Seven Churches Revelation Tour (4 Days)

WHY SHOULD YOU SEE THIS TOUR?

Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) is mentioned in the Bible. It played an important role in biblical history. The lands that are today Turkey have been the scene of many important events and civilizations mentioned in the Torah and the Bible.

The Apostle Paul, born in Tarsus, an ancient city located in southern Turkey, had a significant ministry in Turkey. His first missionary journey mainly took place in Turkey, where he visited cities such as Perge, Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and Attalia. He also wrote his epistles to the Galatians, Ephesians, and Colossians, addressing assemblies in Turkey.

Paul preached in various cities including Perge, Troas, Assos, and Ephesus.

According to tradition, after the death of Yahshua (Jesus), the Apostle John took Yahshua’s mother, Mary, with him from Jerusalem to Ephesus. It is believed that John led the assembly established in Ephesus and cared for Mary as Yahshua instructed him.

The ruins of St. John’s Basilica can be visited in Selcuk town near Ephesus. However, John was later imprisoned on the island of Patmos, off the Turkish coast.

It was during his exile on Patmos that John had a vision and wrote the Book of Revelation, which included letters to seven churches, namely Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, all located in present-day Turkey.In this tour we will be visiting 7 Churches in Turkey.

DAY1: Exploring Izmir (Smyrna) & Bergama:

Itinerary: Begin your tour in Izmir and visit Smyrna, the “Suffering Church,” which endured persecution under the Roman Empire. Then, proceed to Bergama and explore the Acropolis and the famous Asclepion medical center of antiquity. Overnight in Bergama.

Overview After a meet-up, we will drive to the city center of Izmir. Our first stop will be Izmir Agora, a fascinating ancient marketplace. Next, we will visit the impressive Izmir Castle, offering panoramic views of the city. Finally, we will explore St. Polycarp Church, a significant site in Smyrna’s Christian history. Then, we will drive to Pergamon, which will take approximately 140 minutes.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, we will venture to the Pergamon Acropolis, where we will discover remarkable sites such as the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Athena, the Library of Pergamon, the Grand Theatre of Pergamon, the arsenals, the gymnasium, and the Red Basilica. We will also visit the Asclepion Roman medical center. Afterward, we will drive to our hotel in Bergama for dinner and overnight stay.

(Lunch and Dinner Included)

DAY2: Exploring Akhisar (Thyatira), Salihli (Sardes), and Alasehir (Philadelphia):

Itinerary: Visit Thyatira, the “Adulterous Church,” and learn about its trading past. Continue to Sardes, the “Dead Church,” known for its grand Temple of Artemis and other impressive ruins. Finally, visit Philadelphia, the “Faithful Church,” and see its ancient wall and Byzantine Basilica. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Overview: After breakfast, we will drive to Akhisar to visit the Thyatira Church. Then, we will proceed to Salihli, where we will explore the Sardes Church and its ruins. Some highlights include the Marble Court of the Hall of the Imperial Cult, the Synagogue, the Gymnasium and baths Complex, the Roman road, the Temple of Artemis, and a Christian church.

We will enjoy an open buffet local lunch (drinks extra) before driving to Alasehir to visit the Church of Philadelphia. Finally, we will head to Pamukkale for dinner and an overnight stay.

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)

DAY3: Discovering Hierapolis, Pamukkale, and Laodicea:

Itinerary: Explore Pamukkale, also known as the “Cotton Castle,” famous for its white terraces and mineral bath spas. Visit Hierapolis, the “Holy City,” evangelized by Paul and home to the Apostle Philip’s burial site. Discover Laodicea, the “Lukewarm Church,” and its important archaeological remains. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Overview: After breakfast, we will visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Marvel at the stunning white calcium carbonate travertines, explore the Hierapolis Archaeological Museum, take a dip in the famous Cleopatra’s Pool, and discover the ancient city of Hierapolis, including the Grand Theatre, the Temple of Apollo, the Nymphaeum (Monumental Fountain), the Plutonium, the Christian Basilica, the City Gate, the Necropolis, and the Martyrium of St. Philip.

After enjoying a local lunch, we will visit Laodicea, also known as the Lukewarm Church. Highlights here include the North Grand Theatre, the West Grand Theatre, the Nymphaeum, Syria Street, Syria Gate, the Christian Basilica, the Agora, and the Roman Bath. We will then drive back to Kusadasi Hotels, where the drop-off will be provided.

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)

DAY4: Exploring Ephesus, Virgin Mary House & St.John:

Itinerary: Head to Selçuk to visit Ephesus, the second-largest city in the Roman Empire and a major center of early Christianity. Marvel at its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the ancient amphitheater. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a holy site with a peaceful atmosphere. Conclude your tour at the Basilica of St. John, built over the supposed grave of St. John. Transfer to Izmir Airport for departure..

Overview: Our day will begin with a visit to the House of Virgin Mary, a sacred pilgrimage site. We will then explore the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Next, we will immerse ourselves in the ancient ruins of Ephesus, including the Odeon, the Roman Bath, the State Agora, the Prytaneum, the Temple of Domitian, and the Monument of Memmius.

We will end our journey at the neutral toned St. John’s Basilica.

End of the day,We will drive you to Izmir Airport.

P.S. Please note that there will be a shopping possibility where you may have the chance to see and buy some special traditional & handmade souvenirs from the holy lands where civilizations lived to make your visit unforgettable.

(Breakfast Included)

Hotels:

Bergama Hotels:

LES PERGAMON Hotel 5 Star (or similar category)
HOTEL LABELLA BERGAMA 4 Star (or similar category)
BERGAMA TAŞ KONAK HOTEL 3 Star (or similar category)

Kusadasi Hotels:

CHARISMA Hotel 5 Star (or similar category)
MARTI Hotel 4 Star (or similar category)
DERICI Hotel 3 Star (or similar category)

Pamukkale Hotels:

ADEMPIRA TERMAL&SPA Hotel 5 Star (or similar category)
HIERAPARK TERMAL&SPA Hotel 4 Star (or similar category)
REIS TERMAL&SPA Hotel 3 Star (or similar category)

What is included:

Domestic flights
Sightseeing as per the itinerary
All escorted transfers
Hotel accommodation at the above-mentioned hotels
English speaking government licensed professional tour guide
All entry fees to sites and museums
Meals as per indicated in the itinerary
Transportation by A/C non-smoking and sanitized vehicle
Local taxes and VAT:

What is not included:

Internatıonal flights
All meals and beverages not indicated in the itinerary
All personal expenditures
Gratuity to guide and driver (Minimum 7 USD for guide + 3 USD for driver suggested)