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Duration
10 days
Max Group Size
35
Departure Type
Scheduled
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical level
hard
Operated In
English
Age Requirement
11 - 99 Ages
Tour Overview
Embark on a
captivating 10-day journey through the cradle of ancient civilizations and
early Christianity. Starting from Izmir, this immersive tour traces the
footsteps of empires and apostles as you explore the legendary cities of
Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and Hierapolis—many of
which are mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Discover the grandeur of
Ephesus, the wisdom of Miletus, the sacred temples of Didyma, and the artistic
ruins of Priene.
End your
trip in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where East meets West. Enjoy a panoramic
city tour of iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and soak
in the charm of the Bosphorus on a scenic cruise. This tour is a perfect blend
of archaeology, religious heritage, and cultural discovery.
Attractions
Highlights
Itinerary
Meet at the Adnan Menderes Airport. Transfer to Izmir
City and check-in to the Hotel.
Overnight in Izmir.
(Breakfast
and Lunch included)
After
breakfast we will depart for our Daily
Izmir City Tour. First visit to Izmir
Archeology Museum which have marvelous collections. And then we visit to Kadifekale by car. After these visits,
we leave you at Agora with your
guide. After learning historical place Agora, and also see Hisaronu Mosque, we continue
to discover Izmir’s Ancient Bazaar namely Kemeraltı
by walking with your guide.The last station Asansor (the lift) which
have gorgeous Izmir landscape and famous Clock
Tower. After the tour transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Izmir.
(Breakfast and Lunch
included)
At 08:30
your guide will meet with you at your hotel lobby and you will drive to Pergamum, actually
called Bergama. It is one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev.
1:11; 2:12]. Here we explore the impressive Acropolis, the
steepest theatre in the world, the Asklepion,
famous medical Centre of classical times, see the Altar of Zeus which
is mentioned as the «Throne of Satan» in the book of Revelation, the marble
columns of the Temple of Trajan and the Library which was
foremost in the world and was long a rival of the equally famous Library of
Alexandria in Egypt. Its wealth of volumes was estimated at over 200,000. It
inspired the invention of parchment.
Then we continue our visit to Thyatira,
now called Akhisar, another one of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11;
2:18-24; Acts 16:14]. It was a city famous for purple dyes. We visit the
remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period.
Lydia, the seller of purple in Philippi, was from Thyatira.
Drive back to your hotel for overnight
in Izmir.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Today we depart early in the morning to one of the most picturesque areas of
any of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:1-4], Sardis, presently
Sart. This was the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom of the 6th century BC,
portrayed as a dying church. We visit the great Temple of Artemis and
the restored gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue. We also see
the last several meters of the royal Persian Road from Susa to Sardis built by
Cyrus the Great and the «golden» river Pactolus.
Then we continue our journey to Philadelphia, nowadays called Alasehir, another church of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:7], and the only church not censured. There we see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, with a bit of high arch and some 11th century frescoes. Continue to visit to Laodicia. The city established in the C3 BCE by the Seleucid Antiochus II, the city was named after his wife Laodicea. Built on the Lycus Tributary of the Meander River, it was surnamed Laodicea on Lycus, to distinguish it from other similarly named cities. Laodicia is the last of the seven churches. As a crossroad of two important roads, this city had an important commercial and logistical position. We drive to the healing city of Hierapolis, actually Pamukkale, the white «cotton fortress» where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools, channels and stalactites. The therapeutic waters were known to the founders of Hierapolis and of Laodicea in 190 BC. Check in at hotel for dinner and overnight in a Thermal Hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Drive to Ephesus visit
to the ancient city of Ephesus including the Basilica of St.
John. The Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years.
This church also received an epistle from him. We tour the spectacular ruins
where excavations still continue in this once great and important city, which
was founded in the 10th century BC.
Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public
buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the
Temple of Hadrian and the Theatre. The
Temple of Diana of the Ephesians, another of the seven wonders
of the ancient world, was built in this city. We visit the Basilica of St. John.
Visit The House of
Virgin Mary before drive to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
After breakfast between 08:30 am, departure from hotel for Full day tour of
Priene, Miletus & Didim. First you will see Priene which in its time was
one of the most spectacular of all the ancient Ionians cities. Then we will
lead our way to Miletus to see Miletus with its magnificent theatre and the
Byzantine fortress on the acropolis above. Our last stop will be Didyma. Here
you will find the largest Ionic Temple in the world, that of Apollo. Also in
Didyma lies the huge, cracked head of Medusa which long ago fell from the
freeze. After the tour we will drive you to the hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
(Breakfast included)
Transfer to the Izmir airport for the flight to
Istanbul. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free time at leisure. Overnight in
Istanbul.
