Antakya Tour (2 Days 1 Night)
Tour Detail
Antakya, the ancient city of Antioch mentioned in the Bible, is built on a fertile plain surrounded by high mountains along the banks of the Orontes River. Once the capital of the Seleucid kings, the city gained fame for its wealth and grandeur. In the 7th century, Antioch was considered one of the five patriarchal centers of the Christian Church, the others being Rome, Alexandria, Jerusalem, and Constantinople. During the Roman period, the city continued to develop in terms of trade and culture. It held an important position in the early days when Christianity first emerged prominently. The cave, now known as St. Peter's Cave or St. Peter's Church, is believed to be the place where the Apostle Peter preached during his visit to Antioch and is regarded as one of the earliest Christian places of worship. This cave church on the Antakya-Reyhanlı road is considered as holy to the Christian world as Rome and Jerusalem and stands out as the only surviving structure from the early days when the new faith began to take root. Declared a pilgrimage site by the papacy in 1963, it has also been evaluated as the world's first cathedral. Every year on June 29, Christians and clergy from various parts of the world gather at St. Peter's Church for a special service.
Alongside this early sacred structure, Antakya is home to a Catholic Church and a Greek Orthodox Church. Additionally, the city hosts the Archaeological Museum, known as the Mosaic Museum, which possesses the world's second richest mosaic collection. Antakya also features historically and architecturally significant structures dating back to the Ottoman period, such as Habib-ı Neccar Mosque.
Antakya Ancient Vespasianus Titus Tunnel:
The Vespasianus Titus Tunnel is an engineering achievement dating back approximately 2,000 years. Built near the ancient city of Seleucia Pieria, it is a large tunnel constructed to divert floodwaters threatening the harbor to another direction. According to UNESCO, due to its size, well-preserved original structure, architectural qualities, and engineering features, it is one of the most impressive remnants of the Roman period.
What's Included
Accommodation in centrally located hotels in selected cities (bed and breakfast or half board)
Turkish-speaking guiding services and panoramic city tours (Pristina, Prizren, Tirana, Ohrid, Skopje)
Some dinners specified in the program and local Balkan cuisine experience
Boat tour on Lake Ohrid and visits to historical market, mosque, and church
Sightseeing of Stone Bridge, Old Bazaar, and square in Skopje
Mandatory travel insurance and transportation by bus throughout the tour
Local taxes, hotel accommodation taxes, and environmental cleaning fees
Not Included
Personal expenses (shopping, hotel minibar, extra drinks, etc.)
Lunches and unspecified dinners
Museum and archaeological site entrance fees as well as extra organized tours
Travel health insurance and exit fee for leaving the country
Tour Program
Day 1: Antakya Tour
Meeting at Hatay Airport,
Breakfast in Hatay,
Visit to Hatay Archaeology Museum, the world's second-largest mosaic museum,
St. Pierre Church and Neccar Mountains,
Lunch,
Walking tour within the city,
Habib i Neccar Mosque,
Uzun Çarşı,
Antakya Catholic Church,
Helena Mosaic, wood and silk art shopping,
Return to hotel.
DAY 2: Antakya Tour
Breakfast at the hotel,
Harbiye Waterfall,
Vakıflı Village, the last Armenian village in Anatolia,
Visit to Vakıflı Village Cooperative, organic products and grape tasting,
Visit to Surp Asdvadzadzin Church,
Musa Tree,
Lunch,
Beşikli Cave, its church and Titius Tunnel,
Arrival at Hatay Airport.
General Information
During reservation, no seat number can be promised or guaranteed. The guide reserves the right to make changes in timing and program flow, provided that the entire program is carried out. Our tours constitute an integral whole comprising hotel, bus, tour program, and guiding services and cannot be considered separately. Unused transportation, accommodation, sightseeing tours, etc., rights within the tour are not refundable.
Our vehicles depart from the designated meeting points at the specified times for each tour; please be ready at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure time.
The contact number of the tour staff will be sent via SMS to the phone number you provided during reservation prior to the tour participation date. Please ensure that the contact number you provided is correct. Otherwise, responsibility lies with you.
In cases where children under 18 years of age (minors) do not participate in the tour accompanied by one or both of their parents, it is mandatory to have the necessary consent letters with them during travel.
The agency reserves the right to cancel the tour if there are insufficient participants, provided that notice is given 3 (three) days in advance. The latest circular supersedes all previous ones. Prices include VAT.
"In cases where facilities, museums, and historical sites operating under the T.C. Ministry of Culture and Tourism and local municipalities are closed due to renovation, maintenance, restoration, or any other works, Fison Travel bears no responsibility for tours that cannot be conducted due to adverse weather conditions before or during the tour."
What to bring with you?
• Comfortable clothing suitable for the season and hiking shoes,
• Cash and bank cards,
• Phone charger,
• Personal medications and basic hygiene items.