Private 4-Day Tour of the Seven Churches in Turkey
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Today, we begin our exploration in Smyrna (now called İzmir), an ancient and prosperous port city. Important remains include the Agora, aqueducts, and a cistern. The site also contains ship and sailor graffiti, as well as examples of Isopsephism of desire, in which numbers represent names or ideas. The letters to Smyrna and Philadelphia are notable because they contain no criticism of the churches.
From Smyrna, we continue to Pergamum, now called Bergama. On the acropolis, we will see the Altar of Zeus, the Temple of Trajan, and the Library of Pergamon, famous for the development of parchment. We will also visit the ancient theater, known for its steep seating, and the healing center dedicated to Asclepius.
Afterwards, we will visit the Red Basilica, originally dedicated to Egyptian gods and later converted into a basilica during the early Christian period.
Next, we drive to Thyatira, now called Akhisar. Thyatira was a major commercial center and military post, known for its trade guilds, including wool and linen workers, purple dyers, and bronze and leather craftsmen. It received the longest and central letter from Jesus Christ. We will see the remains of a Basilica, the Colonnaded Street, and other architectural fragments before continuing to Sardis, now called Salihli.
Overnight at a 4 star hotel in Sardis.
Today, we explore Sardis, now known as Salihli. Once the capital of Lydia, it became an important city in the Persian Empire around 546 BCE. Located on the Persian Royal Road, Sardis was a major trade center known for carpets and woolen products and played an important role in the development of modern currency. We will visit the Gymnasium, Roman Synagogue, Byzantine Shops, 4th-century Church, and Temple of Artemis to discover the city's rich history.
Our next stop is the Church of Philadelphia, in modern-day Alaşehir. It was the last established city among the Seven Churches and the smallest in population. Here, we will see the remains of St. John's Basilica, built with bricks. The Church of Philadelphia is remembered for remaining faithful to Jesus Christ.
Next, we drive to Denizli and visit the Church of Laodicea, the only church in the Book of Revelation without any positive mention. Laodicea's wealth allowed the city to rebuild itself after the earthquake of 60 AD without imperial support. We will explore Syrian Street, the Laodicean Church, State Agora, the remains of the Basilica, two ancient theaters, and ancient stone water pipes. We will also look for a carved Cross on a Menorah on a column.
Our final destination for the day is nearby Hierapolis, famous for its hot mineral springs and well-preserved Roman ruins. We will see Pamukkale Travertines and Cleopatra Antique Pool, followed by the ancient city's main streets, ancient gates, ancient theatre, the Temple of Apollo and Ploutonion. We will also visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip, commemorating the place where he was martyred during the persecutions in Hierapolis.
Overnight at a 4-star thermal hotel in Pamukkale.
Early in the morning, we depart for Ephesus in Selçuk, Izmir. Our first stop is the House of Virgin Mary, believed to be where she spent her final years. We then visit the ancient city of Ephesus, once the capital of the Roman province of Asia. Located opposite the island of Samos, Ephesus is the closest of the Seven Churches of Revelation to Patmos, where the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation. We will explore its remarkable ruins, including the Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, Great Theatre, Public Latrines, and Roman Baths, as well as Arcadian Avenue and the Agora.
Our journey continues to the Church of St. John, associated with the Apostle John, who lived and preached in Ephesus. We will then explore Selcuk archaeological Museum to learn more about the region's history and archaeological heritage.
Finally, we will stop at the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the most celebrated monuments of the ancient world.
Overnight at a 4 star hotel in Kuşadası.
Upon breakfast at the hotel check out, according to your flight time, drive you to the airport. End of our service
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On this page Four-Day Tour of the Seven Churches of Revelation in Turkey
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