Arrival in Izmir

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Upon arrival at Izmir airport, the guide will greet you with a sign displaying your name and assist with the transfer to the hotel. If staying in Izmir, you will be picked up after 2 p.m. and transferred to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Izmir.

Smyrna - Pergamum – Thyatira – Izmir (Breakfast)

Pergamon Ancient City - After breakfast, the journey continues to Pergamum, now known as Bergama. It is one of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:12]. Here, explore the impressive Acropolis, the world’s steepest theatre, the Asklepion, a renowned medical center of classical times, the Altar of Zeus referred to as the “Throne of Satan” in the book of Revelation, the marble columns of the Temple of Trajan, and the Library, which was a rival to the famous Library of Alexandria in Egypt, with over 200,000 volumes. It inspired the invention of parchment.

Izmir - Before checking in at the hotel in Izmir, enjoy a panoramic tour of Smyrna, Turkey’s third-largest city and one of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 2:12-17]. Smyrna has a rich history of trade and warfare. The Clock Tower will also be visited. Check in at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Izmir – Sardis – Philadelphia – Laodicea – Hierapolis (Breakfast - Dinner)

Sardis (Sardes) - Depart early in the morning to Sardis, one of the most picturesque areas of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:1-4], now known as Sart. This was the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom of the 6th century BC, depicted as a dying church. Visit the great Temple of Artemis, the restored gymnasium, and the reconstructed Synagogue. Also, see the last several meters of the royal Persian Road from Susa to Sardis, built by Cyrus the Great, and the “golden” river Pactolus.

Laodicea - Continue to Laodicea, established in the 3rd century BCE by Seleucid Antiochus II and named after his wife Laodicea. Built on the Lycus Tributary of the Meander River, it was called Laodicea on Lycus to distinguish it from other similarly named cities. Laodicea is the last of the seven churches. As a crossroads of two important roads, this city held a significant commercial and logistical position.

Hierapolis & Pamukkale - Travel to the healing city of Hierapolis, now Pamukkale, the white “cotton fortress” where hot mineral water flows from the earth, creating pools, channels, and stalactites. The therapeutic waters were known to the founders of Hierapolis and Laodicea in 190 BC. In Hierapolis [Col. 4:13], check in at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in a Thermal Hotel.

Ephesus – Kusadasi (Breakfast - Dinner)

Ancient City of Ephesus - Travel to Ephesus to visit the ancient city, including the Basilica of St. John. The Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years. This church also received an epistle from him. Tour the spectacular ruins where excavations continue in this once great and important city, founded in the 10th century BC. Walk through history along marble streets lined with magnificent public buildings, including the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Theatre. The Temple of Diana of the Ephesians, another of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was built in this city.

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The House of Virgin Mary is located on the Aladag Mountains, 5 miles from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council in 431 AD in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the house’s discovery, the Archbishop of Izmir declared it a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited and prayed there.

The Basilica of Saint John - Visit St. John’s Basilica, where it is believed that the evangelist St. John spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and was buried on the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill.

The Temple of Artemis - Stop at the Artemission Temple, once one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, as the last stop before returning to the hotel in Kusadasi.

Kusadasi - Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the beautiful resort town of Kusadasi. Pass through Marina, Port of Kusadasi, Ceravanserail, and Grand Bazaar. Dinner and overnight stay.

Izmir – Home (Breakfast)

Adnan Menderes Airport - After breakfast, transfer to Izmir airport, marking the end of the services.

• 4 nights accommodation in 4-star centrally located hotels
• Hotels in Pamukkale: Colossae Thermal or Pam Thermal Hotel or similar
• Hotels in Izmir: Double Tree By Hilton Alsancak or Hilton Garden Inn Bayrakli or similar
• Hotels in Kusadasi: Efe Boutique Hotel or similar
• 2 Dinners and 4 Breakfasts
• Entrance Fees (Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the lines)
• Transport by air-conditioned Minivan/Minibus
• Professional Bible-Oriented Licensed Tour guide

• Any drinks and meals not mentioned on the itinerary and includes section
• Gratitudes and flight tickets
• Dinner in Izmir

Izmir departure Mini Group ( Max 10 pax ) 4 NIGHT & 5 DAYS. Watch ancient history take shape before you on this five-day tour, featuring historic churches that date back to Biblical times. Departing from Izmir, combine the early history of Christianity with pre-Christian heritage, including a visit to an Acropolis and Temple of Apollo. This tour takes you to a huge variety of distinct and antique sites. Avoid the hassle of planning a complex itinerary; on this tour, your itinerary is taken care of.

• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• Arrival and departure details are requested
• Visit to holy places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques, synagogues bare shoulders are not permitted, nor shoes in mosques.
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques synagogues and selected museums. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. Shoes are not allowed. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• Accommodations can be upgraded to 5 star hotels with extra $135 per person in double room
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.