Explore Knanaya Roots in Turkey and Greece
USA - Turkey - Greece
Itinerary (Day Wise)
April 6, 2026
Depart USA
Assemble at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time. Flight details TBA.
Enjoy onboard amenities and overnight on flight.
April 7, 2026
Arrive in Istanbul, Turkey (D)
Upon arrival to Istanbul, complete immigration formalities. After collecting your bags, transfer to your hotel. Check-in at the hotel.
Spend the day at leisure before heading to vibrant Taksim Square. In the evening, embark on a panoramic Bosphorus Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Europe from Asia. Enjoy stunning views as you enjoy Turkish cuisine and a folk show.
Overnight at the hotel.
April 8, 2026
Istanbul, Troya, Canakkale & Ayvalik (B,L,D)
After breakfast, travel towards Canakkale, crossing the historic Dardanelles Strait by ferry.
Enjoy local lunch at a restaurant.
Visit the ancient city of Troya, known for Homer’s epics and archaeological legend.
After visiting Troya, proceed to the coastal town of Ayvalik.
Check in at the hotel.
Enjoy dinner & overnight at hotel.
April 9, 2026
Ayvalik, Asklepion, Ephesus, Virgin Mary, Kusadasi (B,L,D)
After breakfast, drive to Bergama to explore the Asklepion, an ancient healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine.
Later, continue to the remarkable ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and explore the city.
Enjoy local lunch at a restaurant.
Visit the sacred House of the Virgin Mary before arriving in the scenic port town of Kusadasi.
Enjoy dinner & overnight at hotel.
April 10, 2026
Kusadasi, Pamukkale (B,L,D)
In the morning after breakfast, depart Kusadasi and begin your journey to Pamukkale.
Stop by a local leather factory for a brief visit.
Later, explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and the famous travertine terraces of Pamukkale.
In the evening, transfer to hotel.
Enjoy dinner & overnight at hotel.
April 11, 2026
Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia (B,L,D)
Begin your day with breakfast, then head toward Cappadocia with a stop in Konya.
Explore the Shrine of Mevlana Rumi, dedicated to the poet and mystic Rumi.
Enjoy local lunch at restaurant in Konya.
After lunch, continue to Cappadocia. On the way to Cappadocia, see the historic Sultanhan Caravanserai, once a stop along the Silk Road.
Check-in to the hotel.
Enjoy dinner & overnight at hotel.
April 12, 2026
Cappadocia (B,L,D)
Start the day early with an optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes. (extra cost applies)
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, and Uchisar Castle.
Enjoy local lunch at a restaurant.
After, discover the Kaymakli Underground City and the region’s iconic fairy chimneys.
End the day with visits to local jewelry and ceramic workshops, then enjoy a lively Turkish dinner show.
Overnight at hotel.
April 13, 2026
Cappadocia, Gaziantep (B,L,D)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the culinary and cultural gem of Gaziantep.
Stop for lunch en route before arriving to explore the city’s famed Copper Market and the renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to exquisite mosaics from the ancient city of Zeugma.
Enjoy dinner and overnight at hotel.
April 14, 2026
Gaziantep, Urfa (B,L,D)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Edessa (Urfa), a city steeped in spiritual and historical significance. Edessa was an ancient city located in Upper Mesopotamia, in the region that is now known as Urfa (Sanliurfa), Turkey.
En route, visit the ancient village of Harran, believed to be the place where Abraham settled after leaving Chaldea. Explore its famous beehive-shaped houses and what is considered one of the world’s earliest universities. Learn how families have adapted to the region’s arid climate for generations.
Enjoy lunch at local restaurant.
In Urfa, visit the sacred Pool of Abraham, believed to be the site where the Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire. You'll also explore the cave said to be his birthplace.
Later, visit to Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex, predating Stonehenge by over 6,000 years. Often referred to as the “zero point of history,” this groundbreaking UNESCO World Heritage site has reshaped our understanding of early civilization.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
April 15, 2026
Urfa, Midyat, Mardin (B,L,D)
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Midyat, a town rich in Assyrian/Syriac Christian heritage.
