10 Days Seven Churches Tour - Biblical Tours in Turkey

(Dinner included)
You will be transferred from Izmir Airport to your hotel. On arrival please check into the hotel where your accommodation has been reserved for the night. You will be given your room key and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy party and explore Izmir

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
After breakfast at our hotel in Kusadasi, we 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. Then the Asklepieion, famous medical centre of classical times, see the Altar of Zeus, which mentioned as the «Throne of Satan» in the book of Revelation. Moreover, 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.
We also visit the Red Basilica (St. Johns Church). Lunch break will be given en route. 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.
Before we check in at the hotel in Izmir, we enjoy a panoramic ride of Smyrna, the third largest city in Turkey and one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 2:12 - 17]. Smyrnas is a city scarred with a bloody history of trade and warfare. We ascend to Mount Pagus where we visit the Citadel of Lysimachos, commander of Alexander the Great, erected in the 4th century BC. We will also see the Clock Tower. Check in at the hotel for dinner. 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 Temple of Cybele, which became a Byzantine Church. We will also visit 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 Pactolos. Lunch en route.
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. 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. In Hierapolis [Col. 4:13] we visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip where he was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian.
We visit the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way, the 2nd century AD Theatre, the Nymphaion, the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium and the Necropolis. Dinner and overnight.Pamukkale 

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
We depart for Laodicea (present name Denizli) yet another of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor [Rev. 1:11; 3:14; Col. 2:1; 4:13 - 16]. We see the ancient theatre, the remains of basilica and ancient stone water pipes. Aphrodisias is our next stop. We visit the best - preserved ancient stadium ever excavated where the seating capacity was 30, 000. We see the odeon with its extraordinary blue marble stage, the Temple of Aphrodite that marks the site of ancient veneration, Hadrian’s Bath and the Bishop’s Palace, part of a building christened by the archaeologists. Lunch en route.
Drive to Kusadasi, in the Turkish language, Kusadasi, this lovely and peaceful little port and fashionable resort, means “Island of Birds”. It is built along the shores of a glittering bay, around a tiny islet covered with pine - trees and flowers. The terraced town overlooks the most beautiful bay of the Aegean Sea and seems it has been created purely for the delight of the holidaymaker. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
After breakfast you will be collected from the hotel for a picnic boat trip. On this day-long tour the boat will visit beaches around Kusadasi and this is a perfect way to sit back and soak up the sunshine and enjoy a fully inclusive cooked picnic lunch. You will arrive back at the hotel around 5pm and dinner will be served around 7 - 8pm. Dinner and Overnight in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
After breakfast between 08:30 am, departure from hotel fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world en - route, visiting the Temple of Artemis, Curetes street, famous Roman baths, Celsus Library and Grand theatre. Lunch break around 13:00 pm. After the lunch, we will visit a place, which continues to perform one of the oldest arts of Turkey; a carpet-weaving centre. After lunch, we will do a Turkish Village Tour. Sirince’s construction style today belongs to Anatolian Greeks. The houses on the slope are all Orginal with their white paints. Sirince Village also has a fantastic reputation for making some of the best wines in Turkey - especially fruit wines. We will see the vineyards and it is time to learn how to make fruit wine. In the evening, you will be tested about your knowledge of making fruit wine. On the way, we will visit one of the famous leather production centers of the region, where you will have the opportunity to get a good factory rate. On this guided tour, you will avoid the constant nagging and sometimes bullying that is well known in the markets of Turkey. Enabling you to enjoy the shopping experience whilst gaining the knowledge of the ancient craftsmen. Dinner and Overnight in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Breakfast & Check out from the hotel.
08.30 – Pick up from the hotel and meet with the local tour guide for Didyma Priene and Miletus guided tour.
Didyma Miletus & Priene Ancient Cities Tour
Drive to Priene Ancient City. In the 2nd millennium BC, Priene Ancient City was founded in an unknown location. Visit the theater, the temple of Athena, the Bouleterium, the Agora, and the Altar of Zeus and Cybele. After visiting Priene Ancient City, have lunch in one of the local restaurants in the area. Afterward, drive to Didyma Ancient City, Visiting Temple Of the Apollon which was the biggest Oracle Center of ancient Turkey. After visiting Didyma drive to Miletus Ancient City was established on the sea shore at that period. Also, it was known Thales’s home. He has reported forecasted solar eclipse. He has been dealing with astronomy and solstices as one of the first astronomers to calculate in advance. The city was destroyed by the Persians in 5th century BC. After tour come back to hotel and rest of day is yours. Dinner and Overnight in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast and Lunch included)

(Breakfast and 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 visit 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. Lunch break at 13:00 pm. After the lunch, TravelShop Group will take you to the ALI PASAZADE which is a unique atmosphere with reasonable prices for your shopping. Here you will find; Exotic Spices and Herbs, Turkish Baklava, Turkish Delights, Turkish Coffee, nuts and fruits, small souvenirs such as Ceramic Handicrafts, Evil Eyes totems, all naturel olive oil, soaps and many other goods in Souvenir Shops and stores. After tour, transfer back to hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Please Note: Please do not forget to carry headscarf with you for the visit of religious places as Blue Mosque & Haghia Sophia Mosque.

(Breakfast and Lunch included)
After breakfast check out from your hotel and  Tour start first step into the serene Kariye Mosque, where centuries of history tell tales of faith, artistry, and cultural fusion. Nestled amidst the labyrinthine streets of Istanbul, this architectural marvel, once a Byzantine church, now stands as a testament to the city's diverse heritage.
As you wander through the hallowed halls, prepare to be enchanted by the intricate mosaic masterpieces adorning the walls, each a vivid mosaic tableau telling stories of biblical narratives and celestial wonders. Marvel at the delicate interplay of light and color, a testament to the artistic brilliance of Byzantine craftsmen.
Follow your guide and delve into the rich tapestry of history woven into every stone of Kariye Mosque. Trace the mosque's journey from its humble beginnings as the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora to its transformation into a magnificent Ottoman mosque, witnessing firsthand the seamless blend of Byzantine and Islamic architectural elements.
Discover the spiritual significance of Kariye Mosque as a sacred sanctuary for both Christians and Muslims alike, a beacon of tolerance and coexistence in a city steeped in tradition. Gain insight into the cultural exchanges that have shaped Istanbul's identity, from the reign of Byzantine emperors to the glory days of the Ottoman Empire.
After tour transfer to Airport for your flight back to home. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we would like to see you in the future in one of our tours again. Have a nice trip back home and thanks for choosing TravelShop Booking.