Istanbul to Seven Churches of Asia Minor 4 Nights in 4 Star Hotels
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Overview
* Selected centrally Located 4 star Hotels
* Small group ensures personal service
* Informative, friendly and professional guide
* Small-group tour by minibus
* Domestic flights included.
* Option with Private Tour for your family.
Tour at a glance
What's included
- Professional Bible-oriented guide
- Hotel - Airport - Hotel Private transfers in Istanbul
- Entrance Fees ( Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the lines )
- Transportation with brand new air-conditioned minivan/minibus
- 4 Breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Hotels in Pamukkale: Pam Thermal Hotel or similar
- Hotels in Kusadasi : Elite World Hotel or similar
- Hotels in Izmir: Movenpick Hotel or similar
- Domestic Flights from Istanbul to Izmir return ( luggage limit is 15 kg check in and 8 kg cabin )
- 4 nights accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels
Not included
- Drinks
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Dinners in Izmir
Day by day
- Flight from Istanbul to Izmir
- Arrival to Izmir airport and our representative will meet you and private transfer to your hotel in Izmir
- Pergamon Ancient City Drive to Pergamum, It is one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:12]. Here we explore the impressive Acropolis, the Asklepieion, see the Altar of Zeus which is mentioned as the, Throne of Satan, in the book of Revelation
- Tepe Mezari Then we continue our visit to Thyatira, now called Akhisar, another one of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:18-24; Acts 16:14]. It was a city famous for purple dyes. We visit the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period. Lydia, the seller of purple in Philippi, was from Thyatira. we enjoy a panoramic ride of Smyrna, one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 2:12-17]. dinner and overnight.
- Sardis (Sardes) Today we depart early in the morning to one of the most picturesque areas of any of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:1-4], Sardis, presently Sart. This was the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom of the 6th century BC, portrayed as a dying church. We visit the great Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele, which became a Byzantine Church. We will also visit the restored gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue. We also see the last several meters of the royal Persian Road from Susa to Sardis built by Cyrus the Great and the «golden» river Pactolus. Lunch en route.
- Philadelphia Siesean Kilisesi Then we continue our journey to Philadelphia, nowadays called Alasehir, another church of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:7], and the only church not censured. There we see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, with a bit of high arch and some 11th century frescoes.
- Laodicea Continue to visit to Laodicia. The city established in the C3 BCE by the Seleucid Antiochus II, the city was named after his wife Laodicea. Built on the Lycus Tributary of the Meander River, it was surnamed Laodicea on Lycus, to distinguish it from other similarly named cities. Laodicia is the last of the seven churches. As a crossroad of two important roads, this city had an important commercial and logistical position.
- Hierapolis & Pamukkale We drive to the healing city of Hierapolis, actually Pamukkale, the white «cotton fortress» where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools, channels and stalactites. The therapeutic waters were known to the founders of Hierapolis and of Laodicea in 190 BC. In Hierapolis [Col. 4:13] we visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip where he was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian
- Ephesus Ancient City Drive to Ephesus visit to the ancient city of Ephesus including the Basilica of St. John. The Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years. This church also received an epistle from him. We tour the spectacular ruins where excavations still continue in this once great and important city, which was founded in the 10th century BC. Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Theatre. The Temple of Diana of the Ephesians, another of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was built in this city.
- The House of the Virgin Mary The House of Virgin Mary is located on the Aladag Mountains 5 miles away from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council on 431 AD in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared there as a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed there
- Basilica of St. John After House of Virgin Mary, drive to St. John’s Basilica, it is believed that the evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill.
- The Temple of Artemis We will stop at Artemis Temple where used to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world as our last stop before drive back to Kusadasi
- Kusadasi Arrival to Kusadasi. Check into our hotel. Dinner and overnight
- Kusadasi Gazi Begendi Park Pick up from hotel in Kusadasi and private transfer to Izmir airport for flight to Istanbul
- Arrival to Izmir airport for flight to Istanbul
- Arrival to Istanbul and private transfer to your hotel. and the end of our services
Meeting & pickup
Hotel pickup is included for all travellers.
Pick up from Your Hotel in Istanbul Europen or Asian Side. Suggested pick up time will be given on your confirmation message.
