Biblical Anatolia Tour

Anatolia, where the sun rises earlier, is also where Christianity was grown and spread out. Paul came from Antioch and talked to the earliest churches of Asia Minor writing letters to them, as well. Hundreds of people were converted to Christianity getting witnessed to the miracles of saints in this land. The seven Ecumenical Councils were gathered at the various cities of Anatolia. Almost after each, the Elders made significant decisions, such as the 3rd one which was at Ephesus; they decided that Virgin Mary was to be called as “Theotokos” which means mother of God.

Second day, proceed to Thyatira in Akhisar, the Adulterous Church (Revelation 2:18-29). A short walk partly in the ruins of Thyatira, once an important trade city remembered with its fabrics; then drive to Sardis the Dead Church (Revelation 3:1-6). This is where the coins were first minted and the dyeing of the wool with special colour would be an art. After the visit to the magnificent sized Artemis Temple and the beautiful streets, drive to Philadelphia; the Faithful Church (Revelation 3:7-13). Built by one of the Pergamon Kings Attalus Philadephos II, the city was called "Little Athens" because of their temples and festivals they had all the time during the Roman Era. The best preserved construction belongs to the Basilica of St. John. End of the day, transfer to the hotel.

Once a very large metropolis, Miletus, is now mostly full of water of rain and partly marsh of the River Meander which silted in the city’s harbour throuhg the ages. This is where St. Paul gave a bid farewell to the church at Ephesus after the riot. Then, the best preserved Greek city of Priene will welcome you with all its peace. The oldest oracle center of Anatolia Temple of Apollo at Didyma will be one of the highlights of the day with its two standing original columns. Doganbey village, where the old Greeks used to live, will charm you with its natural beauty and peace as well.