Seven Churches of Asia Minor Tour 6 Nights 7 Days
Highlights
- ✓Explore Ephesus – Home of St. Paul Discover the ancient city of Ephesus, where St. Paul preached and sent his letter to the Ephesians. Visit the remarkable Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and the Virgin Mary's House.
- ✓Pamukkale and Hierapolis – Natural Wonders and Ancient Ruins Experience the stunning Pamukkale hot springs and the ancient city of Hierapolis, where St. Philip was martyred. Don’t miss the Cotton Castle thermal pools and the remarkable ancient ruins high on the hill.
- ✓The Seven Churches of Asia Minor Walk through the Biblical cities of Laodicea, Philadelphia, and Sardis. Explore the ancient sites that inspired the letters in the Book of Revelation, including Sardis Temple of Artemis and Laodicea’s lukewarm waters.
- ✓Pergamum - The Seat of Satan Visit Pergamum’s Acropolis, once home to the Altar of Zeus, referred to in the Bible as the “Seat of Satan.” Learn about the city’s rich history as a center of ancient scholarship and medicine at the Asclepion
- ✓Troy and the Legendary Trojan Horse Explore the iconic ruins of Troy, the legendary city immortalized in Homer’s Iliad, and stand at the site of the Trojan Horse – a symbol of mythic warfare.
- ✓Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman Heritage Conclude your tour in Istanbul, visiting historical landmarks such as Topkapi Palace, the stunning Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.
Overview
The "Seven Churches of Asia Minor Tour" offers a fascinating 7-day journey through the heart of ancient Christianity, tracing the steps of St. Paul and early Christian history. From the ruins of Ephesus and the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale to the sacred sites of Laodicea and Sardis, this tour brings to life the cities mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Explore ancient theaters, churches, and temples while learning about the rise of early Christianity. The journey culminates in Istanbul, where you’ll discover the city's rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. This immersive experience combines history, archaeology, and spirituality, offering a unique perspective on one of the most pivotal regions in Christian history.
Route
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Izmir, we will meet you and transfer to your hotel for overnight.
(Including: Breakfast)
after breakfast full
day tour to the ancient city of Ephesus where the St. Paul lived and preached
for three years and to where he subsequently sent his letter to the Ephesians.
We believe that this day will be the highlight of the tour. We see the Baths of
Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the theater, the
Double Church (The Church of Mary) where the third ecumenical council was
convened in A. D. 431. Then we visit the basilica of St. John where St. John
was buried, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, which was once one of the seven
wonders of the ancient world. After lunch, we visit the Virgin Mary'sSeven
Churches of Asia Minor Tour - Ephesus House. After that we drive to Pamukkale
for our overnight stay. You will have a chance to swim in the warm spring
waters of Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale.
(Including Breakfast)
We
start the day by visiting the ancient city of Hierapolis, Roman ancient city
where St. Philip was martyred during the persecutions Seven Churches of Asia
Minor Tour - Philadelphiaordered by Domitian. Hierapolis is located on the top
of a hill where you can see the famous natural wonder white cotton fortress.
Next stop Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor [Rev. 1:11; 3:14;
Col. 2:1; 4:13-16]. The geographic location of the city explains why the
Laodiceians were "neither hot nor cold but lukewarm" as it says in
the Bible. Our next visits are to Philadelphia and Sardis. Philadelphia
"the city of brotherly love," was the only churchSeven Churches of
Asia Minor Tour - Pamukkale which John had no real criticism (Rev. 3: 7-13).
After a short drive we reach Sardis. Sardis was the capital city of the ancient
Kingdom of Lydia. We visit Roman gymnasium complex, the Byzantine shops and the
latrines, Roman Avenue, the reconstructed synagogue, Temple of Artemis. Right
by the temple there is a church of Sardis. Even though the new faith appeared
to have made rapid progress here, St. John was not convinced that all was well
and he admonished the Christians there to avoid temptation (Rev. 3: 1-6).
Overnight in Izmir.
(Including breakfast)
In the morning we visit St. Polycarp's Church in Izmir.
Then we drive to Thyatira (Rev. 2: 18-29). Then, we proceed to Pergamum (Rev.
2: 12-17) to visit the Acropolis. Its grandeur makes Seven Churches of Asia
Minor Tour - Pergamumup for the missing Altar of Zeus (in the Berlin Museum),
which was referred to in the Bible as "Satan's Seat." Pergamum was a
great center of scholarship and learning. Anthony took the library from here
with its 200,000 rolls and transferred it to Alexandria as a present for Cleopatra.
After the Acropolis we will visit the Asclepion, the ancient hospital. The
ruins here are so complete that walking among them one can relive the methods
employed in this health center from sacrifice to psychodrama. and overnight in
Assos.
(Including breakfast)
We
drive to Alexandria Troas founded by a commander of Alexander the Great; Paul
Seven Churches of Asia Minor Tour - Assosvisited here at least twice in his
second and third journeys (16: 7-12; 16:8-10). We proceed to Troy home of the
legendary Helen of Troy and the Trojan Horse. Then we drive to Istanbul for
overnight.
(Including breakfast )
Today we have a full day sightseeing of impressive city.
We visit the famed Topkapi Palace, the St. Sophia (which for 1000 years was the
largest Church in Christendom and now a museum), the Blue Mosque (so-named from its decorative blue-shaded
tiles, glass and gemstones), Hippodrome, the Church of St. Savior in Chora, and
Grand Bazaar and overnight in Istanbul.
(Including Breakfast)
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home or
continue to explore another destination.
What's included
- ✓Accommodation
- ✓Guide
- ✓Meals
- ✓Transport
- ✓Other included
Not included
- ✕Flights
- ✕Other not included
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