Seven Apocalyptical Churches II

Overview

Dive into the rich Christian and Greco-Roman heritage of Western Turkey with the Seven Apocalyptical Churches II Tour, a 7-day, 6-night journey designed for those seeking spiritual enrichment and cultural exploration. Begin in Istanbul, a city that straddles continents and centuries, before heading to Izmir, Pergamon, Laodicea, Pamukkale, and beyond. This tour takes you to the exact locations of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, where early Christian communities once thrived. From ancient ruins and basilicas to vibrant markets and the stunning white travertine pools of Cotton Castle, this experience promises a captivating blend of history, faith, and natural beauty. All tours are conducted in English with daily departures and include meals, comfortable hotel stays, and expertly guided visits.

Highlights

  • Walk in the footsteps of the early Christians through the Seven Churches of Asia Minor: Ephesus, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardes, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and Smyrna (Izmir).
  • Discover ancient Roman cities, early Christian basilicas, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Explore Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman gems including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
  • Visit the Red Basilica, Temple of Trajan, House of Virgin Mary, and the Matrium of Saint Felipe
  • Experience the surreal landscapes of Pamukkale and the historic wonders of Hierapolis.
  • Includes daily breakfast, several lunches and dinners, internal flights, and comfortable accommodations.

Itinerary

Day 01 :
Istanbul

Arrival in Istanbul and assistance at the airport. Transfer to the chosen hotel and accommodation.

Day 02 :
Istanbul

Breakfast. Full day tour of the city. In the morning we will visit the Saintta Sophia, Istanbul's most identifying monument, one of the most appreciated and beautiful architectural wonders; in addition to being one of the largest churches in the world. Then we will visit the Topkapi Palace, where the sultans lived between 1478 and 1856. Topkapi is not a unique structure, but an organic monumental complex made up of various kiosks, gardens and areas spread over the neighborhood of the historic center of the city of Istanbul to the tip of the Golden Horn. We continue towards the Blue Mosque; admired for its six tall minarets and terraced domes that rise in the center of the building; you will see that the architect achieved his objective; perfection with this impressive piece of architecture. Lunch. In the afternoon visit to the Roman Hippodrome (Seventh Severe period). It was the place where chariot races and circuses served as entertainment for the inhabitants of Constantinople for over a thousand years. We will end the day in the covered market Grand Bazaar where they will enjoy free time. Hotel moving and lodging.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 03 :
Istanbul

Breakfast and departure for the full day excursion. Visit to the Church of Saint Salvador in Cora, a Byzantine church with fine mosaics and frescoes in its interiors. The church now converted into the Kariye Museum (Cora, Chora). Visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the magnificent works of the notable architect Sinan. Visit to the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchy. Lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the Egyptian Bazaar (Species Market). Then the pedestrian street of Istiklal and the possibility of attending mass in the Church of Saint Antonio. Return to the hotel and accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 04 :
Istanbul – Izmir – Pergamon – Tiatira – Izmir

Breakfast. Departure from the hotel in Istanbul to take the flight to Izmir. Arrival and we go to Pergamon, one of the richest cities in the ancient Roman province of Asia and the place where the parchment was created. The ruins of the Acropolis are located on top of a mountain that is in the center of the present city of Bergam. On the Acropolis; we will visit the steepest theater in the world, the temple of Trajan, the temple of Athena and also in plan; the remains of the Altar of Zeus mentioned as "The Throne of Satan" in the Letter of Saint John. Lunch. We continue with the Red Basilica, Temple for the Egyptian Gods, later converted into a basilica by the Byzantines. Galen was born in Pergamon, the most remarkable doctor of antiquity. We will visit the ruins of his ElAsclepion hospital. We continue towards Thyatira; the current Akhisar, city well known for the Purple Tints; we will visit the remains of a basilica of the Byzantine period to return to Izmir, Dinner and accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05 :
Izmir – Sardes – Philadelphia – Laodicea – Pamukkale

Breakfast. The tour starts in Izmir present-day Izmir where Saint Polycarp was martyred. We visit the church of Saint Policarp. Izmir is still an inhabited province, so there is not much left of the Ancient Roman city. We will continue towards Sardes, the current Salihli. The capital of Lydia is an opulent city and the first place where gold coins were minted. The myth of King Midas takes place in Sardes and its origin is in the auriferous Saints of the Pactolo River that runs through the ruins of the city. It should be noted; the Temple of Artemis, the Gymnasium and the Synagogue; to give continuity to Philadelphia. Lunch. Visit in plan to the church that bears the name of Saint Juan. This church was a rectangular building with six pillars made of recycled stone with the upper structure of brick. After the visit to Philadelphia we will go to Pamukkale, arrival at the hotel, dinner and accommodation in a Thermal hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06 :
Pamukkale – Ephesus – Kusadasi

Breakfast. Pamukkale known and called as the Cotton Castle offers us a unique landscape; mountain covered by white calcareous deposits that form semicircular pools. The ancient city of Hierapolis is located in this place; where the Theater, the largest necropolis in Anatolia, assists us. We will also appreciate the Matrium of Saint Felipe where the Apostle Felipe was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian. Continuing with the visit to Laodicea where Saint John wrote the last letter to this city. Lunch. Laodicea is undergoing intense restoration work however; they can appreciate the Basilica, the Temple and the theaters. We continue to Kuşadası, dinner and accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07 :
Kusadasi – Cruise (or Izmir – Istanbul):

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Kusadasi port to board the ship or Izmir airport to take a flight to Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast

Seven Apocalyptical Churches Tour

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Seven Apocalyptical Churches II
  • Departures in English
  • Istanbul
  • Spring, Summer, Autumn
  • Istanbul > Bergama > Izmir > Pamukkale > Kusadasi > Izmir > Istanbul
  • 6 Nights / 7 Days

Contact Us

    8 Days

    This 8-day "Blue (West) Turkey Tour" is a comprehensive circuit that immerses you in the historical grandeur and stunning coastal...

    View Details
    7 Days

    This 7-day tour offers the quintessential Egyptian experience, combining an in-depth exploration of Cairo's ancient wonders with a classic multi-day...

    View Details

    Mariposas Tour crafts personalized journeys that become unforgettable stories. Experience authentic, stress-free adventures expertly designed just for you. Start your next great story with us.

    © Copyright 2024.All Rights Reserved.