DAILY PRIVATE BIBLICAL IZNIK NICAEA TOUR
We will pick you up from your hotel and begin our journey to Iznik - Nikea. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, crossing the scenic Osmangazi Bridge. We will visit Hagia Sophia Orhan Mosque, Green Mosque, Lefke Gate, Istanbul Gate, Murat Hamami and Roman theatre ruins. After that, We will drive to Elbeyli Village to see the ancient Obelisk (Dikilitas). Following this, a local lunch will be served. We will continue to visit Iznik Museum, Imaret of Nilüfer Hatun Turkish-Islamic Arts Museum and Iznik Tile Bazaar where you can admire world-famous handmade ceramic art. We will then take a relaxing walk along the shores of Iznik Lake to view the underwater Basilica of Saint Neophytos, an important site following the First Council of Nicaea. Arrive back at your hotel in Istanbul around 19:00pm.
NOTES
• Complimentary pickup is included for hotels in the Sultanahmet and Taksim areas. An additional charge may apply for other locations.
• This is a private tour; we are happy to customize the itinerary to suit your preferences.
• Programs are subject to change in the event of extreme weather conditions.
Iznik (Nicaea): Known as the "City of Councils," Iznik is a historical treasure trove that served as a vital center for both the Roman and Byzantine Empires. It is world-renowned for its exquisite "Iznik Tiles" and its unique city planning, which still follows its ancient grid system.
Iznik Hagia Sophia Orhan Mosque: Originally built as a Byzantine church in the 4th century, this iconic structure hosted the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 AD. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted into a mosque by Orhan Gazi, making it a powerful symbol of the city's layered religious history.
Lefke Gate: Standing as one of the most impressive entrances to the ancient city, the Lefke Gate features remarkable Roman masonry and intricate inscriptions. It was a key part of the city’s defensive walls and remains a testament to the grand military architecture of the 2nd century.
Basilica of Saint Neophytos: Discovered underwater in Iznik Lake, this 4th-century basilica is considered one of the most important archaeological finds of recent years. It was built in honor of Saint Neophytos and is believed to be the site where the First Council of Nicaea’s decisions were influenced.
Iznik Roman Theatre: Built by Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century, this magnificent theatre is unique for being constructed on a flat plain using massive vaulted substructures rather than a hillside. It stands as one of the most monumental examples of Roman engineering in Anatolia, once seating thousands of spectators.