May 20 Tue Arrive Istanbul Airport
Our representative will meet you after the customs and baggage claim with a “FR KIERAN MAHONY – TUTKU” sign. Meet and transfer to the ARMADA HOTEL in Old City Istanbul for diner and overnight. (D)
May 21 Wed Istanbul : Our first visit is to the Hagia Sophia (the church of “Holy Wisdom”)—the crowning achievement of the sacred building program of Emperor Justinian, the 6th-century head of the Christian Byzantine Empire. This great domed structure remains one of the most impressive sacred edifices ever constructed to the glory of God. Then visit the nearby Hagia Eirene (“Church of Holy Peace”), built in 324 AD on the site of Aphrodite’s temple and dedicated by Emperor Constantine as the city’s first church and main cathedral until the completion of Hagia Sophia in 360 AD. The second of the Seven Ecumenical Councils was held here in 381 AD. This was one of the more important councils, making ten additions to the Nicene Creed and affirming the deity of the Holy Spirit. Afternoon visit to the Underground Basilica. Dinner and overnight Istanbul. (B,D)
May 22 Thu Istanbul : Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome. Dinner and overnight Istanbul. (B,D)
May 23 Fri Istanbul – Chalcedon - Nicomedia - Iznik
Drive to Chalcedon (modern Kadikoy) where the fouth Ecumanical Council took place in 451 AD. See the excavations at Haydarpaşa, and St. Euphemia Church (by appointment). Continue to Nicomedia (modern İzmit). In late 3rd century, Nicomedia became the eastern and most senior capital city of the Roman Empire chosen by the emperor Diocletian who ruled in the east. Visit the archaeology museum, Diocletian’s palace, Roman theater, city walls. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Iznik. (B,D)
May 24 Sat Nicaea - Iznik
1700 years ago history was made in the Bithynian city of Nicaea, modern İznik. There the emperor Constantine gathered hundreds of bishops and their assistants from the Eastern and Western parts of the empire. Why? To resolve a controversy raging in the church. Arius, a presbyter in Alexandria, was teaching that Jesus was created and not equal in essence with the Father. Constantine realized that this matter needed resolution to bring unity to his empire. In 325 the council decided that the teaching of Arius was incompatible with the teaching of Scripture, hence heretical. The bishops then issued a confession of faith today known as the Nicene Creed. 2025 is the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. We remember this historic moment and its ongoing spiritual significance for the global church. Visit Hagia Sophia Church; Constantine’s palace, Roman theater, city walls and gates, archaeology museum, original city street, funerary obelisk (Beştaş), and see the Underwater Basilica area with local archaeologist. Overnight in Iznik. (B,D)
May 25 Sun Nicaea - Istanbul
Drive back to Istanbul. Afternoon free. Dinner and overnight Istanbul. (B,D)
May 26 Mon Istanbul : See Chora Church from outside (now a mosque under restoration – mosaics are covered) and the Pammakaristos. Then visit Theodosian walls. Afternoon visit to the Orthodox Church of the Zoodochos Pege. Dinner and overnight ARMADA HOTEL Istanbul. (B,D)
May 27 Tue Istanbul : Visit the Archeological Museum which houses spectacular finds from all over Turkey, including many items that relate to biblical history. Then visit Suleymaniye Mosque, and the Church of the Virgin Kyriotissa. Dinner and overnight ARMADA HOTEL Istanbul. (B,D)
May 28 Wed Istanbul : Grand Bazaar, Turkish Bath. Dinner and overnight ARMADA HOTEL Istanbul. (B,D)
May 29 Thu Istanbul : FREE DAY - Dinner and overnight ARMADA HOTEL Istanbul. (B,D)
May 30 Thu DEPARTURE BACK - Transfer to Istanbul Airport. Fly back