Seven Churches 6 Days 5 Nights

Day 1 – ISTANBUL / IZMIR / PERGAMON / KUSADASI

Upon arrival at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, meet and drive to “Old City” from where the Byzantian and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome. Blue Mosque, facing St. Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. St. Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th.century by Emperor Justinian. Then visit the Underground Cistern. We proceed to the pier to board on a private boat for the Bosphorus Cruise, through the waterway separating the two continents, Asia and Europe, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential and luxurious apartments. Then check-in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 – ISTANBUL / IZMIR / PERGAMON / SARDIS

After breakfast transfer to airport for 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. Then we will stop by Thyteria to see the remains of the church. This was one of the principle towns where Christianity spread quickly. Drive to Sardis for overnight.

Day 3 – SARDIS / PHILADELPHIA / LAODICEA / PAMUKKALE

Before departure to Pamukkale, we will visit 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 Basilica and several interesting mosques. Then we stop on to Laodicea Ad Lycum where the remains are found on a flat-topped 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. Overnight at Pamukkale.

Day 4 – PAMUKKALE / APRHODISIAS / KUSADASI

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 will visit the beuatiful ancient site of Aphrodisias . This ancient city of learning, fine arts and sculpture has provided us with exquisite pieces of work which are on display on the site. Its Stadium is among the best-preserved in the world. The “Bishops Palace”, Odeon and the Theater will be the highlights here. Drive to Kusadasi for overnight.

Day 5 – KUSADASI / EPHESUS / KUSADASI

Then drive to Selcuk town, we will visit the famous ancient city of Ephesus, one of the world’s finest archaeological sites. 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. 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 6 – KUSADASI / DIDYMA / MILETUS / PRIENE / IZMIR

After breakfast check-out from the hotel. Drive to Didyma served as a religious sanctuary to god Apollo. Oracular inscriptions in Didyma indicate dates as far back as 6th cent.B.C. Legend tells us that with the arrival of Alexander the Great, the sacred spring of the Temple which had dried up began to flow again. Highlights will be the Temple of Apollo. Then we will visit Miletus whose history dates back to 800 B.C. Famous Philosopher Thales comes from Miletus and he is credited with the theory that all things come from water. Highlights here are the Theater, Baths of Faustina and the Council Chamber. Next on our itinerary is Priene with its well planned streets and graceful buildings and temples. Highlights will be the Agora, the Ecclesiasterium and the Temple of Athena Polias. In the eveninig transfer to Izmir airport for flight to Istanbul and connection international flight.