Seven Churches 5 Days 4 Nights

Day 1 – ISTANBUL / IZMIR / PERGAMON / KUSADASI

Upon arrival at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, we connect directly to a domestic flight to Izmir by TK2312 (08:00/09:05). Drive north to the hauntingly beautiful Pergamon. Among the impressive structures of this city, dating from 399 B.C., we will see the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000 volume library which was surpassed only by that found in Alexandria at the time. The Asclepieum of Pergamon was a famous health centre where methods of treatment included blood transfusions, music therapy and meditation. Drive to Kusadasi for overnight.

Day 2 – KUSADASI / EPHESUS / KUSADASI

Our tour will begin with the Basilica of St John “the Evangelist” who came here with the Virgin Mary and wrote his Gospel in Ephesus then drive to Selcuk town, to visit the famous ancient city of Ephesus, one of the world’s finest archaeological sites. Highlights include the Library of Celcius, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Theatre. We will also stop by the House of Virgin Mary (on top of Mt Coressos). She was believed to have spent her last years in this area. On 18 August 1961, Pope John XXII proclaimed this place to be sacred.. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 3 – KUSADASI / Thyateira / SARDIS / PHILADELPHIA / PAMUKKALE

On our way to Pamukkale, we will stop by Thyateira to see the remains of the church. This was one of the principle towns where Christianity spread quickly. Then we drive to Sardis which holds a prominent place in mythology. Sardis felt the influence of the Seven Churches of Revelation and highlights include the 3rd century A.D. Synagogue, Gymnasium, House of Bronzes, Temple of Artemis, and of course the Church. Next on our itinerary is Philadelphia which was an important Christian centre during Byzantine times. We will see the ruins of the Basilica. Overnight at Pamukkale.

Day 4 – PAMUKKALE / LAODICEA / ISTANBUL

In the morning, we visit Hierapolis which was founded by Pergamon king Telephos and named after his wife Hiera. During the Byzantine period the city became the seat of diocese with a large Christian Church dedicated to St. Philip, martyred here in 80 A.D. Highlights include the Roman Baths, the Temple of Apollo and the Theater. Then we stop on to Laodicea Ad Lycum where the remains are found on a flattopped hill.

Christianity came to the area during the time of St. Paul, brought by Epaphras of Colossae. Laodicea became the seat of Bishopric and hosted an important Ecumenical Council in the fourth century A.D., it was named in the Revelations as one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Highlights will be the Water Tower, Stadium and the Council Chamber. Then drive to Denizli airport for flight to Istanbul by TK2579 (19:15/20:20). Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 5 – ISTANBUL

After breakfast check-out from the hotel, then we drive to the ‘Old City’ where we will visit the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles. Saint Sophia, this church – turned mosque – turned museum takes the breath away with the sheer architectural size of its interior and magnificent dome. and visit the spectacular Topkapi Palace. Built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, this huge complex commands views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It was the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries (1453-1852) and we will see the extravagant Treasury, the priceless Chinese porcelain. Transfer to the airport for international flight.