Seven Churches of Revelation and Patmos

Day 1 Istanbul

Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel in Sultan Ahmet. Spend the day exploring the vibrant old city of Istanbul and  

enjoy an afternoon in the colourful Grand Bazaar, which has more than 4000 shops. Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul

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Day 2 Izmir - Pergamum - Thyatira - Izmir

This morning we will transfer to Istanbul airport for the flight to Izmir. Upon arrival in Izmir we will travel to the ancient city of Pergamum, which has an interesting ancient medical center and acropolis and the Red Basilica. In the acropolis we will see the site of the Altar of Zeus (Revelation 2:13) and the Trajan Temple and the world's steepest theatre. The Red Basilica was originally a center of pagan worship that was later converted into a church dedicated to St. John. Pergamum was especially famous for its library, once one of the most extensive in the world, and for the origin of parchment, from which we derive our modern writing paper. On the way back to Izmir we will visit  Thyatira, where false teaching threatened the church in the first century.

Overnight in Izmir.

 

Day 3 Izmir/Smyrna - Sardis - Philadelphia - Pamukkale

In the morning we will visit the remains of the Basilica of Smyrna ( Rev. 2:8-11) and the famous statue of Poseidon (the sea god) and Demeter (goddess of fertility). We will also see the remains of the amphitheatre where Polycarp, the disciple of John, was martyred. We will then drive to Pamukkale stopping to visit Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6) with its impressive synagogue, gymnasium-bath complex, and Temple of Artemis. Sardis is known as the residence of Croesus of "rich as Croesus" fame, and also the place where gold and silver coins first appeared. We will continue on to visit Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13), the least distinguished of the cities of the Seven Churches with very few ruins visible today.

Overnight Pamukkale

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Day 4 Pamukkale - Laodicea - Colosse - Hierapolis                                        

In the morning we will visit Hierapolis, which boasts the largest necropolis of  antiquity and is rich in Roman and early Christian ruins. This city was founded around 190 BC and flourished for centuries as a health center because of its therapeutic thermal springs. We will enjoy a walk along the white travertines, deposited by the thermal spring water. There will be an opportunity for swimming in the ancient pool. We will also visit Laodicea and the site of Colosse, to which Paul sent two of his letters, Colossians and Philemon.

Overnight Pamukkale

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Day 5 Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kuşadası

This morning we will travel to Selçuk to explore the fascinating Hellenistic and Roman city of Ephesus with its beautiful theatre, Celsus Library, peristyle and many appealing ruins of the once great city. (Rev. 2:1-7, Acts 19:29) In the nearby charming town of Selçuk, we will tour the Museum of Ephesus where we will see two famous statues of Artemis, taken from the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  We will visit the Church of St.John the Baptist, and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis.

Overnight Kuşadası

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Day 6 Kuşadası - Patmos Island

Early this morning we will travel by boat from Kuşadası to the Greek island of Patmos. On this picturesque island we will visit the Grotto cave where John received the Book of Revelations, St. John’s Monastery and will walk through the village of Chora.

Overnight Patmos Island.

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Day 7 Patmos Island - Kuşadası - Izmir

This morning we will take a drive through this beautiful island and there will be an opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters of Patmos. After lunch we will return by boat to Kuşadası and drive to Izmir.

Evening flight to Istanbul

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Day 8 Airport transfer for departure from Istanbul.