Churches of Revelation Tour
Explore the Seven Churches of Revelation
Turkey is a land of many Christian artifacts. Most of Paul's journeys, as recorded in the Book of Acts, centered on this vast territory. This trip will focus on the Seven Churches of the Revelation, and the lessons they have for us today.
Join us as we explore the ruins of these cities and sites of Christian worship. Set aside the latter half of May 2027.
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul Arrival
- Arrival & Transfer: Meet our representative at Istanbul International Airport (arrivals hall, look for a sign with your name). Private air-conditioned transfer to your centrally located 4-star hotel.
- Afternoon (Optional, depending on arrival time) – Levantine & European Heritage (Beyoğlu)
- Ease into the city on your arrival afternoon by exploring the vibrant, modern side of Istanbul and its 19th-century European Christian history.
- Walking tour to Church of St. Anthony of Padua, St. Mary Draperis, then take the Historic Galata Stroll.
- Dinner (Optional): Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Beyoğlu, offering views across the Golden Horn toward the old city you will explore tomorrow.
- Accommodation: Overnight in a centrally located 4 star hotel in Istanbul
- Meals: Not included
Day 2: Istanbul
- Morning – The Byzantine Core (Sultanahmet)
- Dedicate your full morning to the monumental foundations of ancient Constantinople, including the Hagia Sophia and Hagia Irene.
- Lunch (Optional): Have a traditional Turkish lunch in the historic Sultanahmet district before transitioning to the Golden Horn.
- Afternoon – The Orthodox Heart (Fener & Balat)
- Spend your afternoon exploring the historical strongholds of Eastern Orthodoxy.
- Sights include The Ecumenical Patriarchate (St. George’s Cathedral), Chora Church (Kariye) and Church of St. Mary of Blachernae & Theodosian Walls.
- Accommodation: Overnight in a centrally located 4 star hotel in Istanbul
- Meals: Not included
Day 3: Izmir Arrival
- Upon our arrival at Izmir airport our guide will meet us and assist our transfer to the hotel for Dinner and Overnight in Izmir.
- Accommodation: Overnight in a centrally located 4 star hotel in Izmir
- Meals: Not included
Day 4: Smyrna - Pergamum – Thyatira – Izmir
- Bergama (Pergamon) Ancient City
- Sights to explore include the Acropolis, the Asklepion, the Altar of Zeus, the marble columns of the Temple of Trajan and the Library which rivaled the famous Library of Alexandria in Egypt.
- 4 hours (Admission Ticket Included)
- Tepe Mezari & Akhisar (Thyatira)
- Sights include the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period.
- 1 hour (Admission Ticket Included)
- Izmir (Smyrna)
- Enjoy a panoramic ride of Smyrna, the third largest city in Turkey. We will also see the Clock Tower.
- Accommodation: Overnight in a centrally located 4 star hotel in Izmir
- Meals: Breakfast included
Day 5: Izmir – Sardis – Philadelphia – Laodicea – Hierapolis
- Sart (Sardis)
- Visit the great Temple of Artemis and the restored gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue. We also see the last several meters of the royal Persian Road from Susa to Sardis and the "Golden" river Pactolus.
- 1 hour (Admission Ticket Included)
- Alasehir (Philadelphia)
- Tour the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, with a bit of high arch and some 11th century frescoes.
- 1 hour (Admission Ticket Included)
- Laodicea
- 1 hour (Admission Ticket Included)
- Pamukkale (Hierapolis)
- See hot mineral water cascading over steep cliffs forming pools, channels and stalactites. Check in at a hotel for dinner and overnight.
- 30 minutes (Admission Ticket Included)
- Accommodation: Overnight in a 5 star Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 6: Ephesus – Kusadasi
- Ephesus Ancient City
- Tour the spectacular ruins where excavations still continue, including the Basilica of St. John. 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, the Theatre and remains of the Temple of Diana of the Ephesians, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
- 2 hours (Admission Ticket Included)
- The House of the Virgin Mary: 45 minutes (Admission Ticket Included)
- Basilica of St. John: 40 minutes (Admission Ticket Included)
- The Temple of Artemis: 20 minutes (Admission Ticket Free)
- Kusadasi
- Sightseeing tour of the beautiful resort town Kusadasi, including the Marina, Port of Kusadasi, Ceravanserail, and Grand Bazaar. Dinner and overnight.
- 20 minutes (Admission Ticket Free)
- Accommodation: Overnight in Kusadasi in a 4 star hotel
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 7: Izmir – Istanbul
- After breakfast, transfer to Izmir Adnan Menderes Havaalanı Airport. Be sure to plan your onward connections accordingly.
- Meals: Breakfast included
