Biblical Tours in Turkey

Transbalkan Travel Service, a specialist on Biblical Tours, offering memorable journeys to the biblical destinations located in Anatoliia.

Mosaic of Jesus Christ in Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

• Anatolia houses many important early Chrstian sites such as the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation: Ephesus, Sardis, Pergamum, Philadelphia, Smyrna, Laodicea, Thyatira.
• St. Paul, one of the leaders of the church in Antioch preached throughout Anatolia during his 3 missionary journeys. He was born in Tarsus, located southern party of Anatolia and travelled through important early Christian Roman cities in Anatolia: Ephesus, Troas, Psidian Antioch, Lystra, Derbe, Perge, Miletus...
• All of the Seven Ecumenical Councils were held in Anatolia: Nicea, Constantinopole, Chalcedeaon, Ephesus. 
• Anatolia plays an important role in the extention of Christianity.
• Christian word was first pronounced in Antioch. The first church ever built is located in Antioch too.
• St. John and Virgin Mary lived in Ephesus. St. John wrote the gospel in Ephesus.
• St. Nicholas who is known as Santa Claus today was also an Anatolian who was born in the Roman city called Myra and got the Saint title in the first Ecumenical Council held in Nicea.
• St. Luke, Timothy, Aquilla, Priscilla, St. Paul, St. Philip, Epapharas, Philemon are just few names mentioned in the New Testament who lived in Anatolia. 

Shore Excursions from Port of Antalya

Antalya No.1

THE ANCIENT CITY OF PERGE AND ASPENDOS – FULLDAY TOUR 8HRS
Board your motorcoach to journey back in time to the ancient city of Perge, founded by Greek settlers following the Trojan Wars. Alexander the Great briefly used Perge as a base of operations, and St. Paul visited the city during his missionary journeys. The site was abandoned during the Arab invasions of the 7th century. As you approach Perge, the 2nd century Roman amphitheater comes into view. Visit the stadium, one of the best preserved in all of Eastern Mediterranean, on this site you can see the city ramparts and the Roman city gate complex, the most fascinating part of the city. Also see the Nymphaion, the Propylaion, the baths and the agora. Continue by coach to Aspendos, which boasts a complete aqueduct system, parts of which are still standing, also the most well-preserved ancient Roman Theater in the world is here. As many as 20,000 people can be seated here and the acoustics is so good that a whisper or even a pin drop can be heard from the very top gallery. The theater is still used today for concerts and theatrical presentations. Enjoy lunch at the Belek country club, set in beautiful landscape gardens and specializing in modern innovative Turkish cuisine.In the afternoon continue to Antalya, the ancient Attalia. Drive thru the modern day town and the old town, before returning back to your ship.

Shore Excursions from Port of Izmir

IZMIR No.1
Half Day Tour of Ephesus from Izmir (5 hours)
Your journey through time begins with a pleasant drive along the Aegean Coast. After an hour drive your first stop will be the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. From here you will have the opportunity to view the Basilica of St. John and the 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque. After a short drive you will arrive to the ancient city of Ephesus. At one time, the city was the gateway to Asia Minor and boasted a population of 250,000. Formerly a seaport, it now lies several miles inland due to deposits of  river silt that have collected over the centuries. The region is steeped in history, The Virgin Mary reputedly spent her  last days at nearby Mt. Pagus. As you walk along the old marble streets, you will pass the Odeon and Upper Agora. You will also see the ornate Hadrian Temple, the remains of some Byzantine houses, the beautifully restored facade of the Celsus Library, the Thermal Baths  of Scholastica, the Commercial Agora and the theatre, which accommodates 25,000  spectators and is still used for occasional performances. Continue along the colonnaded harbor boulevard, past the gymnasium and the remains of the stadium,  as you head toward the exit gate and the lower parking area. Return to Izmir.

Shore Excursions from Port of Kusadasi

Port of Kusadasi

Ephesus, one of the 4 major cities of the ancient world having population over 200.000 people. Selected as the capital of Asia Province of Roman Empire by the nephew of Julius Galius Ceasar known Augustus, named as Octavius. Served as a capital till Constantine ordred the expansion of another city located 400 miles north of Ephesus. He named this city as Constatinopolis and selected this city as the new capital. Ephesus today, considered as one of the most well preserved ancient cities of the world. 

* Experienced licenced tour guides.
* Private brand new vehicles driven by proffessional chauffeurs.
* Lunches in local restaurants.
* Shop like locals.
* Do not wait in lines
* Do not have hard time hearing the guide.
* Enjoy the comfort of having a private guide & a chauffeur.

Shore Excursions from Port of Istanbul

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul

Transbalkan Travel Service a speacilist on Shore Excursions offer custom made shore excursion programs specially designed for cruise travellers. All of the below mentioned programs are specialy designed by professionals consedering limited time to be spend in Istanbul. Referenced programs can be modified upon request. Hotel and port pick-ups are available in all tours. Tours are conducted by licenced tour guides. If you have any questions and/or questions please do not hesitate to contact us.