Tour itinerary

Day 1

Departure from your country

Day 2

Arrival in Istanbul.

If arriving during the day, a sightseeing tour on the European side of Istanbul with photo stops.

Hotel check-in.

Dinner.

Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check-out from the hotel.

Sightseeing tour around Istanbul. Hagia Sophia. Blue Mosque. Chora Monastery. Grand Bazaar (1 hour).

Boat tour on the Bosphorus.

Check-in at the hotel.

Dinner.

Day 4

Early breakfast. Check-out from the hotel.

Visit to the Ancient City of Pergamon. Continue our journey to Pergamon. Explore the Acropolis of Pergamon and take a cable car ride. Admire the Basilica from the outside:

"And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; Iknow thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth" (Revelation 2:12-13).

Pergamon is an ancient Greek city and one of the seven churches (referring not only to worship buildings but to Christian communities in each city). Explore the Archaeological Park (the Great Altar of Pergamon is in the Pergamon Museum).

The base of the altar remains on the Acropolis. The inscriptions dedicated to Zeus, referred to by John of Patmos as the "Throne of Satan." Visit the Red Basilica (the great temple of the Egyptian gods Isis, now known as the "Red Basilica," a Christian church in Bergama consisting of a main building and two round towers in a large sacred area, dating back to the 1st century AD). The Acropolis (comprising Upper and Lower Acropolis and numerous buildings) and the Asclepion Sacred Area (where people with health issues could bathe in sacred waters; many offerings and sacrifices like small clay body parts have been found here, representing healing).

City of Ayvalik. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 5

Early breakfast. Check-out from the hotel. Today we will start with the ancient ruins in Izmir (Smyrna), hosting one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, rich in history.

"Behold, Istand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, Iwill come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." (Rev. 3:20).

Transfer to Selcuk. Ancient Ephesus. This morning, we will explore the ancient city of Ephesus, which was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 1:11) and for many years was the second-largest city of the Roman Empire after Rome.

In Ephesus, we will visit many historically significant structures such as the Temple of Artemis (Diana), the Trajan Fountain, the Scholastica Baths, the Temple of Hadrian, the Celsus Library, and the Great Theatre with a seating capacity of 25,000.

We will walk along the Arcadian Way where once used for dramas but later for gladiator contests during the Roman period, where Paul preached and the riot of the silversmiths occurred. We will visit the ancient ruins of Miletus, the hometown of Isidorus of Miletus, the architect of Hagia Sophia (and inventor of the flying buttress). Later, we will visit the Temple of the Theologian Apostle John and the traditional burial site of the apostle.

Transfer to Kusadasi and check-in at our hotel in Kusadasi. Dinner.

Day 6

Breakfast. Check-out from the hotel.

Free time in Kusadasi.

Transfer to Pamukkale. Check-in at the spa hotel. Dinner. Relaxation.

Day 7

"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. Icould wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, Iwill vomit you out of My mouth... As many as Ilove, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent." (Rev. 3:15-16, 19).

Today we will visit Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches rebuked for being lukewarm. Archaeological excavations near Laodicea still bear witness to the city's past glory.

We will also stop at the ruins of Hierapolis (another place famous for its hot springs). We will admire the travertine terraces of Pamukkale and visit the Cleopatra Pool, a favorite spot of the rich and noble Romans who believed in the healing properties of the Pamukkale hot springs even in the Roman era. Later on, it was confirmed that the water from the springs indeed had healing benefits, treating circulation problems, arthritis, and skin conditions. It is also said to offer instant rejuvenation.

Dinner. Relaxation.

Day 8

Early breakfast. Check-out from the hotel.

"And write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches in Asia: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea." (Rev. 1:11).

Today we will start by visiting the church in Philadelphia (Alasehir), another of the Seven Churches of Revelation, by exploring the ancient Christian church, built with brick and 11th-century frescoes, remnants of a Byzantine basilica.

Next, we have the ancient city of Sardis, of triple significance: First, its military power; second, its location on an important overland route from the inland to the Aegean coast; third, its wide and fertile Hermus Valley. Despite its importance, Sardis was rebuked by John (Rev. 3:1-6).

In Sardis, we will discover the massive Temple of Artemis, the royal road made of white marble, an impressive gymnasium, and a synagogue supported by Harvard and Cornell Universities in annual archaeological excavations since 1958. These excavations may have revealed one of the most impressive synagogues in the West, with over eighty Greek and seven Hebrew inscriptions, as well as numerous mosaic floors from ancient diaspora times.

We will then visit Thyatira and head towards the city of Akhisar. Thyatira, mentioned as one of the Churches in the Book of Revelation, will be the next stop.

Accommodation in Istanbul at the hotel. Dinner.

Day 9

After breakfast transfer to the airport. Seeing off or Istanbul extention.