Istanbul & The 7 Churches
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES: EVERY WEEK FROM
APRIL 18 UNTIL OCTOBER 24 INCLUDED
One of our most popular tours
This private group tour will include some of the high points of Turkey’s Christian history, including the 7 Churches of Revelation, and visit Turkey’s main historical sites and major tourist attractions.
First, you will discover Istanbul, a city of business, entertainment and wealth in a rich region. Absorb its ancient structures, from its mosques to Roman-influenced architecture.
The next leg of your journey is Laodiciea with its thermal pools, and parts of Turkey where 7 Churches of Revelation are located in the west, including Pamukkale, Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira, Bergama, Izmir and Ephesus, are components to classical regions. The path will not generally follow the texts of Revelation 1-3.
This is a trip organized to explore some of the most exclusive regions in Turkey, while also giving time and attention to the devotional journey that awaits you in the 7 Church houses of Revelation.
7 Nights 8 Days Itinerary
Day 1
Istanbul Your private guide and driver will meet you at Istanbul Airport and you will be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul.
*You will have free time this evening to discover Sultanahmet yourself!
Day 2
You can visit Emperor Justinian’s masterpiece Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and monuments with your guide.
*After lunch, you will continue your tour by visiting the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar.
*That evening you will return to your hotel for dinner and overnight in the Bosphorus Excursion with
Optional Programs :
Bosphorus tour with Dinner and Show : $70 / person
Whirling Dervish Ceremony : $60 / person
Turkish Bath: $90 / person
Day 3
Your private guide will wait in your hotel lobby to take you on your Bosphorus boat tour. During the Bosphorus tour, you will see Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli and Anatolian castles and Ottoman Residences.
*After lunch, you will visit Topkapi Palace and Spice Market.
End of the tour in Istanbul, you will be transferred directly to Istanbul airport for your flight to Izmir.
In Izmir, you will be met by your tour guide and driver who will transfer you to your hotel in Izmir city center.
Day 4 – Izmir – Izmir & Ephesus
*Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will begin your journey to the 7 Churches of Revelation (Rev. Ch. 2 & 3) with a visit to the Martyr Polycarp Church in Izmir and a short tour of the ancient city of Smyrna. (Revelation 2:8-11)
* After lunch, you will continue to the magnificent ancient port city of Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7), where you will walk along the colonnaded street where Paul and John walked, and visit the grant theater where Paul caused mayhem. You’ll see magnificent sculptures at the Ephesus Museum and the ruins of the great temple of Artemis. You will see how the whealthy Romans used to live in their Slope houses and you will visit St. John’s Basilica then you will turnback to your Hotel in Izmir for the night.
Day 5 – Pergamon and Thyatira
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and head to the 3rd Church – Pergamum (Revelation 2:12) to visit the stunning Acropolis, where the Temple of Zeus is located.
Later, learn about the medical history at Asklepion and see a pagan temple converted into a church at the Red Basilicia.
After lunch, you will visit the trading town of Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29), where Lydia, the purple cloth seller then you will arrive your hoel in Sardis.
There are thermal baths in your hotel where you can enjoy.
Day 6 – Sardis and Philadelphia
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and set off to explore the impressive sites of Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6), known for its golden fleece, wool dyeing, and the temple of Artemis.
There is a well-restored Synagogue, which was founded in 600 BC, a place where Paul is thought to have preached.
After lunch you will visit the ruins in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) and then go to Pamukkale and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis (Ref in Colossians).
In the evening you will be able to visit the ruins and enjoy thermal swimming at your hotel.
Day 7 – Laodicea
Your guide will take you at your hotel and you will visit the last church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22), a stunning site that has been actively excavated. You will also discover what it means to be “lukewarm” from the Revelations.
On the way to Antalya from the Taurus Mountains, where Paul passed, enjoy lunch and a visit to the rarely seen statue/sculpture city of Aphrodisias.
After a full day of exploration, this evening you have the option of either flying from nearby Denizli to Istanbul Airport or by land to Izmir or Antalya to stay overnight.
Day 8 – Departure
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Your driver will pick you up from your hotel to take you to the airport for your international departure flight.
Optional Programs:
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Evening Tour to Karsiyaka: $60 / person
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Cleopatra Pool in Pamukkale: $25 / person
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Hot Air Balloon Ride: 6o Minutes: $230 per person / 90 Minutes: $340 per person
Price
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2-3 Pax = 4,900$ P.P
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4-6 Pax = 3,680$ P.P
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7-8 Pax = 2,225$ P.P
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9-12 Pax = 1,645$ P.P
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13-16 Pax = 1,265$ P.P
Inclusions/Exclusions
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Accommodation (4 or 5 stars hotels)
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Breakfast daily, Lunch on Full Day tours
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Licensed professional English speaking guides with extensive 7 Churches knowledge.
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Domestic flights (Istanbul – Izmir / Izmir – Istanbul)
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Airport Transfers
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Admission tickets to sites and museums
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Private VIP transportation per tour itinerary
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Parking, portage, toll roads
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Coordination and attentive customer service throughout the tour by our staff.
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Required Association of – Turkish Travel Agencies Foreign Visitors Insurance (a vey basic mandatory policy and not an adequate replacement for purchasing your own travel insurance.)
What is not included in the tour
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International flight tickets
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Optional gratuities to guides, drivers, etc.
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Most dinners
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Entry Visas
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Additional drinks at lunch and dinner
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Optional programs listed in the itinerary
