Seven Churches of Revelation Private Journey

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival at the Istanbul International Airport, you will be met by your private driver and driven approximately 1-hour and 20-minutes into downtown Istanbul.

Your day begins with a guided tour exploring the ancient city with highlights to include: the magnificent Topkapi Palace (main residences of Ottoman Sultans), then walk across the Byzantine Hippodrome that was the scene of chariot races. In the afternoon we visit Saint Sophia Basilica, the historic seat of the Byzantine church, built in 537 AD and now a museum whose mosaics, stained glass windows and decorated domes have been crafted to create an environment of breath-taking beauty. Enjoy short walk-through gardens take us to the Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet 1 built in 1616 which is famous for unequalled ceramic tiles. Overnight in Istanbul. (B) 

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the Airport for the Izmir flight.  Upon arrival, you will visit Pergamum (Rev. 2:12–17), and Aesculapiums, then continue to Thyatira (Rev. 2:18–29; Acts 16:14) a city of artisans’ guilds in St. Paul's time. For the evening we continue to Izmir (Smyrna, Rev 2:8–11) Homer’s birthplace on the Aegean Coast. Overnight in Izmir (B, D)

This morning we explore Ephesus with its expansive synthesis of Greco-Roman and Christian remains (Ephesians; Rev 1:11: 2:1–7: Acts 18:19–28: 19:1–4), including the Church of Mary (The Council Church). It was the home of St. Paul between 54 & 57 AD. Nearby we visit Virgin Mary’s house on a wooded hilltop where it was miraculously discovered. In the evening, return to Izmir for overnight and dinner. (B, D)

After breakfast, we visit Sardis with its beautiful gymnasium and marble paved synagogue and the Temple of Artemis including the ancient Christian Chapel of the 4th Century. Then continue to Philadelphia (Rev 3:7–13), a favourite city of Paul and John. In the evening, we continue on to Pamukkale, the Cotton Fortress, with white lime cascades formed by hot mineral springs. Visit the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis and enjoy a leisurely bath in the warm mineral waters of your hotel’s thermal pool. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale (B, D) 

In the morning, you will visit Hierapolis. This was Philip the Evangelist’s home. We will tour the extensive necropolis, churches and baths then stop at nearby Laodicea (Rev. 3:14–22: Col 2:1: 4:13–16), afternoon continue to Izmir for Overnight and farewell dinner in Izmir (B, D)

After breakfast, you will meet your private driver for approximate 1-hour and 15-minutes transfer to Izmir Airport. (B)