8-Day Seven Churches of Revelation Tour from Istanbul: Biblical Turkey

After breakfast, begin a guided exploration of Istanbul’s Christian heritage.

Visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fener, including the Patriarchal Church of St. George, also known as Aya Yorgi. Learn about its continuing role in Orthodox Christianity.

Continue to the Church of St. Mary Pammakaristos, associated with the Fethiye complex, subject to access arrangements. Visit the Bulgarian Church of St. Stephen, known for its distinctive iron construction, followed by the Church of Panagia of Blachernae, a place of devotion associated with a sacred spring.

Finish with a planned visit to St. Saviour in Chora, now Kariye Mosque, renowned for its Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Visits depend on opening arrangements, religious services and access to individual sections.

Return to your hotel after the tour.

Overnight: Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast.

After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight to İzmir. The domestic flight ticket is excluded.

Meet your local guide upon arrival and travel to Thyatira, now Akhisar. Explore the surviving archaeological remains and learn about the city’s trading traditions and its connection with Lydia, the seller of purple mentioned in Acts.

After lunch, return towards İzmir for a panoramic exploration of Smyrna. Visit the Kadifekale area for views over the city and see the İzmir Clock Tower in Konak Square.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.

Overnight: İzmir.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

After breakfast, travel to Bergama, the modern town associated with ancient Pergamon.

Explore the Acropolis, where the dramatic hillside theatre, remains of the Temple of Trajan and other monumental structures illustrate the city’s former importance. Your guide will introduce Pergamon’s cultural history and discuss its place in the Book of Revelation.

After a lunch break, visit the Asklepion, a separate ancient healing sanctuary. Discover its surviving structures and learn about approaches to medicine in the ancient world.

Return to İzmir for dinner and your overnight stay.

Overnight: İzmir.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

After breakfast, depart for Sardis, once the capital of the Lydian kingdom.

Explore the Temple of Artemis, the ancient synagogue and the restored bath-gymnasium complex. Learn about the city’s wealth, religious diversity and the message addressed to its Christian community.

Following lunch, continue to Philadelphia, now Alaşehir. See the surviving pillars and arches of the Church of St. John, a later Byzantine monument in the city associated with the sixth Revelation letter.

Continue to Pamukkale and the neighbouring ancient city of Hierapolis. Admire the white travertine landscape and explore the site’s Christian connections. The planned visit includes the Martyrium of St. Philip, traditionally associated with his martyrdom, subject to available time and access.

Check in to your hotel for dinner.

Overnight: Pamukkale.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Depart early after breakfast for Laodicea, near modern Denizli.

Explore its excavated streets, monumental remains and early Christian structures. Your guide will explain the city’s historical setting and the message addressed to its church in Revelation.

Continue west towards Ephesus, with a lunch break along the way. Walk through the ancient city and discover the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Grand Theatre, marble streets and public buildings.

Visit the Temple of Artemis site, where surviving remains mark the location of the celebrated ancient sanctuary. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage destination traditionally associated with Mary’s later life.

Travel to Kuşadası, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.

Overnight: Kuşadası.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

After breakfast, transfer from Kuşadası to İzmir Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. The domestic flight ticket is excluded.

Upon arrival, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free.

Depending on your flight schedule, optional visits can be arranged to attractions such as the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul Archaeological Museums or Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. Hagia Sophia may also be arranged as an additional visit; it is not included in the scheduled church tour.

Overnight: Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast.

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel.

Transfer to Istanbul Airport according to your departure arrangements. Your Seven Churches of Revelation journey concludes with memories of Turkey’s sacred traditions, ancient cities and cultural heritage.

Meals: Breakfast.