Seven Churches of Revelation Tour 2 (9 Days)

Get picked up from your hotel by your guide and start the tour with the highlights of Istanbul. Marvel at the Topkapi Palace, is a great monument of oriental architecture that houses exhibits of art, books, jewels, plates, costumes, the treasury, and the Holy Relics. More than just an Imperial Residence of the Ottoman Sultans, it was the seat of the Supreme Executive and Judiciary Council for almost 400 years.

Then, visit the Hippodrome with its 4 monuments – the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. The Hippodrome was the former center of sportive and political activities in Constantinople.

Afterward, see the beautiful Hagia Sophia, the most well-preserved church structure in the world. In Hagia Sophia, the ancient cultures of east and west speak to you with a clear voice. Admire the great blend of Christian and Islamic influences with the beautiful interior of mosaics and significant history.

Our last stop is the Blue Mosque, built in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmed. The Blue Mosque is truly a magnificent masterpiece of architecture with amazingly delicate proportions for a building of such a massive scale. The blue shade of the 27,000 pieces of Iznik quart tiles gives the mosque its popular name, and the 6 towering minarets give it its uniquely recognizable structure. Stay overnight in Istanbul.

In the early morning, we will take a flight to Izmir, an important city in Turkey, known as Smyrna in ancient times. From there, we will be transferred to Pergamum, an ancient acropolis that is home to the Altar of Zeus and the Roman Medical Center of Asklepion. Later on, we will be driven to Akhisar and visit Thyatira, a city of artisans' guilds in St. Paul’s time. At the end of our tour, we will return to Izmir for an overnight stay.

Today, we will explore the ancient and spectacular city of Ephesus, known for its extensive blend of Greco-Roman and Christian remains. It was also the home of St. Paul between 54 and 57 AD. Afterward, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a marvelous place hidden in the green, accompanied by our professional guides. In the evening, we will return to Izmir for an overnight stay.

After having breakfast, we will visit Sardis, an extremely important ancient city and the capital of the Lydia Kingdom. It boasts a beautiful gymnasium, a marble-paved synagogue, and the Temple of Artemis, including an ancient Christian Chapel dating back to the 4th Century. Following this, we will proceed to Philadelphia in Alasehir, a favored city of Paul and John. In the evening, after our tour, we will proceed to Pamukkale for an overnight stay.

In the morning, we will embark on a journey towards the center of Pamukkale to enjoy the spas, pools, and terraces of this unparalleled natural beauty and wonder, known as the “Cotton Castle”. This name is truly fitting, as the dazzling white calcified terraces bear a striking resemblance to a castle made of cotton. Here, we will encounter both natural marvels and ancient historical treasures, while exploring Hierapolis, home to one of the largest and most diverse necropoleis in the world. Following this, we will visit Laodicea, an early center of Christianity and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. After the tour, we will proceed to Izmir for an overnight stay.

With the first light of the day, you will be picked up from your hotel for a flight to Cappadocia. You will be transferred to Izmir Airport to fly to your destination, Cappadocia. The flight will last about one hour, and upon arrival, you will meet your well-informed guide and driver. The day will be filled with a comprehensive Cappadocia tour, starting with Devrent Valley and its eye-catching, unique chimneys, followed by Pasabag (Monk’s Valley), fascinating Avanos, and the beautiful valley of Goreme. Here, the remains of churches and early Christian dwellings, hewn from the soft rocks and stones, dating back thousands of years, are still standing. After this stunning and priceless experience, we will return to your hotel. You will stay in Cappadocia for one night.

After having breakfast at the hotel, the second section of our tour begins. We will embark on another full-day Cappadocia tour, starting with the famous and unforgettable rock churches in the Red and Rose Valley, where the color of rocks changes throughout the day. We will also hike 5 km through the Gulludere Valley. In the old Greek village of Cavusin, we will visit the houses and churches of Christian clergymen, such as Saint John the Baptist and Nicephorus Phocas. Later, we will proceed to Kaymakli, a city rich in historical culture and natural beauties, where we will visit the underground city where early Christians sought refuge. Our final destination is the natural castle at Ortahisar. At the end of this priceless day, you will be taken to Cappadocia Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Your expert guide will transfer you to the airport for your return flight home.