Biblical Treasures of Asia Minor: Seven Churches Revelation Tour – 8 Days

Today, we will explore the Sultanahmet area and visit several Ottoman and Byzantine monuments. Our itinerary includes Topkapı Palace, which served as the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years. Here, you will have the opportunity to witness the sultans' dazzling treasures and valuables, and if you choose to visit the Treasury and Harem sections, you'll see even more. Hagia Sophia: visit Hagia Sophia (Saint Sofia), the world's largest cathedral, built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian in the 6th century A.D. Its gigantic structure, beautiful frescoes, and architecture will amaze you. Hippodrome Square was a meeting place for chariot races during the Roman and Byzantine periods. It is home to the Serpent Column from Delphi, the Egyptian Obelisk, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Visit the legendary Blue Mosque, built in the 17th century, it has six beautiful minarets and takes its name from the more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles used in its interior decoration. We have a lunch break at a local restaurant and then visit the Grand Bazaar, the world's largest covered bazaar with 4,000 shops. Accommodation in Istanbul. (Breakfast - Lunch )

Early departure for Pergamon (approximately 380 km). Lunch break in a local restaurant upon arrival.   Pergamon is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site. Visit famous Acropolis, Temple of Athena, and the Altar of Zeus, once one of the grandest monuments of the ancient world. The Great Theatre of Pergamon is among the steepest in the world and known for its acoustic phenomenon. Gymnasium visit on request ( Entrance extra),  Pergamon Church, referred to in the Bible as “The Compromising Church” (Rev 2:12-17), is one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. It is called "The Seat of Satan" (Revelation 2:12-16).  Visit Acrapol, the Temple of Trajan, the  The Red Basilica in Pergamon is a marvel of ancient architecture located in the centre of Bergama.  it became one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, symbolising its transformation into an early Christian site. Afterwards, arrive at Akhisar ( 85 Km ) Thyatira, known as Akhisar today, was famous during the Roman period for its textile production and dyed fabrics. Exploring the ancient ruins in Akhisar will give you an in-depth understanding of the provincial Christian community's struggles and preservation of their faith. Thyatira Church, known as “The Corrupt Church” (Rev 2:18-29) in the Bible, is mentioned in the Book of Revelation.  [Rev. 1:11; 2:18 - 24; Acts 16:14]. Paul's sermons in Philippi in Macedonia mention Akhisar (Thyatira) and the church there. He describes Thyatira as the hometown of a wealthy purple dye merchant named Lydia, who worshipped God. (Acts 16:14)  Afterwards, we will drive to Izmir. ( 110 Km )  Accommodation in Izmir. (Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner)

Izmir: With a history of over 3,000 years, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Turkey and the third largest city in Turkey. It is known for its industrial and agricultural income, mild Aegean climate, and friendly people with a modern secular lifestyle. After breakfast, we will visit the ruins of ancient Agora. Smyrna Church, one of the Seven Churches where the Apostle John relays God's promise: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10). Smyrna is the second city of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation to receive the message from St. John, which was that of Smyrna. (Rev. 1:11;2:8), and known in the Bible as “The Persecuted Church” (Rev 2:8-11), mentioned as one of the Seven Churches in Asia Minor in the Book of Revelation. Afterwards, visit the oldest church of Izmir, the Saint Polycarp Church, the bishop of Smyrna and a student of St. John, who was martyred here in the 2nd century. Sardes, known today as Salihli, was the capital of the Lydian Kingdom, where the first money was found, and has a rich history. Sardes is one of the Seven Churches referred to in the Bible as “The Dead Church” (Rev 3:1-6). The biblical reference highlights the challenges faced by the early Christians and the need for revival and spiritual awakening within the congregation. As you tour the archaeological ruins of Sardis, you will gain new insight into the spiritual lessons conveyed in the Book of Revelation. We will visit the great Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele, which was converted into a Byzantine Church. We will also visit the restored Sardis Gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue. Have a lunch break at a local restaurant en route. Philadelphia, one of the Seven Holy Churches and today known as Alasehir, is referred to as the "Faithful Church" in the Bible (Rev. 3:7-13). Home to one of the Christian communities, Philadelphia is famous for its enduring, persistent and faithful historical and cultural significance. The biblical reference speaks to the congregation's unwavering commitment to their faith. Here are the ruins of a Byzantine brick basilica with high arches and frescoes from the 11th century. Philadelphia's ancient streets and landmarks include an 11th-century Byzantine ruin decorated with high arches built of brick and decorated with frescoes—afterwards, departure towards Pamukkale. Accommodation in a thermal hotel in Pamukkale. (Breakfast – Dinner)

