Seven Churches with Istanbul

Starting From
$275 Per Person

Approx Duration
7 Days

Tour Languages
Any Language

Customizable
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While St. John the Apostle was on exile on Patmos Island, he received instructions from Jesus Christ, according to the Revelation 1:11; in which Jesus said "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamum, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea"

Anatolia, where the sun rises earlier, is also where Christianity was grown and spread out. Paul came from Antioch and talked to the earliest churhes 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.

Our journey starts with meeting at the hotel to visit the historical peninsula of this gorgeous city of Istanbul. After visiting this palace that served Ottoman royal family for over 400 years and hosting the holy relics of the prophets of the Abrahamic religions, you will be amazed to witness a millennia and a half standing Hagia Sophia museum, that was once the center of the Orthodox Christendom until the conquest of the city in 1453 Visit the Roman underground building of Basilica Cistern, a water storage facility that was built concurrently with Hagia Sophia during the rule of the Emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque is a fascinating example of the classical period of Ottoman architecture, adorned with over twenty one thousands of Nicaean tiles on the walls, dominantly in blue color, which the name of the mosque derives from.

Continue the day listening to legendary stories of the hippodrome area, in which the Emperor watched the horse cart racing games with the noblemen since the foundation of the city, admiring even more monuments of antiquity from the ancient Greece and Egypt such as Serpent Column and Theodosius Column, once architectural elements of the pagan temples and pharaonic monuments of the archaic world.

The second day, upon your arrival at the Izmir Airport we head to Smyrna, the Suffering Church (Revelation 2:8-11), where you go to see St. Polycarp Church, the first church of Asia Minor. Then, a panoramic drive to Mont Pagus so called "Kadifekale", which was the castle of Alexander the Great. Proceed to Pergamum, the Comprimising Church (Revelation 2:12-17), where you will see the the basilica"Red Court" and the Acropolis. The people of Pergamum were attracted by the enormity of the pagan temples here and could not be as faithful as Antipas, who was martyred here. The city was called "Satan's Throne" especially after the Zeus Altar, which was totally built of white marble. End of the day, transfer to your hotel.

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.

Third day, drive to Laodecia, the Lukewarm Church (Revelation 3:14-22). Lately uncovered, Laodecia presents you the opportunity to see the whole city by all means with its streets, massive sized stadium, theater, market places, baths, temples, fountains, latrinas and so on. Impressed by how much has been revealed, you head to Hierapolis, so called "Golden City" due to the colour of its local travertine stone. Hosting the largest cemetery of Anatolia with 2000 sarcophagi, Hierapolis is where you have a chance to see the best preserved stage buildng of a Greco-Roman theater with beautiful friezes. After touring in the ruins, you arrive at the Pamukkale hot springs which were formed by the thermal water that contains calcium bicarbonate. End of the day, transfer to your hotel.

Forth day, visit to the largest open air museum of the world, Ephesus, the Loveless Church (Revelation 2:1-7). Once having a population of 250.000 of people as a great maritime city, Ephesus was one of the first cities to light their marble streets and agoras (market). Ephesus was a part of St. Paul's missionary journey. When he visited here the last time, he saw people worshipping with the golden or silver idols of Artemis, which was their main Pagan Goddess, called Diana by Romans. He warned them that the idols should not be worshipped as gods. Then, by the leadership of Demetrius, they gathered at the Ephesus Theater where they made a riot against St. Paul; as they thought their business was threatened by his preachings. This is the Church which lost their devotion to Jesus Christ: "Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love." "...repent..." (Revelation2:5)

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 through 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.

Daily Plan

DAY 1

Arrival in Istanbul and visit Old city of Istanbul

DAY 2

Transfer to Airport and arrival in Izmir and drive to Smyrna

DAY 3

Meet at the hotel and head to Pergamum

DAY 4

Meet at the hotel drive to Thyatira and then to Sardis and Philedelphia

DAY 5

Meet at the hotel head to Laodecia and then to Pamukkale Hierapolis

DAY 6