Tour Style : Small Group Tour
Duration : 6 Days /5 Nights
Departure : Everyday
Highlights : Istanbul tours, Ephesus Ancient City, Leodicea, Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira, Pergamon, Smyrna

Seven Churches Tour of Revelation and Istanbul

OWERVIEW
This tour package will give you opportunity to explore the locations of the seven churches of Revelation. The modern country of Turkey is home to all seven of the churches mentioned in the opening chapters of Revelation. The Book of Revelation is the last book in the New Testament. While the rest of the New Testament is made of narratives and instructional letters, Revelation is an apocalyptic work. It consists of visions, predicts future dramatic events, and uses a great deal of symbolic language. Interpretation of the Book of Revelation is a task that has kept biblical scholars busy for centuries.

Day 1 – Istanbul

Arrival in Istanbul, the city that bridges two continents, “Europe” and “Asia”. You will be met at the airport, assistance and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2 – Istanbul old City Tour

Tour of “Sultan Ahmet Center”, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome, the center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome Grand Covered Bazaar, Most attractive shopping center and biggest “souk” in the world. Topkapi Palace, Imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy, section.
(B, L)

Day 3 – Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise Trip

This morning you’ll be picked-up at your hotel and proceed to the embarkation point of your Bosphorus cruise. The cruise offers you wonderful views of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides, who shores are lined with marble palaces, centuries-old wooden villas constructed in the Ottoman style, luxurious apartment houses and other residences. You will also see Rumeli Fortress, a fortification built to control entry to the Bosporus Strait and protect Istanbul. At the end of the cruise (approx. 1:00 pm), you will be driven back to your hotel, and have the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 4  Ephesus and Laodicea – seven churches of revelation tour

Take flight early in the morning to Izmir airport Ephesus, one of the “Seven Churches of Revelation”. Visit to St. John Basilica and the, Last abode of Virgin Mary at Mount Solmissos. Visit to the old Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, most important of the “Seven Churches of Asia Minor”, where St. John brought Mary in fulfillment of his pledge to Jesus to protect her, she is believed to have taken into heaven. After lunch, continue to Laodicea a Crossroads of the ancient world .Overnight stay in Pamukkale. (L, D)

 Day 5 – Pamukkale, Sardis , Philadelphia and Thyatira – seven churches of revelation tour

In the morning, we visit the ancient city of Hierapolis home of Philip the Evangelist. Have a break at the calcium terraces of Pamukkale later on proceed to Philadelphia. Philadelphia (Alasehir), the youngest of the “Seven Churches of Revelation”, visiting the still standing remains of an early church and the city walls Lunch on the way. In the afternoon visit, ancient city and ruins of the famous church of Sardis the ancient Lydian capital. Later on the remains of the church of Thyatira than drive to Pergamon where we overnight stay. (B, L, D)

Day 6 – Pergamon  Istanbul – seven churches of revelation tour

Departure after breakfast for Pergamon (Bergama), the place where, wrote St. John to the church of Pergamon, “Satan’s throne is sited. Visit the Church of Pergamon, the red-court, Acropolis, after lunch; we drive to Smyrna (Izmir), recipient of a letter from St Paul praising the early believers for their faithfulness. Short tour of the city at the end of the tour, transfer Izmir Airport for flight to Istanbul. (B, L)

Semi Private Tour Prices

P.S: For group requirements, other languages are available on demand.