10-Day Journey to the Seven Churches of Revelation
$5,595
Number of Days: 10
Location: Turkey
Join us on a special tour to Asia Minor to explore the Seven Churches of Revelation on a tour of Christian sites in Asia Minor. You will travel to the major cities throughout Turkey, including Ephesus, Smyrna, Thyatira, Sardis, Laodicea, Philadelphia, Hierapolis, and Constantinople, with 3000 years of history. You will visit Pamukkale to see ancient temples, including the Hierapolis and magnificent Necropolis. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This tour will sell out quickly, so book now to reserve your spot today.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
BEGINNING OF OUR TOUR
Depart USA for Izmir, Turkey.
Day 2
IZMIR
Arrive in Izmir, where you will be met at the airport for transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.
Day 3
PERGAMUM/THYATIRA
This morning, we will drive north through farmlands, low ranges, and along the Aegean Sea onto the town of Bergama to visit Pergamum, one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. The city rose to prominence following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and eventually came under Roman control in 133 BC. Although this city benefited from immense wealth, in the Book of Revelation, the risen Christ instructs St. John to convey the message that the people of Pergamum, the site of “Satan’s throne,” needed to repent (Rev 2:13-16). Today, we will tour the Acropolis, which sits atop a 1000-foot windswept mountain, offering a view of the neighboring modern towns, the azure waters of the Aegean, and the ruins of Pergamum that cascade down from the ancient city center. Nearby are the remains of the famous Library of Pergamum. This afternoon, we will drive to Thyatira, one of the Seven Churches praised for its increasing faith but admonished for its tolerance of Jezebel. Return to Izmir for dinner and overnight.
Day 4
SMYRNA/SARDIS/PHILADELPHIA
This morning, visit the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Smyrna in ancient Agora. Located in modern-day Izmir, Smyrna was one of the Seven Churches that the Apostle John relays the promise from God: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10). Afterward, we will visit Sardis, a militarily strong ancient city located along an important highway and among the fertile plains of Hermus (Gediz River). Though Sardis was a powerful and wealthy city with a reputation for being alive, God announced that it was actually dead (Rev. 3:1-6). Here, we will explore the white marble Royal Road, the massive Temple of Artemis, the large gymnasium, and the famous synagogue. To end the day, we will drive to the modern town of Alasehir and visit the site of ancient Philadelphia, the church that received God's highest commendation (Rev. 3:7-13). Here, we will see the remains of a brick-built Byzantine Basilica adorned with 11th-century frescoes. Continue to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
PAMUKKALE
Today, we will visit Pamukkale, the “Cotton Castle,” and dip our feet in the thermal waters that flow down the hilltop’s unique white travertine terraces. Here, we will also visit the archeological remains of Hierapolis, a significant site of early Christianity thanks to Paul’s missionary efforts here (Colossians 4:13). Because the city sits atop the travertine cascades of Pamukkale - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hierapolis became a healing center wherein the site’s thermal pools were used to treat various ailments. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 6
LAODICEA
Today, we will stroll among a number of well-preserved Roman structures, like the town theatre and Temple of Apollo, before continuing on to the ancient city of Laodicea. This city was one of the Seven Churches that the Apostle John chastised the inhabitants for being lukewarm (Rev. 3:14-22). Here, we will see the site’s well-preserved stadium, gymnasium, and theatres, giving us insight into this city’s former prominence. Continue to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.
Day 7
EPHESUS
After breakfast, we will drive to Ephesus. Ancient Ephesus is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Originally an ancient Greek Ionic city built in the 11th century BC, Ephesus grew to become the largest metropolis and capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor. Here, St. John carried out his mission for two years and was Bishop of the Ephesian Church before he was exiled to the Island of Patmos. Today, we will walk on the Marble Road, passing numerous historically rich sites, including the fountain of Trajan and the Temple of Hadrian. We will also see the Library of Celsus, which adorns the site’s most impressive square, and sit in the theater (the largest surviving from the Roman period). This massive theatre (capable of entertaining up to 25,000 spectators) was the scene of an uprising provoked by a merchant named Demetrius against St. Paul and his teachings (Acts 19:23). Then, we will end our day at The Basilica of St. John, which was constructed by Justinian I in the 6th century at a site where John the Apostle was said to have been buried. Dinner and Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 8
IZMIR/ISTANBUL
After breakfast, we depart Izmir for Istanbul. Upon arrival, a delight for your senses awaits at Eminönü's Spice Bazaar. Known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this exotic covered market was the international trade center of the Ottoman Empire. We take a special cruise on the Bosporus, a natural waterway that separates the continents of Europe and Asia and serves as the only connection between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. As we float along the strait, we savor the picturesque views of old wooden mansions, Ottoman palaces, and ancient fortresses that dot the coast. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
Day 9
CONSTANTINOPLE
Today, we enjoy a day tour of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. We stroll through Hippodrome Square, the social and sporting center of Constantinople, which hosted chariot races during the Roman period. We view the incredible majesty and splendor of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Popularly known as the “Blue Mosque,” this 17th-century Ottoman sanctuary is adorned with six minarets and more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. We experience the Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece designed to be the major basilica of the Byzantine Empire. Later, we will visit Topkapi Palace, the main residence and headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Located on the cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace still houses a legion of treasures. We end the day with an evening of shopping at the Grand Bazaar. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
Day 10
ISTANBUL/USA
Transfer to Istanbul airport for our return flight to the USA with our hearts full of memories from unforgettable experiences.