Pilgrimage to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor 

Day-By-Day Itinerary

DAY 1: ISTANBUL

Arrive in Istanbul airport and be transferred to your hotel. Free time for leisure and explore. Welcome dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL

After breakfast, you will visit to the Sophia Museum, a former church and mosque. Next is the Hippodrome, the remains of the sporting stadium of the Byzantine Empire. Blue Mosque, the largest fully functioning mosque in Turkey. And the Grand Bazaar, Turkey's largest covered bazaar with 4000 shops. Then, the Topkapi Palace which shows the Imperial Treasury, Gardens, Sultan's kitchen, Sacred relics (the Harem section is not included in the tour). Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L)

DAY 3: ISTANBUL to IZMIR, SMYRNA-PERGAMON

After breakfast, transfer to airport and take a direct flight from Istanbul to Izmir, which is about 1 hour. Upon arrival, then start with to visit Smyrna, nowadays a modern Turkish city of Izmir. Next is a visit of Saint Polycarp church (reservation is required, subject to avaiability). Then drive to the ruins of Pergamon, the city described as being the throne of Satan, was "praised for its martyrdom and perseverance but those who hold false teachings are criticized" (Rev 2:12-17). Here you  will see the Acropolis, Greek & Roman Templs and large ancient theatre built into the steep hillside, then transfer to hotel. Overnight in Izmir. (B,L, D)

DAY 4: THYATIRA-SARDIS-PHILADELPHIA

After breakfast, we drive to Thyatira that was "praised for its increasing faith and service, but critcized for its tolerance of Jezebel, an immoral woman who calls herself a prophetess" (Rev 2:18-29. Then we head to Sardis, located on the banks of the Pactolus river in western Asia Minor. "The church of Sardis was described as dead, and it must wake up. However, there are some who have not "soiled their clothes." (Rev 3:1-6). End the day with a visit to ancient Philadelphia that was known for its variety of temples and worship centres." The church of brotherly love that endures patiently" (Rev 3:7-13). Along the way, visit the leather factory store. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B. L, D)

DAY 5: EPHESUS-HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY-BASILICA CHURCH OF ST. JOHN-PAMUKKALE

This morning you will join mass held in the House of the Virgin Mary (Only available on Sundays). We then visit Ephesus, which was the most influential capital city of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea. "Ephesus receives praise for its perseverance, but criticism for forsaking its "first love" (Rev 2:1-7). You will explore some of the best-preserved theatres, fountains, and buildings in the world. Finally, visit to the Basilica of St. John, which stands over the believed burial site of St. John, who is identified as the apostle, evangelist, writer who record the Book of Revelation. Also, you can visit the rug weaving center and ceramic workshop. After the tour, drive to Pamukkale. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: PAMUKKALE-HIERAPOLIS-LAODICEA-FLIGHT to ISTANBUL

After breakfast, visit the ancient City of Hierapolis as well as the world famous travertine of Western Asia Minor, a primary trade route between the cultures of the wet and east. The "lukewarm church" with a faith that's neither hot nor cold" (Rev 3:14-22). Then transfer to airport for flight to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L)

DAY 7: ISTANBUL-USA

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for flight to USA. (B)

END OF TOUR.