Visit the Monastery of Mor Gabriel, the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world, founded in 397 AD. Then explore the surrounding Syriac villages, known for their unique stone architecture and deep-rooted traditions.
Enjoy local lunch at restaurant.
Continue to the ancient city of Mardin, perched on a hillside overlooking the Mesopotamian plains. Visit the Syriac Church of Kirklar (Church of the Forty Martyrs), an important spiritual site for the Syriac Orthodox community. Explore the traditional market filled with local crafts and spices, and tour the historic Kasimiye Madrasa, a former Islamic school with stunning architecture and serene courtyards.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
April 16, 2026
Fly from Mardin to Istanbul (B,L,D)
After breakfast at the hotel, continue exploring the historical gems of Mardin.
Begin with a visit to the Syriac Monastery of Deyrulzafaran (Saffron Monastery), one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in the world. Serving as the seat of the Assyrian Orthodox Patriarchate for over six centuries, it remains a place of pilgrimage for Assyrians worldwide. Its golden-hued stone and peaceful setting reflect the spiritual heritage of the region.
Next, explore the ruins of the ancient city of Dara, once a powerful fortress city of the Eastern Roman Empire. Its extensive archaeological remains including cisterns, city walls, and rock-cut tombs offer a fascinating glimpse into life in this once-thriving frontier settlement. Lunch included.
Transfer to airport for your flight to Istanbul. Flight details TBA.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, transfer to your hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
April 17, 2026
Istanbul City Tour (B,L,D)
After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore the iconic landmarks of Istanbul, the former capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
Begin with a visit to the majestic Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and stunning interior adorned with over 20,000 handmade blue Iznik tiles.
Stroll through the historic Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of Constantinople, where chariot races and public events took place.
Next, marvel at the architectural wonder of Hagia Sophia (St. Sophia), a former basilica, mosque, and now a museum-mosque that reflects the grandeur of both Christian and Islamic civilizations.
Enjoy a local lunch at restaurant.
Then, explore Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Discover its treasure-filled rooms, sacred relics, and breathtaking views over the Bosphorus.
Conclude your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, offering thousands of shops selling carpets, spices, jewelry, ceramics, and more.
Enjoy dinner at restaurant.
Overnight at hotel.
April 18, 2026
Flight from Istanbul to Athens (L, D)
Early morning checkout and transfer to Istanbul Airport. Board your flight to Athens. Flight details TBA.
Upon arrival, begin a panoramic bus city tour of Athens, showcasing both ancient wonders and neoclassical charm. the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games, and Constitution Square (Syntagma) to witness the changing of the guard at the Hellenic Parliament. View the National Garden, Presidential Mansion, Academy of Athens, National Library, and more. Continue with visits to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, which mark the boundary between the ancient and Roman city. Then, explore the crown jewel of ancient Greece: the Acropolis, home to the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Propylaea, symbols of classical architecture and Western civilization.
Enjoy lunch at local restaurant.
Check in at your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax or explore at your leisure.
Dinner at a local restaurant in Athens.
Overnight at hotel.
April 19, 2026
Santorini (B,L,D)
Early morning departure from Athens with a breakfast box provided.
Transfer to the port and board the ferry for a scenic journey across the Aegean Sea. Ferry crossing to Santorini.
Arrive in Santorini and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Check-in at your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax or explore the nearby surroundings.
Depart for the cliffside village of Oia, one of the most photographed spots in Greece. Enjoy free time to explore Oia’s charming alleys, whitewashed houses, and iconic, blue-domed churches.
Enjoy dinner at local restaurant in Oia.
Take a walk to the old fortress to witness Santorini’s legendary sunset, a breathtaking experience you won’t forget. After, return to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
April 20, 2026
Mykonos (B,L,D)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the port of Santorini to continue your island-hopping adventure. Ferry crossing to Mykonos, known for its cosmopolitan charm, whitewashed streets, and vibrant energy.
Arrive at Mykonos port.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Check-in at your hotel and enjoy free time to relax, explore the chic boutiques, or stroll through the maze-like alleys of Mykonos Town.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel.
