Pilgrimage to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul

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

Hotel : Mayi Hotel, Dosso Dossi Golden Horn, Mercure West Hotel. Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Istanbul

After breakfast, you will visit to the St Sophia Museum, Former church and mosque, Hippodrome, Remains of the sporting stadium of the Byzantine Empire, Blue Mosque; The largest fully functioning mosque in Turkey, Grand Bazaar; Turkey’s largest covered bazaar with 4000 shops, Topkapi Palace including; Imperial Treasury, gardens, Sultan’s kitchen, Sacred Relics (The Harem section is not included in the tour).

Hotel : Mayi Hotel, Dosso Dossi Golden Horn, Mercure West Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

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 your arrival, Then start with the Smyrna, nowadays a modern Turkish city of Izmir. After visit Saint Polycarp church (need Reservation, up to availability) and drive to the ruins of Pergamon. See the Acropolis, Greek & Roman Temples and large ancient theatre built into the steep hillside then transfer to Hotel. Overnight in Izmir.

Hotel : Best Western Premier, La Blanca Hotel, Ramada Kemal Paşa or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 : Thyatira - Sardis - Philadelphia

After breakfast drive to Thyatira. Then we head to Sardis, located on the banks of the Pactolus River in western Asia Minor. End the day with a visit to ancient Philadelphia that was known for its variety of temples and worship centres.“ Along the way, visit to Leather Factory store. Stay overnight in Kusadası.

Hotel : Signature Hotel, Charisma Deluxe Hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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. 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 (author of the Fourth Gospel), and prophet (author of Revelation). Also, you can visit to Rug weaving center and Ceramic workshop. After tour, drive to Pamukkale.

Hotel : Adempira Thermal Hotel, Hierapark Thermal Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Pamukkale - Hierapolis – Laodicea, Flight to Istanbul

Early in the morning you can join to optional (Extra) Hot Air Balloon Tour in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, visit the ancient City of Hierapolis as well as the world famous travertine of Pamukkale. Then take an enjoyable drive to Laodicea located in the Lycus River Valley of Western Asia Minor, a primary trade route between the cultures of the West and East. Then transfer to the airport and flight to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Hotel : Mayi Hotel, Dosso Dossi Golden Horn, Mercure West Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 : Izmir – Istanbul

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your international Flight.