After having breakfast, visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Pamukkale is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site. Its white travertine terraces were formed by the hardening of calcium carbonate from hot springs over time. With their dazzling whiteness and stepped structure, the travertines resemble a cotton pile. Visitors can walk on the travertines, swim at the ancient Cleopatra pool (Extra), and enjoy the natural thermal waters. Hierapolis, where we will see the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip, the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way, the ancient 2nd-century Roman Theater, the Nymphaion, the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium, and the Necropolis. We will pass through the Roman Gate, appreciate the ancient Pamukkale Theater, and explore the tomb monuments like miniature works of art, each telling a different story. We will also walk and relax on the Pamukkale travertine terraces. Afterwards, we will visit the Laodicea ruins and the Laodicea church, one of the holy churches in Asia Minor. The Laodicea Church is highlighted as “The Lukewarm Church” in the Book of Revelation [Rev. 1:11; 3:14; Col. 2:1; 4:13-16]. The Christians of Laodicea were chastised for being lukewarm: "You are neither cold nor hot" (Rev. 3:15), and for being overly comfortable in incorporating both pagan and Christian beliefs. Today, excavations continue in Laodicea, uncovering an ancient city as beautiful as Ephesus. It features ancient theatres, marble paths lined with columns, ruins of basilicas, antique stone water pipes, temples, an agora, and monumental fountains. We will have a lunch break in Pamukkale before heading to Kuşadası. Accommodation in Kuşadası. (Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner)

After breakfast, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, 30 km from Kusadasi. This small, modest stone house is located in the forest on the side of a mountain 9 km from Ephesus. Christian pilgrims from all over the world visit it. St. John brought Mary to Ephesus, following Jesus Christ's advice to his mother (John 19:27).  Ephesus Church is Highlighted as “The Loveless Church” (Rev 2:1-7) in the Book of Revelation It is thought that the Gospel of John was written here. Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years. The Church of Ephesus also received an epistle from him. Afterwards, visit Ephesus. Ephesus Ancient city is on the World Heritage list and is one of the best-preserved e-Roma cities today. During the Ephesus tour, we will walk around the spectacular ruins where excavations continue in this once great and important city founded in the 10th century B.C. We will walk through history along the marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, including the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Grand Theatre, which has a capacity of 25,000. We will have a lunch break at a selected local restaurant. Afterwards, we will visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.  Saint John Church is the resting place of St. John the Evangelist. Houses the tomb of St. John under the central dome. St. John, author of the Fourth Gospel and the Book of Revelation, was one of Christ's closest disciples. He wrote his Bible in Ephesus in 96 AD and the Book of Revelation on the Greek island of Patmos. Sirince village is famous for its 300-year-old houses, history, beautiful scenery, handmade local fruit wines, and delicious food. At the end of the tour, a short shopping break for souvenirs and a Fashion Show in a Leather Fabric Outlet Center Accommodation in Izmir (Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner)

After breakfast, we'll depart early from Izmir to Istanbul ( 480 Km / 6 hr ). We’ll have a lunch break on the way. Arriving in Istanbul after a comfortable journey on the Izmir - Istanbul highway. Egypt Bazaar: The Ottomans established the Egypt Bazaar, Istanbul's second-largest covered market. A mystical oriental atmosphere surrounds visitors, filled with aromatic spices and freshly roasted coffee. In this ancient market, you can purchase a variety of spices, Turkish sweets, and small souvenirs showcasing goods from the Silk Road. Bosphorus Boat Trip: During the cruise, you will enjoy stunning views of Istanbul's iconic landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahce Palace, Maidan Tower, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress and impressive wooden mansions on the shores of the Bosphorus from the boat. Pantokrator Monastery is one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture (later converted into a mosque). Accommodation in Istanbul. ( Breakfast )

Free time in Istanbul until your airport transfer. Our tour concludes with your transfer to the airport for your onward flight to your country. Hope to see you again on another Turkiye holiday. (Breakfast)