April 21, 2026
Mykonos to Athens (B,L,D)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Begin a guided bus tour through the island's scenic landscapes, offering views of whitewashed villages, rolling hills, and coastal charm.
Stop in Ano Mera, a tranquil traditional village in the heart of the island.
Visit the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, known for its beautiful architecture, wood carvings, and rich religious history.
Continue with a walking tour of Mykonos Town, discovering its iconic windmills, narrow alleyways, and famous sights such as Little Venice, the Old Port, and Paraportiani Church. Enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or relaxing by the waterfront.
Enjoy lunch at local restaurant before proceeding to the port for your ferry back to Athens.
Ferry crossing back to Athens.
Arrival at the port of Piraeus, followed by transfer to your hotel.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel.
April 22, 2026
Depart Athens (B)
In the morning, check out of hotel and transfer to Athens International Airport for your return flight home. Flight details TBA. Boxed breakfast will be provided.
Board flight to USA and enjoy onboard amenities.
Arrive to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and return home with wonderful memories of Turkey and Greece!
Tour Details
Tour Type: Religious Tours
Tour Date: April 06 - 22, 2026
Starts From: USA
Countries: 2
Tour Information
Inclusions
- Round-trip airfare from New York (Call us for airfare from other airports and for special Business Class fares)
- 2 flights during tour (Mardin-Istanbul & Istanbul-Athens)
- Accommodation at 4-star hotels
- Meals as per itinerary
- 3 Ferries in Greece
- English speaking guide during all tours
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
- Turkish Dinner Show in Cappadocia
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
Exclusions
- Tips
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel/Medical Insurance (please contact us for special deals on travel insurance)
- Optional tour: Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia (fees apply)
- All items of personal nature including porterage, laundry, wines, mineral water, mini bar, telephone charges
- Food and drinks not forming part of the group menu
- Anything not specifically mentioned in Inclusions box
photos
Booking Terms & Conditions
Booking Procedures
Please read the Terms and conditions of travel and agree in the Booking form before submission, as your booking is subject to the terms listed below. A contract is entered into once your travel agent or Faith Holidays receives your signed booking form and deposit, and we accept and confirm the booking. Please note that travel arrangements are not confirmed until stated so in writing by Faith Holidays
Payment
A deposit of $750 per person is required to secure reservations, which will be applied to the price of the tour. Additional deposits may be required. The balance of the cost must be paid 90 days before you travel. Payments must be paid to the order of ‘Faith Holidays Inc.” If the final balance is not received on time Faith Holidays reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled by you and cancellation charges may be applied. If you book your travel within 90 days of departure, the full amount must be paid at booking.
Credit Cards
All prices quoted include a 4 % discount for payment by cash, check and Money order.
Travel Protection Plan (Optional charge)
Faith Holidays Inc. recommends you to purchase a Travel Protection Plan for Trip, Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical & Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and many more
Passports & Visas
A valid US passport is required for US Citizens. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond completion of travel. Visas may be required and for US Citizens we will furnish the relevant details after receipt of your booking deposit and confirmation of your booking. Non US citizens should consult with appropriate Consulates and Embassies. It is the responsibility of the individual traveler to secure proper documentation prior to joining the tour. It is the responsibility of the Traveller to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the US State Department’s travel website @ www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 1-888-407-4747. In the event of an active State Department. Should the Traveler choose to travel notwithstanding any travel advisory or Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location/s of the trip, the traveler is subject to be responsible for all risk of personal injury, death, or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.
What Your Tour Price Generally Includes & Excludes
Your Tour Price Includes
- Economy class Airfare from USA as listed in the brochure (Business Class Option available- Please contact us)
- Accommodations on Double Occupancy with Bath, Single room supplement applies
- Standard class on rail, road, Cruise and other transportation as described in our brochure
- Inflight meals and/or refreshments according to Airline itinerary.
- Transfers between the appropriate overseas airports/stations/port and your hotels according to each itinerary unless otherwise stated.
