What is now eastern Turkey has nurtured many faiths, but especially those of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It was from Harran that Abraham was told, “Go from your country and your father’s kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you and I will make you a great nation” (Gen. 12:1-2a). The apostle to the Gentiles, St. Paul, was born in Tarsus. His first, second, and third missionary journeys all involved Antioch on the Orontes (now Antakya).
The Apostle Peter also ministered in Antioch. It was there the followers of Christ were first called Christians. The first Christian kingdom, that of Edessa, will be visited, as will the former Armenian capital with its many churches. With the Ottoman conquests, Islam became predominant, although thousands of Greek Orthodox and Armenian Christians lived in Turkey until the “exchange of peoples” in 1922.
The tour is for everyone whose interests include learning more about the sites in which these faiths developed, together with their art and architecture. Members of the tour are encouraged, but not compelled, to share their interests or expertise with the group in any way that might relate to the tour. Eastern Turkey will amaze you with its beauty, varied sea, and landscapes.
Creature comforts and value: Hotels are four- and five-star and include all breakfasts and all dinners. Note as well that a full-guided tour is offered. There are no expensive “optional tours” to add to the cost of the tour, nor are there hidden taxes or fees, nor do we have a cost range “starting from…” Google our hotels for a foretaste of luxury.
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