Seven Churches of Revelation Tour - 8 Days/7 Nights

Arrival at Istanbul Airport. Transfer and check in to your hotel. You’ll have free time for the rest of the day. After a short rest, you can explore Istanbul by yourself.
Overnight in an Istanbul hotel.

Today, we will explore the Sultanahmet area and visit several Ottoman and Byzantine monuments. Our itinerary includes Topkapı Palace, which served as the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years. Here, you will have the opportunity to witness the sultans' dazzling treasures and valuables, and if you choose to visit the Treasury and Harem sections, you'll see even more.

Hahia Sophia: visit Hagia Sophia (Saint Sofia), the world's largest cathedral, built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian in the 6th century A.D. Its gigantic structure, beautiful frescoes, and architecture will amaze you.

We will also stroll through the historical Hippodrome Square, which was used as a meeting place for chariot races during the Roman and Byzantine periods. You will see the Serpent Column from Delphi, the Egyptian Obelisk, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II.

Afterwards, we will visit the legendary Blue Mosque, built in the 17th century. It has six beautiful minarets and takes its name from the more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles used in its interior decoration.

We have a lunch break at a local restaurant and then visit the Grand Bazaar, the world's largest covered bazaar with 4,000 shops.
Accommodation in Istanbul. (Breakfast )

We will set off for early departure for Pergamon  (approx. 380 km). Upon our arrival, we will have lunch at a local restaurant.  Ancient Pergamon, one of the most influential cities in the ancient world, rose to prominence following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. and eventually came under Roman control in 133 B.C.

Pergamon, referred to in the Bible as “The Compromising Church” (Rev 2:12-17), is one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
Although the city benefited from immense wealth, in the Book of Revelations, the risen Christ instructs John to convey that the people of Pergamon, the site of “Satan’s Throne”, needed to repent (Rev 2:13-16).

The message was that they needed to repent for their sins to avoid God's wrath. This warning was particularly significant because the city's inhabitants had become complacent due to their material prosperity. However, the message from Christ made it clear that material wealth was not a guarantee of salvation and that repentance was necessary for spiritual redemption. Therefore, the people of Pergamon needed to take heed of this warning and turn away from their sinful ways if they wanted to avoid judgment.

The temples on the Pergamon Acropolis were worship centres for pagan gods such as Dionysus and Zeus. During the Roman era, the first Christians were executed here. As a result, it is referred to as "The Seat of Satan" (Revelation 2:12-16). The Acropolis stands on a 1000-foot mountain, which is often windy. From here, visitors can enjoy views of modern towns nearby, the azure waters of the Aegean, and the ruins of Pergamon that cascade down from the ancient city centre. During our visit, we will explore the Temple of Trajan, the Temple of Athena, and the Altar of Zeus, once one of the grandest monuments of the ancient world. The Great Theatre of Pergamon is among the steepest in the world and known for its acoustic phenomenon. It could hold up to 10,000 spectators. Nearby, you can see the remains of the famous Library of Pergamon. We will also visit the Asklepion, the renowned medical centre of antiquity, and the Red Basilica.
We continue on our way to Akhisar. ( 85 Km ) Visit the Church of Thyatira, now called Akhisar, one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor

Thyatira, known as “The Corrupt Church” (Rev 2:18-29) in the Bible, is mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
Thyatira, known as Akhisar today, was famous for its textile production and dyed fabrics during the Roman period. The city's commercial and cultural wealth challenged people's worldly distinctions, faith, and purity. While exploring the ancient ruins in Akhisar, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the provincial Christian community's struggles and preservation of their faith. [Rev. 1:11; 2:18 - 24; Acts 16:14]. Paul's sermons in the Philippi city of Macedonia mention Akhisar (Thyatira) and the church there. He describes Thyatira as the hometown of a wealthy purple dye merchant named Lydia, who worshipped God. (Acts 16:14)  Afterwards, we will drive to Izmir. ( 110 Km ) 
Dinner and overnight in Izmir. (Breakfast – Dinner)

Izmir: With a history of over 3,000 years, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Turkey and the third largest city in Turkey. It is known for its industrial and agricultural income, mild Aegean climate, and friendly people with a modern secular lifestyle.
After breakfast, we will visit the ruins of ancient Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches where the Apostle John relays God's promise: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10).

Smyrna is the second city of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation to receive the message from St. John, which was that of Smyrna. (Rev. 1:11;2:8), and known in the Bible as “The Persecuted Church” (Rev 2:8-11), mentioned as one of the Seven Churches in Asia Minor in the Book of Revelation. We will see the remains of a basilica and architectural works from the Roman period.
Afterwards, we will visit the oldest church of Izmir, the Saint Polycarp Church, the bishop of Smyrna and a student of St. John, who was martyred here in the 2nd century.

Sardes, known today as Salihli, was the capital of the Lydian Kingdom, where the first money was found, and has a rich history.
Sards is one of the Seven Churches referred to in the Bible as “The Dead Church” (Rev 3:1-6).  The biblical reference highlights the challenges faced by the early Christians, highlighting the need for revival and spiritual awakening within the congregation. As you tour the archaeological ruins of Sardis, you will gain new insight into the spiritual lessons conveyed in the book of Revelation.
We will visit the great Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele, which was converted into a Byzantine Church. We will also see the restored Sardis Gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue.
Have a lunch break at a local restaurant en route.

