Day01
Arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet your local representative and transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short orientation walk in the historic area. Overnight in Istanbul.
Turkey Christian Heritage 8 Days / 7 Nights
Istanbul · Smyrna · Pergamon · Thyatira · Sardis · Philadelphia · Ephesus · Laodicea
Overview
The journey at a glance.
Discover the rich Christian heritage of Turkey, from the historic churches of Istanbul to the ancient cities associated with the Seven Churches of Revelation, including Ephesus, Pergamon, Sardis, Philadelphia, Thyatira, Smyrna and Laodicea. This suggested itinerary combines biblical history, archaeological sites and cultural experiences.
- Istanbul02 nights
- Izmir03 nights
Kuşadası01 night- Istanbul01 night
Highlights
Hagia SophiaEcumenical PatriarchateChurch of St. GeorgeSmyrnaPergamonThyatiraSardisPhiladelphiaEphesusHouse of the Virgin MaryLaodicea
Day by day
Day02
Breakfast
Visit the historic area of Sultanahmet and explore the exterior and surroundings of Hagia Sophia, one of the most significant monuments in Christian and Byzantine history. Continue to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople at Fener, including the Church of St. George, subject to opening hours. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day03
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Izmir. Visit the historic Agora of Smyrna and learn about the early Christian community addressed in the Book of Revelation. Enjoy a guided overview of the city’s biblical and historical significance. Overnight in Izmir.
Day04
Breakfast
Excursion to Pergamon, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Visit the ancient acropolis and archaeological remains, subject to site access. Continue toward Akhisar, the location of ancient Thyatira, for an introduction to its early Christian community. Return to Izmir or overnight in the area, depending on the final routing.
Day05
Breakfast
Travel to Sardis to explore its archaeological remains, including the ancient synagogue and other important ruins. Continue to Alaşehir, identified with ancient Philadelphia, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Overnight in the region or return to Izmir, depending on the final routing.
Day06
Breakfast
Visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities of the Mediterranean and a major center of early Christianity. See key archaeological highlights and learn about the ministry of St. Paul in the city. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage destination near Ephesus. Overnight in Kuşadası or Selçuk.
Day07
Breakfast
Visit Laodicea, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation, with its extensive archaeological remains. Depending on flight schedules and routing, continue to the airport for a domestic flight to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul. If flight timings require, this day may be adjusted with an overnight in the Pamukkale/Denizli area.
Day08
Breakfast
Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your international departure. End of services.
Like this program?Send your dates and we confirm by email.
What’s included
Included
- ✓7 nights’ accommodation in selected 4-star hotels, based on the chosen room arrangement
- ✓Daily breakfast at the hotels
- ✓Airport transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- ✓Transportation by air-conditioned tourist vehicle
- ✓Professional English-speaking guide
- ✓Domestic flight(s) within Turkey, subject to the final routing and fare conditions
- ✓Sightseeing and visits listed in the final confirmed program
Not included
- ✕International airfare
- ✕Lunches and dinners unless specifically stated
- ✕Entrance fees unless specifically included in the final quotation
- ✕Travel insurance, personal expenses and gratuities
- ✕Optional activities and services not listed under inclusions
Good to know
- This is a suggested itinerary and may be adjusted according to flight schedules, hotel availability, site opening hours and road conditions.
- The Seven Churches of Revelation are spread across western Turkey; overnight locations and driving times are finalized before confirming the program.
- Some locations are archaeological sites rather than standing church buildings. Visits and access may vary by season and restoration work.
- Hotel category, meal plan, entrance fees, domestic flights and group pricing are confirmed in your final quotation.
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