Seven Churches Tour

 

Welcome to Turkey! You’re greeted upon arrival and escorted to your hotel located in the Old City area-Sultanahmet. According to your arrival time you can either check in to the hotel and relax or check out the Old city area. The remainder of the day is at leisure before meeting your tour guide for a short welcome briefing.

 

After having breakfast at the Hotel, Our guide meets you and We start our day trip ,We see how old meets new when you visit Istanbul’s “must-see" historic sites. The sites include:

Sultanahmet Meydanı, was a horse-racing track that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire and the largest city in Europe. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are visited.

One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.

Now a museum, Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian, and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today one of the most magnificent museums in the world. Take a moment to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics.

*Lunch in an old city Restaurant.

In operation since the 14th century, the Grand Bazaar is one of the world's largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops. The bazaar is specially known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spices and carpets.

Dinner at a nearby restaurant to the hotel.

 

We welcome you in Izmir and drive to Ephesus which was the most influential capital city of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea. “Ephesus receives praise for its perseverance, but criticism for forsaking its "first love"” (Rev. 2:1-7). To begin the day, you will visit the Basilica of St John which stands over the believed burial site of St. John, who is identified as the apostle, evangelist (author of the Fourth Gospel) and prophet (author of Revelation).

*Lunch in Seljuk

We then arrive at the Ancient City of Ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. Finally visit the House of the Virgin Mary founded on 1861 on top of Bulbul Mountain, a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. It has been accepted by the Vatican as a pilgrimage destination. After visits, check into your hotel.

 

After breakfast, visit Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis with the Temple of Apollo, the breathtaking theater, the fascinating Necropolis and the last of the great baths of Hierapolis antique city, where St. Philip was martyred. St. Philip is connected with the early church in Hierapolis and played an important role in the history of the city.

*Lunch in Pamukkale

After lunch you will visit Eskihisar, the ancient Laodicea. In the 4th century, Apollinaris of Laodicea proposed the theory later called Apollinarianism, which was considered heretical by the Catholic Church.

 

After breakfast, Begin the day with a visit to ancient Philadelphia which was known for its variety of temples and worship centers. “The church of brotherly love that endures patiently” (Revelation 3:7-13). Then to Sardis, located on the banks of the Pactolus River in western Asia Minor. “The church of Sardis is described as dead, and it must wake up. However, there are some who have not "soiled their clothes."” (Rev. 3:1-6). Finally Smyrna, nowadays a modern Turkish city of Izmir.

*Lunch in Izmir

In ancient times it was in a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbors, commerce, and marketplaces. St Polycarp church will be visited on thay day as well.

Dinner at the hotel

 

After breakfast drive to Thyatira, known for its textiles and dyeing trade. It is now known as the Turkish city of Akhisar. It is “praised for its increasing faith and service, but criticized for its tolerance of Jezebel, an immoral women who calls herself a prophetess” (Rev. 2:18-29).Then onto Pergamum, located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. The city, described as having the throne of Satan, is “praised for its martyrdom and perseverance but those who hold false teachings are criticized” (Rev. 2:12-17).

*Lunch in Bergama

Here you will see the Acropolis famous for Greek & Roman Temples as well as the unique Greek theatre built into the steep hillside. Also visit the Asclepion, the ancient medical center for the Greeks. After visits you will be transferred to the airport in Izmir for your departure flight to Istanbul.

 

After the tour, you may ask our office for other options while enjoying tea with us.

Depending on your departure time, transfer to Airport for your return flight.

 

*You may extend your stay and request further information about our tours to highlights of Turkey from our office in Sultanahmet.