The 7-Day Biblical Turkey Tour tour offers the visitor an opportunity to retrace the footsteps of early Christians throughout Asia Minor-the, the intersection of faith, prophecy, and history. Stops brought to mind include Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea-all once very alive centers of belief and struggle-while mulling over the eternal messages conveyed to each church. That almost articulated the emotion of place, the story of Troy as in Homer’s Iliad, of majestic Greco-Roman cities, and ultimately to Cappadocia, with cave churches concealed in the rocks and underground cities carved on the surface, where early believers found shelter. Ruins tourists are not enough to describe this, since it wraps Scripture as an experience, eliciting spiritual reflection and drawing one deeper into the history of Christianity.
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 there.
Day 2: Thyateira, Sardis, Philadelphia ( Breakfast )
- 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.
Day 3: Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Laodicea ( Breakfast )
- In the morning, after breakfast, we’ll explore the ruins; our day will begin with a visit to the ruins of Hierapolis, known as the home of Philip the Evangelist. Visit Philip’s tomb and the octagonal 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.
Day 4: Ephesus, The House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of John ( Breakfast )
- 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, such as 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 your hotel in Kusadasi
Day 5: Kusadasi to Cappadocia ( Breakfast )
- Today, we will meet you at your hotel and drive you back to Izmir Airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
- When you arrive in Cappadocia, we will drive you to your hotel. Overnight at a cave hotel.
Day 6: Biblical Cappadocia Tour ( Breakfast)
****Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight (Please book it in advance)
- Today, we will visit Goreme Open Air Museum and see Tokali Church, Basil Church, St. Barbara Church, Dark Church, St. Catherine Chapel, Carikli Church, and Nunnery. We will explore the Troglodyte Village of Avcilar, Avanos, Monk’s Valley, and St. Simeon Church.
- We will drive you back to your hotel at the end of the tour. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 7: Mystical Cappadocia Tour ( Breakfast )
- Today, we will explore one of the underground cities of Cappadocia, Uchisar Castle, Guvercinlik Valley, and Ihlara Valley. At the end of the tour, we will drive you to the airport for your flight to Istanbul.
- We will meet you at Istanbul Airport and drive you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.