Izmir - Pergamum – Thyatira – Izmir

Pergamon Ancient City - At 08:30, the guide will meet the group in the hotel lobby to drive to Pergamum, now known as Bergama. It is one of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:12]. Visitors will explore the impressive Acropolis, home to the steepest theatre in the world, and the Asklepion, a renowned medical center of classical times. The tour includes the Altar of Zeus, referred to as the “Throne of Satan” in the book of Revelation, the marble columns of the Temple of Trajan, and the Library, which was once a rival to the famous Library of Alexandria in Egypt, boasting over 200,000 volumes and inspiring the invention of parchment.

Red Basilica (Kizil Avlu) - Visits to the Red Basilica are included.

Thyateira Hill Tombs - The tour continues to Thyatira, now Akhisar, another of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:18-24; Acts 16:14]. Known for its purple dyes, visitors will see the remains of a basilica and Roman architectural fragments. Lydia, the seller of purple in Philippi, hailed from Thyatira. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Izmir.

Izmir - Sardes- Philadelphia - Laodicea - Pamukkale - Hierapolis

Hierapolis & Pamukkale - The journey continues to the healing city of Hierapolis, now Pamukkale, the “cotton fortress” where hot mineral water flows from the earth, creating pools, channels, and stalactites. These therapeutic waters were known to the founders of Hierapolis and Laodicea in 190 BC. Check-in at a Thermal Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Laodicea - Visit Laodicea, established in the 3rd century BCE by Seleucid Antiochus II and named after his wife, Laodicea. Situated on the Lycus Tributary of the Meander River, it was known as Laodicea on Lycus to distinguish it from other cities with similar names. As the last of the seven churches, it held a significant commercial and logistical position at the crossroads of two major roads.

Sardis (Sardes) - Depart early to visit Sardis, now Sart, one of the most picturesque areas of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:1-4]. Once the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom in the 6th century BC, it is depicted as a dying church. The tour includes the great Temple of Artemis, the restored gymnasium, and the reconstructed Synagogue. Visitors will also see the final meters of the royal Persian Road from Susa to Sardis, built by Cyrus the Great, and the “golden” river Pactolus.

Return to Izmir.

Izmir - Ephesus - Basilica Of John- Mary’s House - Pamukkale

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - *Travel to the House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site for Christians where she spent her final years and passed away. Pope Paul VI visited in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. It remains an active church.

Ancient City of Ephesus - *Next, visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman ancient cities, known for the Odeon (small theatre), Library, and a theatre with a capacity of 25,000 where St. Paul preached. The tour includes Roman Baths, Fountains, Temples, Agora, Love House, and Public Toilets. The visit to Ephesus includes the Basilica of St. John. The Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years, and the church received an epistle from him. Explore the spectacular ruins where excavations continue in this once-great city, founded in the 10th century BC. Walk along marble streets lined with magnificent public buildings, including the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Theatre. The Temple of Diana of the Ephesians, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was built here.

The Basilica of Saint John - *After Ephesus, visit the Church of Saint John, where Apostle John spent his final years and was buried. Then, visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

• Private transportation
• Entrance fees to sites
• 2 nights accommodation with dinner and breakfast
• All fees and taxes
• 3 days lunch

• Drinks during meals
• Personal expenses
• Tips to driver & Guide

The Seven Churches of Asia, as mentioned in the Book of Revelation, are situated in the ancient cities of Western Turkey.

Embark on a 2-day tour to trace the path of early Christians by visiting all seven locations—Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Ephesus, Smyrna, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

During the journey, explore attractions such as Pamukkale’s ‘cotton castle,’ the Temple of Artemis, Pergamum Acropolis, and the House of Virgin Mary. Enjoy guided tours of all seven ancient cities, including three UNESCO World Heritage sites, and gain insights into early Christianity and Turkish history from a licensed guide.

This private tour offers a personalized experience exclusively for your group, with the convenience of included transfers, accommodation, and most meals.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.