Flight from Istanbul to Izmir – Free time in Izmir

Istanbul - In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport from your hotel for a flight to Izmir.

Upon your arrival in Izmir, we will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.

You will spend the night in Izmir.

Pergamum – Thyatira – Izmir

Pergamon Ancient City - After breakfast, we drive to Pergamum, now known as Bergama. It is one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:12]. Here we explore the impressive Acropolis, the steepest theatre in the world, the Asklepion, a famous medical center of classical times, see the Altar of Zeus, which is mentioned as the «Throne of Satan» in the book of Revelation, the marble columns of the Temple of Trajan, and the Library, which was one of the foremost in the world and long rivaled the famous Library of Alexandria in Egypt. Its wealth of volumes was estimated at over 200,000. It inspired the invention of parchment.

Akhisar - Then we continue our visit to Thyatira, now called Akhisar, another one of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:18-24; Acts 16:14]. It was a city famous for purple dyes. We visit the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period. Lydia, the seller of purple in Philippi, was from Thyatira.

Old Smyrna - Before we check in at the hotel in Izmir, we enjoy a panoramic ride of Smyrna, the third largest city in Turkey and one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 2:12-17]. Smyrna is a city scarred with a bloody history of trade and warfare. We will also see the Clock Tower. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Izmir – Sardis – Philadelphia – Laodicea – Hierapolis

Sardis (Sardes) - Today we depart early in the morning to one of the most picturesque areas of any of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:1-4], Sardis, now known as Sart. This was the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom of the 6th century BC, portrayed as a dying church.

The Temple of Artemis - We visit the great Temple of Artemis, the restored gymnasium, and the reconstructed Synagogue. We 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.

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

Hierapolis Arkeoloji Muzesi - We drive to the healing city of Hierapolis, now known as Pamukkale, the white «cotton fortress» where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools, channels, and stalactites. The therapeutic waters were known to the founders of Hierapolis and Laodicea in 190 BC. In Hierapolis [Col. 4:13], we visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip, where he was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight in a Thermal Hotel.

Ephesus – Kusadasi

The Basilica of Saint John - Drive to Ephesus to visit the ancient city of Ephesus, 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.

Ancient City of Ephesus - We tour the spectacular ruins where excavations still continue in this once great and important city, which was founded in the 10th century BC.

Bibliotheque de Celsus - Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Theatre.

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - Visit The House of the Virgin Mary.

Temple of Hadrian - Visit the Temple of Hadrian.

Baths of Varius - Visit the Baths of Scholastica.

The Temple of Artemis - Visit The Temple of Diana (Artemis) of the Ephesians, another of the seven wonders of the ancient world, which was built in this city.

We will drive to Kusadasi at the end.

Izmir – Istanbul

Izmir - Pick up from the hotel and transfer to Izmir Airport for a flight to Istanbul.

• Domestic flight ticket: Izmir - Istanbul
• Accommodation x 4 nights
• Professional licensed Bible-oriented Tour Guide
• Private airport transfers
• Dinner
• All entrance fees to the sites stated on the itinerary
• Breakfast
• Domestic flight ticket: Istanbul – Izmir

• Personal expenses
• Lunch and Drinks during meals (except the included drinks at brakfasts)
• Gratuities

Begin and conclude your journey in Istanbul with the comprehensive 5 Days Seven Churches of Turkey Tour. Guests embark on an unforgettable adventure, visiting breathtaking locations and numerous sites of historical and religious importance. The tour includes breakfasts and dinners, while guests have the flexibility to choose their own lunch spots. Convenient door-to-door airport and hotel transfers in air-conditioned vehicles are provided. Expert guides with a focus on biblical history offer insights into the seven significant churches. Discover the beauty of Izmir, Pergamum, Laodicea, Hierapolis, Ephesus, and more.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.