Seven Churches of Revelation Tour in İzmir and Istanbul

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

-walking tour-

Upon breakfast at the hotel meet with your guide and depart for İstanbul city tour. Pass by with Istanbul city walls, a massive wall of Ancient Constantinople built by the Emperor Theodosius ıı over 1500 years ago. Then visit the blue mosque also known as Mosque of Sultan Ahmet which boasts a unique feature of 6 minarets. View its glorious interiors and distinctive blue tiles and proceed to the only remains of Hippodrome of Constantinople, which consist of 3 monumental columns and fountains. This is where chariot races took place in the past. Visit Topkapi Palace, once the seat of the Ottoman Empire. Presently, its a museum palace with a wide collection of porcelain, antiques, holy relics and other treasures. Next; proceed to Hagia Sophia, the church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 2nd century by Emperor Justinian. Experience shopping with locals in Grand Bazaar with is over 4.000 shops. After the tour transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast-Lunch)

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.