Explore Seven Churches of Revelation during this four-day tour. Embark on an enriching journey through the ancient wonders of Turkey, beginning with Pergamum, renowned for its impressive Acropolis. Continue to Sardis, the former capital of Lydia, where you'll explore the grand Temple of Artemis and the ancient synagogue. Visit Philadelphia, known for its early Christian church and well-preserved ruins. Next, journey to Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world, home to the magnificent Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Izmir: a vibrant coastal city in Turkey, that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern attractions, offering stunning Aegean views, bustling bazaars, and a rich cultural heritage.
Pamukkale: famous for its stunning white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you can relax in the thermal waters that have drawn visitors for millennia.
Ephesus: an ancient city in Turkey, is renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman ruins, including the grand Library of Celsus and the impressive Great Theatre.
Day 1: ARRIVAL IZMIR – PERGAMUM – THYATIRA – SMYRNA – IZMIR (350km – 5hrs)
Upon your arrival at Izmir, meet your tour guide and drive to Pergamum. There you explore the impressive Acropolis, the actual ancient city and see the Altar of Zeus which is mentioned as the throne of Satan, the Temple of Trajan and the third biggest Library of antiquity. Later visit the Red Basilica (St. John’s Church). Then we continue our drive to visit Thyatira, now called Akhisar to see the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period. Before driving back to Izmir, enjoy a panoramic ride of Smyrna, the third-largest city in Turkey and one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia.
Overnight in Izmir.
Day 2: IZMIR – SARDIS – PHILADELPHIA – PAMUKKALE (250km – 3hrs)
Depart early in the morning to Sardis, where you see, the great Temple which later became a Byzantine Church. We will also visit the restored gymnasium and the Synagogue. Then we continue our journey to Philadelphia, called Alasehir and the only church not censured. See the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of bricks, with a bit of high arch and some 11th-century frescoes. Afterwards, we drive to the healing city of Hierapolis, actually, Pamukkale, where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over cliffs forming pools, channels, and stalactites. There we visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip. Then we drive to Laodicea to walk among the ancient streets of the city and see the ancient structures before returning to Pamukkale for overnight stay.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 3: PAMUKKALE – EPHESUS – KUSADASI (250km – 4hrs)
After breakfast drive to Ephesus and visit the ancient city of Ephesus. Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings such as the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Theatre. Later we drive to the House of the Virgin Mary where she spent her last days and where the assumption took place. After that, visit the Basilica of St. John and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. After the tour drive you to your hotel.
Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 4: KUSADASI DEPARTURE – IZMIR (80km – 1hr)
After breakfast at the hotel check out, and according to your flight time drive to Izmir Airport for your departure flight.
Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings in Turkey. Shoes should be removed before entering a mosque or private house. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
