Biblical Turkey Tour: Seven Churches of Revelation

Arrival in Istanbul. Welcome at IST Airport and private transfer to hotel. If you have not been to Turkey before, we can extend the stay in Istanbul for 3 nights or more to cover the highlights of the city.

Overnight at Istanbul | Meals: None

Meet your guide at the hotel and discover the highlights of the city visiting Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and the Byzantine Hippodrome.

Overnight at Istanbul | Meals: B

Once your flight arrives at Izmir, get welcomed and proceed to Smyrna Church (the suffering church), and enjoy a panoramic view of Smyrna city along the way. The church was home to the 2nd century Bishop Polycarp- A martyr burnt alive aged 85 years.

Overnight at Izmir | Meals: B, L, D

Drive to the ruins of Pergamum, home to another church of Revelation, “the compromising church.” Explore the ruins which house an impressive Acropolis, the Asklepion, the steepest theatre in the world, and marble columns of the Temple of Trojan. You will also see Zeus’s altar, which John referred to as the “Throne of Satan” when he addressed the church at Pergamum.

Overnight at Izmir | Meals: B, L, D

Depart early in the morning for Thyatira (the adulterous church) was criticized for tolerating false prophets. The ancient city of Thyatira was famous for purple dyes, and there are remains of a basilica at the site where the town once stood. Explore the remains and other architectural fragments from Roman times.

Our next church in Sardis, one of the most breathtaking sites of the Seven Churches tour. The church here was portrayed as “the dead church.” Sardis was the capital of the 6th century BC Lydian Kingdom, and ruins of the once magnificent city remain. Explore the grand temple of Artemis, the temple of Cybele (later became a Byzantine Church), a reconstructed synagogue, and the restored gymnasium. There are also remains of a royal road built by Cyrus the Great from Susa to Sardis.

John portrayed the Church at Philadelphia as “the faithful church.” Here, you will explore the remains of a brick Byzantine basilica.

Overnight at Pamukkale | Meals: B, L, D

Visit the Laodicean church (criticized for being lukewarm and incorporating pagan beliefs into Christian beliefs). The church is close to Pamukkale and Hierapolis region, so you will enjoy visiting the scenic white steeped pools of Pamukkale and Hierapolis’s ruins.

Overnight at Pamukkale | Meals: B, L, D

Finish your tour of the churches of Revelation with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. The ruins of the city are impressive and in excellent condition. Visit the most important church of the seven, also characterized as “the loveless church,” as you explore the spectacular ruins. Stroll the colonnaded street and marvel at the magnificent building lining the streets.

You will also visit the house that the virgin Mary supposedly spent her final years and the Basilica of St John.

Overnight at Kusadasi | Meals: B, L, D

After 8 days of breathtaking historical sights, transfer to the airport for your return flight home or next destination(s) if you would like to continue exploring Turkey.

Meals: B