Seven Churches Tour

Seven Churches Tour

Highlights of the Tour :

Historical Sites : Ephesus, Pergamon, Hierapolis, and more.

Religious Significance : Visits to early Christian sites like Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and the Church of Smyrna.

Natural Wonders: Pamukkale’s travertine terraces.

Cultural Experiences: Spice Market, Grand Bazaar, and traditional Turkish cuisine.

This itinerary is ideal for travelers interested in history, religion, and culture, with a mix of ancient ruins, early Christian sites, and vibrant markets.

Day 1 – ISTANBUL  / BURSA  (/L/D)

Upon arrival, our visits today starts with BOSPHORUS TOUR. We will navigate the Bosphorus strait that separates Europe and Asia continents, in which 60,000 ships pass annually. From the boat we can see a wonderful view of the strait with its palaces, forts and summer houses. After the boat tour we will continue to the SPICE MARKET, built in the seventeenth century, with typical products like pashmina, saffron, spices,dried fruits, teas, treats, perfumes and more. After having lunch in Istanbul, we depart to Bursa and dinner and overnight.

Day 2 –  BURSA / THYATIRA / SARDIS / PHILADELPHIA / PAMUKKALE  (B/L/D)

After breakfast drive to We will stop by Thyteria to see the remains of the church. This was one of the principle towns where Christianity spread quickly. Then visit Sardis whose history dates back to 12th century B.C. Sardis felt the influence of Christianity very early and was included in the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. During the Byzantine times it was the seat of a bishopric. Highlights will be a Synagogue, Gymnasium, Byzantine Church and the Temple of Artemis. Next on our itinerary is Philadelphia which was an important Christian centre during Byzantine times. Than we will visit Laodicea, where we will find a Theatre, a large Stadium, a Water Tower and an Odeon. This city is supposed to have been named by Antiochus II in honour of his wife, Laodicea. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 3 – PAMUKKALE / HIERAPOLIS / LAODICEA / KUSADASI (B/L/D)

In the morning we visit Hierapolis, which was founded by Pergamon King Telephus and named after his wife, Hiera. During the Byzantine period, the city became the seat of diocese with a large Christian Church dedicated to St Philip, who was martyred there in 80 AD. Highlights include the Roman Baths, , the Theatre and the famous white calcium cascades of Pamukkale (the white “Cotton Castles”). Then we will visit Laodicea, where we will find a Theatre, a large Stadium, a Water Tower and an Odeon. This city is supposed to have been named by Antiochus II in honour of his wife, Laodicea. Thereafter, we proceed to Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. 

Day 4 –  KUSADASI / EPHESUS / KUSADASI (B/L/D)

After breakfast drive to Selcuk town, we will visit the famous ancient city of Ephesus, one of the world’s finest archaeological sites. Highlights include the Library of Celcius, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Theatre. Then visit the Basilica of St John “the Evangelist” who came here with the Virgin Mary and wrote his Gospel in Ephesus. We will also stop by the House of Virgin Mary (on top of Mt Coressos). She was believed to have spent her last years in this area. On 18 August 1961, Pope John XXII proclaimed this place to be sacred. Overnight in Kusadası

Day 5 –  KUSADASI / IZMIR / PERGAMON / ISTANBUL (B/L/D)

After breakfast drive to Izmir and visit Church of Smyrna. Then we drive to the hauntingly beautiful Pergamon. Among the impressive structures of this city, dating from 399 B.C., we will see the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000 volume library which was surpassed only by that found in Alexandria at the time. Thereafter, we proceed to Istanbul dinner and overnight

Day 6 – ISTANBUL (B/L/D)

After breakfast visit TOPKAPI PALACE, once the seat of the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is a museum palace with a wide collection of porcelain, antiques, holy relics and other treasures. After lunch, visit BLUE MOSQUE, also known as Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, which boasts a unique feature of 6 minarets. Admire its glorious interiors and distinctive blue tiles. Next, view the only remains of Hippodrome of Constantinople, consisting of 3 monumental columns and a fountain. You will also visit HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE , a must-see attraction due to its religious and architectural significance.Visit the famous GRAND BAZAAR which is a covered market of the fifteenth century, consisting of 5000 stores, and is considered one of the first shopping centers in the world. Dinner  and then drive to airport with destination country of origin.