- Excursions and tours as per brochure
- Meals as described in Brochure
- Services of professional guides and/or a Tour Escort
Your Tour Price Excludes
- International Airfare, unless otherwise stated.
- The cost of personal items such as laundry, drinks with meals or otherwise, incidentals , etc.
- Airport departure taxes.
- Optional excursions.
- Cost of Visas and passports.
- Transport between your home and home airport/station/port.
- Gratuities for services provided on a personal basis.
- Gratuities for services on all individual tours and gratuities to your Tour Escort.
- Airline baggage fees. Most Airline charges fees for checked bags.
- Pre-assigned Airline Seats incur additional fees.
- Still, video, film and professional camera fees
Alterations Made to the Scheduled Program
Our tours are planned in advance and changes may be unavoidable due to circumstances amounting to “Force Majeure” or similar reasons beyond our control, such as delays in departures on travel booking or closure of a hotel, strikes, riots, natural occurrences, decisions by State Government or Tourist Organizations altering the itinerary, the duration of time spend in a city or even omitting a city or part of the itinerary due to a local situation. In such cases we will offer comparable alternative arrangements. If any of the circumstances listed above occur during the course of the tour, we reserve the right to alter the schedule itinerary accordingly and no compensation will be paid.
We will make every reasonable effort to provide you with the booked tour arrangements but minor changes may occur. If they are significant we shall, if possible inform you or your travel agent before departure. In the event of such amendment being made, you will be liable for any cancellation/retention charges that may be levied for the previously booked service and for any costs incurred by Faith Holidays and their agents in attempting to secure any revised arrangements. Please note that Faith Holidays will not be liable to reimburse additional expenses undertaken by the client in preparation for the tour. These include and are not limited to international tickets, used mileage awards and fees, cost of visas, immunization etc.
Tour Prices
Tour prices are based on US dollars (Unless otherwise noted) and exchange rates in effect. They are subject to variation if there are increases due to governmental actions, additional taxes, exchange rates, increases in scheduled airfare or increases in fuel surcharges. Any increase in the original tour price will be notified to you at least 90 days before departure. If you make your booking within 90 days of departure surcharge will be included in your invoice. Faith holidays will absorb an amount equivalent to two percent of tour price. Any surcharge will not exceed 10 percent of the listed tour price. If you settle the final balance by the due date we will absorb any price increases after that due date. In return for this commitment, we are unable to make any refund or reduce any other costs should the value of the US dollar improve against the currencies used. For scheduled group departures, it may be necessary to re-cost your tour due to low number of participants. You will be contacted 90 days prior to your departure date and advised should a supplementary fee apply. If all group members accept the increased cost the tour will operate as scheduled. However, if the supplement is not accepted by you then you will be entitled to full refund of all monies paid or a transfer to another tour.
Our Responsibilities
Faith Holidays makes arrangements with airlines, hotels and other independent parties to provide you with the travel services you purchase. We do not own or operate any of the accommodations, transport or other facilities used in connection with our tours. We therefore cannot accept liability for negligence of the staff of these organizations. These parties are independent suppliers over whom we have no direct control. Faith holidays is not liable in the event of any failure by any person or company to render any transportation, accommodation or other travel service to be provided on the journeys, or for expenses incurred due to delays caused by weather, strikes, war, civil disturbances, natural disasters, flight delays, government actions, mechanical failures or any acts of God.
Faith Holidays cannot assume any responsibility for flight delays, cancellations or missed connections and is not liable for any expenses or consequences resulting therefrom, and such expenses shall be borne by the client. When you travel with an airline the Conditions of Carriage of that airline will apply. These conditions are subject to International Agreements and may limit or exclude liability.
