AECA Pilgrimage 2025: 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea

Apr 28 Mon Arrive Istanbul
Your tour guide will meet you after the baggage claim with an “AECA - TUTKU” sign. Meet and transfer to Moevenpick Golden Horn hotel near Phanar/Balat. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Apr 29 Tue Istanbul
During our first two days we will visit the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in the district of Fener, at its ancient location beside the Golden Horn. We have a tour of St George’s Cathedral (the patriarchal church) during which we will see the relics of St Gregory Nazianzen (who presided over 1st council of Constantinople. We hope to have an audience with His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholemew, the Ecumenical Patriarch. We visit the remarkable Bulgarian Orthodox Church at Balat, which is constructed entirely of iron, and the Chora Church (now mosque), with its spectacular Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. It was in the monastery here (close the city walls) that the Last Emperor resided during the seige prior to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Visits also inlcude Zeyrek Mosque - (Pantocrator Monastery) - burial place of Emperors, and the Byzantine Palace Mosaic Museum which will help to give us the context for the 5th and 6th Ecumenical Councils. Final visit to the Iconoclastic period Church of Hagia Irene. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B,D)

Apr 30 Wed Istanbul
Morning ferry across the Bosphorus to Kadıköy (Chalcedon). Short walk to Greek Orthodox Church of Ayia Efimia - Mühürdar Street. The church (1694) is on the site of the 2nd Council of Chalcedon 451. The relics of St Efimia (which we hope to see) played a role in the council of Chalcedon. Short walk to Surp Takavor Armenian Church (1720), then visit Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Lunch in Kadikoy. Return by ferry to visit Hagia Sophia - close to location of 2nd council Constantinople (5 May 553) in the great hall which was then attached to Hagia Sophia. Visit Church of St Sergius and Baccchus (Kucuk Ayasofya Mosque), which was constructed in 536. Free time/ till evening meal. Dinner at local restaurant in Sultanahmet. (B,D)

May 1 Thu Istanbul - Iznik (Nicaea)
Drive to or via Yalova ferry to Nicaea. We see the remains of the palace by Lake Nicaea - location of Constantine’s Palace where the Council of Nicaea took place. Walking tour includes ancient walls and gates and the remains of Dormition Church. Visit Ayasofya mosque (former church), location of the 2nd Ecumenical Council of Nicaea- the council that marked the end of Iconoclasm. Dinner and overnight Iznik. (B,D)

May 2 Fri Iznik – Assos - Ayvalik
We drive from Iznik to the spectacular ancient city of Assos with views over the north Aegean. After lunch we continue southwards to the beautiful coastal town of Ayvalik, just across from the nearby Greek island of Lesbos. Dinner and overnight at Ayvalik. (B,D)

May 3 Sat Ayvalik – Bergama (Pergamum) - Izmir
During our morning stroll through the picturesque narrow streets of Ayvalik we visit Agios Georgios (Cinarli Camii) and the recently restored Taxiarchis Church. Drive to Pergamum, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation with its matchless acropolis and precipitous theatre. We also see the Red Basilica and the Asklepion (classical period healing centre). Stay in Izmir. (B,D)

May 4 Sun Izmir (Smyrna)
10am Service at St John’s Anglican Church. Travel to Ephesus and visit the ancient site including the fourth century Basilica of St Mary (where the Council of Ephesus (432 AD) is remembered). Attend the Orthodox/Roman Catholic/Anglican Feast of St John celebration at the Basilica of St John, Ephesus. Orthodox Vespers, will be followed by a Roman Catholic Mass over the site of the tomb of St John. Return to Izmir for overnight. (B,D)

May 5 Mon Izmir
We have a relaxing day in Izmir including a visit to city’s colourful grand bazaar and visits to historic synagogues, and the Panagia Greek Orthodox Church. Lunch in the bazaar area. Afternoon activities may include a stroll on the seafront, a visit to the Smyrna Agora, the new national museum in the district of Alsancak, or the historic elevator. Evening prayer at St Mary Magdalene’s Church in the district of Bornova, and al fresco supper in one of the great Levantine gardens (B,D)

May 6 Tu Urla – Klazomenai – Erythrai – Çeşme - Izmir
We drive to the ancient city of Klazomenai, where the visit includes the Olive Oil Factory Museum. We continue to the historic town of Urla where we enjoy a stroll in the historic centre of the town, which like Ayvalik was a predominantly Christian/Orthodox town up to the 1920s. We continue our drive to Çeşme. En route we visit the secluded ancient city of Erythrai with spectacular views towards the nearby Greek island of Chios. We visit the ruins of the Byzantine church of Mother of God. At the attractive seaside city of Çeşme we visit Ayios Haralambos Church, a beautifully restored 19th-century Greek Orthodox church now used as a civic venu. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. (B,D)

May 7 Wed Drive to Izmir International Airport for UK flight/onward destinations

- 3 Nights at Moevenpick Golden Horn Hotel in Istanbul or similar
- 1 Night at Limnades Hotel in Iznik or similar
- 1 Night at Halic Hotel in Ayvalik or similar
- 4 Nights at Kordon Cankaya Hotel in Izmir or similar
- Daily breakfast at the hotels
- 10 Dinners
- Entrance fees to all sightseeing
- Licensed English Speaking tour guide
- Tutku gifts (map, t-shirt, luggage tag)
- Tips to hotel staff
- Service charges and local taxes

- Lunches and drinks
- Tips to tour guide and driver
- All kinds of insurance and personal expenses