Four-Day Tour of the Seven Churches of Revelation in Turkey

4 days Free CancellationMin 2 participantsPickup availableInstant confirmationPrivate tourGuided by Tour Altinkum Travel 5.0 from 5 reviews

Why we love it?

The 4-Days Seven Churches of Revelation tour offers a deep dive into the historical and spiritual significance of early Christianity through visits to key biblical sites in Turkey. Travelers will explore İzmir, Pamukkale, and Selcuk, visiting ancient cities such as Pergamum, Thyatira, and Smyrna, as well as the well-preserved ruins of Hierapolis and Sardis. This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and those interested in religious studies, providing a unique opportunity to connect with the locations mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Distinctive features include the exploration of ancient Ephesus, the House of Mary, and the Basilica of St. John, each rich with cultural and historical narratives that shaped early Christian thought.

Exclusions

  • Drinks at lunchesPersonal ExpnsesEntry tickets to historical sites

Itinerary

Pickup from Izmir Airport

Day 1
  • 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.

Day 2

Sardis, Philadelphia, Hierapolis, Laodicea

  • 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.

Day 3

Ancient Ephesus, House of Mary, St. John Basilica

  • 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.

Day 4

Deperatura Day

  •  Upon breakfast at the hotel check out, according to your flight time, drive you to the airport. End of our service 

Please Note

  • Stroller or pram accessible
  • Hotels IHotel Info > Kusadasi: Suhan Seaport Hotel /Salihli: Lidya Sardes Hotel  / Pamukkale: Colossae Thermal Hotel
  • Free entry to hıstorical sites for children 8 years and below
  • Entrance fees are excluded (Your guide will have skıp-the-line tıckets for historical sites so that you will skip long ticket lines)

Know Before You Go

  • Public transportation nearby
  • Infant seats available
  • Passport required

Cancellation Policy

Fully refundable until 1 day before start

Non-refundable after 1 day before start

From $1,336 Per 2 adults