The participant waives any claim against Faith Holidays for any damage to, or loss of, or injury to, or death of, due to any act, or negligence of any airlines, surface transportation companies, hotels or any person rendering any of the services or accommodations included. Faith Holidays cannot be held responsible for any claim, losses, damages for delay of baggage or other properties, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset and disappointments, distress or frustrations, whether physical or mental, resulting from the act or omission of any party providing services. We do take all responsible steps to insure that organizations providing service maintain standards, which are acceptable within the norm in each locality. The participant assumes the risks and understands that all travel has inherent risk that may result in injury or death and that participation in activities, including but not limited to driving, hiking, walking on uneven surfaces, riding on rough roads, rafting, boating, canoeing, riding in helicopters, on trains, in boats, swimming, surfing, horseback or camel riding, and any other activities. The information contained in this brochure has been compiled with all reasonable care, is accurate to best of knowledge and is given in good faith. Faith Holidays highly recommend you to purchase Travelers insurance to protect your travel investment. Without insurance in case of incident, you may have to pay out of pocket for medical evacuation, medical care or other large expenses.
All services are subject to the laws of the countries in which these services are rendered. Venue for all claims or disputes shall be exclusively in whose courts using NYC law, shall have exclusive jurisdiction. Damage claims against Faith Holidays shall be limited to the value of the particular item in dispute and not for any incidental, consequential, or special damages. Faith Holidays assumes responsibility for representations it makes, but not for those made by others and including, but not limited to, any employee of Faith holidays or independent travel agent. Payment for reservations on any Faith Holidays travel arrangements shall constitute consent to all the provisions in the Booking Terms & Conditions published herein and is binding on all travel participants.
Cancellation
If you wish to cancel your travel arrangements, you must notify Faith Holidays in writing by letter, fax or email to Faith Holidays. Please note deposits are non-refundable. Please state the reason for cancellation as your reason for cancellation may be covered by insurance policy under their covered reasons. If notification of cancellation is received more than 90 days before departure you will only lose your deposit. For notification received within 90 days of departure, cancellation charges are as follows:
| Cancellation charges per person. | ||
| No of days of departure | Charges | |
|---|---|---|
| 91+ days before departure | Deposit Non- refundable | |
| 90-31 days before departure | Penalty 50 % | |
| 30- Day of Departure | Penalty 100% | |
(Airline and Cruise Penalties not part of the above percentages. There is no exception to cancellation fees)
Cancellations received Fridays for tour departures that Weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) will be treated as day of departure cancellation. We cannot give any allowance for meals, rooms, excursions, etc. not taken, when these are included in the price of the program.
Points to be Noted
- All images in the brochures or advertisements are only for representation purpose.
- All passengers need to be in possession of valid visas, confirmed air tickets and overseas travel insurance.
- All Passengers joining the tours must travel to / from the hub city as per the itinerary, at their own expense.
- All meals are preset, and a-la carte is not possible. Packed meals may be provided on certain days to keep up the schedule of the itinerary.
- All damages caused to the hotel rooms/Coach/other amenities during the tour, shall be payable by the passengers. Faith Holidays Inc will not be liable for the same.
- All Passengers must take extra care of their personal belongings while on the tour, every country of travel is prone to thefts and bag/purse snatching. Faith Holidays Inc will not be liable for any loss of belongings/baggage.
- The tour cost does not include cost of airfare, visas and overseas medical insurance unless specified in each of the itineraries
- The company will not be responsible or accept any liability for any damages, loss, baggage loss, theft, injury, accident, death, breakdown or any irregularity, which may occur during the tour.
- The company will not be responsible for any damage or irregularities due to weather conditions, strikes, war, quarantine and any other cause whatsoever and all such loss or expense must be borne by the passengers. Insurance policies must be carried while on tour.
- The right to claim any additional expenses incurred due to delay or changes in schedules of train, airplane, bus, ship or other services is reserved by the management of the company.
- The Tour Manager, guide and the driver will provide the best service during the tour to enjoy the sites as per itinerary within the jurisdiction of each of the sites of visit.
- The Management reserve the right to change a hotel of similar class if it is deemed advisable or necessary. Tour Manager / Guide reserves the right to amend the itinerary.in the interest of the Tour.
- The Management reserve the right to amend, alter, vary or withdraw any departure, excursion advertised.
- Refunds will not be provided for the unutilized part of the any services like meals, sightseeing, transfers, etc mentioned in the tour.
- For Detailed “Terms and Condition” please refer the Booking form.