Highlights:
-This is a 8 days biblical package combined with Istanbul, Alexandria Troas, Tory,Assos and Seven Churches of Revelation
-Walk on the 1st century roman road where Paul actually walked on his missionary journey.
-Discover the meanings of the letters in revelation by observing the actual places
-Find out Ancient Christian Tradations of early congregations from your Bible Oriented Guide
-Visit treasures of Istanbul and learn history about Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans
-Enjoy typical Turkish food in local restaurants
-Experience shopping with locals in Grand Bazaar
Overview:
Discover seven churches in revelation refer to seven literal churches described in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. These churches are all located on the Western part of modern Turkey; Ephesus, Smyrna (Izmir), Laodicea, Sardis, Pergamum, Philadelphia and Thyatira. At the time these were the seven cities with major Christian congregations in Anatolia. The archeological remains of all seven locations still exist today. This is a 8 Days Package combined with Istanbul. Walk on the 1st century roman road where Paul actually walked on his missionary journey. Discover the meanings of the letters in revelation by observing the actual places. Find out Ancient Christian Tradations of early congregations from your Bible Oriented Guide. Visit treasures of Istanbul and learn history about Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. Bible Oriented guide, 4* hotel accommadation, Luxury transportation, lunch at tours provided.
Day 1 Arrival to Istanbul
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and drive to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
(No Meal)
Day 2 Istanbul old city tour
-walking tour-
Upon breakfast at the hotel meet with your guide and depart for İstanbul city tour. Pass by Istanbul city walls, a massive wall of Ancient Constantinople built by the Emperor Theodosius ıı over 1500 years ago. Then visit the blue mosque also known as Mosque of Sultan Ahmet which boasts a unique feature of 6 minarets. View its glorious interiors and distinctive blue tiles and proceed to the only remains of Hippodrome of Constantinople, which consist of 3 monumental columns and fountains. This is where chariot races took place in the past. Visit Topkapi Palace, once the seat of the Ottoman Empire. Presently, its a museum palace with a wide collection of porcelain, antiques, holy relics and other treasures. Next; proceed to Hagia Sophia, the church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 2nd century by Emperor Justinian. After the tour transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 3 Istanbul - Troy – Canakkale (Gallipoli)
Upon breakfast at the hotel meet your guide and drive to Canakkale. Upon arrival visit the remains of the legendary ancient city of Troy. There you see magnicifant remains of the great walls of Troy as told by Homer and a wooden replica of the wooden horse. Then check in your hotel in Canakkale and overnight in Canakkale.
(Breakfast- Lunch)
Day 4 Canakkale - Alexandria Troas - Assos - Pergamum
Upon breakfast at the hotel meet your guide and drive to Alexandria Troas where Paul preached in his missionary journey. Then continue to the ancient city of Assos, along the way you will have chance to see and walk on the 1st century roman road where Paul actually walked on his missionary journey. Upon arrival to Assos visit the gorgeous ancient remains of the fortification walls and see the only standing doric-ordered temple of Athena. Then we continue driving to Pergamum. Overnight in Pergamum.
(Breakfast - Lunch)
Day 5 Pergamum - Thyatira - Smyrna (Izmir)
Upon breakfast at the hotel meet your guide and drive to Pergamum. There you explore the impressive Acropolis, the actual ancient city and see the Altar of Zeus which is mentioned as the throne of Satan’, Temple of Trajan and the third biggest Library of antiquity. Later visit the Red Basilica (St. John’s Church). Then we continue our drive visit to Thyatira, now called Akhisar. There we see the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period. Upon driving to Izmir before we check-in at the hotel in Izmir, we enjoy a panoramic ride of Smyrna, the third-largest city in Turkey and one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia. Overnight in Izmir.
(Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 6 Hierapolis, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea
Today we depart early in the morning to Sardis, There you see the remains of Sardis such as gorgeous restored gymnasium and the Synagogue Then we continue our journey to Philadelphia, today called Alasehir. There we see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of bricks, with a bit of high arch and some 11th-century frescoes. Afterwards we drive to the healing city of Hierapolis, actually Pamukkale, where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools, channels, and stalactites, There we visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip. Then we drive to Laodicea. There you walk among the ancient streets of the city and see the ancient structures. Overnight in a Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale.
(Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 7 Ancient Ephesus
Drive to Ephesus and visit the ancient city of Ephesus. There you walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings such as the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Theatre. Later we drive to the House of Virgin Mary where she spent her last days and the ascention took place. After that, you visit the Basilica of St. John and Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. After the tour drives you to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
(Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 8 Departure Day
Upon breakfast at the hotel check out and according to your flight time, transfer to Airport. End of the service.
(Breakfast)