Biblical History Tour of İzmir and Surrounding Sites

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted and drive to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

-walking tour-

According to your tour pick-up time, meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Explore Hagia Sophia; was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. Next; Topkapı Palace; As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Continue to with Hippodrome; Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Next, Blue Mosque; Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome.  Next, Grand Bazaar; With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the World. Overnight in Istanbul

(Breakfast-Lunch)

(08:00-18:00)

Upon breakfast at the hotel meet your guide and drive to Canakkale. Upon arrival visit the remains of the legendary ancient city of Troy. There you see magnicifant remains of the great walls of Troy as told by Homer and a wooden replica of the wooden horse. Then check in your hotel in Canakkale and overnight in Canakkale.

(Breakfast- Lunch)

(08:00-18:00)

Upon breakfast at the hotel meet your guide and drive to Alexandria Troas where Paul preached in his missionary journey. Then continue to the ancient city of Assos, along the way you will have chance to see and walk on the 1st century roman road where Paul actually walked on his missionary journey. Upon arrival to Assos visit the gorgeous ancient remains of the fortification walls and see the only standing doric-ordered temple of Athena. Then we continue driving to Pergamum. Overnight in Pergamum.

(Breakfast - Lunch)

(08:00-18:00)

Today you visit 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.

(Breakfast-Lunch)

(08:00-18:00)

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.

(Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)

(08:00-18:00)

Drive to Ephesus and visit the ancient city of Ephesus. There you walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings such as the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Theatre. Later we drive to the House of Virgin Mary where she spent her last days and the ascention took place. After that, you visit the Basilica of St. John and Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. After the tour drives you to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast-Lunch)

Today, we visit 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. After the tour, we drive you to your hotel in ızmır or Izmir Airport for your next journey.

(Breakfast)