The Seven Churches, Western Turkey, and Cappadocia tour will open some reality and a unique horizon deep into religion and civilisation history.
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, passport control, check out the airport, meet your guide, and get on the bus with our luggage. Departure to Canakkale ( Distance 300 KM / 3,5 Hours
Dinner and overnight in Canakkale ( Dinner )
After breakfast, we’ll head to the ancient city of Troia or Troy, the real-life location of the legendary Trojan War described in Homer's Iliad. Next, we will visit the legendary Pergamon, the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon Kings in 282-133 BC. We will visit the Pergamon Acropolis, the city's administrative centre, the Temple of Zeus, Dionysus, Athena, Demeter, and the famous Pergamon Library of 200,000 rolls. The Altar of Zeus, excavated during the Pergamon (Bergama) excavations, is now on display at the Pergamonmuseum in Berlin. The Great Theatre of Pergamon here is the world's steepest theatre, and it could entertain up to 10,000 spectators in ancient times. The Red Basilica (St. John’s Church) is one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Revelation.
Akhisar Visit Thyatira, which is one of the sites of the Seven Churches
Arrival and overnight stay in Izmir. ( Breakfast – Dinner ).
Today, visit the ruins of ancient Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. The Apostle John relays God's promise: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10). We will explore the Agora and St. Maria Church. Smyrna is the second city among the Seven Churches to receive a message from St. John (Rev. 1:11; 2:8).
We will then depart for ancient Ephesus, located 80 km from Izmir. The Church of Ephesus is the most important of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. It is believed that the Gospel of John was written here, and the Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians, living in the city for three years. The Church of Ephesus also received an epistle from him.
During our visit to the Ephesus ruins, we will see notable sites, including the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Grand Theatre, which has a capacity of 25,000 spectators. Afterwards, we will take a lunch break at a selected local restaurant.
After lunch, we will visit the Artemis Temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Basilica of St. John. Lastly, we will see the House of the Virgin Mary, a modest stone house located in a forest on the side of a mountain, 9 km from Ephesus. Christian pilgrims worldwide visit this site, as St. John brought Mary to Ephesus following Jesus Christ's words to his mother (John 19:27).
At the end of the tour, we will watch special demonstrations at local Turkish Delight and Leather Wear Factory stores. Finally, we will transfer back to Izmir.
Dinner and overnight in Izmir or Kusadasi ( Breakfast - Dinner )
After breakfast, we will continue our journey to Salihli, the ancient city of Sardis.
Sardes served as the capital of the Lydian kingdom in the 6th century B.C. This site is often portrayed as a dying church. We will visit the impressive Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele, which has been converted into a Byzantine church. Additionally, we will explore the restored Sardis Gymnasium and synagogue.
Next, we will head to Philadelphia, now known as Alaşehir. It is one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in Revelation 1:11 and 3:7. Notably, it is the only church not censured. Here, we will see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, featuring a high arch and 11th-century frescoes.
Arrivel at Pamukkale and Lunch Break.
Visit ancient Laodicea, known today as Denizli. This was yet another of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor, as referenced in Revelation 1:11 and 3:14, as well as Colossians 2:1 and 4:13-16. Laodicea thrived as a major centre of worship for the pagan goddess Aphrodite for about 500 years after Christ. In the famous scripture from Revelation 3:20-21, Jesus addresses the Laodicean Church, saying, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock..."
Pamukkale: We will take a lunch break at a local restaurant before continuing our exploration.
After lunch, we will visit ancient Hierapolis, which includes the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip, where he was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian. We will also see the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way, the ancient 2nd-century Roman theatre, the Nymphaion, the Temple of Apollo, and the Necropolis.
As we pass through the Frontinus Gate, we will admire the ancient Pamukkale Theater and walk around the grave monuments dedicated to honouring heroes. Each tomb is a miniature work of art, telling its unique story. Finally, we will relax on the travertine terraces of Pamukkale.
Overnight in a thermal hotel in Pamukkale. ( Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner )
Early departure towards Cappadocia. The first stop is Konya. Visit the Mausoleum of Rumi, a must-see destination in Konya. There is the tomb of the famous mystic Sufi thinker Rumi, known in English as Mevlana Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi-Rumi.
Lunch break in a Local restaurant in Konya. Visit Saruhan Caravaserail in Aksaray.
Arrival and accommodation in Cappadocia ( Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner )
Optional Hot Air Balloon Tour extra: 04:30 – 09:00
The rest of the Balloon tour takes breakfast in the hotel and starts the Cappadocia Tour.
