Day 1:Arrival in Istanbul
We meet at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul and transfer to our hotel located in the modern
city center, just a few steps away from Taksim Square.
After check-in we meet for a welcome briefing and orientation tour of the hotel area.
We proceed to Taksim Square for a walking tour of Istiklal Street. Here is where we end
our tour, leaving the rest of the day to enjoy at our leisure.
Included meals: -
Day 2:Istanbul
We meet this morning and transfer to Sultanahmet for a full-day tour. Our day begins with a visit to the
ancient Hippodrome, an area that was once the center of Byzantine civic life. We continue to Sultan Ahmet
Mosque, more familiarly known as the Blue Mosque because its interior gleams with a magnificent paneling
of blue and white 17th century Iznik tiles. Next we visit Hagia Sophia, often described as the greatest
work of Byzantine architecture.
The forth largest building in the world that was made as a church, is now
a museum that glitters with mosaics and art treasures that fill every corner. We finish the day at Topkapi
Palace. Topkapi was the second palace built in Istanbul after the conquest. Once a palace where the sultans,
their courts, and harem lived and governed, it is now one of the world’s richest museums.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3:Istanbul
We depart this morning for another full day of sightseeing. Our first visit is the Basilica Cistern,
the largest and most ornate of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul.
In its construction, columns and capitals of earlier temples were used, providing a very decorative
appearance. We continue on to St. Saviour in Chora Church. The Chora Church is not as large as some
of the other Byzantine churches of Istanbul, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in the beauty
of its interior covered with fine mosaics and frescoes. Our tour continues as we embark on a public boat
and start our cruise of the Bosporus Strait. The Bosphorus is a narrow, navigable strait between Europe
and Asia connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. This boat ride takes us past the late Ottoman palaces,
Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, as well as beautiful wooden mansions and modern villas of the 19th and 20th
centuries which form this elegant section of the city. We finish our day at the famous Grand Bazaar. This
bazaar will tempt even non-shoppers with nearly 4,000 shops exhibiting a rich collection of precious
handmade carpets, jewelry, leather, antiques, and souvenirs.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4:Istanbul / Izmir
After departing from Istanbul in the morning, we arrive in Izmir where we take a panoramic tour and visit the
ancient Agora. At the foot of the highest hill in Izmir is the restored Agora, the market of ancient Smyrna.
The Christian faith in Izmir began with the activities of St. Paul who sent some of his disciples there. A
Christian church existed here from a very early time, and was one of the seven churches addressed in the Book
of Revelation. After our tour we break for lunch before checking into our hotel. The rest of the day we spend
at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5:Izmir / Pergamum / Thyatira
This morning we drive from Kusadasi to the Pergamum ancient site. During the time of St. John's letters,
the city of Pergamum was one of the most important cities of the 1st century. Much of Pergamum has been
lovingly restored and is now considered one of the primary ancient sites in Turkey. Here we visit the
magnificent Acropolis, which contains the ruins of Pergamum’s acclaimed library—so large it rivals the
world's greatest library in Alexandria. Next we visit the Asclepieum, a sanctuary and healing center built
in the name of Asclepius, the god of healing. From here we continue with a visit to the ancient site of
Thyatira. Although Thyatira was the smallest and least important of the seven cities, the letter written to
the church was the longest of the seven letters. Thyatira was also the hometown of Lydia, a well-to-do purple
dye merchant. Evidently she had moved from here to Philippi for business. Lydia insisted on giving hospitality
to St. Paul and his companions in Philippi. They stayed with her until their departure, through Amphipolis
and Apollonia, to Thessalonica. After visiting Thyatira, we return to the hotel in the late afternoon for an
evening at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6:Izmir / Sardis / Philadelphia / Pamukkale
We begin this morning in Sardis. Sardis was the capital city of King Croesus who was considered the richest man
on earth in ancient times. Next we continue to the ancient site of Philadelphia. Attalos II, the king of
Pergamum, established the city by the Alasehir River for his brother Eumenes and named it Philadelphia, the
city of brotherly love. Philadelphia, together with Smyrna was considered as one of the most distinguished
churches out of the seven churches of Revelation about which nothing bad was mentioned by St. Paul. Next we
dive to Pamukkale and visit the ancient site of Hierapolis. Hierapolis was famed for its sacred hot springs.
