Join us with the 7-Day Istanbul and 7 Churches of Revelation Tour. Here, within Asia Minor, one witnessed the setting for the Seven Churches from the book of Revelation that affected the early Christian world. We shall wander to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea with eminent thought for the messages assigned to each church and their relevance in our day. This way, we are also poised to take in the mythology of ancient Troy, the grandeur of ancient Greco-Roman sites, and the distinctive allure of Cappadocia: those cave churches and underground cities where early Christians found sanctuary. This was more than just a tour; it was an encounter with history, faith, and stories that shaped our very world in the very place where it all began.
Day 1: Arrival
- Today, we will meet you at the airport to welcome you to Turkey and drive you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
***Optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, where you’ll enjoy delicious Turkish cuisine while sailing between Europe and Asia, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. Please book in advance.
Day 2: Smyrna and Pergamum ( Breakfast )
- Today, we will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and drive you to the airport for your flight to Izmir.
- 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 İzmir and stay overnight there.
Day 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 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 to Izmir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. We will meet you at the airport when you arrive in Istanbul and drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 6: Istanbul Old City Tour ( Breakfast)
- Today, we will meet you at your hotel and drive to the old city.
- We will visit St. Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
- Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 7: Departure ( Breakfast )
- Today, we will drive you back to the airport according to your flight schedule.