Seven Churches of Asia Minor – 6 Nights

Seven Churches of Asia Minor Tour Itinerary:

Day 01 Izmir

Upon arrival in Izmir, we will meet you and transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.  (B), (L).

Day 02 Izmir – Ephesus – Pamukkale

Full day tour to the ancient city of Ephesus where the St. Paul lived and preached for three years and to where he subsequently sent his letter to the Ephesians. We believe that this day will be the highlight of the tour. We drive to Ephesus to see the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the theater, the Double Church (The Church of Mary) where the third ecumenical council was convened in A. D. 431. Then we visit the Basilica of St. John where St. John was buried, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, which was once one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. After lunch, we visit the Virgin Mary’s House. After that we drive to Pamukkale for our overnight stay. You will have a chance to swim in the warm spring waters of Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale. (B), (L).

Day 03 Laodicea – Philadelphia-Sardis – Izmir

We start the day by visiting Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor [Rev. 1:11; 3:14; Col. 2:1; 4:13-16]. The geographic location of the city explains why the Laodiceians were “neither hot nor cold but lukewarm” as it says in the Bible. Our next visits are to Philadelphia and Sardis. Philadelphia “the city of brotherly love,” was the only church which John had no real criticism (Rev. 3: 7-13). After a short drive we reach Sardis. Sardis was the capital city of the ancient Kingdom of Lydia. We visit Roman gymnasium complex, the Byzantine shops and the latrines, Roman Avenue, the reconstructed synagogue, Temple of Artemis. Right by the temple there is a church of Sardis. Even though the new faith appeared to have made rapid progress here, St. John was not convinced that all was well and he admonished the Christians there to avoid temptation (Rev. 3: 1-6). Overnight in Izmir. (B), (L).

Day 04 Smyrna – Thyatira – Pergamon – Assos

In the morning we visit Smyrna in Izmir. Then we drive to Thyatira (Rev. 2: 18-29). Then, we proceed to Pergamum (Rev. 2: 12-17) to visit the Acropolis. Its grandeur makes up for the missing Altar of Zeus (in the Berlin Museum), which was referred to in the Bible as “Satan’s Seat.” Pergamum was a great center of scholarship and learning. Anthony took the library from here with its 200,000 rolls and transferred it to Alexandria as a present for Cleopatra. Overnight in Assos. (B), (L).

Day 05 Assos – Alexandria Troas – Troy – Istanbul

We drive to Alexandria Troas founded by a commander of Alexander the Great; Paul visited here at least twice in his second and third journeys (16: 7-12; 16:8-10). We proceed to Troy home of the legendary Helen of Troy and the Trojan Horse. Then we drive to Istanbul for overnight. (B), (L).

Day 06 Istanbul

Today we have a full day sightseeing of impressive city. We visit the famed Topkapi Palace ( except from Tuesday ), the St. Sophia ( except from Monday ) (which for 1000 years was the largest Church in Christendom and now a museum), the Blue Mosque (so-named from its decorative blue-shaded tiles, glass and gemstones), Hippodrome, the Church of St. Savior in Chora, and Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul. (B), (L).

Day 07 Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home or continue to explore another destination. (B).

Seven Churches of Asia Minor tour takes approximately 6 nights – 7 days. As it is your private tour, duration of the tour depends on your interest. Your time frame will be organized by your guide as you wish.

Included Services

* Professional Licensed English Speaking Guide throughout the tour,

* 06 night accommodation in 3-4 stars Hotel, in Standart rooms.

* Breakfast (B) and Lunch (L) as mentioned per itinerary.

* All Transportations with Air Conditioned non-smoking vehichle.

* All Entrance and parking fees.

* Gift bag and Guide book for Highlights of Turkiye.

* All taxes and VAT.

Excluded Services

* Dinner (D), Any item of Personal expense such as beverages served at meals, laundry, telephone calls, etc.

* Passport and Visa Costs.

* Airport Taxes.

* Any items not mentioned in above-mentioned itinerary.

* Domestic Flight Tickets.

* International Flight tickets.

* Tips for Guide and Driver.

Tour Prices

Private Tour prices varies depending on number of adults, number of individual attractions to be visited and pick up / departure location. Please get your “price quote” before booking.

For Children, those younger than 4 year old are free of charge, between 5 and 9 year old are charged with the half price, children beginning from 10 year/old are charged with the adult price. Therefore, please inform us about the children’s ages.

Children need to have ID card or Passport for visiting Ephesus ruins.

Important

* Comfortable walking shoes, comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellents are recommended. Guests should watch their step at all times in order to avoid accidents.

* Guests must be able to walk approximately 0.5 miles over uneven and cobblestone surfaces in ruins.

* Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; We recommend that you have a lot of water and use suitable sunscream while on the tour.