5 Days - Seven Churches of Revelation - Private / Mini Group Tour
- Free cancellation
- Hotel pickup
About this experience
Embark on a professionally guided tour to explore the historic sites of Pergamum, Philadelphia, Thyatira, Smyrna (Izmir), Sardis, Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Laodicea, Ancient Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and St. John Basilica. This comprehensive journey includes a Bible-oriented guide, premium accommodations, luxury transportation, and lunch during tours. Delve into the rich history of the seven churches referenced in the Book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, which correspond to the major early Christian congregations in Anatolia. Experience the enduring legacy of these significant archeological sites, all of which remain accessible today.
Next available dates
What’s included
- Food and drinks
- Breakfast x 4
- Lunch x 3
- Dinner x 1
- 4 nights accommadation in Hotels
- Airport transfers
- Land transportation by luxury vehicle
Not included
- Beverages at meals
- Personal Expenses
- Entry tickets to historical sites
Itinerary
- 1
Arrival to Izmir
Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, greeted by your driver and drives to your hotel. Overnight in Izmir
- 2
Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
- 5
Departure Day
Upon breakfast at the hotel check out and according to your flight time drives to Izmir Airport. End of the service
Good to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Guide
- Guided tour in English
- Start times
- 07:00 · 07:30 · 08:00 · 08:30 · 09:00 · 09:30 · 10:00
Know before you go
- Stroller / pram accessible
- Public transportation nearby
- Infant seats available
- Passport required
- Free entry to hıstorical sites for childrens 8yr and below
- Entrance fees are excluded (Your guide will have skıp-the-line tıckets for historical sites, so you will skip long ticket lines)
- Some historical sites may be closed during religious or national holidays. Before booking the tour, you can contact our team and confirm whether there will be a closed sites for the dates you want to take the tour.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts.
- 1 day or more before: full refund
- Less than 1 day before: no refund
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Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 5 days.
Can I cancel this booking?
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts. 1 day or more before: full refund · Less than 1 day before: no refund
Is this experience guided, and in what language?
Guided tour in English
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes — hotel pickup is included.
From AED 2,679 per person (2 travelers)