First, we will visit the Uçhisar Castle, which consists of volcanic rocks and is the highest point of Cappadocia. From here, we will watch the fairy chimneys, valleys, and the fantastic view of the region. Next, we will visit the Pigeon Valley and have a sightseeing tour of Goreme Village, which has fascinating cave houses and an authentic atmosphere. Then, we’ll visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Paşabağı Valley (Monks Valley), and Devrent Valley, famous for its rock formations resembling different animal figures Afterward, we’ll have lunch in Avanos. After lunch, we’ll visit a pottery workshop to see how potteries are made by hand. Visit Kaymaklı underground city.
Accommodation in Cappadocia ( Breakfast – Dinner )
After breakfast, drive to Istanbul, which is 800 km away. The first stop is in Ankara ( from Cappadocia 320 Km / 4 Hours ). We will visit the mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic, and the Anıtkabir museum, which includes 4000 books he read. Lunch Break in a Restaurant.
Arrival and Overnight in Istanbul ( Breakfast –Dinner )
After breakfast, we’ll start our Istanbul tour at 08:45 am. First, we will visit the great Hagia Sofia (Saint Sophia), built by the emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD as a church and later converted into a mosque. Afterwards, we will visit the Blue Mosque 17th-century Ottoman mosque famous for its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tiles. Stroll at Hippodrome Square was used as a meeting place for chariot races during the Byzantine period. Here, we will see the Serpent Column from Delphi, the Egyptian Obelisk, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm ll.
Finally, we’ll visit the Grand Bazaar to shop. It is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world, home to more than 4000 shops full of hidden treasures and authentic items.
We take lunch in a restaurant and are transferred to Istanbul Airport Flight to your country (Breakfast)
Hope to see you on another Turkiye holiday.
People | Per person in Double |
Single Room | Extra Bed | Children Fee |
---|---|---|---|---|
3 Pax | 2992.00 | 3407.00 | 2992.00 | 7 - 11
2784.00 3 - 6
928.00 |
4 Pax | 2529.00 | 2945.00 | 2529.00 | 7 - 11
2321.00 3 - 6
774.00 |
5 Pax | 2292.00 | 2708.00 | 2292.00 | 7 - 11
2084.00 3 - 6
695.00 |
6 Pax | 2106.00 | 2522.00 | 2106.00 | 7 - 11
1898.00 3 - 6
633.00 |
7-9 Pax | 1871.00 | 2286.00 | 1871.00 | 7 - 11
1663.00 3 - 6
554.00 |
10-14 Pax | 1557.00 | 1973.00 | 1557.00 | 7 - 11
1349.00 3 - 6
450.00 |
15-19 Pax | 1436.00 | 1852.00 | 1436.00 | 7 - 11
1229.00 3 - 6
410.00 |
20-24 Pax | 1393.00 | 1809.00 | 1393.00 | 7 - 11
1185.00 3 - 6
395.00 |
25-29 Pax | 1328.00 | 1744.00 | 1328.00 | 7 - 11
1121.00 3 - 6
374.00 |
30-40 Pax | 1270.00 | 1686.00 | 1270.00 | 7 - 11
1062.00 3 - 6
354.00 |
People | Per person in Double |
Single Room | Extra Bed | Children Fee |
---|---|---|---|---|
3 Pax | 3224.00 | 3640.00 | 3224.00 | 7 - 11
2900.00 3 - 6
1450.00 |
4 Pax | 2762.00 | 3177.00 | 2762.00 | 7 - 11
2438.00 3 - 6
1219.00 |
5 Pax | 2524.00 | 2940.00 | 2524.00 | 7 - 11
2200.00 3 - 6
1100.00 |
6 Pax | 2338.00 | 2754.00 | 2338.00 | 7 - 11
2014.00 3 - 6
1007.00 |
7-9 Pax | 2103.00 | 2519.00 | 2103.00 | 7 - 11
1779.00 3 - 6
889.00 |
10-14 Pax | 1790.00 | 2205.00 | 1790.00 | 7 - 11
1466.00 3 - 6
733.00 |
15-19 Pax | 1669.00 | 2084.00 | 1669.00 | 7 - 11
1345.00 3 - 6
672.00 |
20-24 Pax | 1625.00 | 2041.00 | 1625.00 | 7 - 11
1301.00 3 - 6
651.00 |
25-29 Pax | 1561.00 | 1976.00 | 1561.00 | 7 - 11
1237.00 3 - 6
618.00 |
30-40 Pax | 1502.00 | 1918.00 | 1502.00 | 7 - 11
1178.00 3 - 6
589.00 |
Shall we call you?