblical scenes with remarkable detail and vibrancy. This church is considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine art, offering a rare and intimate insight into the religious and artistic life of the era.

After a day immersed in history and culture, we will return to our hotel in Istanbul for an overnight stay.

Today, we will continue our exploration of the Great City with a visit to the Church of the Mother of God at Blachernae, one of the most historically and spiritually significant sites in Istanbul. This church is renowned for the miraculous apparition of the Mother of God, an event celebrated annually during the Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to protect the city from invaders, a powerful symbol of divine guardianship that continues to inspire the faithful today.

Next, we will visit the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, often referred to as the “Little Hagia Sophia” due to its architectural resemblance to the famous Hagia Sophia. This Byzantine church, built in the 6th century, is an important example of early Byzantine architecture and served as a model for later imperial churches.

Afterward, we will take a stroll through the bustling Spice Market, one of Istanbul’s oldest bazaars, where vibrant colors, exotic scents, and a lively atmosphere evoke the rich commercial history of the city as a crossroads of East and West.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.

Breakfast and transfer to the airport in Istanbul (Airport code IST) for your departure.

Our pilgrim tour comes to an end. We hope you carry the blessings and memories of this journey with you and look forward to welcoming you again soon!