(Breakfast, Lunch included)
After
breakfast, we have Istanbul City Tour. Our first visit will be HIPPODROME. Ancient Hippodrome was the
scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius,
the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Than we will visit SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE. Across
from Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, it was built in the 16th century by the
architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent
interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Our next see will be HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE. The Hagia
Sophia Grand Mosque, previously known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, is simply
the best of its kind! Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is the greatest surviving
example of Byzantine Architecture. For 1000 years, it was once the largest
church in the world, decorated with stunning 6th century golden mosaics. Today
it is a mosque. You can see it from
outside. After
that see TOPKAPI PALACE, the great
palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an
exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by
the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury,
miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. You can
see it from outside. The Basilica
Cistern Museum is one of the
most important cultural assets where we can trace the traces of glorious
Istanbul history. With its 80,000-ton water storage capacity, Yerebatan
Cistern is the largest covered cistern in the city and stands out with more
reclaimed supporting elements compared to other covered cisterns. Covering an
area of approximately 10,000 square meters, this colossal structure has a
rectangular shape with a length of 140 meters and a width of 70 meters. You
can see it from outside. After the tour, transfer back to your hotel. Dinner at Indian restaurant and
Overnight in Istanbul.
If you
would like to visit with entrance below sites;
Topkapi Palace Museum Entrance Fee.
You pay the door price.
The Basilica Cistern Museum Entrance You pay the door price.
Please Note: Please do not forget to carry Scarf with you because of visiting to Blue Mosque & Haghia Sophia Mosque.
(Breakfast included)
Pick up at 08:30am from
the hotel and depart for the Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Shopping Tour.
BOSPHORUS BY BOAT a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating
Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble,
fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion you will see the
magnificent sights of the following attractions from your boat. See Dolmabahce
Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace.
On the coastal edge of this park, is Ciragan Palace, 300 meters of its marble
facade faces the shore. At Ortakoy a great variety of artists gather every
Sunday to display their work along the street. Ortakoy is a symbol of tolerance
with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries.
RUMELI FORTRESS Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of
Istanbul was completed in only four months to control and protect the infamous
Bosphorus passage. It is one of the most beautiful works of military
architecture anywhere in the world. BEYLERBEYI PALAS (PALACE) The summer
residence of Ottoman sultans exists in its original renovated glory featuring
original antique furniture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian
side of Istanbul.
BOSPHORUS BRIDGE enjoy a unique chance to step from one continent (Asia) to
another (Europe)
CAMLICA HILL the highest point in Istanbul. At the top of it you can rest and
admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the
beautiful gardens, landscaped in traditional Turkish Ottoman style. SHOPPING
TOUR (after cruise) Experience the traditional silk weaving skills of Turkish
women at the carpet weaving courses provided by The Ministry of National
Education. You will get the opportunity to see jewellery, handcrafts centre and
a modern leatherwear show. Enjoy the experience of shopping whilst gaining the
knowledge of the ancient craftsmen, with Murti's Tour's local escort full of
knowledge about how to haggle the streets of Istanbul. The rest of the evening
is yours to explore Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast check out from the hotel. We
hope your tour was a memorable one and we look forward to seeing you in the
future on another TravelShop Turkey Tour. Have a safe trip back home and thanks
for choosing TravelShop Booking.
Trip includes
Included
3
nights hotel in Istanbul - Central Palace Hotel
3 nights hotel in Izmir - Odelia Resort Hotel
1 nights hotel in Pamukkale - 5 Star Pam Thermal Hotel
2 nights hotel in Kusadasi -
PS: If This
hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange
smilar other hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel,
there might be an additional cost
Professional English - speaking tour guides
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Meals mentioned in the itinerary



All Tour Airport Transfers in the Program
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach All parking,
highway, bridge fees
Guided Izmir City Tour
Guided Pergamum – Thyatira
Guided Sardis – Philadelphia – Laodicea – Hierapolis
Guided Ephesus Tour
Guided Priene, Miletus and Didyma Tour
Guided Istanbul City Tour
Guided Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Shopping Tour
Hotel service fees and city taxes
VAT - City Tax
Good to Know:
- Duration: 10 Days / 9
Nights
- Starts in: Izmir
- Ends in: Istanbul
- Best for: History lovers,
Christian heritage travelers, and cultural explorers
- Group Type: Small group or
private tours available
- Inclusions: 4-star or
boutique accommodation, professional guide, all transfers, entry fees,
daily breakfast, selected lunches
- Exclusions: International
flights, personal expenses, tips, optional activities
- Recommended
Travel Season: Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–November)
for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
- Moderate Walking
Required:
Sites often involve uneven terrain—comfortable shoes are essential
Excluded
Domestic Ticket from Izmir to Istanbul
International Flight Tickets
Travel insurance
Some Lunch;& Dinners
Other expenses not specified
Tips for the driver and guide
Personal expenses
Availability
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Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
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