Schedule
Good to know
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Min. 2 pax booking reguired
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Traveller reviews
We booked our 9-days tour to Istanbul, Gallipoli/Troy to the 7 churches including Hierapolis from OnTheGo tours and their local partner Crowded Tours from Dec. 20-28. Our tour guides: Esra Reh (1st 4 days) and Mert (last 5 days) were knowledgeable, organized, caring, accommodating, patient and fun!! They both exceeded our expectations! They are the best! With Esra, we went to Istanbul, Gallipoli, Canakkale, the church ruins of Pergamum and Ephesus. I have mobility issue so she helped me also walk safely and reminded me when to bring my walking stick. Esra, also helped arrange a private transportation to the House of Mary while we were in Ephesus so we can attend a Christmas Eve mass. This was not part of our original itinerary. Our group of 6 Filipinos truly appreciated her voluntary support, so we did not miss an indeed memorable Christmas Eve in Ephesus; and, having her join us that evening was so precious! Not to mention, Esra also helped one of us when the luggage was delayed (almost lost actually by KLM). We went to 5 out of 7 churches with Mert: Smyrna, Thyatira, Philadelphia, Sardis and Laodicea, and to Hierapolis. Mert is a graduate of Archeology and a local guide who specialized in the 7-churches of Asia Minor tour. In every ancient church that we visited with him, Mert read the Letters for Jesus Christ from the Book of Revelation to each church and told us also historical facts. The reading of the Scripture was very meaningful and unforgettable to me, because the Bible came to life in those Biblical and historical places! I was emotional and overwhelmed with gratitude to God to allowing me to see those Biblical places where Paul and the Apostles lived, stayed and walked! To God be the glory! We also went to Hierapolis, Pamukkale Travertine and the Temple of Artemis with Mert . He and and our driver Ali, also stopped at the Basilica of St. John along our way back to Ephesus. This was not part of our itinerary but a favor granted to me. Esra also gave us souvenirs from Sirince. Throughout the tour we had safe drivers also: Ali (#1) with Esra, Ali (#2) and Haydar with Mert. Having chargers in the 1st van on the 1st leg of the tour was a plus! The airport transfers with Mr. Mustafa and his driver was also smooth. Mr. Haydar, especially was so sweet and caring. He was a proud citizen of Izmir. He even gave us souvenirs from his city and farm. Thank you! Mert brought us to local and family owned restaurant in Izmir-Kusadasi-Pamukkale area. Turkish food: kebabs, meatballs, the pide (my fave is Tahini pide) and Simit and the drinks: Turkish coffee, Turkish tea and freshly squeezed fruit drinks - all are delicious and refreshing - "lezzetli" inded!. They have become my fave> I highly recommend the 7-churches of Asia Minor tour! And if you can, request for Esra Reh and for Mert (of Crowded Tours) as your tour guides. They will probably bring our awesome drivers too. Overall, Türkiye is a beautiful country crossroad of Asia and Europe, it is clean and safe too! The best part of Türkiye aside from the archeological and historical sites, are the Turks!! God willing, we will return to visit other cities in Türkiye someday.... Until then Tesekurrler! Gule Gule!
Excellent planning in terms of flights and hotels. The tour itself was great, the tour guide Olgu was friendly and very knowledgable.
Over all this was a very memorable experience. I had a different view of Turkey but now it has been changed since I meet lovely people. The driver ( Taner) and the tour guide (Olgu) made it very easy for us, always caring for us and making sure that we were safe. I would strongly recommend their service. In fact we were sad to say good bye.
Our guide, Melih, was wonderful . We learned so much about the history of the seven churches of Asia. The country is beautiful and the Biblical history is rich. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Ephesus and Laocidea were highlights. Location at Efes was wonderful. Mustafa had excellent knowledge and related well with our group. Driver was very good and timely.
Trip was excellent.Very good Tour guide was so good .He explained fell.Friendly..hotel and resort were good.
Visited the seven Asian churches that appear in Revelation through Get your guide. Our guide Olgu's English skills were excellent and explained the Bible and history well. The choice of restaurants was very good and we were able to enjoy very delicious Turkish food. Olgu ~ Thank you
Very good guided tour of the historical sights, a lot of expertise, always good mood. It doesn't get any better
Reviews are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor from verified travellers.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 5 days.
Is hotel pickup included?
Hotel pickup is included for all travellers.
Can I cancel for free?
A custom cancellation policy applies; see the cancellation section on this page.
Which languages is the guide available in?
Guide languages: EN
On which days does it run?
It runs Every day.
How fast is the booking confirmed?
Instantly. Your e-ticket arrives by e-mail right after booking.
Is this a private tour?
No, this is a shared group experience.
Where do I complete the booking?
On viator.com, a Tripadvisor company, with live availability and secure payment. TourViaGo is a Global Partner of Viator.
Product code 10390P64
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