8-Day Seven Churches Tour

Day 1 - Istanbul

Arrival Day. Welcome to Turkey. Arrive in Istanbul airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 - Istanbul [B;L]

Journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. Visit the Topkapi Palace including the Harem, St. Sophia, The Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 - Smyrna - Pergamon [B;L;D]

Transfer from hotel to Istanbul airport for flight to Izmir. Arrival in Izmir. Drive to ancient Smyrna, was the second one of the seven Christian churches in Asia Minor to which St. John the Divine wrote (Revelation l - 11). In the afternoon proceed to Thyatira, another one of the Seven Churches. See the remains of a Basilica and other ruins from the Roman Period. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 4 - Pergamon [B;L;D]

Pergamon (Bergama). Visit the Acropolis with its pagan temples and Altar of Zeus. Continue to the healing center, Aesculapius. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 5 - Sardis - Philadelphia - Pamukkale [B;L;D]

After breakfast depart for Sardes, another one of the Seven Churches mentioned by St. John. Continue to Philadelphia to, another one of the Christian congregations, and a city built in 2 BC by King Eumenos. Continue to Pamukkale (Hierapolis). Watch the sunset over the petrified waterfalls. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 6 - Laodicea - Ephesus [B;L;D]

Visit Hierapolis and then Laodicea before continuing to Ephesus. See the final abode of the Virgin Mary where she spent her last years. Tour through ancient Ephesus to see the old synagogue, the theater where St. Paul preached (Acts 10), the Library of Celsus and other sights. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 7 - Istanbul [B]

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Istanbul. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free time in Grand Bazaar in the afternoon and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 8 - Istanbul [B]

After breakfast check out from the hotel. Have a safe trip back home.