This 4-day tour follows the route of the Seven Churches of Revelation across western Turkey, including Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Along the way, the programme also includes Hierapolis and Pamukkale, as well as the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John.
It is a compact itinerary, but there is still time to understand the historical and biblical background of each site rather than simply moving from one stop to another. The tour includes a professional guide, hotel accommodation, entrance fees and private transportation, with pick-up available from Izmir Airport, Izmir, Selcuk or Kusadasi.
Day 1: Smyrna and Pergamum
- We will meet you at Izmir Airport, Izmir City, Selcuk, or Kusadasi.
- First, we’ll visit the Church of Izmir (Smyrna) to learn about its history and importance among the Seven Churches of Revelation.
- After that, we’ll head to Pergamum, an ancient city with many historical sites.
- We’ll drive back to Izmir and stay overnight in Izmir.
Biblical References: Smyrna: Revelation 2:8-11
Pergamon: Revelation 2:12-17
Day 2: Thyateira, Sardis, Philadelphia
- After breakfast, we’ll begin our day by exploring the ruins of the ancient church in Thyatira, a city established by the Lydians and linked to the false prophet “Jezebel.”
- Next, we’ll visit Sardis, the once-thriving capital of the Lydian Empire and the birthplace of the first minted coins.
- On our way to Pamukkale, we’ll stop at Philadelphia to see the remains of its ancient church, a congregation commended by St. John.
- At the end of the tour, we will drive to Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Biblical References:Thyatira: Revelation 2:18-29
Philadelphia: Revelation 3:7-13
Sardis: Revelation 3:1-6
Day 3: Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Laodicea
- In the morning, explore the after breakfast; we’ll begin our day by exploring the ruins of Hierapolis, known as the home of Philip the Evangelist.
- Visit Philip’s tomb and the octagon church.Take a break at the stunning calcium terraces of Pamukkale and enjoy the natural beauty around you.
- Continue to Laodicea, the city of compromise; St. John referred to the congregation as “lukewarm.”
- After we visit the ruins of Laodicea Ancient City, we will drive to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Biblical References: Laodicea: Revelation 3:14-22
Hierapolis: Colossians 4:12-13
Day 4: Ephesus, The House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of John
- We will start our tour with a visit to Ephesus, one of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient cities, where St. John urged the church to rediscover their first love. Stroll along its marble streets and take in remarkable landmarks like the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Odeon, and the Grand Theatre, where St. Paul once faced opposition.
- Next, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her final home.
- We will stop by the Basilica of St. John in Selcuk town, which is thought to be his burial site.
- At the end of the tour, we will drive you back to Izmir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
Biblical References: Ephesus: Revelation 1:11, 2:1-7, and Acts 18:19-28:19