7-Day Seven Churches of Asia Minor Tour: Ephesus, Pamukkale, Troy & Istanbul
Highlights
- Seven Churches of Revelation: Trace early Christian history at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.
- Ancient Ephesus & the House of the Virgin Mary: Explore Ephesus’s monumental ruins, the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary.
- Hierapolis & Pamukkale: Discover the ancient city of Hierapolis and admire Pamukkale’s famous white travertine terraces.
- Pergamon Acropolis & Asclepion: Visit the hilltop acropolis and the ruins of this renowned ancient healing centre.
- Alexandria Troas & Legendary Troy: Explore sites connected with St. Paul’s journeys and the stories of Helen and the Trojan Horse.
- Istanbul’s Historic Landmarks: See Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Kariye Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.
Overview
Follow the legacy of early Christianity on this 7-day tour of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor in Turkey. Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Sardis and Laodicea, cities associated with the Book of Revelation, and discover the region’s churches, temples and ancient theaters. Admire the white terraces of Pamukkale and learn about the history and archaeology that shaped this important part of Christian heritage. The journey concludes in Istanbul, where Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks offer a striking contrast to the ancient sites of Asia Minor. This Christian heritage tour combines history, archaeology and cultural discovery across Turkey.
Route
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View the route on Google MapsItinerary
Upon arrival in Izmir, we will meet you and transfer to your hotel for overnight.
After breakfast, explore Ephesus, where St. Paul lived and preached. Visit the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the ancient theater and the Church of Mary, where the Third Ecumenical Council was held in 431 AD. Continue to the Basilica of St. John and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
After lunch, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, then travel to Pamukkale for your overnight stay. You may have time to enjoy the area’s warm spring waters.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Pamukkale
After breakfast, explore Hierapolis, the ancient Roman city overlooking Pamukkale’s famous white travertine terraces. The site is also associated with St. Philip and early Christian history.
Continue to Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Then visit Philadelphia, known as the “city of brotherly love,” before travelling to Sardis, the former capital of the Kingdom of Lydia. Explore its Roman gymnasium, Byzantine shops, latrines, Roman Avenue, reconstructed synagogue, Temple of Artemis and nearby church. Overnight in Izmir.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, visit St. Polycarp’s Church in İzmir, then travel to Thyatira, one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
Continue to Pergamon (ancient Pergamum) to explore the Acropolis, including the site where the Altar of Zeus once stood. Pergamon was an important centre of learning and scholarship. Then visit the Asclepion, an ancient healing centre with extensive ruins. Overnight in Assos.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, travel to Alexandria Troas, an ancient city associated with St. Paul’s missionary journeys. Continue to Troy, the legendary city linked to the story of Helen of Troy and the Trojan Horse. After exploring the site, drive to Istanbul for your overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, explore Istanbul’s historic centre. Visit Topkapı Palace, then see Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. Continue to Kariye (Chora) Mosque, formerly the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, and finish at the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward journey. This concludes your Seven Churches of Asia Minor tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Trip includes
Included
2 nights hotel in Izmir - Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrampasa
1 night hotel in Pamukkale - 5 Star Pam Thermal Hotel
1 night hotel in Assos - Troia Tusan Hotel
2 nights hotel in Istanbul - 5 Star Ramada By Wyndham Istanbul Pera Hotel Istanbul
PS: If this hotel list is not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange a similar 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
English
All meals as stated in the itinerary. Breakfast.
Vegetarian
Halal
Meat
Arrival airport transfer from Istanbul airport
Transportation in a fully air - conditioned, non - smoking coach
Return airport transfer
6 Nights, 4 Star or 5 Star Hotel Accommodation including breakfast.
All sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary.
All Entrance Fees
All admission fees to the visited sites.
Excluded
Any tips to guide.
Driver or staff at hotels.
Items of a personal nature.
Drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast) and medical services.
Need help or have a question about this tour?
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Availability
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