The Seven Churches of Revelations an Cappadocia Tour 8 Days

Arrival at Izmir Airport, and transfer to your hotel.  Visit the Church of Saint Polycarp, dedicated to Saint Polycarp, the bishop of Izmir who was martyred by being burned alive at the age of 85 in the 2nd century.
Visit Agora, Smyrna Church, 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, known in the Bible as “The Persecuted Church” (Rev 2:8-11).

Izmir, which is the third largest city in Turkey, has been a long-time centre for Jews and Christians.  Wander through the old Kemeraltı Bazaar, a market where locals do all kinds of shopping, and get to know the local people and their culture.  The remainder of your day is free to walk along the scenic waterfront, sightsee on your own and enjoy your hotel facilities.
Overnight stay in İzmir. (Dinner)

Today, visit Pergamon and Thyatira, Smyrna, and drive to Pergamon for one hour – 330 Km.
Pergamon is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site and one of the most influential cities in the ancient world.

We will visit the ruins of the Pergamon Acropolis, the city's administrative centre; the Temple of Zeus; the Temple of Dionysus; the Temple of Athena; the Temple of Demeter; and the famous Pergamon Library, which housed 200,000 scrolls. The Great Theatre of Pergamon, the world's steepest theatre, could entertain up to 10,000 spectators in ancient times.
Pergamon Church, 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. The church of Pergamum was praised for its forbearance (Rev. 2:12-17); in Rome, the first Christians were executed in Pergamon.
Visit The Red Basilica (St. John’s Church)—then lunch break in a Local Restaurant. Drive to Akhisar.
Thyatira Church, known as “The Corrupt Church” (Rev 2:18-29) in the Bible, is mentioned in Revelation.
Thyatira, now known as Akhisar, was renowned for its textile production and was famous as the "purple seller," the preferred colour of the Seven Churches. 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 its efforts to preserve its faith.
Overnight stay in Izmir.  (Breakfast – Dinner)

After a relaxing night at the thermal hotel, explore Pamukkale.
Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Takes its name from the white travertine terraces. This natural formation formed as calcium carbonate hardened in hot springs over time. With their dazzling whiteness and stepped structure, travertines resemble a cotton pile. You can walk on the allowed travertine and swim in the Cleopatra pool (Extra payment)
Hierapolis means "Sacred City." It was an ancient centre for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian centre in the first century, and it is one of the 12 Ionian cities.
Lunch break and visit Laodicea. From Hierapolis, we proceed to Colossae, 30 Km.
Colossae is well known in Christian circles as the recipient of Paul's letter to the Colossians. This is the reason behind Paul's reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his letter to the Colossians (Colossians 4:13).
Arrival at the hotel after an enjoyable journey through fertile plains, charming villages, and towns.
Overnight stay in Kuşadası  or Izmir  (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 )

Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The ancient capital of Asia Minor is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek and Roman cities in the world. Visit the Temple of Hadrian, the marvellous Celsus Library, the Temple of Trajan, the Grand Theatre (25.000 seats), the Agora, the Gymnasium, and the Terrace House (entrance extra).
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 there for three years. The Church of Ephesus also received an epistle from him.
The House of the Virgin Mary is a sacred pilgrimage site believed to be the Virgin Mary's final residence. St. John brought Mary to Ephesus after Jesus Christ's words to his mother (John 19:27). Next, visit the Temple of Artemis, regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Saint John Church, which is the resting place of St. John the Evangelist. Houses the tomb of St. John under the central dome.
At the end of the tour, we will take a short break for souvenir shopping.
Hand-woven carpet weaving is an ancient tradition in Turkey.  In a carpet village, we will learn how carpets are handwoven and the factors that determine their value.
Overnight in Izmir or Kusadasi (Breakfast – Dinner)

Flight from İzmir Airport to Kayseri Airport, with Istanbul as the connecting point. Transfer to the hotel in Cappadocia. (Comfortable flight times are 08:55 – 12:30 or 10:45 – 14:30; flight times are subject to change.)
Lunch break at a local restaurant, then explore Cappadocia and visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum.
The Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features rock-cut churches and monastic complexes. The Göreme Open-Air Museum features striking fairy chimneys, grand monasteries, and chapels, including the Apple Church, Snake Church, and Saint Barbara Church. You will see scenes and figures from the Old and New Testaments in well-preserved frescoes from the iconoclastic period.
Overnight in Cappadocia (Breakfast – Dinner)
Cappadocia Optional Tours
- Hot Air Balloon Tour 04:30 – 09:00 (Recommended to Book before Arrival)
- Türkish Night program -  Music, Folklore, traditional show.

Hot Air Balloon Tour (optional) 04:30 - 09:00 Experience the privilege of watching the magnificent sunrise view of Cappadocia from the sky in the Hot Air Balloon basket.  After breakfast, start the day tour.
First, visit Uçhisar Castle, a volcanic rock formation and the highest point in Cappadocia. From here, we will see the fairy chimneys, valleys, and the region's fantastic views. Visit Pigeon Valley and take a sightseeing tour of Göreme Village, featuring fascinating cave houses and an authentic atmosphere. Then, we’ll visit Göreme Open Air Museum, Paşabağı Valley (Monks Valley), and Devrent Valley, famous for its rock formations resembling different animal figures.
Love Valley is renowned for its extraordinary fairy chimneys and breathtaking views. It is among the most popular spots for sunrise and balloon viewing and a favourite among couples and photography enthusiasts.
Kaymakli Underground City is one of Cappadocia’s most fascinating subterranean cities. Explore its tunnels, living quarters, storage rooms, and ventilation systems, which early Christians used for shelter. These underground cities in Cappadocia were used as defences against attacks from the Romans, Persians, and Arabs, as storehouses and for living.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia (Breakfast – Dinner)

Transfer to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport, and fly to Istanbul Airport.
Your flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul arrive at Istanbul Airport 4 hours before your international departure. Please provide your international return flight details in advance.
Alternatively, you can extend your stay in Istanbul by one more night.

Customised Tours   
We can customise this tour program to suit your personal, educational, cultural, flight dates, and budgetary preferences. Contact us to request a new itinerary.