Day 1 – Arrival in Antalya & Istanbul City Tour Dinner Included
- Arrival: Welcome to Turkey! Arrive in Istanbul, transfer from the airport, and check in to your hotel.
- Taksim Square & Istiklal Street: Visit the Taksim Monument, see the historic Hagia Triada Church, and stroll down Istiklal Street past traditional inns, European-era buildings, dessert shops, and the magnificent Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage).
- St. Anthony of Padua: Admire the striking architecture of this historic church.
- Galata Tower: Walk through the historic streets of Beyoğlu and Galata to view the famous Galata Tower (exterior visit), followed by free time in the evening.
Day 2 – Istanbul Church Tour Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Patriarchate at Fener: Visit this early Christian site blending Byzantine, Ottoman, and Neoclassical styles.
- Aya Yorgi Greek Orthodox Church: See one of Istanbul's oldest Greek Orthodox churches and its 5th-century patriarchal throne.
- The Church of St. Mary Pammacaristos: Explore one of Istanbul's finest examples of Byzantine art and architecture.
- The Bulgarian St. Stephen Church: View this unique cast-iron construction church.
- The Church of Panagia of Blachernae: Admire 14th-century mosaics and frescoes at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- St. Savior in Chora: Experience masterpieces of Byzantine art (Note: Temporarily closed for restoration; other destinations remain open).
Day 3 – Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Bazaar Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Bosphorus Boat Excursion: Enjoy a traditional boat ride along the waterway separating Europe and Asia, viewing the Dolmabahçe Palace, Yıldız Palace, Çırağan Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Ortaköy.
- Spice & Authentic Bazaar: Visit local markets filled with exotic spices, Turkish baklava, Turkish delight, and handicraft souvenirs.
Day 4 – Istanbul to Troy & Çanakkale Tour Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Gallipoli & Dardanelles: Depart early morning through European Turkey, cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry, and head toward the historic Gallipoli Peninsula.
- Ancient Troy: Explore the legendary walls, the replica of the wooden horse, and archaeological ruins dating from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine era.
- Çanakkale: Overnight stay in this important gateway city on the Asian side of the Dardanelles.
Day 5 – Pergamon & Thyatira & Izmir Tour Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Pergamon (Bergama): Explore the ancient Acropolis, the steepest theater in the world, the Asklepion medical facility, Trajan's Temple, the Red Basilica, and the Altar of Zeus (referred to in Revelation as the "Throne of Satan").
- Thyatira (Akhisar): Visit Roman-era architectural remnants and basilica ruins in this historic city known for purple dyes.
- Smyrna (İzmir): Enjoy a panoramic tour over İzmir, one of the Seven Churches of Asia.
Special Note: Approx. 3 hours travel time; 2 hours hiking time. Featured museum entrances include the ancient city of Myra & St. Nicholas Museum.
Day 6 – İzmir & Sardis & Philadelphia & Hierapolis Tour Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Sardis: Visit the ancient Lydian capital to see the Temple of Artemis, Temple of Cybele, the renovated synagogue, gymnasium, and the Pactolus River.
- Philadelphia (Alaşehir): See the remaining brick Byzantine basilica arches and 11th-century frescoes of the only uncensored church of the Seven Churches.
- Hierapolis & Pamukkale: Tour the white cotton fortress terraces, therapeutic hot springs, and the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 7 – Laodicea & Aphrodisias & Kuşadası Tour Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Laodicea Ancient Site: Explore the ancient theater, basilicas, stone water pipes, Gate of Domitian, Arcadian Way, Temple of Apollo, and the Necropolis near Denizli.
- Aphrodisias: Tour the best-preserved ancient stadium (30,000 seating capacity), the Odeon with its blue marble stage, the Temple of Aphrodite, Hadrian's Bath, and the Bishop's Palace.
- Kuşadası: Drive to this vibrant coastal resort town on the Aegean Sea for your overnight stay.
Day 8 – Ephesus & Şirince Village & Kuşadası Tour Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Ephesus Ancient City: Walk along marble streets to explore the Basilica of St. John, Baths of Scholastica, Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, the Grand Theater, and the House of the Virgin Mary.
- Şirince Village: Discover well-preserved 19th-century architecture, St. Dimitrios Church, St. John Baptist Church, and enjoy traditional fruit wine tastings. Overnight in Kuşadası.
Day 9 – Departure from İzmir Breakfast Included
Conclude your Grandorian adventure after breakfast. Enjoy a seamless transfer from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home.