Seven Churches of Revelation Turkey Greece 8 Days Trip

Upon landing in Istanbul, board your connecting flight to Izmir. After arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time at leisure.

Visit Smyrna (Revelation 2:8–11), the church that would endure persecution, and Pergamon (Revelation 2:12–17), urged to repent. In modern Izmir, explore the remains of the ancient Smyrna Agora. You may also visit the Church of Saint Polycarp, dedicated to an early Christian martyr.

Continue to Pergamon to see the Red Basilica, originally built as a Roman temple of Serapis, with a Byzantine church later constructed inside. If time allows, visit the Pergamon Acropolis, including its ancient theater and the Altar of Zeus, as well as the Asclepion, an ancient healing center dedicated to Asclepius.

On the way to Salihli, stop at Thyatira (Revelation 2:18–29), associated with the church’s warning about a false prophetess. The archaeological remains are limited. Continue to Salihli for your overnight stay.

Visit Sardis (Revelation 3:1–6), whose church was called to wake up and strengthen what remained. Explore the Sardis Synagogue and Bath-Gymnasium Complex, including the Marble Court, and see the remains of a Byzantine church.

Continue to Philadelphia, now known as Alaşehir. The church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7–13) was praised for keeping the faith patiently. Only limited remains of ancient Philadelphia are visible today. After your visit, travel to Pamukkale for your overnight stay.

Visit Laodicea (Laodikeia), whose church is described in Revelation 3:14–22 as lukewarm in faith. Explore the archaeological site, where excavations continue, and see the Baptistery, Sacred Road and two ancient theaters.

In the afternoon, return to Pamukkale to explore Hierapolis, including the Martyrium of Saint Philip, the ancient theater and the necropolis. Then visit the Pamukkale travertines.

At the end of the tour, depart for Kuşadası for your overnight stay.

Explore Ephesus, one of the best-known sites on the Seven Churches of Revelation route. The church’s message (Revelation 2:1–7) calls it to return to its first love.

Begin at the House of the Virgin Mary, a chapel traditionally believed to stand on the site of Mary’s final home. The shrine welcomes Christian and Muslim visitors. Continue to ancient Ephesus, whose religious history includes the worship of Artemis, the preaching of Saint Paul and the later veneration of Mary.

Visit the Church of Mary, where the Council of Ephesus met in 431 and affirmed the title Theotokos (“Mother of God”) for Mary. Then explore the nearby Basilica of St John, traditionally associated with the Evangelist’s burial place. Enter through the Gate of Persecution and see the surviving columns and walls. You can extend your visit with a classic guided tour of the Ephesus archaeological site.

At the end of the tour, return to Kuşadası for your overnight stay.

Subject to ferry schedules, take the morning ferry from Kuşadası to Vathi, Samos. Spend the day on the island, then transfer to Pythagorion Port for the afternoon ferry to Patmos. Overnight in Patmos.

Often called the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” Patmos is also referred to as Patnos in an ancient inscription. Christian tradition holds that Saint John the Theologian was exiled here around AD 95 and wrote the Book of Revelation on the island.

Spend the day exploring Patmos at your own pace. Suggested excursions include a Half-Day Monastery Tour and a Half-Day Patmos Highlights tour; see the Excursions pages for details. You can also enjoy the island’s beaches and sheltered coves.

Subject to ferry schedules, return to Samos in the evening and overnight there.

Depending on ferry schedules and how much time you wish to spend on Samos, take a morning or afternoon ferry to Kuşadası. On arrival, transfer to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Coordinate the ferry and flight times to allow enough time for the airport transfer.