Turkey Holy Land Biblical Tour I
5 Nights / 7 Days
In the Footsteps of St. Paul: Seven Churches of the Revelation
Izmir, Pergamon, Thyatira, Philadelphia,
Sardis, Pamukkale, Hierapolis
Laodicea, Aphrodisias, Ephesus, Kusadasi
Tour Dates: Year-Around
DAY 1: En Route
Depart the U.S.A. on your flight to Turkey.
DAY 2: Istanbul - Izmir
Arrive in Izmir. The city known as "Beautiful Izmir," lies
on the shores of a large furrowed by ships and yachts and encircled
by mountains. Meet and transfer to hotel. Visit the Church of
St. Policarp which is the oldest church in ancient Smyrna, it
symbolized the community of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse.
Then visit Alexander the Great's "Velvet Castle" overlooking
the bay of Izmir.
DAY 3: Pergamon - Thyatira - Izmir
Visit Pergamon, the Acropolis once a great center of culture,
survives as one of Turkey's finest archaeological sites. In
the Acropolis, above the modern town, are the remains of the
celebrated library, a steep and impressive theatre, the temples
of Trajan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary
of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on three terraces and the Agora.
The Asclepion, located to the southwest of the lower city, was
a sanctuary dedicated to the god of health, Asclepics. Visit
the Archaeological and Ethnographical Museum and nearby is the
site of a temple dedicated to Serapis, the god of the lower
world who was also worshiped in Egypt as Osiris. Drive to Akhisar
the site of ancient Thyatira (7C). to visit the Church of Ancient
Thyatira. Return to Izmir.
DAY 4: Sardes - Philadelphia - Pamukkale
Drive to Sardes, ancient capital of the Lydians and visit
the Church of Sardes. Continue to Alasehir where the ancient
Philadelphia Church is located. Walk the streets of Philadelphia,
and then proceed to Pamukkale, the white castle "Cotton Castle"
with its lime cascades of the Roman spa. See the ancient city
of Hierapolis. The Martyrium of St. Philip the Apostle is here.
Enjoy leisurely bath in the hot spring pool of your hotel.
DAY 5: Laodcea - Aphrodisias - Kusadasi
Morning visit to Eskihisar, the Ancient Laodicea, then drive
to Aphrodisias, the city of the Goddess of Love, see the well
preserved stadium, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Odeon, the theater,
Agora and Hadrian's Bath.
DAY 6: Ephesus - Kusadasi
Full day visit the unforgettable remains of Ephesus, among
the most famous cities of the ancient world. Ephesus was one
of the biggest cities of the Roman era. A treasury of all the
riches of Ionian culture, Ephesus had a reputation for philosophy
and critical thinking. The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven
wonders of the ancient world, as well as countless statues,
theaters, libraries, markets and smaller temples were all architectural
symbols of the city's fame. Visit the House of Virgin Mary,
where she spent her final days. Continue to Archaeological Museum
and the Basilica of Saint John.
DAY 7: Kusadasi - Izmir
Transfer to Izmir airport. End of our services.
The Seven Churches of the Revelation "I, John ... was on the
Island called Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony
of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lords day, and I heard
behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying,
Wright in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches.
Rev.1:9-11
Biblical References:
The Seven Churches mentioned by St. John in the Book of Revelations
(The Apocalypse ) are all found in Turkey and each was a founding
community of Christianity.
Smyrna Revelations : 2:8-11
Pergamon Revelations : 2:12-17
Thyatira Revelations : 2:18-29 Acts 16:14
Sardes Revelations : 3:1-6
Philadelphia Revelations : 3:7-13
Laodicea Revelations : 3:14-22
Ephesus Revelations : 1:11:2:1-7 Acts 18:19-28:19
* Rates and availability subject to change
without notice.
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