Itinerary
7 Churches of Revelation Tour – 7 Days / 6 Nights
Route: İzmir – Pergamon – Thyatira – Sardis – Philadelphia – Laodicea – Hierapolis (Pamukkale) – Ephesus – Smyrna
Theme: Faith | History | Culture
Departure & Return: İzmir Airport
Highlights
- Ephesus: one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world, with its impressive Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.
- Izmir: church known for its faithfulness in the midst of persecution.
- Pergamon: home to one of the largest libraries of antiquity and the majestic Altar of Zeus.
- Thyatira: famous for its textile industry and its mention in the Epistles of St. John.
- Sardis: ancient capital of Lydia, a symbol of wealth and decadence.
- Philadelphia: known as the “city of brotherly love”.
- Laodicea: remembered for its wealth, but also for the warning against being a “lukewarm” church
Description
Embark on a spiritual and historical journey through Asia Minor, visiting the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Discover the places where the Apostle John addressed his letters, relive the history of early Christianity, and contemplate vestiges that have endured for centuries.
Day 1 – Arrival in İzmir (Smyrna)
Welcome to the Aegean coast of Türkiye — home to the ancient cities of the early Christian world.
Upon arrival at İzmir Airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in the city center.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short panoramic tour of modern-day İzmir, the ancient city of Smyrna, where the Apostle John praised a church that remained faithful despite persecution (Revelation 2:8–11).
Evening welcome dinner and orientation.
Overnight in İzmir.
Day 2 – Pergamon (Bergama): The Throne of Satan
After breakfast, drive north to Pergamon, one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world.
Explore the Acropolis, with its steep theater, temples, and altar once described as “the throne of Satan.”
Visit the Red Basilica, which once housed the Church of Pergamon — a key site of early Christianity.
Lunch in a local restaurant and visit the Asclepion, the ancient healing center of the Greco-Roman world.
Return to İzmir in the late afternoon.
Overnight in İzmir.
Day 3 – Thyatira (Akhisar) & Sardis
Morning drive to Thyatira, one of the seven churches praised for its faith and service (Revelation 2:18–29).
Explore the ancient ruins, including early Christian inscriptions and city walls.
Continue to Sardis, capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, where the Church of Sardis was rebuked for its spiritual complacency.
Visit the Temple of Artemis, Gymnasium, and remains of the Byzantine Church.
End the day in Pamukkale.
Overnight in Pamukkale (Hierapolis).
Day 4 – Philadelphia & Laodicea – Hierapolis (Pamukkale)
After breakfast, travel to Philadelphia (Alaşehir), the “church of brotherly love,” praised for its steadfast faith (Revelation 3:7–13).
Visit the remains of early Christian basilicas and city walls.
Continue to Laodicea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved biblical cities — known as the “lukewarm church.”
Explore its theater, agora, and church ruins, standing beside the sacred white terraces of Pamukkale (Hierapolis).
In the afternoon, visit Hierapolis, where St. Philip was martyred, and enjoy the soothing thermal waters once visited by Roman nobles.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 5 – Ephesus: The Crown of Asia
Drive west to Ephesus, one of the grandest cities of the ancient world and perhaps the most important of the Seven Churches.
Walk the marble streets of this sacred city — the Library of Celsus, Theater of Ephesus, and Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Visit the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful pilgrimage site nestled in the hills.
Lunch in a local family-run restaurant with Aegean specialties.
Evening free to enjoy the coastal town of Kuşadası.
Overnight in Kuşadası.
Day 6 – Return to İzmir: Reflection & Farewell
After breakfast, drive back toward İzmir, stopping for a final reflection at the ancient ruins of Smyrna, the first and last of the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelation.
Visit local artisan workshops or the city’s Agora of Smyrna, symbolizing resilience and renewal.
Evening farewell dinner overlooking the Aegean — a moment to reflect on the spiritual path walked through the land of the first Christians.
Overnight in İzmir.
Day 7 – Departure from İzmir Airport
After breakfast, transfer to İzmir Airport for your return flight or optional extension to Istanbul or Cappadocia.
Depart with a deeper connection to the sacred history and timeless faith of Anatolia — the cradle of early Christianity.
What’s Included
- Private or group air-conditioned transportation
- Professional Spanish/English-speaking guide specializing in biblical archaeology
- Entrance fees to all historical sites
- 4 nights hotel accommodation in your chosen category (3★, 4★, or boutique)
- Breakfasts and lunches (as per program)
What’s Excluded
- International or domestic flights
- Dinners
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Gratuities (optional)
Know Before You Go
- Trip duration: The full tour usually takes between 4 and 6 days. Be prepared for daily transfers and several hours of visiting archaeological sites.
- Physical level: It doesn’t require great effort, but it does involve a fair amount of walking on ruins and uneven terrain. Comfortable shoes are essential.
- Weather: In summer it can be very hot (30–40°C), while in winter it is cold and rainy. Pack appropriate clothing for the season.
- Cultural respect: Although they are ruins, many visitors consider them sacred places. It is recommended to dress respectfully (cover your shoulders in active churches).
- Language: Most guides speak English and Spanish; in rural areas, Turkish is the main language.
- Currency: The official currency is the Turkish lira (TRY), although some places accept euros or dollars. It’s best to carry some cash
- Religious and Historical Connection: This tour combines faith, archaeology, and culture. It is recommended to read the Book of Revelation (chapters 2 and 3) beforehand to enhance the experience.
- Hot Springs in Pamukkale: If you wish to bathe, please bring a swimsuit and sandals
- Accessibility: Not all sites are accessible for wheelchairs or people with reduced mobility. It’s advisable to confirm with the agency beforehand.
- Photography: It’s permitted at most sites, but there are restrictions in some religious spaces. Always ask the guide.
What to Bring
- Comfortable, lightweight clothing (in summer: breathable fabrics; in spring/autumn: light layers).
- Jacket or sweater for cool evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes (some sites are archaeological ruins with uneven terrain).
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially in Pamukkale and Ephesus.
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during visits
- Camera or mobile phone to capture the historical and natural sights.
- Scarf or shawl (useful for entering churches or religious spaces).
- Swimsuit and sandals if you wish to enjoy the hot springs in Pamukkale.
- Personal documents (passport, travel insurance, plane tickets).
- Some cash (Turkish lira) for small purchases or tips.
- Bible guide or notebook to follow the Book of Revelation at each site.
- A small umbrella or raincoat during the rainy season (November–March).
