Embark on an unforgettable journey following the footsteps of John through the ancient lands of Western Turkey, exploring the significant sites of the Seven Churches of Revelation. This meticulously planned tour delves into the historical and spiritual significance of these early Christian communities, offering insights into the messages of the Book of Revelation and the spread of Christianity.
This tour offers a unique blend of historical exploration, spiritual reflection, and cultural immersion. You can expect expert guidance from professional guides who will accompany you, providing in-depth knowledge of the historical and biblical context of each site. Enjoy comfortable accommodation and travel with VIP transfer services and overnight stays in quality hotels, including a thermal hotel in Pamukkale. A well-paced itinerary ensures you experience the key highlights of each location without feeling rushed. You will travel with a group of 20 to 40 like-minded individuals, fostering a shared experience. Your tour price covers historical site entrance fees, breakfast, dinner, VIP transfers, accommodation, professional guiding, and on-board refreshments. Please note that flight tickets, personal expenses, travel insurance, lunches, and tips are not included in the price.
Our tours are organized for groups of a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 40 people.
This 5-day tour begins with your arrival in Izmir and transfer to Kuşadası for a welcome dinner and a Revelation Book seminar. Day 2 involves exploring Ephesus (1st church) , including ancient ruins and St. John's Basilica , before heading to Izmir (Smyrna) (2nd church). Day 3 takes you to Pergamum (3rd church) and Thyatira (4th church). On Day 4, you'll visit Sardis (5th church) , Philadelphia (6th church) , and Laodicea (7th church) in Pamukkale. The tour concludes on Day 5 with visits to Hierapolis and Colossae , followed by your transfer to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
Our guides will meet you at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and transfer you to Kuşadası.
After checking into the hotel and enjoying a welcome meal, we will hold a seminar on the Book of Revelation by Saint John.
We hope you will enjoy the hotel and your rooms. Overnight stay will be in Kuşadası.
After breakfast, we will head to Ephesus, the first of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, which played an important role in the early days of Christianity. Ephesus, with its churches, is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Revelation 2:1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write…”
This ancient city will take you on an unforgettable journey through the early history of Christianity. In Ephesus, we will explore important ancient ruins such as the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Domitian, the Temple of Serapis, the Upper Agora and Basilica, Odeon, Terrace Houses, the City Hall, Baths, Celsus Library, and the Ancient Public Toilets.
The Ancient Theater is also one of the places to visit, showcasing the immense size of Ephesus. This massive theater (which could hold up to 25,000 spectators) was the scene of a riot stirred by a merchant named Demetrius against St. Paul and his teachings. We will visit this place mentioned in Acts 19:23-34 and experience those times.
Acts 19:28-30 "When they heard this, they were enraged and cried out, 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!' The city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. Paul wanted to go in among the crowd, but the disciples would not let him…”
After lunch, we will visit the St. John Basilica, which was built at the site where St. John is said to have been buried, by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. St. John Theologos lived here, wrote the Gospel here, and even died here. It is known that St. John came to Ephesus around 37-38 AD and worked to spread Christianity, adding new believers to his
Revelation 2:8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again…” We continue our journey to Smyrna (modern-day Izmir), the second church mentioned in the Book of Revelation. We will then visit the Ancient Agora Market and have a discussion about the Church of Faith and Nonviolent Resistance.
Overnight stay will be in Bergama.
After breakfast, we will visit the 3rd Church in Bergama and reach Pergamon. The city rose to prominence after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and came under Roman control in 133 BC. However, in the Book of Revelation, Christ tells Saint John to deliver a message to the people of Pergamum, the place of "Satan's throne," that they must repent (Revelation 2:13-16).
Revelation 2:12 "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword…”
After touring the Acropolis, we will visit the Red Basilica.
After lunch, we depart from Pergamon and head to the district of Akhisar, where Thyatira, the 4th Church, is located. Thyatira was praised for its growing faith but criticized for its tolerance of Jezebel. Revelation 2:18 "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze…” The city is known as the ancient Greek city of Thyatira, founded by Seleucus I Nicator in 290 BC. The city was an important settlement for the Kingdom of Lydia and the Pergamon Kingdom.
In the evening, we reach Sardis, the 5th Church mentioned, and spend the night here.
Revelation 3:1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”
After breakfast, we visit Sardis, the 5th Church.
Here, we will explore the White Marble Royal Road, the massive Temple of Artemis, the large gymnasium, and the largest ancient synagogue in history. Despite being a powerful and wealthy city in ancient times, God declares the city of Sardis to be "dead" in Revelation 3:1-6.
Revelation 3:7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open…” After lunch, we continue to Philadelphia (modern-day Alaşehir), the 6th Church, which received great praise from God. We will visit the ruins of St. John’s Church here and have a discussion about the perseverance of the congregation.
Then, we continue to Pamukkale, where the ancient 7th Church, Laodicea, is located. Revelation 3:14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation…” Here, we will discuss the church that the Apostle John rebuked for being lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-22). We will also visit the well-preserved stadium, gymnasium, and theaters of the site.
We will spend the night at a thermal hotel in Pamukkale.
After breakfast, we head to Hierapolis. Thanks to Paul’s missionary efforts here, Hierapolis became an important center of early Christianity, and we will visit its archaeological remains (Colossians 4:13).
Then, we proceed to Colossae. Philemon was one of the important figures of the Christian community in Colossae. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul offers advice to the community, and through his letter to Philemon, he emphasizes Christian brotherhood. Here, we will have a discussion about Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Philemon.
After lunch, we will transfer you to Adnan Menderes Airport to bid you farewell. Guests who wish to continue their tours can combine the Seven Churches Tour with a visit to the Hagia Sophia in Iznik, Istanbul, and the Istanbul tour, or the Cappadocia tour via Konya.
Dear Guests,
To address any questions you might have before your adventure begins and to ensure your safety and satisfaction are at the highest level, we've prepared this "Frequently Asked Questions" section. With every tour, our goal is to exceed your expectations and make sure you feel completely secure while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Remember, we're always here for you. If you have any questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to an enjoyable and unforgettable experience!
Our tours are designed with varying difficulty levels. For each tour, we'll personally connect with you to discuss the route in detail. If the chosen route isn't a good fit, we'll create a new, custom route specifically for you, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment. Before booking, we recommend reviewing the tour details carefully. We offer a wide range, from relaxed walks and scenic sightseeing to more challenging, longer hiking trails. We're here to help you choose the perfect adventure!
For hiking tours, we recommend bringing appropriate hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and a small backpack for essentials. Don't worry about forgetting anything – we'll send you a detailed checklist before your program. This way, you won't have to carry anything unnecessary, allowing you to explore with ease and comfort. We've thought of every detail so you don't have to!
All our guides are highly experienced, certified, and hold all necessary legal licenses. With years of expertise, they don't just lead the way; they enrich your tour by sharing in-depth knowledge and fascinating stories about the region. Your safety and an unforgettable experience are our top priorities, which is why our guides undergo regular training.
Your airport and luggage transfers are seamlessly and securely handled by our company through our official and trusted partners. Prior to your program, we personally arrange these transfers according to your flight arrival and departure times. This meticulous planning means your luggage won't be a burden during your hike, and it will be waiting for you at your next accommodation. We work diligently to make every moment of your journey, from start to finish, comfortable and stress-free.
Requests to modify the program or extend your tour after it has begun are evaluated based on availability and operational conditions. For such requests, please contact your guide or our company as soon as possible. Since additional costs or different arrangements may be necessary, your request will be specially reviewed, and we will do our best to provide you with the most suitable solution. While we strive to be as flexible as possible, changes may not be feasible in all circumstances.