Seven Churches of Revelation and Cappadocia in 10 days

Today, we will explore the Sultanahmet area and visit several Ottoman and Byzantine monuments. First visit Holy Wisdom Cathedral St. Sophia. 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. Departure from Istanbul at 15:00 and arrive at Canakkale after a pleasant 3.5-hour journey. Accommodation in Canakkale. (Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner )

After breakfast, we’ll head to the ancient city of Troy the real-life location of the legendary Trojan War described in Homer's Iliad. Next, we will visit the legendary Pergamon, the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon Kings Pergamon is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site. Visit Pargamon 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).  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. We have lunch in a local Restaurant. 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 )  Arrival and overnight stay in Izmir.  ( Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner )

Today, visit the ruins of ancient Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. The Apostle John relays God's promise: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10). We will explore the Agora and St. Maria Church. Smyrna is the second city among the Seven Churches to receive a message from St. John (Rev. 1:11; 2:8). We will then depart for ancient Ephesus, located 80 km from Izmir. The Church of Ephesus is the most important of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. It is believed that the Gospel of John was written here, and the Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians, living in the city for three years. The Church of Ephesus also received an epistle from him. During our visit to the Ephesus ruins, we will see notable sites, including the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Grand Theatre, which has a capacity of 25,000 spectators. Afterwards, we will take a lunch break at a selected local restaurant. After lunch, we will visit the Artemis Temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Basilica of St. John. Lastly, we will see the House of the Virgin Mary, a modest stone house located in a forest on the side of a mountain, 9 km from Ephesus. Christian pilgrims worldwide visit this site, as St. John brought Mary to Ephesus following Jesus Christ's words to his mother (John 19:27). At the end of the tour, we will watch special demonstrations at local Turkish Delight and Leather Wear Factory stores. Finally, we will transfer back to Izmir. Dinner and overnight in Izmir or Kusadasi ( Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner )

After breakfast, we will continue our journey to Salihli, the ancient city of Sardis. Sardes served as the capital of the Lydian kingdom in the 6th century B.C. This site is often portrayed as a dying church. We will visit the impressive Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele, which has been converted into a Byzantine church. Additionally, we will explore the restored Sardis Gymnasium and synagogue. Next, we will head to Philadelphia, now known as Alaşehir. It is one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in Revelation 1:11 and 3:7. Notably, it is the only church not censured. Here, we will see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, featuring a high arch and 11th-century frescoes. Arrivel at Pamukkale and Lunch Break. Visit ancient Laodicea, known today as Denizli. This was yet another of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor, as referenced in Revelation 1:11 and 3:14, as well as Colossians 2:1 and 4:13-16. Laodicea thrived as a major centre of worship for the pagan goddess Aphrodite for about 500 years after Christ. In the famous scripture from Revelation 3:20-21, Jesus addresses the Laodicean Church, saying, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock..." Pamukkale: We will take a lunch break at a local restaurant before continuing our exploration. After lunch, we will visit ancient Hierapolis, which includes the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip, where he was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian. We will also see the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way, the ancient 2nd-century Roman theatre, the Nymphaion, the Temple of Apollo, and the Necropolis. As we pass through the Frontinus Gate, we will admire the ancient Pamukkale Theater and walk around the grave monuments dedicated to honouring heroes. Each tomb is a miniature work of art, telling its unique story. Finally, we will relax on the travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Overnight in a thermal hotel in Pamukkale.  ( Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner )

Early departure towards Cappadocia.  The first stop is Konya. Visit the Mausoleum of Rumi, a must-see destination in Konya. There is the tomb of the famous mystic Sufi thinker Rumi, known in English as Mevlana Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi-Rumi. Lunch break in a Local restaurant in Konya.  Visit Saruhan Caravaserail in Aksaray. Arrival and overnight in Cappadocia ( Breakfast – Dinner )

Optional event Hot Air Balloon Tour extra:   04:30 – 09:00   The rest of the Balloon tour takes breakfast in the hotel and starts the Cappadocia Tour. First, we will visit the Uçhisar Castle, which consists of volcanic rocks and is the highest point of Cappadocia. From here, we will watch the fairy chimneys, valleys, and the fantastic view of the region. Next, we will visit the Pigeon Valley and have a sightseeing tour of Goreme Village, which has fascinating cave houses and an authentic atmosphere. Then, we’ll visit Goreme  Open Air Museum, Paşabağı Valley (Monks Valley), and Devrent Valley, famous for its rock formations resembling different animal figures Afterward, we’ll have lunch in Avanos. After lunch, we’ll visit a pottery workshop to see how potteries are made by hand. Visit Ozkonak underground city. Overnight in Cappadocia ( Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner )

After breakfast, drive to Ankara, which is 300 km – 3,5 Hr. Ankara is the Capital of Turkiye. We will visit the mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic. Lunch Break in a local Restaurant. Afterwards, departure through Bolu Bolu Province is known for its natural beauty, historical monuments and calm atmosphere. It has hosted many civilizations including Phrygians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. After the city tour in Bolu, accommodation in our hotel. Overnight in Bolu ( Breakfast - Dinner )

Early departure from Bolu to Istanbul. ( 3,5 Hr) Let us take you on a delightful tour of Istanbul. Our first destination is the Spice Egyptian Bazaar. This vibrant market is a feast for your senses, with its oriental ambience, colourful stalls, and the aroma of exotic spices, herbs, and flowers. Here, you can find typical products such as sweets, nuts, dried fruits, and small souvenirs to take back home. Lunch break around the Eminonu district. Next, on the Bosphorus Tour by boat, we will take you to the Golden Horn, where we will embark on a memorable cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. During the cruise, you will see stunning views of Istanbul's iconic landmarks from the boat, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahce Palace, Maidan Towers, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, and an impressive wooden ancient mansion on the shores of the Bosphorus. Once the cruise ends, you will have time to explore the area and shop. Stroll and shopping the famous Istiklal street. Overnight 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)