In addition to interesting Roman ruins, the site offers a thermal Sacred Pool in which can one can swim with
ancient artifacts, a view of the spectacular white terraces of Pamukkale, and a good museum.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7:Pamukkale / Laodicea / Aphrodisias / Kusadasi
On our way to Kusadasi this morning we stop for a visit to the ancient sites of Laodicea and Aphrodisias.
Although there is not much left other than the amphitheater and the monumental fountain which have been
pretty badly ruined, we visit the most southerly of the seven churches. The letter addressing the church
in Laodicea is the sternest of the seven letters, containing much reprimand but no praise. Although there
is no mention of heretics, persecutors and evil doers, the people of Laodicea are blamed for lack of
wholeheartedness. Next we visit Aphrodisias, one of the oldest sacred sites in Turkey. Dedicated to the
goddess of love, it was the site of the magnificent Temple of Aphrodite and the home of a renowned school
of marble sculpture.
The Temple of Aphrodite later became a Christian basilica through an impressive
swapping of columns. In the early evening we arrive to the town of Kusadasi. Kusadasi is set in a superb
gulf and is known for its sparkling water, broad sandy beaches, and large marina.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8:Ephesus Sites
This morning we depart for a full day of sightseeing. First we visit the Ephesus archaeological site which
is perhaps the world’s best preserved ancient city and its ruins attract visitors from across the globe.
The most significant relic of the site is the immense amphitheater. We walk along the Sacred Way, see the
Temple of Hadrian, a Corinthian-style building with the head of Medusa on the porch, and the Library of
Celsius. Next we visit the House of the Virgin Mary. The chapel is built on the foundation of the house
where the Virgin Mary is believed to have lived. Our last visit is to the Basilica of St. John. Today his
grave is recognized as a shrine by Vatican. We return to Kusadasi early in the evening and have dinner at
the hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9:Return Home
After breakfast we transfer to the Izmir airport for the return flight to Istanbul.
Included meals: Breakfast
Optional Post-Tour Extention
Day 10:Kusadasi / Patmos Island
This morning we head to the pier and embark on a ferry for a day trip to the island of Patmos. The
earliest remains of human settlements on the island date to the Middle Bronze Age. Patmos and Christianity
were closely linked when in the late 1st century Emperor Dometian sent St. John the Apostle to exile on
Patmos. Upon arrival, we visit the Monastery of St. John. The monastery crowns the hill of Chora. It
looks like a Byzantine castle and was built like a fortress. About halfway up the cobbled path that leads
here is the Cave of the Apocalypse, the very place where St. John is believed to have received his revelations.
The monastery consists of interconnecting courtyards, chapels, stairways, arcades, galleries, and roof terraces.
The Treasury has an impressive array of religious art and treasure, mainly consisting of icons of the Cretan
school. In the late afternoon, we return to Kusadasi by ferry and have dinner at the hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11:Return Home
After breakfast we transfer to the Izmir airport for the return flight to Istanbul
Included meals: Breakfast
Note: Price for Patmos extension is to be calculated separately according to
participant number.
Prices ( per person in double room and in USD ):
Seven Churches ( 8 nights / 9 days ) Price Table
2 participants
4 participants
6 participants
10 participants
$ 4,460.00
$ 2,720.00
$ 2,205.00
$ 1,770.00
Price of the package includes:
Accommodation in hotels :
3 nights Istanbul: Central Palace
2 nights Izmir: Swiss Otel Grand Efes
1 night Pamukkale: Collosae
2 nights Kusadasi: Kismet
Domestic flights within our program itinerary (Izmir-Istanbul)
Meals: 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners
Services of a professional tour guide (private)
Modern, A/C, comfortable van and driver (private)
Admission fees to sights and museums
Parking, portage, ferry, toll road
Gratuity (except guide & driver)
Price of the package excludes:
Airfare of international flights and related taxes
