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.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner