Day 1: Arrival, Thyatira and Pergamum

Arrive on an early flight to Izmir. Drive to Thyatira and visit its significant Christian church, your first of the seven Churches during this trip. Continue to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom in the Hellenistic period and the original site of the second church of revelation. Have lunch and then visit the Pergamum Acropolis and Red Hall. Overnight in Izmir.

 

        Day 2: Smyrna, Sardis and Philadelphia

Today, you will visit three more churches mentioned in the book of revelation starting with the Agora of Izmir (Smyrna). Drive to Sardis and tour the Synagogue and Gymnasium with lunch en route. Continue to Philadelphia and tour of its church. Overnight in Pamukkale.

 

​        Day 3: Pamukkale, Laodicea and Collossea

Begin the day with a visit to the Hierapolis where a church was established during Apostle Paul's visit and the place where Apostle Philip resided in his final years. Visit the natural travertine pools of Pamukkale. Drive to Laodicea, the site of an early Christian church and community and the sixth church of revelation. Continue to Collossea, with lunch en route. Collossea was well known for its diverse religious ideologies. Overnight in Kusadasi.

 

​        Day 4: Ephesus

This morning, visit Ephesus, the last of the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelations. You will also get to visit the House of Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the museum. Overnight in Kusadasi.

 

​        Day 5: Istanbul

Early morning, take a flight from Izmir to Istanbul. Visit the Hagia Sophia, built as an Orthodox Cathedral, converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral, then to a mosque and now it is a museum. Tour the Basilica Cistern, the Blue Mosque adorned with magnificent blue tiles, and the Hippodrome, known for its athletic competitions during the Roman period. Complete the day by discovering the Grand Bazaar.

 

​        Day 6: Istanbul and Bosphorus Cruise

Begin the day with a visit to the church of St. Saviour and its remarkable Byzantine artworks. Drive to the Golden Horn and enjoy the Byzantine walls as you travel through Istanbul. Cruise on the Bosphorus and end the day with an adventure of shopping in the Spice Market.

 

        Day 7: Departure

Transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport and say farewell,"elveda" to beautiful Turkey.