Philadelphia Church, one of the Seven Holy Churches and today known as Alasehir, is referred to as the "Faithful Church" in the Bible (Rev. 3:7-13). Home to one of the Christian communities, Philadelphia is famous for its enduring, persistent and faithful historical and cultural significance. The biblical reference speaks to the congregation's unwavering commitment to their faith. Here are the ruins of a Byzantine brick basilica with high arches and frescoes from the 11th century.
Philadelphia's ancient streets and landmarks include an 11th-century Byzantine ruin decorated with high arches built of brick and decorated with frescoes. Afterwards, departure towards Pamukkale.
Dinner and overnight in a thermal hotel in Pamukkale. (Breakfast –  Dinner)

After having breakfast, we will begin our tour in Pamukkale. Our first stop will be Hierapolis, where we will see the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip, the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way, the ancient 2nd-century Roman Theater, the Nymphaion, the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium, and the Necropolis. We will pass through the Roman Gate, appreciate the ancient Pamukkale Theater, and explore the tomb monuments like miniature works of art, each telling different stories. Walk and relax on the Pamukkale travertine terraces.

Afterwards, we will visit the Laodicea ruins and the Laodicea church, one of the holy churches in Asia Minor.
Laodicea Church is Highlighted as “The Lukewarm Church” in the Book of Revelation  [Rev. 1:11; 3:14; Col. 2:1; 4:13 - 16]. It thrived as a major center of worship for the pagan goddess Aphrodite for about 500 years after Christ. The Christians of Laodicea were chastised for being lukewarm, "You are neither cold nor hot" (Rev. 3: 15), and for being too comfortable incorporating pagan and Christian beliefs. The famous scripture from Revelation (3: 20-21), said to the Laodicean Church: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock...".

Today, excavations continue in Laodicea, uncovering an ancient city as beautiful as Ephesus. It has ancient theatres, marble paths lined with columns, basilica ruins, antique stone water pipes, temples, an agora, and monumental fountains.We will have a lunch break in Pamukkale before heading to Kuşadası.
Dinner and overnight stay in Selcuk or Kuşadası. (Breakfast - Dinner)

After breakfast, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, 30 km from Kusadasi. This small, modest stone house is located in the forest on the side of a mountain 9 km from Ephesus. It is visited by Christian pilgrims from all over the world. St. John brought Mary to Ephesus, following Jesus Christ's advice to his mother (John 19:27). 
Ephesus Church is Highlighted as “The Loveless Church” (Rev 2:1-7) in the Book of Revelation It is thought that the Gospel of John was written here. Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years. The Church of Ephesus also received an epistle from him. Afterwards, visit Ephesus.
Ephesus Ancient city is on the World Heritage list and is one of the best-preserved e-Roma cities today.
During the Ephesus tour, we will walk around the spectacular ruins where excavations continue in this once great and important city founded in the 10th century B.C. We will walk through history along the marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, including the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Grand Theatre, which has a capacity of 25,000.
We will have a lunch break at a selected local restaurant. Afterwards, we will visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. 

Saint John Church: The Basilica of St. John is the resting place of St. John the Evangelist. A small chapel was built over his grave in the 4th century. Later, during the reign of Emperor Justinianus, St. John's Church was transformed into a magnificent basilica. The monumental basilica, with six domes and a cross shape, houses the tomb of St. John under the central dome. The monograms of Emperor Justinian and his wife, Theodora, can be seen on the courtyard columns. The chapel is decorated with impressive frescoes from the 10th century AD depicting St. John, Jesus and a saint.

St. John, author of the Fourth Gospel and the Book of Revelation, was one of Christ's closest disciples. He wrote his Bible in Ephesus in 96 AD and the Book of Revelation on the Greek island of Patmos.

The Ayasuluk region of Selçuk hosts ancient temples of 3 major religions. The Temple of Artemis represents Paganism, Saint John's Church represents Christianity, and Isabey Mosque represents Islam.

We will visit Şirince village, famous for its 300-year-old houses, history, beautiful scenery, and delicious food.

At the end of the tour, we will watch special demonstrations in the area's Turkish Delight and Leather Wear Factory stores.
Dinner and accommodation in Izmir (Breakfast –Dinner)

After breakfast, we'll depart early from Izmir to Istanbul ( 480 Km / 6 hr ). We’ll have a lunch break on the way.
Arrive in Istanbul and visit Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. This very colourful market with an oriental atmosphere specialises in typical products such as spices, desserts, nuts, and small souvenirs. Next, we’ll drive to Golden Horn for a Bosphorus cruise along the Bosporus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea with the inland Marmara Sea. 
Visit the Pantokrator Monastery Church, one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture (later converted into a mosque). Rest of the day, if we have enough time, we will visit the Saint George's Church and Fener Roman Patriarchal, which is the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul  Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeu I of Constantinople bears the title of "Primus inter Pares" that is, (First of the Equals), and he is regarded as the representative and religious leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.
Overnight in Istanbul. ( Breakfast )

Free time in Istanbul until your airport transfer. Our tour concludes with your Private transfer to the Istanbul Airport for your onward flight to your country.
Hope to see you again on another Turkey tour. ( Breakfast )

Customized Tours
We can create a tour program upon your request and offer an itinerary that suits your personal, educational, cultural, and budgetary requirements. Please contact us with your requests.